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.

Thus, Modern Family is without a doubt one of the most popular sitcoms on television and is well-regarded by fans. 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.

Updated on September 22, 2023, by Jessie Nguyen:

Modern Family was a sensation that redefined television comedy with its clever mockumentary style which offered a fresh and heartwarming look at diverse family dynamics. Even though the show ended three years ago, it's still watched on a daily basis by hardcore and new fans. Thus, here are some top highest-rated Modern Family episodes for fans to check out.

20 "Party Crasher"

Season 4, Episode 12 (2013)

_Party Crasher_ (1)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Jay (Ed O'Neill) and Gloria (Sofía Vergara) believe that due to the impending arrival of their new baby, they haven't been able to give Manny (Rico Rodriguez) 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.RELATED: The Best Sitcom Families, Ranked by Likability

This episode overflows with genuine sentiment, perfectly timed slapstick comedy – mostly at Lily's (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) expense – and writing that gleams as brightly as polished chrome.

19 "Arrested"

Season 4, Episode 7 (2012)

_Arrested_ (1)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

In this episode, Phil (Ty Burrell) and Claire (Julie Bowen) receive the dreaded late-night call informing them that Haley (Sarah Hyland) has been arrested for underage drinking. They rush to the police station, accompanied by Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), the family lawyer, seeking a resolution. Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) remains behind to supervise Alex (Ariel Winter) and Luke (Nolan Gould), 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 so 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 (2012)

_Little Bo Bleep_ (1)

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 Mitch and Cam uncertain about how to navigate this unexpected parenting hurdle. Jay 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 (2010)

_Halloween_-1

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.RELATED: The Main Characters of ‘Modern Family’, Ranked by Likability

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 (2012)

_Baby on Board_

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 Cam'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 (2010)

_Hawaii_

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

In episode 22, Gloria gives Jay a birthday present for a trip to Hawaii, and the story continues with the family there in Ep 23. 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 (2010)

_Family Portrait_ (1)

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.RELATED: The Best TV Shows About Dysfunctional Families, Ranked

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 everyone is 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 (2019)

_A Year of Birthdays_ (1)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

As the due date for Haley's and Dylan's (Reid Ewing) twins approaches, the episode sees the family relive its birthdays from the previous year. Phil decides to take piano lessons, but 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 Cam 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 (2016)

_The Party_ 

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

The episode sees Manny and Luke being tasked with babysitting Lily, so the adults can enjoy a day for themselves. Jay and Cam head to a sports bar to watch the big fight, Phil and Mitch 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, to help strengthen the bond and give the audience a sense of adventure and unexpected.

11 "Phil's Sexy, Sexy House"

Season 7, Episode 7 (2015)

_Phil's Sexy, Sexy House_ (Season 7, Ep 7)

IMDb Score: 8.6/10

In a unique Thanksgiving episode on TV, Phil is assisting Mitchell and Cameron's friend in selling his stylish and modern home. Everyone had the brilliant idea to sneak into the new house and have some "fun" time. They all select the same day and hour without knowing it, which causes some humorous confusion.RELATED: The Best First Kisses in TV

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 brought 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.

10 "The Wedding, Part 2"

Season 5, Episode 24 (2014)

_The Wedding, Part 2_ (Season 5, Ep 24)

IMDb Score: 8.6/10

The episode focuses on Mitchell and Cameron's wedding as they deal with a number of unanticipated occurrences in Part 1 that prevent them from having the wedding of their dreams. Even though the wedding does not go exactly as planned by either of them, it is nonetheless perfect.

The wedding of Mitch and Cam's emotional high points are handled well in the episode, which also gives Jay a chance to mend fences with Mitch by finally dealing with their falling out in a meaningful way. Also, some viewers consider the scene to be the most moving of the entire show when Jay and Gloria walk Mitchell down the aisle while Cameron's parents accompany him.

9 "Schooled"

Season 4, Episode 2 (2012)

_Schooled_ (Season 4, Ep 2)  (1)

IMDb Score: 8.6/10

Any parent would find it tough to see their child off to college, but for Phil and Claire, it's harder when they manage to make Haley feel extremely embarrassed. Manny makes Jay and Gloria attend a baby class in the meantime. Lily is dropped off by Mitch and Cam for her first day of kindergarten, but when she gets into a fight with another young boy, they wind up meeting the child's combative parents.

When the entire family is there, the show is at its best, but it's equally fantastic when each individual deals with their own problems. Since the viewers, all struggle with their child leaving the nest, being summoned to the principal's office for something their child did, or attending infant courses, this episode hits many viewers with authenticity and of course, humor.

8 "My Funky Valentine"

Season 1, Episode 15 (2010)

_My Funky Valentine_ ( Season 1, Ep 15)

IMDb Score: 8.6/10

A Valentine’s Day-centered episode of the sitcom sees Claire and Phil get together in a bar where they engage in their usual role-playing. To woo Phil, Claire decides to strip off her clothes and simply wear her coat. But, things go awry when the two of them become stuck on an escalator. Fortunately, Jay and Gloria, who were at the comedy club watching David Brenner perform, come to the rescue as they come across the distressed Claire. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron help out Manny with a girl he likes.RELATED: Secondary Characters in TV Shows Whose Story is More Interesting Than That of The Main Character(s)

The episode is so fantastic because it incorporates several Valentine's Day celebrations that viewers may recognize themselves in the characters, particularly Claire and Phil with their role-playing and an escalator subplot to liven things up.

7 "Fizbo"

Season 1, Episode 9 (2009)

_Fizbo_ (Season 1, Ep 9)

IMDb Score: 8.6/10

Luke's birthday party is being planned by Phil and Claire, and Cameron decides to dress as his clown alter ego Fizbo. Following Jay's suggestion, Manny finds it difficult to impress a woman, while Haley and Dylan are having some relationship problems. After Haley releases a scorpion from its cage, however, things go wrong, and the family is forced to visit the emergency room.

The best part about this episode is that it establishes someone in the family is hospitalized and the family visits to check on him. The remainder of the show is narrated through flashbacks, leaving viewers to constantly speculate as to who may be injured. Also, the episode includes a heroic act from Fizbo in which he defends Mitchell from bullies.

6 "Finale: Part 2"

Season 11, Episode 18 (2020)

_Finale- Part 2_

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

In the final episode of Modern Family, the three beloved families come together for one last time to say goodbye to not only each other but also to the fans as they prepare to move on to the next chapter of their lives. The episode features Phil and Claire telling the children that one of them must move out since there is no longer enough room for everyone, including the babies. Meanwhile, Cam receives the job of his dreams, and Jay attempts to learn how to speak Colombian.

The episode is a beautiful conclusion because it brings the show's storylines to a satisfying end while also paying tribute to its legacy. It also emphasizes family and unity themes, despite physical separation and changes that no one wants to experience but nonetheless welcome wholeheartedly. It subtly informs devoted viewers that even when the show ends viewers will always be a part of it by saying that everyone will continue to write their story in their own designated path, which doesn't affect the fact that they are still and always family.

5 "American Skyper"

Season 6, Episode 24 (2015)

_American Skyper_ (Season 6, Ep 24)

IMDb Score: 8.7/10

The entire family congregates at Jay and Gloria's home to celebrate Alex's graduation, with the exception of Phil who deserved better, but is in Seattle and joins them via a telepresence robot. Claire’s efforts to choose the ideal present for Alex are constantly being overruled by other family members while Mitchell tries to hide his unemployment from Cameron. Phil discovers Haley’s true feelings for Andy but no one listens to him.RELATED: The Best Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked

The episode fits the season perfectly and finishes with a couple of cliffhangers and some new possibilities to explore in season 7. Moreover, Phil's robot appearance on his daughter's graduation day is the focus of the family-centered plot, and he also provides emotional support for his other daughter while she needs it the most.

4 "Fulgencio"

Season 4, Episode 13 (2013)

_Fulgencio_ (Season 4, Ep 13)

IMDb Score: 8.9/10

The christening of Gloria and Jay's son is the focus of this episode, which creates some conflict because Gloria's mother dislikes Jay and wants to name her grandson Fulgencio, but Jay thinks the name is awful and prefers to call his baby Joe. As Claire is out conducting errands, Phil is stuck at home alone with the kids and his own problems—a billboard with his face obscured by balloons. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron are dealing with Lily's (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) tendency to make sarcastic comments.

The episode was dripping with The Godfather's aesthetic and atmosphere and perfectly captured the spirit of the original film in a lighthearted and sitcom-like manner. Also, fans and critics alike laud Burrell and Nolan Gould who played Luke for their outstanding performances.

3 "Caught in the Act"

Season 2, Episode 13 (2011)

_Caught in the Act_ (Season 2, Ep 13)

IMDb Score: 8.9/10

As Manny is gone visiting his father, Gloria and Jay are preparing to embark on a vacation. However, their plans are derailed when Gloria unintentionally emails Claire in an offensive manner. As they visit the Dunphys to make amends or attempt to erase the email, they discover Claire and Phil in distress over the fact that their children have just walked in on them while having sex.

The episode is entertaining and relevant, especially for parents who have ever found themselves in Claire and Phil's embarrassing predicament and yet need to cope with the repercussions for their kids. Mitchell and Cameron also accidentally damage a costly rug belonging to an unforgiving woman in the episode, which makes it even funnier and causes secondhand embarrassment for all three families.

2 "Vegas"

Season 5, Episode 18 (2014)

_Vegas_ (Season 5, Ep 18)

IMDb Score: 9.1/10

The adults go on a trip to Vegas as Jay haggles to get a better accommodation while Claire tempts Mitchell to the casino in an effort to make up for the money she lost the previous year. When Mitchell wants to spend time at the spa with Cameron, he then decides to go to a bachelor party instead while Phil attempts to get into a magician's club.

The episode is remarkable for the protagonists' parallel storylines as they search for their perfect movie-like Las Vegas experiences. The episode also earned positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised the comedic elements included in the show's concluding act.

1 "Connection Lost"

Season 6, Episode 16 (2015)

Connection Lost_ (Season 6, Ep 16)

IMDb Score: 9.5/10

After a fierce confrontation, Claire is stranded in an airport trying to contact Haley. But since she can't reach her, she begins using her MacBook to make a video call to the entire family. Along the way, Claire discovers that Haley is halfway to Vegas with Andy (Adam Devine) and buys a “What to Expect When You're Expecting” book. Thus, Claire and Phil assume the worst.

The episode is very creative because it is entirely displayed on a laptop screen, evoking the atmosphere of the 2018 Searching as well as the digital age. Additionally, as it occurs on Claire's PC, viewers can get a small glimpse of her internet browsing activities and personal musical tastes, providing them with a better understanding of Claire as a person without her family.

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