30 Best 'Modern Family' Episodes, Ranked According to IMDb (2024)

The beloved ABC sitcom Modern Family, which aired for 11 seasons, came to an end in 2020, distressing many devoted viewers despite the show's happy outcome. By the end of the show, viewers will feel like they are a member of the family because of how cleverly and creatively the show addresses a variety of topics that affect every family on a daily basis. Through its comedic characters and dynamics, the show explores scenarios that everybody can relate to in some way.

Thus, Modern Family is without a doubt one of the most popular sitcoms on television and is well-regarded by fans all over the world. Winner of multiple awards, and with a high score of 8.5 on IMDb, the show contains several episodes that fans and critics deem to be the best that deserve a rewatch.

Modern Family

TV-PG

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
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Not available

*Availability in US

Release Date

September 23, 2009

Cast

Ed O'Neill , Sofia Vergara , Julie Bowen , Ty Burrell , Jesse Tyler Ferguson , Eric Stonestreet , Sarah Hyland , Ariel Winter

Seasons

11

Main Genre

Comedy

Studio

ABC

30 "Bringing Up Baby" (Season 4, Episode 1)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

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In the first episode of Season 4 of Modern Family, Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neil) is in for more than one surprise on his birthday. While Phil (Ty Burrell) and Jay’s pals Shorty (Chazz Palminteri) and Miles (Ernie Hudson) take Jay on an unconventional fishing trip, his wife Gloria (Sofía Vergara) tries to figure out how she will break the news to him that she is pregnant.

Haley’s (Sarah Hyland) boyfriend Dylan (Reid Ewing) also temporarily moves in with the Dunphys, while Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) consider adopting a cat. The episode explores the anxiety unexpected news can cause, as Gloria dreads telling Jay about the baby and fears he will be unhappy. Things usually turn out to be okay, as demonstrated when Jay says that it’s the best news he’s ever heard.

29 "Airport 2010" (Season 1, Episode 22)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

In “Airport 2010”, Gloria organizes a surprise trip to Hawaii for Jay’s birthday. However, he isn’t too pleased when he learns the entire family is tagging along. When everybody starts arriving at the airport, chaos ensues. Claire (Julie Bowen) has a strong fear of flying which causes her to panic, Mitchell forgets his passport, and Manny (Rico Rodriguez) is on TSA’s no-fly list due to an identity mix-up.

Meanwhile, Dylan becomes trapped in the Dunphy household while they are away with their security system on. Large family trips can often lead to stress and mayhem, highly exaggerated here through humorous mishaps. Many can resonate with the stress of travel or fear of flying, making this a highly relatable episode of Modern Family and one that connects with its audience.

28 "Coal Digger" (Season 1, Episode 5)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

There has always been a level of tension between Claire and Gloria, considering the fact that Gloria is technically her stepmother - even though she is younger than her - and is a gorgeous younger woman who married her father Jay, a much older man. This is brought to the surface in “Coal Digger”, which sees Manny and Luke (Nolan Gould) get into a fight at school.

Protective over their sons, things become awkward between Claire and Gloria, especially when Luke reveals that Claire once called Gloria a gold digger (which Luke mishears as “coal digger). This brings jealousy and emotional baggage to the surface, but marks an important turning point for Claire in accepting Gloria as part of the family, and Gloria in finally feeling accepted. By the end, the pair have a much better understanding of each other, as do viewers.

27 "Pilot" (Season 1, Episode 1)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

In Modern Family’s very first episode, viewers meet the three related family units who are at the center of the show. Jay, recently re-married, is having trouble keeping up with his much younger Columbian wife Gloria and her sensitive son Manny. Claire is trying to take care of her own family with husband Phil, who thinks he’s a ‘cool dad’ but embarrasses his kids. Finally, Mitchell and Cameron decide to adopt a Vietnamese baby named Lily (Ella Hiller and Jaden Hiller).

The pilot episode establishes the particular dynamics within each family and as a whole, and is integral in setting up the conflict and changes each family faces, which is the catalyst for the rest of the show’s plot. Featuring strong character introductions and lighthearted humor, it is clear Modern Family was going to be a hit from the beginning.

26 "The Day We Almost Died" (Season 6, Episode 11)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

In “The Day We Almost Died”, Phil, Claire, Haley, Alex (Ariel Winter), Luke and Manny have a near-death experience while driving. Shaken by the incident, they reevaluate their lives and decide to make some major changes. Claire decides to be less uptight and more fun, Haley and Alex agree not to fight anymore, Manny refuses to get into a car ever again, Luke wants to complete his bucket list and Phil wants to take more action.

However, the rest of the family has to deal with the hilarity and consequences of these changes. Most episodes of Modern Family follow three main storylines, but this episode focuses only on one, and what stems from it. Most of the characters don’t even appear until later in the episode. It's a diversion from the usual formula, but results in a highly entertaining and unique twenty-two minutes of TV.

25 "White Christmas" (Season 7, Episode 9)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Modern Family features several Christmas episodes throughout its run, with one of the highest rated being season seven’s "White Christmas." In the episode, Gloria dreams of having a perfect 'White Christmas' that she could never have back in Colombia, so she rents a cabin in the mountains for the entire family. However, the weather does not cooperate, and there is already a strange guest staying in the cabin.

Mitchell and Cameron are determined to redeem themselves from their bad caroling performance the previous years, while Haley and Andy (Adam Devine) continue their romance in secret. Jay also makes a surprising announcement about the family business that catches Claire off guard. "White Christmas" is full of revelations like Jay’s retirement and Haley and Andy’s relationship, and is elevated by fun character dynamics, all with a festive and warm feel.

24 "Three Turkeys" (Season 6, Episode 8)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

As well as Christmas episodes, Modern Family also has a number of Thanksgiving-themed episodes that are perfect viewing to celebrate the holiday. One of the best is season six’s "Three Turkeys." With Phil and Luke preparing this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, Claire decides to cook a secret back-up turkey in case they mess up. Jay and Gloria planned to spend the holiday away from the family, so when their trip is canceled, they must cover up their tracks.

Cameron also tries to get Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) to wear a nice dress for dinner, while Haley begins to think that Manny might like her, despite her technically being his step-niece. This episode celebrates all the chaos and hilarity that comes with Thanksgiving dinners, and typical family situations where people don’t want to hurt their loved ones' feelings.

23 "Manny Get Your Gun" (Season 2, Episode 8)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

It is clear from very early on that Manny is an old soul, being a pre-teen who is a hopeless romantic and has an affinity for drinking espressos. In season two’s "Manny Get Your Gun," he experiences a life crisis about getting older, with the entire family gathered at a restaurant to celebrate his birthday. Phil and Claire decide to engage in a heated car race on the way to the restaurant, while Mitchell and Cameron get sidetracked socializing at the mall while shopping for a gift.

The episode is utterly entertaining thanks to Manny’s dramatic situation and the rivalry between Phil and Claire. One of the episode’s highlights is when Mitchell organizes a flash mob at the mall to "Free Your Mind" by En Vogue to surprise Cameron. However, Cameron doesn’t like that Mitchell kept it a secret and didn’t allow him to participate, claiming that Mitchell cheated on him with choreography.

22 "The Alliance" (Season 8, Episode 8)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

In Season 8’s "The Alliance," Haley spends the day with boyfriend Rainer Shine’s (played by Nathan Fillion) daughter (Brianna Askins), and learns some lessons about parenting and dealing with teen angst. Luke unintentionally helps Jay with his petition to re-allow smoking cigars in the country club, assisting him with getting a signature from a widow who tried to seduce him. Meanwhile, Phil, Gloria, and Cameron form an alliance to help each other resolve each other’s mistakes before their spouses find out, and Mitchell senses that something isn’t right.

The episode is a reminder that while Phil, Gloria, and Cameron are part of the family, they are not Pritchetts and will always be the ‘outlaws,’ which is something they have in common and bond over. Haley also gets a dose of her own medicine while dealing with Rainer’s rebellious daughter, very much mirroring her own teen behavior and what Phil and Clare had to deal with.

21 "Under Pressure" (Season 5, Episode 12)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

In Season 5’s "Under Pressure," the parents go to an open house at school which sees Claire stressed out by pressure, Gloria going head-to-head with a mean mother, and Jay teaching Phil how to play hookie. Meanwhile, Mitchell feels like he’s not doing enough for the planet and gets defensive after encountering his judgmental and environmentalist neighbor Asher (Jesse Eisenberg).

The episode also features a significant turning point and significant character development for Alex, who goes to see a therapist after having a meltdown. Alex has always been an overachiever and someone who puts pressure on herself, so it is important to see her seeking help and being kinder to herself. Luke and Manny also go on a double date with twins, which sees them swapping around with hilarious results.

20 "Party Crasher" (Season 4, Episode 12)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Jay and Gloria believe that due to the impending arrival of their new baby, they haven't been able to give Manny the attention he deserves. To make it up to him, they devise a clever ruse, pretending to take him shopping for baby items when, in reality, they are secretly planning his birthday celebration. Upon Manny's return home, he's flustered when he's caught kissing a girl by everyone.

Unfortunately, Gloria goes into labor and requires a hospital visit. Following the birth of baby Joe, they unite to celebrate together. This episode overflows with genuine sentiment, perfectly timed slapstick comedy – mostly at Lily's expense – and writing that gleams as brightly as polished chrome. It certainly highlights why Modern Family is one of the best comedy shows of the 21st century.

19 "Arrested" (Season 4, Episode 7)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

In this episode, Phil and Claire receive the dreaded late-night call informing them that Haley has been arrested for underage drinking. They rush to the police station, accompanied by Mitchell, the family lawyer, seeking a resolution. Cameron remains behind to supervise Alex and Luke, but they find themselves in a series of wild misadventures while under his watchful eye. At the same time, Jay manages to dodge baby shopping with Gloria, only to face an unexpected visit from Dede (Shelley Long).

The episode offers viewers a focus on Haley's character, with the show delivering an unexpected twist in reverse. Additionally, Dede's visit is marked by memorable speeches about her telescoping uterus, making her appearance memorable. The episode orchestrating this reunion may seem relatively ordinary, but with Haley's return serving as a counterpoint for Alex and a challenge for her parents, positive outcomes may be on the horizon.

18 "Little Bo Bleep" (Season 3, Episode 13)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

The family assists Claire in getting ready for her upcoming televised debate against Duane Bailey (David Cross) for the town council seat. However, true to form, their efforts do more harm than good. Meanwhile, Lily is set to take on the adorable role of a flower girl for the first time. However, a new challenge arises as she's just learned her first expletive, leaving Mitchell and Cameron uncertain about how to navigate this unexpected parenting hurdle.

Jay also becomes increasingly worried about Stella's recent unusual behavior and directs his suspicions toward Gloria. The episode might evoke memories for parents of their children's swearing phase, particularly when they witness the parents' reactions and see it escalate further. It's also another heartwarming moment for fans to witness the entire family coming together once more.

17 "Halloween" (Season 2, Episode 6)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Claire's enthusiasm for Halloween is infectious, as she prepares to transform the Dunphy house into a spooky spectacle for trick-or-treaters. She assigns each family member a specific role to play, but things take an unexpected and comically chaotic turn. Cameron is haunted by a traumatic childhood experience that makes him despise the holiday, while Mitchell grapples with the aftermath of a terrible day at work. Additionally, Gloria's behavior takes an unusual turn following some teasing from Jay and Manny about her accent.

Holiday episodes often showcase the brilliance of sitcoms precisely because it's a challenge to find fresh approaches, yet Modern Family consistently excels in delivering the best, breathing new life into familiar themes. It's yet another episode where Claire's boundless love for Halloween shines through, and every time we catch her on this day, her enthusiasm is off the charts.

16 "Baby on Board" (Season 3, Episode 24)

IMDb Rating: 8.5.10

In this episode, Jay and Manny are tasked with accompanying Lily to her recital, while Mitchell and Cameron are joined by Gloria, serving as a translator, as they embark on the journey of adopting a Mexican child. Meanwhile, Haley springs a surprise announcement about her post-high school plans that appears to displease her parents.

"Baby on Board" deliberately embraces a soap opera style for the season finale, as Mitchell and Cameron's adoption process unravels due to the small-town secrets, scandals, and revelations within the Latino family they were in the process of adopting a baby from. Moreover, it's also one of the show's poignant moments when the two are unable to secure their son, and fans can deeply empathize with their heartache.

15 "Hawaii" (Season 1, Episode 23)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

In the previous episode, Gloria gives Jay a birthday present for a trip to Hawaii, and the story continues with the family there in this episode. But Jay's holiday intentions to do nothing but unwind are derailed by an unwanted reality check. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron dispute over whether they should go sightseeing, Phil tries to make the trip romantic for Claire, and the kids get into mischief.

The episode continues to demonstrate how messy family vacations can be, because everyone has their own ideas of what it means to relax and have fun. Together, they all create an amusing mess. Additionally, much like every other funny episode of Modern Family, this one is no different because it demonstrates how much the family members have grown closer to one another. Viewers can see how their bond becomes stronger with each mishap and every vacation.

14 "Family Portrait" (Season 1, Episode 24)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Highlighting the show's dysfunctional family, the episode sees Claire trying to snap a fresh family photo, but nobody is willing to cooperate because they are all too busy. Gloria and Manny accompany Phil and Alex to a Lakers game, where they have an unpleasant incident on the jumbotron. Meanwhile, Cameron finds work as a wedding singer, Mitchell looks after Lily and a wandering pigeon, and Luke interviews Jay for a school project.

The episode is fantastic since it accurately depicts what occurs in families – basically, any family – when one individual plans something for the whole family, but everyone fails to appreciate the efforts because they are preoccupied with their own lives. The fact that the family collectively gathers for the last picture, rather than making it flawless, adds sweetness and serves as the appropriate cap to the first season of the show.

13 "A Year of Birthdays" (Season 10, Episode 22)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

As the due date for Haley and Dylan's twins approaches, the episode sees the family relive its birthdays from the previous year. Phil decides to take piano lessons, and Claire learns that everyone perceives her as being tightly strung. A sad Manny, who proposes to Sherry (Hillary Anne Matthews) on his birthday and is rebuffed, ruins Cameron and Lily's birthdays. The family comes together in the present time after Haley gives birth to a boy and a girl.

In addition to being an emotional one because of Haley's birth and the family reunion, the episode is also quite amusing, since it shows how much each character has changed over the course of a year in a very engaging and realistic manner. For example, Phil learns to play piano among children and Manny, again, letting his sadness overshadow others' happiness.

12 "The Party" (Season 7, Episode 18)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

This episode sees Manny and Luke being tasked with babysitting Lily, so the adults can enjoy a day for themselves. Jay and Cameron head to a sports bar to watch a big fight, Phil and Mitchell geek out at the movies, and Claire and Gloria plan a beautiful day at the spa. Things begin to go wrong when Claire believes the boys are hosting a party in secret when the fire alarm goes off at the house.

The episode, like earlier episodes on the show, clearly depicts each character's personality through their way of life and routine. Additionally, instead of the usual friendships fans are used to from the show, it pairs uncommon or infrequently encountered individuals to observe their compatibility and how they would interact with one another outside of a familial setting. It helps strengthen the bond and gives the audience a sense of adventure and the unexpected.

11 "Phil's Sexy, Sexy House" (Season 7, Episode 7)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

In a unique Thanksgiving episode, Phil assists Mitchell and Cameron's friend with selling his stylish and modern home. Everyone has the brilliant idea of sneaking into the new house and having some "fun" time. They all select the same day and hour without knowing it, which causes some humorous confusion.

The writers clearly put a lot of effort into writing this episode because every plot component is presented at precisely the right time without interfering with one another during the runtime. Also, the episode brings Haley and Andy's love story to a new level, enthusing many fans about the pair. The episode is also acclaimed for Hyland and Devine's sublime chemistry, which makes it more rewarding to support their cinematic love tale.