Anime’s Most Legendary Besties Ranked – #5 Will Shock You!

So, we are here again! I have to say that it took us quite a lot of time to make this list of the most iconic anime best friends list, and we are pretty much happy to share it with you all. From the monster duo of One Piece to the dazzling duo of Sailor Moon, we have got everything covered in this story of friends. You know, at this point, I thought of throwing some quotes on friendship and making it a so-called we-are-in-this-together story, but this is a bond of companionship that doesn’t seek such a menial explanation. So, here’s to the craziest duo of anime – the anime bff. Skol! 🍻

Also Read: Best Anime Songs of All Time: Our Top 10 Picks

The most Iconic Anime best friend bff

1. Naruto and Sasuke

• Anime name: Naruto: Shippuden
• Episode: 500 episodes
• Manga Author: Masashi Kishimoto
• Release Date: February 15, 2007
• Studio: Pierrot
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Netflix (depending on region)

Let’s start with the classic duo: Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha! ⚔️ Their friendship is legendary! Initially, they were rivals, but over time, they evolved into the best friends of anime. Naruto has an unwavering belief in Sasuke, despite Sasuke leaving the village and to the dark side, He believed him so much that he promised to bring Sasuke back. Their journey together is nothing short of epic, with more plot twists than death notes! Their bond teaches us about redemption and loyalty, making them one of the most iconic anime best friends duos!

Also Read: Best Female Anime Characters: Inspiring and Unforgettable

2. Tanjiro and Nezuko

• Anime name: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
• Episode: 55 episodes
• Manga Author: Koyoharu Gotouge
• Release Date: April 6, 2019
• Studio: Ufotable
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Supernatural
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, and Hulu (depending on region)

Tanjiro and Nezuko have a bond that you can’t break, no matter what happens in the series! ✨ It’s powerful, emotional, full of fun, banter, and melodrama—like a soap opera with sword fights! ⚔️ Despite Nezuko being turned into a daywalker demon, Tanjiro’s love and belief have not altered for a single second; it’s as resolute as a skyscraper! I’m in awe of how Tanjiro’s kindness and determination shine through like a beacon of hope in a dark world! Their relationship is a beautiful portrayal of family and loyalty, making them one of my favorite anime best friend duos! Spoiler alert: by the end of the series, they will become extremely powerful—like superhero-level powerful!

Also Read : Want To Eat Demon Slayer Characters’ Favorite Foods?

3. Ash and Pikachu

• Anime Name: Pokémon
• Episodes: Over 1,200 episodes across various seasons
• Manga Author: Based on the video game franchise by Game Freak and Nintendo
• Release Date: April 1, 1997
• Studio: OLM, Inc.
• Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Kids
• Streaming Platform: Available on Netflix, Pokémon TV, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video (depending on region)

Any list that talks about friendship is kind of incomplete without Ash and Pikachu. They are my kind of people, trust me! You see, These two birds have been together since the end of time, in their ups and downs, and fighting the battle. Pikachu always manages to come back to Ash no matter what, and that shows an extreme loyalty of friendship that you’ll not see in any of the anime. You can consider them the most inconic anime best friend of all time, they are just classic.

Also Read: All The Breathing Styles In Demon Slayer: A Quick Look

4. Luffy And Zoro

• Anime name: One Piece
• Episode: Ongoing (over 1,100 episodes as of 2024)
• Manga Author: Eiichiro Oda
• Release Date: October 20, 1999 (ongoing)
• Studio: Toei Animation
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, Netflix (depending on region)

Did someone call the monster duo? Oh yes! Luffy and Zoro’s friendship dates back to 1999, the first-ever arc of OnePiece, and it is still growing strong. No matter how often Luffy punched Zoro or swore to kill Luffy, it never shook. Their absolute loyalty to each other is just unprecedented. Luffy believes in Zoro’s dream of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman, and Zoro believes in Luffy’s dream of becoming the King of the Pirates. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with. The Vice-captain and the Captain of the Straw Hats Pirates is one hell of an anime best friend.

5. Edward And Alphonse Elric

• Anime name: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
• Episode: 64 episodes
• Manga Author: Hiromu Arakawa
• Release Date: April 5, 2009
• Studio: Bones
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Military, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Netflix (depending on region)

Check them out. Edward and Alphonse Elric, the favorite anime duo of Full Metal Alchemist, share a bond that goes beyond brotherhood. Their friendship is forged through hardship as they struggle to correct the consequences of a failed experiment that cost Edward a limb, leaving Alphonse’s soul bound to armor. And since then, they have embarked on a journey to restore what they’ve lost. Their unwavering support towards each other makes them one of the most iconic and heartwarming friendships in anime history.

Also Read: 13 Best Slice of Life Anime: Stories You Can’t Miss

6. Mikasa and Erin

• Anime Name: Attack on Titan
• Episodes: 87 episodes (split across 4 seasons)
• Manga Author: Hajime Isayama
• Release Date: April 7, 2013 (Season 1)
• Studio: Wit Studio (Seasons 1-3), MAPPA (Season 4)
• Genre: Action, Military, Mystery, Super Power, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Netflix (depending on region)

The most tragic friendship ever, Mikasa Ackerman and Eren Yeager’s friendship in Attack on Titan is built on loyalty, trauma, and love. This is how the story goes, after Eren saved Mikasa from traffickers, she started seeing him as her emotional anchor and protector. Eren, in return, deeply cares for Mikasa. However, Eren’s decisions later runied their bond, Mikasa’s loyalty never faltered, proving that their friendship and love is one of the strongest in any kind of anime we have seen.

7. Gon And Killua

• Anime name: Hunter x Hunter
• Episode: 62 episodes
• Manga Author: Yoshihiro Togashi
• Release Date: October 16, 1999
• Studio: Nippon Animation
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Not widely available on mainstream platforms, but may be found on specialized anime sites or for purchase on DVD.

Gon and Killua’s friendship in Hunter x Hunter is perhaps a perfect example of the best anime friendship; it’s kind of rooted in their contrasting backgrounds. Gon is an optimistic boy, who seeks to find his father and prove his strength, however, on the other end we have, Killua, who hails from a notorious family of assassins. Believe it or not, their journey begins during the Hunter Exam, and soon, an adventure of a lifetime unfolds. Together, they face numerous challenges, growing stronger and defining their journey of friendship.

Also Read: 8 Best Action Anime: Unleashing The Thill

8. Itadori and Todo

• Anime Name: Jujutsu Kaisen
• Episodes: 24 episodes (Season 1), 23 episodes (Season 2 ongoing)
• Manga Author: Gege Akutami
• Release Date: October 3, 2020 (Season 1)
• Studio: MAPPA
• Genre: Action, Supernatural, Horror, School, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix (depending on region)

Well, we have it here! Itadori and Todo’s friendship in Jujutsu Kaisen is a powerful example of camaraderie born from mutual respect and shared ideals. So, here goes the story, their friendship started during a fierce battle against curses, where Todo recognizes Itadori’s potential and passion for saving others. And moving forward, their friendship grew through intense training. Their support for each other showcases the importance of friendship in overcoming challenges, making them a monster anime dou in the world of jujutsu kaisen.

9. Einar and Thorfinn

• Anime Name: Vinland Saga
• Episodes: 24 episodes (Season 1), 24 episodes (Season 2)
• Manga Author: Makoto Yukimura
• Release Date: July 7, 2019 (Season 1)
• Studio: Wit Studio (Season 1), MAPPA (Season 2)
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Historical, Seinen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Crunchyroll (depending on region)

How can we forget the Vinland Saga duo when we are making a list of Best anime friendships? So, this is how the story goes: Einar, a farmer who turns into a slave after his village is destroyed, meets Thorfinn, a broken warrior enslaved on the same farm. They both lived completely different lives. However, in the end, they both started working together and gaining respect for each other and together, they inspired each other to seek a life beyond violence and freedom.

Also Read: Best Anime Dubs: Top 7 English Voice Performances

10. Jessie and James

• Anime Name: Pokémon
• Episodes: Over 1,200 episodes across various seasons
• Manga Author: Based on the video game franchise by Game Freak and Nintendo
• Release Date: April 1, 1997
• Studio: OLM, Inc.
• Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Kids
• Streaming Platform: Available on Netflix, Pokémon TV, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video (depending on region)

To change the course of history, we have here Jessie and James, the iconic anime best friends who need no introduction. As members of Team Rocket, their mission to capture Ash’s Pikachu has always failed in a tragic comedy. However, if you look at it, despite their constant failures, Jessie and James stick together through thick and thin, along with their loyal Meowth. Though they play the role of villains, their friendship shines through in their loyalty and humor.

11. Power and Denji

• Anime Name: Chainsaw Man
• Episodes: 12 episodes (Season 1)
• Manga Author: Tatsuki Fujimoto
• Release Date: October 12, 2022
• Studio: MAPPA
• Genre: Action, Supernatural, Gore, Horror, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix (depending on region)

And here comes the Chainsaw Man friends, Power and Denji’s friendship is a chaotic yet heartfelt journey. Initially, Power, a Blood Fiend, and Denji, a devil-human hybrid, were rivals. However, after they rescue, Meowy, from the Bat Devil, their companionship gew. By nature, I have to say that both are wild, impulsive, which makes their relationship unique. Power and Denji have a sibling-like friendship, adding a touch of heart to the otherwise brutal world of Chainsaw Man.

Also Read: 12 Best Seinen Anime: Top Picks for Adult Fans

12. Simon and Kamina

• Anime Name: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
• Episodes: 27 episodes
• Manga Author: Kazuki Nakashima (Story), Kotaro Mori (Manga adaptation)
• Release Date: April 1, 2007
• Studio: Gainax
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Mecha, Sci-Fi, Super Robot
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix (depending on region)

The action dou are here, Simon and Kamina’s friendship in Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is built on brotherhood. So, here’s a little background, Kamina serves as Simon’s guiding light; he helped the young boy grow into a leader. Their bond grew so strong that even after Kamina’s death, his spirit lives on through Simon. Their friendship is proof of the power of belief, and it might be the best anime friendship that goes beyond the heavens.

13. Mob and Reagan

• Anime Name: Mob Psycho 100
• Episodes: 25 episodes (Season 1 & 2), 12 episodes (Season 3)
• Manga Author: ONE
• Release Date: July 11, 2016 (Season 1)
• Studio: Bones
• Genre: Action, Supernatural, Comedy, Slice of Life, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Netflix (depending on region)

OK, I promise I’ll not call ghost and spirit here! but we have to address the psychic i the room, Mob and Reigen’s friendship in Mob Psycho Anime is a unique bond. Here’s a little background Reigen, is a self-proclaimed psychic, takes Mob under his wing. Reigen lacks real psychic powers, he’s just an emotional support. They kind of have a mentor-student relationship. It’s unique and funny at the same, that whenever they both are on the screen it shines.

Also Read: 10 Best Anime Villains: Antagonists Who Define Their Series

14. Roy Mustang and Maes Hughes

• Anime name: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
• Episode: 64 episodes
• Manga Author: Hiromu Arakawa
• Release Date: April 5, 2009
• Studio: Bones
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Military, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Netflix (depending on region)

Hold your horses, another anime friends duo are here! Roy Mustang and Maes Hughes. The loyal friendship of Fullmetal Alchemist, their bond is rooted in trust and mutual respect. They both are high-ranking officers in the Amestrian military, hence they support each other in their personal and professional lives. Hughes believes in Mustang’s dreams of reforming the country. However, when Hughes is tragically killed, his death shakes Mustang, driving him to seek justice and fulfill their shared vision.

15. Speedwagon and the Joestars

• Anime Name: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
• Episodes: 190+ episodes
• Manga Author: Hirohiko Araki
• Release Date: October 6, 2012
• Studio: David Production
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, and Funimation (depending on region)

You might not believe this, but Speedwagon’s friendship with the Joestars in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is one hell of companionship. It is marked by loyalty, admiration, and support. Speedwagon supports Jonathan and later his descendants, providing resources, intelligence, and moral support. He is loyal to Joestars, and that extends across generations, showing respect for the Joestar bloodline, making him the most trusted and devoted friend throughout the anime series.

Also Read: Best Rom Com Anime: Series That Will Steal Your Heart

16. Katsura and Gintoki

• Anime Name: Gintama
• Episodes: 367 episodes
• Manga Author: Hideaki Sorachi
• Release Date: April 4, 2006
• Studio: Sunrise
• Genre: Action, Comedy, Historical, Parody, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu (depending on region)

The action friends are here, Katsura and Gintoki’s can be consider a worthy additon to this best anime friendship list. And the story goes something like this, Katsura and Gintoki were former comrades from the Joui War, and since then they are together. Unlike all friendship, they have some differences, however despite their differences, they remain close friends, and were always ready to help one another in times of need.

17. Senku and Taiju

• Anime Name: Dr. Stone
• Episodes: 35 episodes
• Manga Author: Riichiro Inagaki
• Release Date: July 5, 2019
• Studio: TMS Entertainment
• Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Shounen
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix (depending on region)

I’m 100 billion % sure that you’ll like them!!! Senku and Taiju’s friendship with Dr. Stone is one hell of a ride. On the one hand, we have Senku, the brilliant scientist, and Taiju, the physically strong yet kind-hearted dude. Senku is the brain, and Taiju is the muscle, making them the perfect anime duo ever. Taiju believes in Senku’s vision for humanity’s future, making him a loyal companion. You’ll absolutely love their fun moment especially when Taiju says “i don’t understand what you are saying but you need my strength right?”

Also Read: How Many Breathing Styles Does Tanjiro Know?

18. Lelouch and Suzaka

• Anime Name: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
• Episodes: 50 episodes
• Manga Author: Ichirō Ōkouchi
• Release Date: October 5, 2006
• Studio: Sunrise
• Genre: Action, Mecha, Military, Psychological, Drama, Thriller
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix (depending on region)

One can say that Lelouch and Suzaku’s friendship in Code Geass is a complex one. However, I think all companionship is as complex as one can see. You also have to take into account that these two characters are childhood friends. It is true that they are driven by opposing goals. On one hand, Lelouch seeks to overthrow the Britannian Empire, while Suzaku, on the other hand, believes in reform from within. Despite their differences and betrayals, they have managed to outshine the screen whenever they are on screen.

19. Iskandar and Waver

• Anime Name: Fate/Zero
• Episodes: 25 episodes (Season 1), 12 episodes (Season 2)
• Manga Author: Gen Urobuchi (Original story), Type-Moon (Visual novel)
• Release Date: October 1, 2011
• Studio: Ufotable
• Genre: Action, Supernatural, Fantasy, Drama, Thriller
• Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix (depending on region)

This might be the most underrated friendship duo of the anime-verse, but it’s there. Iskandar and Waver’s friendship in Fate/Zero is a sweet blend of growth. On the one hand, we have Waver, who is an inexperienced Master, and on the other hand, we have Iskandar, the ambitious Rider. Through various battles and adventures, their bond grew, and it shaped from a mere Master-Servant relationship into a genuine friendship. Making them the most likable best anime friendship so far.

At the end

So, this marks the end of our list of best anime friends and duo of all time, If you feel we have missed any. Do drop in the comment section about the anime duo that you want to see in our list. For all the times, Thanks.