The Funniest 'Modern Family' Episodes, Ranked
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- 1
Express Christmas
December 07, 2011In a comedic twist of holiday gloom, the family realizes they won't be spending Christmas Day together. Phil, ever the problem-solver, proposes an emergency celebration that day, staking out an array of hilarious assignments to family members. An urban tree lot provides a backdrop for an amusing misunderstanding between Mitchell, Alex, and a tree salesman while Gloria and Luke engage in a comedic search for Christmas ornaments. Phil and Manny's Craigslist meet-up for a rare baseball card, intended as a gift, adds another layer of humor. As problems arise, the family finds that the spirit of Christmas is about togetherness regardless of the date.
- 2
Connection Lost
February 25, 2015"Connection Lost" is a standout episode that breaks conventional storytelling methods. All the comedy unfolds on Claire's laptop screen as she communicates with her family. Everyone has a role to play in the hilarity, from her husband Phil to her quick-witted daughter Alex, and her often naive, yet endearing son Luke. Claire's virtual interactions, with their frequent autocorrect troubles and a tension-filled Facetime call with her father, Jay, are comedy gold. The episode innovatively uses technology to its advantage, resulting in a laugh riot within a domestic setting. This sets "Connection Lost" apart as a creative triumph in sitcom television.
- 3
Family Portrait
May 19, 2010Chaos ensues in the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker households as they attempt to capture the perfect family photograph, juxtaposing hilarious misunderstandings with heartwarming conversations such as Jay's thoughts on fatherhood and the importance of family. Laughter abounds as everyone navigates between wet paint, muddy pools, and ill-timed squabbles, culminating in a memorable masterpiece emblematic of their love.
- 4
Las Vegas
March 26, 2014In an amusingly chaotic episode, the adult cast is transported to the glamorous city of Las Vegas. While Jay negotiates a high-grade hotel upgrade, Claire and Phil have their own misadventures involving gambling and magic society meetings, respectively. Simultaneously, Mitchell and Cam unexpectedly stumble into a lively bachelor bash, spinning the opportunity to relax in spa treatments into a frenzied misunderstanding. From Gloria’s desperate attempts to hide a life-sized butler dog from Jay to a series of comical mix-ups, leading to a hilarious final act, the episode highlights each character's one-of-a-kind visit to the iconic city with aplomb.
- 5
Other People's Children
March 12, 2014In an interesting turn of events, Cam and Mitchell decide to expose Manny and Alex to the world of modern art in an episode. However, when Cam's diligent prep work backfires, a series of mishaps lead to a hilarious chase involving the entire group. Meanwhile, Gloria and Claire's seemingly simple task of helping Lily select her flower girl dress for an upcoming wedding turns out to be a riotous event. Simultaneously, Phil and his protégé Andy embark on a special project resulting in comedic confusion, all while Jay attempts to pass on life skills to his son, Luke.
- 6
Caught in the Act
January 19, 2011"Caught in the Act" is a legendary episode well-loved by fans. Involving a hilariously uncomfortable situation for parents, Claire and Phil, it leads to some truly memorable reactions from their talented trio of teens. This episode stands out for its perfect blend of cringe-worthy humor and quintessential family awkwardness. The comedic chops of the cast shine throughout, but it's the performances of the Dunphy kids - Haley, Alex, and Luke - grappling with their parents' awkward situation that really steal the show here. It's an episode that has you laughing from start to finish, reinforcing why this series is a true television comedy classic.
- 7May 09, 2012
Hilarity ensues when Phil (Ty Burrell) misinterprets his bouts of flu as signs of aging, leading to some stomach-churning roller coaster rides. Claire (Julie Bowen) attempts to play matchmaker for Haley (Sarah Hyland), but her plan hilariously backfires, and a costume-clad surprise guest steals the show. Gloria’s (Sofía Vergara) choice of footwear leads to amusing situations with Jay (Ed O'Neill), while Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cam (Eric Stonestreet) resort to eccentric measures to prevent Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) from wandering off. A special backdrop adds to the charm and comedy of this much-loved episode.
- 8October 27, 2010
In a comical ode to the spookiest season, a sitcom episode sees Claire's passion for Halloween resulting in the eccentric transformation of the Dunphy residence into a haunted house. Cameron grapples with past childhood traumas related to the holiday, while Mitchell battles a nightmare of his own during a workday punctuated by a dreadfully misjudged costume choice. Gloria's peculiar behavior, spurred by Jay and Manny's teasing, adds another layer of humor. The episode brings out the spirit of Halloween, complemented by hearty laughter, unfolding misunderstood intentions, wild costumes, and an unforgettable haunted house experience.
More Halloween
- #15 of 20 onThe Best Halloween Episodes On Hulu
- #12 of 33 onThe Best Halloween Episodes In Sitcoms
- #1 of 7 onThe Best Halloween Episodes On Modern Family
- 9
The Wedding (1)
May 14, 2014In a laugh-inducing episode, Mitch and Cam wake up to their wedding day in quite an unusual way, thanks to their wedding organizers Pepper and Ronaldo. The humorous chaos amps up when unexpected breakfast-in-bed leads to a venue evacuation instigated by the firefighters. A diversion involving Claire, Phil and Luke on a boating trip, finds them hilariously stranded in the lake. Meanwhile, Phil's half-blind adventures at the mall with Alex, while trying to get a wedding present, take a comedic and twisty turn. The episode masterfully intertwines the comedic with the sentimental, making it a heartening watch.
- 10May 12, 2010
In this hilarious episode, Jay's dreams of a laid-back vacation are hilariously derailed by a sobering reminder of his health, making him swap the chill vibes for a workout routine. The laughs continue as Phil attempts to rekindle the romance with Claire by recreating the honeymoon and wedding they missed out on due to Claire's pregnancy with Haley. It's comic chaos as Mitchell and Cameron's vacation plans clash – with Mitchell eager to sightsee while all Cameron wants is to enjoy himself. Not to be outdone in comedy, the kids stir up their own fun when Haley gets tipsy, and sharing a room seems too much for Luke and Manny to handle harmoniously.
- 11
Little Bo Bleep
January 18, 2012Claire, aspiring for town council, wrestles through a tumultuous public debate, while her husband Phil unwittingly goes viral in his attempt to defend her. Meanwhile, Cam and Mitch deal with a surprising issue when their young daughter, Lily, surprisingly utters an inappropriate word, causing an unexpected scene at a wedding. Over at Jay's, viewers are treated to a hilarious subplot involving Stella, their dog, suspiciously lingering around their swimming pool, tickling the funny bones of viewers with a series of events unfolding.
- 12
Five Minutes
March 29, 2017The episode "Five Minutes" offers an entertaining snapshot into the lives of the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family, with the events skillfully unwrapping over a span of just 300 seconds. The narrative includes Mitchell and Cameron in a hilariously timed race against sleep, having prematurely taken sleeping pills ahead of their flight. Meanwhile, Haley and her boyfriend, Rainer, face a poignant moment of reevaluation over dinner before his birthday festivities kick in. At the same time, Phil and Claire are introduced to Alex's new beau, triggering amusing reactions. In parallel, a seemingly simple task of finding a parking spot tests Manny's patience, while Jay and Gloria engage in a heated, humorous argument.
- 13October 21, 2009
Tensions mount between unknowingly football-ignorant Mitchell and knowledgeable Manny, leading to numerous laugh-out-loud football term misuses, offering a brilliantly funny take on being a sports 'novice'. Meanwhile, an awkward situation involving a playful insult directed at Gloria by Luke escalates into a hilarious poolside reconciliation, featuring almost the entire family. The combination of these family dynamics, varying degrees of football knowledge, and the brilliant comical writing ensures plenty of laughs and memorable moments among the ensemble.
- 14September 23, 2009
The inaugural episode of a renowned family sitcom introduces us to an eclectic bunch. Phil and Claire Dunphy navigate humorous tribulations with their kids - Haley's questionable fashion choices and a toy gun debacle featuring Alex and Luke. Simultaneously, an over-zealous Gloria cheers at her son Manny's soccer game, leading to hilarious misunderstandings with Jay, her significantly older husband. In another subplot, Mitchell and Cameron, a gay couple, face amusing misinterpretations while revealing their adoption to fellow plane passengers. Culminating at a family gathering, it's a sidesplitting and engaging exploration of modern familial dynamics.
- 15
My Funky Valentine
February 10, 2010Phil and Claire find themselves on an adventurous date involving high stakes role-play, while an ostensibly romantic escalator ride results in a fashion disaster. Meanwhile, Jay and Gloria's dinner and comedy club outing takes a funny turn when comedians poke fun at their age difference. On another front, Mitchell's undelivered court speech finds a surprising audience, while he and Cameron assist Manny with a love poem dilemma, adding a delightful twist. This episode weaves various comedic strands together to create a wonderfully humorous Valentine's Day tapestry.
- 16October 14, 2009
DeDe, portrayed by Shelley Long, makes a surprise visit, causing humorous upheaval. Her past wedding fiasco remains a bone of contention among the family members, particularly Jay, Claire, and Mitchell. Meanwhile, an amusing series of misunderstandings ensue when Manny finds himself as a victim of a prank, sparking Gloria's protective instincts. Equally humorous is Haley's attempt to convince her parents, Phil and Claire, into letting her attend a concert with her boyfriend Dylan, which takes an unexpected turn with the family gathering and Dylan's unforgettable song performance.
- 17
Party Crasher
January 16, 2013Season 4, Episode 12
Gloria and Jay try to make Manny's 14th birthday extra special by planning a surprise party; Haley starts hanging out with a much older guy. - 18
The Cold
October 8, 2014A humorous spin on relatable modern ailments, "The Cold" showcases the familial chaos that unfolds as colds plague the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clans. Memorable moments—such as Phil's snafu-filled presentation and Jay's poultry predicament—solidify this episode's status as top-tier comedy gold.
- 19
Schooled
October 03, 2012The entire family gathers to celebrate Haley's first day of college as well as Lily's first day of kindergarten. Amidst teary goodbyes, hilarious misadventures ensue when parents Claire and Phil unintentionally embarrass Haley, leading to a humbly named "Phil's-osophy" book debut. Simultaneously, Jay and Gloria's infant care class experiences, coupled with Manny's anticipation for the new baby, form a comedic subplot, leading to hilariously earnest baby-raising stories. Lastly, Mitch and Cam's scramble involving Lily's kindergarten showdown brings rib-tickling humor to the table, underlining that despite differences, parents always unite for their children's well-being.
- 20
Someone to Watch Over Lily
April 20, 2011The episode "Someone to Watch Over Lily" adds a humorous twist to a serious decision. Parents Mitchell and Cameron are on a hunt to appoint legal guardians for their daughter Lily, and this journey sees them evaluate their family members in a secret and side-splitting 'audit'. Their observations include Jay's tough-love lesson for Manny via a rock climbing wall, and a trip that Claire makes with Luke to assess his development. Parallelly, there's a comical strand involving Haley and Alex embarking on a mischievous adventure at school. This episode splendidly combines humor with heartwarming family observations.
- 21
Strangers on the Treadmill
October 13, 2010In this episode inspired by Strangers on a Train, there's a comedic collusion between Claire and Mitchell to curtail the other's spouse from embarrassment. The laughs keep on rolling as Claire undertakes the impossible task of relaying to Cameron his bike shorts fiasco, while Mitchell finds himself unable to share some much-needed feedback with the ever-enthusiastic joke-smith Phil. Simultaneously, Gloria and Jay experience a hilarious misunderstanding at a social event. Meanwhile, the Dunphy girls - Haley and Alex - become entrenched in a comical mentor-student relationship, navigating the tricky world of adolescent popularity, resulting in some hilariously awkward phone calls.
- 22November 17, 2010
"Manny Get Your Gun" brilliantly showcases an ensemble getting together for Manny's birthday, resulting in hilariously contrasting situations. While Manny grapples with aging fears, we see a light-hearted competition between Claire and Phil racing to the venue. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cam find themselves stuck at the mall, hunting for the perfect gift. The jocularity escalates further as their pursuit gets derailed, involving a heartwarming yet entertaining subplot with an elderly couple and an unexpected flash mob. With multiple misunderstandings and the quintessential birthday speech by Manny, the episode highlights the charming chaos that lies in the heart of this family.
- 23
Good Cop Bad Dog
May 11, 2011Claire and Phil experiment with swapping their parenting roles leading to a go-karting expedition for Claire and Manny, and an unexpected discipline stint for Phil with Haley and Alex. Meanwhile, Jay becomes caught in a grocery worker's failed dog-training product, culminating in a hilarious outcome involving a new addition to the family. Elsewhere, a Lady Gaga concert ticket stirs up humorous antics for Mitchell who tries to juggle his partner, Cameron's sickness, and his desire to go to the concert.
- 24
Knock 'Em Down
April 22, 2015An uproarious dive into the worlds of bowling and suburban politics highlights the importance of family support, showcased brilliantly by Ty Burrell's Phil and his quest for approval from Jay. A perfect fusion of endearing philosophy and slapstick silliness, this episode strikes a balance both touching and hilarious.
- 25
Games People Play
May 15, 2013A tireless pursuit of glory and hilarious family dynamics make this episode a leader in the pack, as Modern Family unveils the ultimate board game showdown and Jay reveals his softer side. Culminating in a heartwarming resolution, this episode highlights both the importance of family and the beauty of competition.
- 26
Bringing Up Baby
September 26, 2012In the engaging season opener, Jay's plans for a quiet 65th birthday take a comical turn when Phil and his friend Shorty plan a surprise fishing trip that ends up with Jay overboard. Meanwhile, Cam and Mitchell grapple with their unsuccessful attempt to adopt a second child and consider getting a cat for Lily, generating lots of laughs along the way. Simultaneously, Gloria debates how to break news of her pregnancy to Jay, while Claire and Phil experience hilarious encounters with their oldest daughter. Throughout the episode, the open-ended narratives and engaging plot provide numerous moments of humor and charm.
- 27
Australia
April 23, 2014The Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family's adventure Down Under masterfully blends hilarity, sentimentality, and jaw-dropping landscapes, making it an unforgettable fan favorite. The clan explores the land of koalas and kangaroos, with Phil discovering his "Aussie connection" and Mitchell and Cameron stumbling upon a boomerang-induced comedic catastrophe.
- 28
Arrested
November 07, 2012Hilarity breaks loose when Phil and Claire receive a middle-of-the-night call about Haley's arrest for underage drinking. A comical chain of events unfolds as Phil, with an uncommon show of parental authority, persuades Haley to take responsibility. Meanwhile, Cameron lands in a humorous predicament when a breakfast choice leads to an unexpected rush to the emergency room with Alex and Luke. Simultaneously, Gloria's baby shopping plans take a back seat when Jay receives an unexpected visitor, DeDe, leading to a humorous and awkward situation. Through all these situations, the episode showcases a perfect blend of humor and memorable familial moments.
- 29
Chirp
November 03, 2010Claire and Haley are home sick, and while initially bonding, misunderstandings follow when Claire suggests Haley reconsider her relationship choices. Meanwhile, Phil finds himself battling an annoyingly chirping smoke detector, leading to a humorous pursuit and his eventual discovery of Luke's forgotten task. Gloria and Manny's visit to Jay's workplace triggers hilarity, as Manny's brief stint with a forklift ends up in minor destruction. Amid the fun, Cam takes Lily to act in a commercial against Mitchell's wishes, providing a dose of humor when Mitchell confronts the racially stereotypical portrayal on set.
- 30
Moon Landing
February 03, 2010Claire, determined to prove to an old co-worker that she made the right choice in quitting her job to raise a family, unwittingly brings her friend home to a less-than-ideal domestic scenario. At the same time, Jay and Cameron share a trip to the gym, where an unintentional and comedic encounter in the locker room named "moon landing" disrupts their friendly game of racquetball. Meanwhile, Gloria gets into two car accidents, creating a comedic conflict with Mitchell, who reluctantly steps in as her attorney.
