Ranking the 14 Best Modern Family Episodes of All Time

“Modern Family” is a really funny TV show loved by people of all ages. It has clever jokes and characters everyone likes. Whether you’re a big fan or just started watching, this 11-season comedy will make you laugh a lot.

1. Connection Lost (Season 6, Episode 16)

Modern Family Connection Lost S06E16
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

“Connection Lost” unfolds on a laptop screen, framing the characters’ conversations within video chats and messaging apps. When Haley (Sarah Hyland) suddenly disappears after an argument, her mother, Claire (Julie Bowen), frantically scours her Facebook updates for clues about her whereabouts.

The episode’s hilarious dialogue and unique presentation make it a fan favorite, earning an IMDb score of 9.5 out of 10.

2. Las Vegas (Season 5, Episode 18)

Modern Family Las Vegas S05E18
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

In “Las Vegas,” the adult members of the cast find themselves in the glitzy and glamorous city to celebrate the anniversary of Jay (Ed O’Neill) and Gloria’s (Sofia Vergara). Wacky shenanigans reach an all-time high as Claire gambles away, Phil (Ty Burrell) joins a secret magician’s club, and Jay goes to great lengths to upgrade his room to a luxury suite.

This episode, featuring guest appearances by Patton Oswalt and Fred Armisen, is filled with unexpected moments but still manages to end on an entertaining note.

3. Caught in the Act (Season 2, Episode 13)

Modern Family Caught In The Act S02E13
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

As dedicated fans already know, there’s one comedic element the show delivers best: putting its characters in embarrassing situations. “Caught in the Act” offers just that, as Phil and Claire find themselves in a panic after their kids walk in on them getting intimate.

As they go about awkwardly explaining themselves, Gloria has a mishap of her own: she sent an inappropriate email by mistake.

4. Fulgencio (Season 4, Episode 13)

Modern Family Fulgencio S04E13
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

“Fulgencio” is an homage-slash-spoof of The Godfather, recreating its visual style in inventive ways.

Jay bickers with Gloria’s in-laws about his newborn son’s name, who the in-laws insist should be Fulgencio Umberto Pritchett.

5. American Skyper (Season 6, Episode 24)

Modern Family American Skyper
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

“American Skyper” revolves around Alex’s (Ariel Winter) high school graduation. Phil, unable to attend in person, virtually meets the family through a tablet propped up on a human-sized stand.

While the episode is filled with amusing scenes, it concludes with touching moments, reminding us that the show’s essence is familial love.

6. Finale Part 2 (Season 11, Episode 18)

Modern Family Finale Part 2 S11E18
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

As the entire cast says their emotional goodbyes in “Finale Part 2,” audiences reflect on how much has changed throughout the show’s 11-year run.

A fitting end to a show about growing up and navigating life changes, the Dunphy kids prepare to set out independently.

7. Fizbo (Season 1, Episode 9)

Modern Family Fizbo S01E09
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

“Fizbo,” named after Cam’s (Eric Stonestreet) clown persona, is equal parts lighthearted and intriguing.

It begins with a tension-filled scene at a hospital, suggesting that someone is seriously injured. The story is pieced together through flashbacks, where Cam is shown in full costume for Luke’s (Nolan Gould) birthday party, Manny (Rico Rodriguez) attempts to impress a girl, and a poisonous scorpion goes missing.

8. My Funky Valentine (Season 1, Episode 15)

My Funky Valentine Modern Family
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

A riveting take on the romantic holiday, “My Funky Valentine” depicts Phil and Claire on a one-of-a-kind date. Things are going swell until a wardrobe malfunction disrupts the lovey-dovey atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Jay and Gloria’s age gap is spotlighted as an easy target for a stand-up comedian at a live show.

9. Schooled (Season 4, Episode 2)

Modern Family Schooled S04E02
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

“Schooled” will resonate deeply with any parent on the brink of tears sending their child to school.

In this episode, Haley heads to college while Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) is dropped off at kindergarten. In true “Modern Family” fashion, these milestones are marked by a blend of petty conflicts and heartwarming moments

10. The Wedding, Part 2 (Season 5, Episode 24)

Modern Family The Wedding Part 2 S05E24
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cam finally tie the knot in “The Wedding, Part 2!”

Did it become the picture-perfect wedding they had always dreamed of? Not exactly, but with tireless support from loved ones and heartfelt reconciliations, it was a special occasion that moved viewers to tears.

11. Phil’s Sexy, Sexy House (Season 7, Episode 7)

Modern Family Phil's Sexy Sexy House S07E07
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

“Phil’s Sexy, Sexy House” is a quintessential Thanksgiving episode, showcasing the series’ signature humor and talent for weaving multiple narratives into a 20-minute story.

Chaos ensues as Haley, Cam, Mitchell, and others independently sneak into the upscale house Phil is selling, unaware that they all have similar plans.

12. The Party (Season 7, Episode 18)

Modern Family The Party S07E18
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

Dynamic duo Manny and Luke are assigned to look after Lily in “The Party.”

While the grown-ups treat themselves to a day of relaxation, the two boys are left to handle a crisis independently.

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

Modern Family A Year Of Birthdays S10E22
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

As the tight-knit family anticipates the birth of Haley’s twins, they reflect on how they spent their birthdays the year before. Aptly titled “A Year of Birthdays,” this episode provides viewers a glimpse into each character’s antics as they mark another year older.

This episode highlights the events that shaped their characters and solidified their bonds, from Manny’s rejected proposal to Cam’s secret-spilling party.

14. Family Portrait (Season 1, Episode 24)

Modern Family Family Portrait S01E24
Image Credit: Lloyd-Levitan Productions.

Season 1 wraps with “Family Portrait,” in which Claire tries to gather everyone for a group picture, but things don’t go as planned. While she busies herself arranging the photo spot, her husband Phil sits courtside at a Lakers Game with Gloria, Alex, and Luke.

The episode’s highlight is when the live TV broadcast reveals Phil in the audience, completely ignoring Claire’s phone call. In the end, the families come together to snap a chaotic yet personality-filled photo.

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