For eleven seasons, the ABC sitcom Modern Family charmed audiences with its heartwarming and hilarious portrayal of family life. Even after its conclusion in 2020, the show remains a beloved favorite, known for its relatable characters and clever exploration of everyday family dynamics. With its impressive IMDb rating of 8.5 and numerous accolades, Modern Family boasts a wealth of outstanding episodes that consistently rank among the Top Rated Modern Family Episodes, deserving of repeat viewings.
Here are some of the best Modern Family episodes, highly praised by fans and critics alike, that showcase why this show is considered a modern sitcom classic.
30. “Bringing Up Baby” (Season 4, Episode 1)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Season 4 kicks off with birthday surprises for Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neil) in “Bringing Up Baby.” While Phil (Ty Burrell) and Jay’s buddies Shorty (Chazz Palminteri) and Miles (Ernie Hudson) embark on a quirky fishing trip, Gloria (Sofía Vergara) grapples with how to reveal her pregnancy to Jay. This episode expertly captures the anxiety of unexpected news, as Gloria worries about Jay’s reaction. Simultaneously, Dylan (Reid Ewing), Haley’s (Sarah Hyland) boyfriend, temporarily moves in with the Dunphys, and Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) contemplate pet adoption, considering a cat. Ultimately, the episode highlights the theme of good news overcoming initial apprehension, culminating in Jay’s joyful reaction to Gloria’s pregnancy, declaring it the “best news he’s ever heard.”
29. “Airport 2010” (Season 1, Episode 22)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
“Airport 2010” showcases the comedic chaos of family travel. Gloria’s surprise Hawaiian trip for Jay’s birthday takes a turn when the entire family joins. Airport pandemonium ensues as Claire (Julie Bowen) battles her fear of flying, Mitchell forgets his passport, and Manny (Rico Rodriguez) gets mistakenly placed on a no-fly list. Adding to the mayhem, Dylan finds himself locked inside the Dunphy’s house due to their security system. This episode perfectly illustrates the relatable stresses of large family vacations, amplified for comedic effect. The humorous mishaps and relatable travel anxieties make “Airport 2010” a standout episode that resonates deeply with viewers.
28. “Coal Digger” (Season 1, Episode 5)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
“Coal Digger” delves into the underlying tension between Claire and Gloria. The episode humorously explores the complexities of their stepmother-stepdaughter relationship, especially given Gloria’s youth and marriage to Claire’s father, Jay. When Manny and Luke (Nolan Gould) get into a schoolyard fight, Claire and Gloria’s protective instincts clash, leading to awkwardness. The situation escalates when Luke misinterprets Claire calling Gloria a “gold digger” as “coal digger.” This misunderstanding brings hidden jealousies and emotional baggage to the surface. However, “Coal Digger” marks a significant moment of growth, fostering better understanding and acceptance between Claire and Gloria, solidifying Gloria’s place within the family and Claire’s acceptance of her.
27. “Pilot” (Season 1, Episode 1)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
The “Pilot” episode of Modern Family brilliantly introduces the three interconnected families at the heart of the show. Viewers are immediately immersed in Jay’s new life with his younger Colombian wife, Gloria, and her son Manny, as he navigates the challenges of keeping up. Claire struggles to manage her family alongside her “cool dad” husband, Phil, whose attempts at coolness often embarrass their children. Mitchell and Cameron’s journey to adopt Lily (Ella Hiller and Jaden Hiller), a Vietnamese baby, completes the family portrait. This introductory episode masterfully establishes the distinct dynamics within each family unit and the overarching family structure. It sets the stage for the series’ ongoing exploration of family conflicts and evolutions with its lighthearted humor and strong character introductions, instantly signaling Modern Family‘s potential for success.
26. “The Day We Almost Died” (Season 6, Episode 11)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
“The Day We Almost Died” provides a unique narrative structure within Modern Family. Instead of the usual three-storyline format, this episode centers around a single event: a near-death driving experience involving Phil, Claire, Haley, Alex (Ariel Winter), Luke, and Manny. The incident prompts each family member to re-evaluate their lives and vow to make significant changes. Claire aims to be more relaxed, Haley and Alex promise to end their sibling rivalry, Manny swears off cars, Luke creates a bucket list, and Phil commits to being more proactive. The episode humorously tracks the fallout and unintended consequences of these resolutions. Deviating from the show’s typical formula, this episode delivers a focused and highly entertaining twenty-two minutes of television, showcasing a different side of the family dynamics.
25. “White Christmas” (Season 7, Episode 9)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Christmas episodes are a recurring treat in Modern Family, and “White Christmas” from Season 7 is a top rated Modern Family episode in this category. Gloria’s dream of a perfect “White Christmas,” reminiscent of those she missed in Colombia, leads the family to a rented cabin in the mountains. However, their festive plans are disrupted by uncooperative weather and an unexpected cabin guest. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron seek redemption for past caroling mishaps, and Haley and Andy (Adam Devine) continue their secret romance. Adding to the episode’s layers, Jay makes a surprising announcement about his business that catches Claire off guard. “White Christmas” is rich with revelations, including Jay’s retirement and the progression of Haley and Andy’s relationship, all set against a backdrop of warm, festive character interactions, making it a memorable holiday episode.
24. “Three Turkeys” (Season 6, Episode 8)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Another holiday highlight, “Three Turkeys,” is a Thanksgiving-themed gem and a top rated Modern Family episode for holiday viewing. With Phil and Luke in charge of Thanksgiving dinner, Claire secretly cooks a backup turkey, anticipating disaster. Jay and Gloria’s plans for a holiday getaway are canceled, forcing them to stealthily return home without revealing their original plans. Cameron’s attempts to dress Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) in a fancy dress for dinner and Haley’s growing suspicion that Manny might have a crush on her, despite their step-niece/step-uncle relationship, add to the comedic mix. “Three Turkeys” perfectly captures the hilarious chaos and relatable family dynamics of Thanksgiving gatherings, especially the well-intentioned secrets and potential for hurt feelings.
23. “Manny Get Your Gun” (Season 2, Episode 8)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
“Manny Get Your Gun” highlights Manny’s old-soul personality as he navigates a pre-teen existential crisis on his birthday. The family gathers at a restaurant to celebrate, but the events leading up to the dinner are far from calm. Phil and Claire engage in a competitive car race to the restaurant, while Mitchell and Cameron get sidetracked shopping for a gift, leading to mall antics. Manny’s dramatic birthday mood and the Phil-Claire rivalry contribute to the episode’s entertainment value. A memorable moment is Mitchell’s attempt to surprise Cameron with a flash mob performance of “Free Your Mind” by En Vogue at the mall. However, the surprise backfires when Cameron feels excluded for not being involved in the planning and choreography, hilariously accusing Mitchell of “cheating on him with choreography.”
22. “The Alliance” (Season 8, Episode 8)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Season 8’s “The Alliance” explores unexpected bonds and family dynamics. Haley spends time with Rainer Shine’s (Nathan Fillion) daughter (Brianna Askins) and learns about the challenges of parenting a teenager, gaining insight into her own parents’ experiences. Luke inadvertently aids Jay’s campaign to reinstate cigar smoking at the country club, even getting a signature from a flirtatious widow. The core of the episode sees Phil, Gloria, and Cameron forming an “alliance” to help each other cover up mistakes from their spouses, with Mitchell sensing something amiss. “The Alliance” humorously reminds viewers that Phil, Gloria, and Cameron, while integral to the family, are still the “outlaws,” forging a common ground and camaraderie. Haley’s experience with Rainer’s daughter serves as a comedic mirror, reflecting her own teenage rebellion back at her and offering a taste of what Phil and Claire endured.
21. “Under Pressure” (Season 5, Episode 12)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
“Under Pressure” from Season 5 puts the parents in the spotlight at a school open house. Claire feels overwhelmed by parental expectations, Gloria clashes with a competitive mother, and Jay tries to teach Phil how to play hooky. Meanwhile, Mitchell’s environmental consciousness is challenged by his judgmental, eco-activist neighbor Asher (Jesse Eisenberg), leading to defensiveness. Significantly, “Under Pressure” marks a turning point for Alex, who seeks therapy after a meltdown. This episode highlights Alex’s character development, showing her vulnerability and steps towards self-care, a crucial moment for a character often portrayed as an overachiever. In a lighter subplot, Luke and Manny’s double date with twins leads to humorous mix-ups and teenage awkwardness.
20. “Party Crasher” (Season 4, Episode 12)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
“Party Crasher” revolves around Jay and Gloria’s attempt to make Manny feel special amidst preparations for their new baby. Believing Manny is feeling neglected, they orchestrate a fake baby-shopping trip that secretly leads to a surprise birthday party. Manny’s teenage embarrassment at being caught kissing a girl adds to the humor. However, the episode takes an unexpected turn when Gloria goes into labor, leading to a hospital visit. The episode culminates in the birth of baby Joe, and the family unites to celebrate both Manny’s birthday and the new arrival. “Party Crasher” balances genuine sentiment with perfectly timed slapstick comedy, particularly involving Lily, and witty writing, exemplifying why Modern Family is considered one of the best comedy shows of the 21st century.
19. “Arrested” (Season 4, Episode 7)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
“Arrested” puts Haley in the spotlight when Phil and Claire receive a late-night call about her arrest for underage drinking. The frantic parents, accompanied by Mitchell, the family lawyer, rush to the police station to resolve the situation. Cameron is left at home to supervise Alex and Luke, which predictably leads to a series of chaotic misadventures under his watch. Meanwhile, Jay avoids baby shopping with Gloria only to be confronted by an unexpected visit from Dede (Shelley Long). The episode provides a focus on Haley’s character, delivering a plot twist that subverts expectations. Dede’s memorable, and slightly bizarre, speeches about her “telescoping uterus” ensure her visit is anything but ordinary. While seemingly a typical episode, “Arrested” uses Haley’s predicament as a counterpoint to Alex’s responsible nature and a challenge for Phil and Claire’s parenting, hinting at potential positive developments for Haley.
18. “Little Bo Bleep” (Season 3, Episode 13)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
“Little Bo Bleep” sees the family rally, albeit chaotically, around Claire as she prepares for a televised debate against Duane Bailey (David Cross) for a town council seat. True to form, their well-intentioned help mostly backfires. Simultaneously, Lily is set to be a flower girl for the first time, a picture of innocence until she learns her first curse word. Mitchell and Cameron are then faced with the hilarious parenting challenge of navigating this unexpected linguistic development. Adding another layer of comedic concern, Jay becomes worried about Stella’s unusual behavior, wrongly suspecting Gloria is the cause. The episode’s humor is highly relatable to parents who have experienced their children’s swearing phases, particularly in the parents’ overreactions. “Little Bo Bleep” also delivers a heartwarming moment as the entire family comes together, despite the chaos.
17. “Halloween” (Season 2, Episode 6)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Claire’s unwavering enthusiasm for Halloween is the driving force of the episode “Halloween.” She throws herself into transforming the Dunphy house into a spooky spectacle for trick-or-treaters, assigning roles to each family member, but things quickly descend into comical chaos. Cameron’s traumatic childhood Halloween experience resurfaces, fueling his dislike for the holiday, while Mitchell deals with the fallout from a terrible workday. Gloria’s behavior takes an unusual turn after Jay and Manny tease her about her accent. Holiday episodes in sitcoms often face the challenge of originality, but Modern Family‘s “Halloween” episode consistently breathes fresh life into familiar themes, showcasing the show’s brilliance. Claire’s infectious Halloween spirit shines through, making every Halloween episode a celebration of her over-the-top holiday passion.
16. “Baby on Board” (Season 3, Episode 24)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
“Baby on Board,” the Season 3 finale, adopts a soap opera-esque style, escalating the drama for maximum impact. Jay and Manny are tasked with taking Lily to her recital, while Mitchell and Cameron, with Gloria as a translator, embark on the journey to adopt a child from Mexico. Meanwhile, Haley drops a post-high school plans bombshell that displeases her parents. The episode’s dramatic tension peaks with Mitchell and Cameron’s adoption storyline unraveling due to small-town secrets and scandals within the Latino family. “Baby on Board” delivers a poignant and heartbreaking moment as Mitchell and Cameron are unable to adopt their son, resonating deeply with viewers and showcasing the show’s emotional range.
15. “Hawaii” (Season 1, Episode 23)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
“Hawaii” continues the storyline from the previous episode, where Gloria gifts Jay a Hawaiian vacation. Jay’s intention for pure relaxation is quickly disrupted by family realities. Mitchell and Cameron clash over sightseeing versus relaxation, Phil tries to inject romance into his trip with Claire, and the kids inevitably find mischief. The episode perfectly illustrates the messy reality of family vacations, where individual ideas of fun and relaxation often collide. “Hawaii” exemplifies how even chaotic situations can strengthen family bonds, highlighting the show’s theme of family unity amidst humorous disorder. Like many funny episodes of Modern Family, “Hawaii” demonstrates the family’s growing closeness with each mishap, making their bond stronger with each vacation.
14. “Family Portrait” (Season 1, Episode 24)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
“Family Portrait” perfectly captures the dysfunctional charm of the Pritchett-Delgado-Tucker-Dunphy clan. Claire’s attempt to take a simple family photo devolves into chaos as everyone is too preoccupied to cooperate. Gloria and Manny accompany Phil and Alex to a Lakers game, resulting in an embarrassing jumbotron incident. Cameron takes a job as a wedding singer, Mitchell is left to care for Lily and a stray pigeon, and Luke interviews Jay for a school project. The episode humorously depicts a universal family dynamic: one person’s well-laid plans falling apart due to everyone else’s self-absorption. The episode’s heartwarming conclusion, where the family finally gathers for an imperfectly perfect photo, serves as a sweet and fitting end to the first season, emphasizing togetherness over flawlessness.
13. “A Year of Birthdays” (Season 10, Episode 22)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
As Haley and Dylan’s twins’ due date approaches, “A Year of Birthdays” reflects on the family’s birthdays from the past year. Phil takes piano lessons, Claire learns about her tightly wound image, and Manny’s failed marriage proposal to Sherry (Hillary Anne Matthews) overshadows Cameron and Lily’s birthdays. The episode culminates in the present with Haley giving birth to twins, a boy and a girl, and the family reuniting. “A Year of Birthdays” is both emotional and amusing, showcasing character growth and recurring traits over a year. For example, Phil’s piano lessons with children and Manny’s tendency to let his sadness affect others’ joy are highlighted. This episode effectively combines humor with heartfelt family moments, making it a standout in Season 10.
12. “The Party” (Season 7, Episode 18)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
“The Party” episode shakes up the usual dynamics by having Manny and Luke babysit Lily, giving the adults a day off. Jay and Cameron head to a sports bar, Phil and Mitchell bond over movies, and Claire and Gloria plan a spa day. Chaos ensues when Claire suspects the boys are throwing a party when the fire alarm goes off at home. The episode cleverly highlights each character’s personality through their chosen leisure activities. Instead of the usual pairings, “The Party” creates uncommon or infrequent combinations, like Phil and Mitchell’s movie outing and Jay and Cameron’s sports bar visit, exploring their interactions outside of typical family settings. This approach strengthens bonds and offers viewers a sense of novelty and unexpected character dynamics.
11. “Phil’s Sexy, Sexy House” (Season 7, Episode 7)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
“Phil’s Sexy, Sexy House” provides a unique Thanksgiving episode setting. Phil helps a friend of Mitchell and Cameron sell a modern, stylish house. Independently, each family unit decides to sneak into the vacant house for some “fun” time, all choosing the same day and hour, leading to hilarious overlapping scenarios and near-misses. The episode’s writing is praised for its precise comedic timing, with each plot thread unfolding perfectly without overshadowing others. “Phil’s Sexy, Sexy House” also advances Haley and Andy’s romance, a storyline many fans were invested in. The strong chemistry between Hyland and Devine elevates the episode, making their cinematic love story even more engaging and rewarding for viewers.
