The 25 Funniest Episodes Of The Office

Summary The funniest The Office episodes capture what fans love most: hilarious scenarios and unforgettable lines.

The holiday parties, gossip frenzy, and wedding mishaps make for the most memorable and funny moments in The Office.

Michael's ignorance, Dwight's ambition, and Jim's pranks create the perfect mix of humor and tension in these standout episodes.

The funniest The Office episodes are a good glimpse at what fans love so much about this show. The American remake of The Office is one of the most beloved television comedies of all time and one of the most rewatchable. Even after binging all nine seasons of the show, fans can turn around and start again from the beginning. And while the show certainly knows how to pull at the heartstrings and can bring a tear to the eye, it’s the laughs fans keep coming back for, as seen in the funniest The Office episodes.

There are the holiday celebrations that inevitably go array, the new distractions Michael finds and thrusts upon everyone, and even a few memorable adventures outside of Dunder Mifflin itself. These standout The Office episodes deliver the funniest moments and most quotable lines from the workplace sitcom. So, while there are some episodes fans hold dear because of how special they are, others are remembered for simply being the funniest episodes of The Office.

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25 "Christmas Party"

Season 2, Episode 10

There have been some terrific Christmas episodes of The Office, but the very first one remains a hard one to top. With a year of layoffs and cutbacks, Michael wants to ensure this year's holiday festivities are special for everyone in the office, even though corporate won't let them have alcohol. Of course, Michael proves to be a big part of turning the party into a disaster as he changes the simple Secret Santa gift exchange into a tense game of Yankee Swap.

The episode is full of yuletide fun, mixed with the show's talent for wringing laughs out of increasingly uncomfortable scenarios. It all builds to a fun conclusion, where Michael decides to win everyone back with booze. The episode was nominated for an Emmy for writing and remains a favorite to revisit around the holiday season.

24 "Gossip"

Season 6, Episode 1

Any office space is subject to a good deal of gossip, but it is bound to get much worse when Michael Scott becomes involved. The episode finds Michael feeling left out of all the latest news in the Scranton office, so he searches for the hottest gossip he can find. When he accidentally reveals that Stanley is having an affair, he tries to spread misinformation to cover it up.

There are a lot of hilarious moments coming from Michael's endless rumors he begins spreading about everyone in the office. As the chaos unfolds, Andy's increasingly frantic attempts to dispel the rumors about his sexuality add another layer of humor to Michael's gossip-fueled escapades. It is another beautiful mess made by Michael with a laugh-out-loud conclusion. Showrunner Michael Schur was nominated for an Emmy for writing the episode.

23 "Phyllis' Wedding"

Season 2, Episode 10

Wedding episodes on The Office have been a lot of fun, and while "Phyllis's Wedding" might not be the most memorable of all of them, it may pack the most laughs. The hilarity begins with Michael being chosen to help in the ceremony, letting the job go to his head, and then acting like a child when it is a less showy role than he expected. It can be hard to watch Michael act so immature, but it is undeniably funny.

There is also a funny subplot with Pam gradually realizing that Phyllis just copied the plans for her abandoned wedding to Roy. As Michael desperately seeks attention, he hijacks the microphone during the ceremony, delivering a cringeworthy toast that becomes painfully long and awkward. Meanwhile, Dwight's relentless quest to catch wedding crashers adds another layer of comedic chaos to the event. The episode culminates in classic Office style when Michael is ultimately kicked out of the reception, marking another memorable mishap in his series of social faux pas.

22 "Diversity Day"

Season 1, Episode 2

The first season of the show took a little while to get going. It was still struggling to move out of the shadow of the British version, and the characters were not yet fully realized. However, the second episode showed just how much potential the show had. The concept of Michael Scott doing diversity sensitivity training is just the perfect setup. It showcased Michael's hilarious ignorance and the cringe-worthy comedy the show did so well. It would be painful to watch if it wasn’t so funny.

Michael's misguided attempts to imitate different accents under the guise of being "educational" highlight his character's absurd lack of self-awareness and sensitivity. The discomfort is palpable among the Dunder Mifflin staff as they are forced to participate in Michael's offensive version of a diversity training exercise, leading to a series of awkward yet humorous interactions. Kelly's reaction to Michael's impersonation, resulting in a swift slap, is a comedic climax that perfectly encapsulates the episode's blend of humor and tension.

21 "The Coup"

Season 3, Episode 3

Dwight has always been Michael's most loyal employee, but he is also the most ambitious employee in the office, which makes for an interesting conflict in "The Coup." Dwight goes behind Michael's back to try to get the manager job, but when Michael finds out about it, he plans a complicated scheme for revenge. There are so many hilarious moments in the episode as Dwight and Michael both treat this power play as a much bigger deal than it actually is.

From Dwight's strange meeting with Jan to Michael inspecting Dwight's claim about a dentist appointment to the truth finally being revealed, "The Coup" is a great episode to put these two memorable characters against each other. Angela's covert support of Dwight's ambitions, which reflects her own complex relationship with power and secrecy in the office, further complicates the dynamics and adds to the comedic tension. The episode's humor peaks during a painfully awkward yet hilarious scene where Michael pretends to fire Dwight, only to reveal it as a bizarre punishment and loyalty test.

20 "Goodbye, Toby"

Season 4, Episode 14

Michael's hatred for Toby on The Office is one of the show's most popular running gags, so there were a lot of expectations about how the show would handle Toby's party. The episode also introduces Holly Flax, making for some adorable fun as she and Michael prove to be an expectedly good match. It is a packed episode with a surprise proposal, a shocking return from Jan, and a cliffhanger reveal. Still, most of the laughs come from Michael finally seeing his enemy leave, including a hilarious exit interview.

Michael's plans for Toby’s going-away party, including his cruel gift, highlight the extent of his disdain for Toby, adding a layer of ridiculousness that's Michael Scott. The party becomes a comedy of errors, with Michael's attempts to make it a bash for Toby clashing with the more heartfelt goodbyes from other staff members. Holly's reaction to Michael's reactions, coupled with her quirky sense of humor, sets the stage for delightful misunderstandings and comedic interactions between the two.

19 "Threat Level Midnight"

Season 7, Episode 17

One of the funniest The Office episodes feels like a special treat to fans as an intriguing gag from long ago gets a wonderful payoff. Years after finding a script for Michael Scott's movie Threat Level Midnight, the employees of Dunder Mifflin gather to see the finished product. The episode is a wonderful glimpse inside Michael's mind as he actually thought this ridiculous movie would turn out to be good. The absurdity peaks as Michael's character, Agent Michael Scarn, performs outlandish stunts and delivers cringeworthy one-liners that are so bad they're causing both the on-screen and real-life audience to oscillate between disbelief and laughter.

The reactions of the Dunder Mifflin staff, ranging from amusement to second-hand embarrassment, add another layer of humor as they politely endure Michael's passion project. Jim's commentary throughout the screening, poking fun at the film's inconsistencies and ridiculous plot, perfectly encapsulates the episode's satire and affectionate tribute to Michael's misguided aspirations. It is also fun to see how the cast is used in the film, including some fun cameos from former cast members.

18 "The Fight"

Season 2 Episode 6

The relationship between Michael and Dwight has always been one of the show's highlights. While they are usually seen working together, "The Fight" is a rare instance when they are against each other as they each attempt to claim the title of the office's most demanding person. The climactic fight is hilariously pathetic, but the episode is filled with many terrific moments leading up to that. From Jim's prank of hiding Dwight's desk in the bathroom to Michael's procrastination, it delivers laughs and action.

The buildup to the dojo showdown features Michael attempting to assert his authority with increasingly absurd demonstrations of "strength." Dwight's preparation for the fight, including his severe demeanor and martial arts gear, contrasts comically with the actual triviality of their scuffle. The fight, more of a slapstick display than an actual brawl, perfectly captures the blend of childlike rivalry and camaraderie that defines Michael and Dwight's companionship, making it a standout moment of the series.

17 "The Negotiation"

Season 3, Episode 19

The romantic relationship between Michael and Jan started unexpectedly, but it got really strange over time. This is solidified in the episode "The Negotiation," where Michael is forced to testify at Jan's Jan'sit negotiation. The Office is often at its best when it embraces the most cringe-worthy comedy; this episode delivers those uncomfortable laughs as Michael is continuously embarrassed during his deposition, including reading his diary with detailed entries about his man-crush on Ryan.

Michael's misplaced loyalty to Jan is on full display, adding layers to the humor as he obliviously undermines their positions with his over-the-top, heartfelt, wildly inappropriate comments. Jan's mortified reactions to Michael, coupled with the bewildered expressions of the lawyers and mediator, drive the episode's comedy factor to new heights. Michael's misguided attempts at supporting Jan are highlights of season 3.

16 "Business School"

Season 3, Episode 16

It seems like some of the funniest The Office episodes are whenever Michael is given the opportunity to put on a big performance. In "Business School," he is invited to be a guest speaker at Ryan's college where he hopes to inspire a new generation of professionals. Seeing Michael spout what he thinks are pearls of wisdom, but actually, it just involves him ripping out a student's book and throwing candy bars at them, which is great fun.

Michael's attempt to connect with the business students using his unconventional methods highlights his cluelessness and misplaced confidence, leading to awkward silences and unintended laughter from the audience. To make it even better, Dwight deals with a bat loose in the office while Jim convinces him that he is becoming a vampire. The episode perfectly blends physical comedy with Michael's cringe-worthy public speaking, making it a memorable showcase of the show’s workplace antics with character-driven humor.

15 "Conflict Resolution"

Season 2, Episode 21

The endless pranks and battles between Jim and Dwight, which have defined the series, come to a head in the episode "Conflict Interest" as Dwight realizes that all of his complaints went unreported to corporate over the years. It is then up to Michael to squash the beef, yet he only succeeds in making things worse. As Michael attempts to mediate, his inept handling of the complaints file turns the office into a verbal battlefield, escalating tensions instead of calming them.

This leads to a series of increasingly petty yet hilarious confessions, revealing the minor yet comically blown-out-of-proportion irritations among the staff. Fans are also treated to a scene in which some of Jim's pranks are discussed in a meeting. The episode's climax comes with a classic Michael Scott twist, where his unconventional methods somehow lead to momentary peace.

14 "Safety Training"

Season 3, Episode 20

Despite what his constant buffoonery might suggest, Michael craves respect and will go to great lengths to get it. No episode better displays that burning desire in Michael than "Safety Training." The entire office must undergo safety training after an accident in the warehouse (caused by Michael, of course). The premise is the perfect setup for Michael to show off his immatureness while also getting self-conscious about his cushy position. The final moments of Michael planning to jump off the roof to prove the dangers of office life shows Michael at his most ridiculous.

Michael's exaggerated sense of danger in the office environment adds a layer of absurdity that is quintessentially Michael Scott. As he prepares for his rooftop stunt, his attempts to draw severe lessons about office safety become increasingly absurd, reflecting his misguided approach to leadership and desire for attention. The intervention by his colleagues, who must creatively convince him of his value to prevent his jump, underscores the episode's humor and genuine concern for Michael's wellbeing, all while satirizing workplace safety measures.

13 "Scott's Tots"

Season 6, Episode 12

Sometimes, Michael's heart can be in the right place even if his brain is not. In The Office's Scott's Tots debacle, Michael is forced to confront his biggest mistake as he promised a class of underprivileged students he would pay for their tuition when they graduated high school. When the time comes, Michael is far less wealthy than he thought he would be and can't keep his promise.

The scene where Michael faces the expectant students and their heartfelt expressions of gratitude, only to reveal he can't fund their education, escalates the cringe factor to unprecedented levels. His desperate attempt to substitute the college tuition with laptop batteries is both painfully inadequate and absurdly humorous. The episode perfectly captures the blend of misguided intentions and uncomfortable reality that marks one of Michael's most memorable moments, leaving both characters and viewers squirming in their seats.

12 "Broke"

Season 5, Episode 25

Seeing Michael as an underdog is fun, as his blind ambition, mixed with his ill-conceived ideas, tends to make comedy gold. "Broke" follows Michael, Pam, and Ryan at their newly established Michael Scott Paper Company. While the business has become a competitor to Dunder-Mifflin, Michael soon finds they are going broke. The dynamic between Michael, Pam, and Ryan, often characterized by their bumbling but earnest teamwork, creates a series of comedic yet heartfelt moments as they struggle to keep their company afloat.

As Dwight schemes to undermine their efforts, Jim's interference adds a layer of office rivalry that plays out with humorous sabotage and witty banter. This Office episode culminates in a surprisingly clever negotiation scene, where Michael inadvertently demonstrates his business acumen, turning their dire financial situation into an unexpected and delightfully satisfying victory.

11 "Booze Cruise"

Season 2, Episode 11

It seems that many of the series' best episodes involve all the Dunder-Mifflin employees getting out of the office setting and going on an adventure. "Booze Cruise" is another of MichaeMichael's team-building activities as the team heads out for a fun night on the water. The episode is another great example of Michael making a fool of himself and not knowing when to quit. He tries to make a motivational speech as everyone else tries to party.

It all culminates in Michael announcing that the ship is sinking and causing massive paMichaeMichael'sdel'sd leadership skills are comically spotlighted as he seizes the ship's Soundsystem to deliver a disruptive speech, much to the annoyance of the ship's captain. During this chaos, a significant development unfolds in Jim and Pam's relationship, providing emotional depth amidst the comedic chaos.

10 "Casino Night"

Season 2, Episode 22

"Casino Night" is an eventful finale episode of the show's second season. It is largely remembered as the episode in which Jim finally tells Pam how he feels, but there are plenty of hilarious moments to remember too. The casino setting for the episode is the perfect setting for so many funny scenarios: Kevin's failed attempt at being a poker all-star, Creed's constant stealing, and Michael's bad bluffing. There are also some great moments involving Michael bringing two women as dates and the awkward love triangle that ensues.

As the night unfolds, Michael's efforts at bluffing fail to impress and leave him comically exposed during the poker games, much to the amusement of his colleagues. Meanwhile, Dwight's unique approach to casino games, complete with his meticulous and over-the-top strategies, provides a consistent stream of humor. The episode also features a tender moment between Phyllis and Bob Vance, which adds a warm, romantic contrast to the high-energy comedic antics surrounding the casino event.

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9 "Customer Survey"

Season 5, Episode 7

As great as Jim and Dwight are as enemies, they are sometimes even more entertaining as allies. After getting unusually poor performance reviews, they find themselves in the odd position of being on the same side. The back-and-forth between these two is one of the highlights of the show. Even while allies, Jim can't help but mess with Dwight in a hilarious mock sales call. There are also some hilarious moments in Jim's tiny Bluetooth earpiece used to talk to Pam discreetly and, of course, confuse Dwight.

During their investigation into the poor reviews, the unlikely duo discovers that Kelly tampered with the customer surveys as revenge for missing her America's Got Talent viewing party, adding an element of absurdity to their predicament. This revelation leads to a comedic confrontation when Dwight's seriousness clashes with Kelly's casual dismissal of her actions. As Jim and Dwight team up to address the situation, their dynamic evolves, showcasing a rare but amusing camaraderie that highlights their ability to work together despite their usual antagonism.

8 "The Convict"

Season 3, Episode 9

When the merger of the Stamford branch characters into the Scranton branch introduced some fun new additions and brought some characters back, it wasn't as smooth sailing. Michael panics at the news to learn that Martin is a new and convicted felon employee. This episode is an excellent display of Michael's wild extremes. First, his confident side tries to make things better while making them worse. Then, when the office begins joking that prison sounds better than Dunder-Mifflin, the insecure Michael turns it into a disaster.

Michael's portrayal of "Prison Mike," complete with a makeshift bandana and a rough accent, is an over-the-top attempt to scare his employees into appreciating their jobs, adding to the humor of his misguided efforts. As he dramatically describes the harsh realities of prison life—which are clearly fabricated—the staff's reactions range from amusement to utter disbelief. The episode also highlights Angela’s disdain for the relaxed attitude toward Martin’s past, causing friction and prompting a series of funny, passive-aggressive exchanges with her colleagues.

7 "The Surplus"

Season 5, Episode 10

Even when Michael does something right, he manages to do something wrong. After discovering a surplus in the budget, Michael has the office trying to decide where the money would best be spent. That is until he learns that he can keep some of the money for himself. This is one of those episodes that makes excellent use of the whole office. Everyone has their own ideas about how to spend money, leading to the division of office, even among Jim and Pam.

As the debate over the surplus heats up, Michael's attempts to play both sides lead to hilarious misunderstandings and flip-flopping decisions. Oscar's detailed explanation of the surplus concept and Michael's misinterpretation add a layer of humor, showcasing Michael's lack of basic financial understanding. The episode culminates in a classic office showdown, with Michael struggling to maintain control as everyone passionately argues their case.

6 "Beach Games"

Season 3, Episode 23

Another excellent example of how funny this show can be is when they utilize every bizarre character in the office. After learning he is being considered for an executive role, Michael decides the best way to choose his successor is through a series of challenges – while at the beach. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments in this episode, from the hot dog eating contest to Andy floating away in a Sumo suit to Dwight's ultimate failure to walk across the coals.

"Beach Games" proves the show can be just as funny when they leave the office setting behind. Michael's misguided attempt to emulate corporate decision-making by using tribal-like games highlights his eccentric approach to management, leading to comically disastrous results. Pam's emotional, impromptu speech by the fire, where she finally voices her frustrations and ambitions, adds a poignant moment that contrasts with the episode's prevailing humor.