Why does McDonald’s in North America often feel underwhelming compared to its global offerings? If you’re a fan of Friends, you might find yourself tempted to book a flight abroad, as McDonald’s has just launched a special adult Happy Meal inspired by the hit show. The downside? This McDonald’s x Friends collaboration is currently only available in Spain. Dubbed the “Friends Box,” this limited-edition meal taps into Friends nostalgia and showcases how international McDonald’s locations frequently get creative, exclusive menu items that U.S. customers rarely experience. From localized flavors to exciting pop culture tie-ins, McDonald’s abroad often offers a more diverse and imaginative menu lineup.
The Friends Box is a prime example. Packaged in an oversized Happy Meal box decorated with Friends branding, the meal comes with your choice of a Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, McRoyal Deluxe, CBO (Cheddar, Bacon, Onion), or McChicken—though the McChicken in Spain is a larger, more premium version than what’s found on the U.S. value menu. It also includes Monica’s Marinara Sauce, a nod to Monica Geller’s character from the show, who is famously a chef. The meal is rounded out with fries, a fountain drink, and a collectible toy (or figurine, if you’d prefer to call it that) of a Friends character. This exclusive offering highlights the creativity and diversity that international McDonald’s menus often showcase, which can make North American offerings seem more basic by comparison.
This release celebrates the 30th anniversary of the iconic sitcom and is part of their exclusive “Adult Happy Meals” promotion. The Friends Box comes with a special collection of figurines, each representing one of the six beloved cast members from Friends. Designed to appeal to fans of all ages—whether you’re a grown-up revisiting childhood nostalgia or a younger fan discovering the show for the first time—these meals blend the fun of a Happy Meal with a touch of sophistication. The Friends-themed figurines add an extra layer of excitement, turning the meal into a collectible experience that commemorates three decades of the show’s lasting cultural impact.