Full House, the beloved family sitcom that ran from 1987 to 1995, has given us countless iconic moments and unforgettable episodes. With its heartwarming family values, hilarious antics, and lovable characters, it’s no wonder that this show continues to resonate with fans. But with so many great episodes to choose from, which ones really stand out?
In this article, we’ve ranked the top 10 episodes of Full House based on their emotional depth, iconic moments, and overall impact on the series. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just starting to watch, these episodes are must-sees!
10. “The Return of Grandpa” (Season 8, Episode 3)
Why It’s Great: This episode brings back a fan favorite: Grandpa, played by the legendary Carl Reiner. The story focuses on Danny’s relationship with his father, and it’s a heartwarming reminder of the importance of family bonds. The episode is filled with sweet moments, especially when Grandpa bonds with his grandchildren.
Iconic Moment: The tender moment where Danny and Grandpa finally open up about their relationship and how much they mean to each other is pure Full House magic.
9. “Michelle Rides Again: Part 1 & 2” (Season 8, Episodes 23-24)
Why It’s Great: In these two episodes, Michelle faces a life-changing experience when she falls off a horse and suffers a head injury. The two-part episode has an emotional depth that sets it apart from other episodes in the series. We get to see Michelle struggle with her recovery and the family’s determination to help her heal.
Iconic Moment: When Michelle wakes up and doesn’t remember anything, including her family, it’s a gut-wrenching moment. But the way her family pulls together to remind her of the love they share makes it one of the most touching storylines of the show.
8. “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 9)
Why It’s Great: This episode showcases the true meaning of family. Danny is stressed about making the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, and while things don’t go according to plan, the family comes together to celebrate the holiday in their own way. It’s a classic Full House episode that captures the heartwarming and hilarious moments that make the show timeless.
Iconic Moment: When the entire family ends up enjoying a Thanksgiving meal made up of takeout food, it’s a reminder that the holiday is about being together, no matter the circumstances.
7. “You Pet It, You Bought It” (Season 2, Episode 15)
Why It’s Great: This episode sees the Tanner family facing a challenge that many can relate to—caring for a pet. When the family adopts a dog, things quickly spiral out of control. The humor comes from the chaos that ensues, but the real heart comes from the lesson that sometimes pets can teach us about responsibility and love.
Iconic Moment: When the dog causes mayhem around the house, and the family has to work together to manage the mess, it’s hilarious—and relatable!
6. “Be True to Your School” (Season 2, Episode 10)
Why It’s Great: This episode explores the ups and downs of school life when Stephanie starts middle school and faces bullying. With her typical determination, she learns to stand up for herself, and it’s an empowering episode for anyone who’s ever had to deal with peer pressure. Plus, there’s the hilarious subplot of Joey teaching at a local school, adding that signature Full House humor.
Iconic Moment: Stephanie standing up for herself and learning to be confident is one of the most empowering moments of the series. It shows how important it is to stay true to yourself, even when times get tough.
5. “Joey’s Place” (Season 4, Episode 12)
Why It’s Great: This episode revolves around Joey moving into his own apartment, a milestone for him after living with the Tanners for so long. It’s a bittersweet moment for the family, as they realize just how much Joey has become an integral part of their lives. The emotional tone of the episode combined with some hilarious moments makes it a standout.
Iconic Moment: When the family realizes how much they’ll miss Joey, it’s both touching and funny. The family dynamic is strong, and Joey’s departure adds emotional weight to the episode.
4. “The Big Three-O” (Season 6, Episode 1)
Why It’s Great: This episode marks Danny’s 30th birthday, and it’s filled with both humor and emotion. When Danny reflects on his life and the challenges of raising his three daughters, he realizes how far he’s come. This episode is all about growth, milestones, and the love between a father and his daughters.
Iconic Moment: Danny realizing that his daughters have grown up and that he’s done a great job raising them is a heartwarming moment. Plus, the quirky birthday party Joey throws for him adds that perfect Full House charm.
3. “Secret Admirer” (Season 4, Episode 17)
Why It’s Great: This episode focuses on the ups and downs of romance when Stephanie gets a secret admirer. What starts as a funny subplot soon becomes a heartfelt moment when Stephanie learns the importance of communication and honesty in relationships. This episode also gives us some classic Joey humor, adding to the overall fun.
Iconic Moment: When Stephanie receives a gift from her secret admirer and realizes who it is, it’s a moment of growth for her. It’s the perfect combination of innocence, humor, and heart.
2. “The House Meets the Mouse: Part 1 & 2” (Season 6, Episodes 24-25)
Why It’s Great: In this two-part special, the Tanner family heads to Disneyland for a vacation, and as expected, chaos ensues. Between the fun antics and the sweet moments with the family, these episodes are a perfect example of what makes Full House so special. The mix of humor, heart, and family bonding makes this one of the most memorable episodes.
Iconic Moment: When the family experiences Disney magic together and bonds over their adventure, it’s the ultimate feel-good moment. It’s the type of episode that reminds viewers why they fell in love with Full House in the first place.
1. “Goodbye, Mr. Bear” (Season 2, Episode 24)
Why It’s Great: The top spot on our list goes to an episode that’s filled with emotion. When Michelle has to say goodbye to her beloved stuffed animal, Mr. Bear, the whole family rallies around her. The episode captures the heartbreaking reality of growing up and having to let go of childhood comforts. It’s a tearjerker, but it’s also a perfect example of how Full House blended humor and emotion in the most beautiful way.
Iconic Moment: The moment when Michelle says goodbye to Mr. Bear is one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in Full House history. It’s a moment that tugs at the heartstrings and reminds us all about the inevitable changes that come with growing up.
Conclusion: Why These Episodes Still Matter
Full House has left an undeniable impact on television and pop culture. The episodes listed above represent the heart and soul of the show—the laughter, the lessons, and the love between the Tanner family. Whether it’s dealing with growing pains, overcoming challenges, or celebrating milestones, these episodes encapsulate everything that made Full House a classic.
FAQs About Full House’s Best Episodes
1. Why is “Goodbye, Mr. Bear” considered the best episode? It’s an emotional episode that captures the bittersweet moment of growing up, making it one of the most memorable and touching episodes in Full House history.
2. Which Full House episode has the most laughs? Episodes like “Joey’s Place” and “Michelle Rides Again” provide plenty of laughs while balancing emotional moments, making them fan favorites.
3. What makes Full House episodes so iconic? The perfect mix of humor, family dynamics, and life lessons, paired with heartfelt moments, makes these episodes resonate with viewers.
4. Are there any episodes where the entire family is together? Yes, many of the best episodes feature the whole family, such as “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” and “The House Meets the Mouse.”
5. What lesson does Full House teach in its best episodes? Full House teaches valuable lessons about love, family, responsibility, and growing up, making it a show that continues to inspire audiences of all ages.
