The 50 best cartoon duos of all time ranked

THE best cartoon girl duos have ensured that generations of young people have fallen in love with animation as a medium. What's more, female character pairings are also responsible for some of the most iconic presences in cartoons and animations of all time. Although male duos and male-female teams in cartoons are common, the world of animation is surprisingly light on female character pairings. Girls in cartoons tend to come in trios, groups, or alone. However, this only ensures that the best cartoon duos stand out.

Whether they're classic characters from shows like The Flintstones or Scooby-Doo or pairs of heroines from animated films from powerhouses like Disney or Pixar, each of the best cartoon duos brings something unique. They share a series of dynamics, some being best friends, others sisters, and mother and daughter duos (and even some granddaughter and grandmother teams) also present. One thing they all have in common, however, is that they're incredibly memorable, whether it's because they're hilarious, they share a touching (or moving) relationship, or they're a mix of the two.

50

Scardelita and Adelita

The Book of Life (2014)

2014 The Book of Life by director Jorge R. Guiterrez is often compared to Disney's Coconut because they were released at a similar time and both have plots focused on characters heading to the Mexican Land of the Dead. However, The Book of Life has its own strong sense of identity. In part, this is due to the characters being much stranger, as is the case with her contribution to the many great female cartoon character duos – the twins Scardelita and Adelita.

The late cousins ​​of the hero Manolo, Scardelita (Sandra Equihua) and Adelita (Anjelah Johnson) are twin sisters who died protecting Emiliano Zapata during the Mexican Revolution between 1910 and 1920. Always bickering even when fighting villains, Scardelita and Adelita are as hilarious as they are exciting to watch, and easily among the best characters in the Land of the Dead in The Book of Life and would probably also be great themes for their own spin-off.

49

The ugly sisters

Cinderella (1950)

When it comes to classic animated films, Disney's 1950 film Ugly Sisters Cinderella are perhaps the quintessential example of memorable cartoon girl duos. Never shown separately, the Ugly Sisters (named Drizella and Anastasia) exist as pure comic relief, and it's a role they play incredibly well.

Although they make Cinderella's life difficult and are antagonists, the Ugly Sisters of Cinderella remain an iconic pair of female characters. Everything from the character designs to Rhoda Williams and Lucille Bliss' vocal performances stands out on rewatch Cinderella, and From the outside, perhaps the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella's loyal mouse companions, the Ugly Sisters, are perhaps the film's most memorable characters.

48

Veronica and Trixie

The Fairly OddParents (2001-2016)

Nickelodeon The Fairly OddParents was one of the most successful animated shows released by the network, from 2001 to 2016 (and with revival spinoffs like The Faily OddParents: a new wish). Although they weren't major characters on the show, high school cheerleaders Veronica and Trixie still rank as an incredibly memorable cartoon duo.

While many examples of female character pairings stand out for the emotional dynamics of their relationship, the fact that Trixie and Veronica are memorable is entirely due to the humor of their appearances. Trixie is the most popular girl in school, with Veronica being her best friend. While Trixie constantly rejects Timmy Tuner's affections, Veronica is secretly in love with him (although she treats him with contempt whenever Trixie is around), creating a hilarious secret love triangle.

47

Barbara Gordon and Harleen Quinzel

DC Super Hero Girls (2019 to present)

The 2019 TV Show DC superhero girls is an animated reimagining of the DC Comics universe designed specifically to attract new female fans among younger viewers. The series more or less repositions all of DC's female characters into a team of heroes or villains, and of course there are plenty of memorable pairings as the series focuses on their lives with and without capes.

However, of all DC superhero girls characters, it's the on-again, off-again friendship between Barbara Gordon and Harleen Quinzel, aka Batgirl and Harley Quinn, that stands out as one of the best cartoon girl duos. Despite being on opposite ends of the moral spectrum, neither Barbara nor Harleen can ignore the fact that they enjoy each other's company, which leads to some surprisingly tender moments where Barbara's presence makes Harleen question her villainous ways.

46

Peggy and Luanne

King of the Hill (1997-2009)

Played by Kathy Najimy and the late Brittany Murphy in Mike Judge's animated comedy King of the Hill, Peggy and Luanne are a rare example of a memorable cartoon duo who share an aunt and niece relationship. However, as Luanne lives with Peggy (much to her husband Hank's chagrin), the pair inevitably find themselves sharing a mother-daughter bond of sorts.

However, due to Peggy's meek nature and Luanne's dim-witted naivety towards the world, the pair often find themselves having some truly hilarious conversations. Moments like Peggy trying to gently make Luanne understand what her trailer tipping over meansdoes not mean that it ceases to exist, for example, they are some of the most valuable in King of the Hill. While they may not be as iconic or widely recognized as some other female cartoon duos, they are still incredibly worthy of consideration.

45

Hayley and Francine

American Dad (2005-present)

Seth MacFarlane American father spent a lot of time in the shadow of Family Guy, but over the years it has gained a solid following thanks to its unique characters. Among them are mother-daughter duo Francine and Hayley Smith, and the pair share one of the strangest parent-child bonds in any lively family.

However, the strange relationship that Hayley (Rachael MacFarlane) and Francine (Wendy Schaal) have is also what establishes them as one of the best cartoon girl duos. Whenever the two interact or share an episode, it quickly becomes clear that Francine was even more rebellious in her youth than the already rebellious Hayley. Francine can't let old habits stay hidden when she spends so much time with her daughter, and the results are inevitably hilarious.

44

Laurel and Corey

Onward (2020)

Laurel and Corey in Forward are truly unique among the best cartoon duos. Both are middle-aged professional women who form a friendship throughout the film and, in the end, overcome their fears together and save the day. Laurel Lightfoot (Julia Lousi-Dreyfus) is the mother of Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley (Chris Pratt). When her children embark on a dangerous journey to discover magic and reconnect with their late father, she makes it her mission to save them.

Along the way she meets Corey (Octavia Spencer). Corey is a manticore who now owns a bar, but was once a fearsome warrior. She ends up accompanying Laurel on her quest, and the two quickly form a connection. The scenes with Laurel and Corey are the perfect mix of humor and action, and this duo of lively female characters is easily the highlight of Forward.

43

Ami and Yumi

Hi, Puffy AmiYumi (2004-2006)

The show 2004-2006 Hi, hi, Puffy AmiYumi was one of the most bizarre series ever released by Cartoon Network and was filled with the metal music and anime obsession of 2000s tween and young teen culture. Nominated for three Annie Awards Hi, hi, Puffy Ami-Yumi focused on an animated version of real-life Japanese pop duo Puffy AmiYumi.

In the show, Yumi and Ami travel the world, although many of the stories are focused on Japan. The mismatched personalities of the cheerful, outgoing Ami and the rude, nervous Yumi make their friendship all the more endearing, as is the case with many female character pairings. of cartoons. Although the show is niche, for fans (even casual ones) it's hard to deny that Amy and Yumi are among the best cartoon duos.

42

Mei and Ming

Turning Red (2021)

2021 Turning red It wasn't the success story Disney or Pixar had hoped for due to the Covid-19 pandemic leading to a straight-to-Disney+ release. However, its central characters Mei (Roslie Chiang) and Ming (Sandra Oh) are one of the best cartoon duos to appear in a modern animated film, especially when it comes to mother-daughter pairs. Their relationship is central to the plot of Turning red, and their deep exploration of their emotions for each other also makes them incredibly relatable characters.

That's what makes 13-year-old Mei and her mother, Ming, so memorable as characters (perhaps even more memorable than the plot of Turning red itself). Most viewers, especially those who are mothers, daughters or both, can relate to the complexity of their relationship. The hilarity and emotional moments as they try to understand each other are the scenes that stand out in Turning red, and the duo remains one of the most authentic parent-child characters Disney or Pixar has created.

41

Sophie and the Waste Witch

Howling's Moving Castle (2004)

2004 Howl's Moving Castle from director Hayao Miyazaki is one of Studio Ghibli's most successful films to date and also has one of its most memorable female character pairings. Loosely based on the Dianna Wynne Jones novel of the same name Howl's Moving Castle follows the adventures of young milliner Sophie as she travels (and falls in love with) the wizard Howl.

However, Sophie doesn't find her way to Howl until she is cursed to become an old woman by the film's antagonist, the Witch of the Wastes. Although initially enemies, their dynamic changes in the second half of the film, when the Witch loses most of her powers and also becomes an elderly woman. The two then form an unlikely companion filled with many adorable moments that feel like authentic interactions between two friends in the last years of their lives.

40

Rogue and Shadowcat

X-Men: Evolution (2001-2003)

There have been several animated versions of Marvel X-Men over the decades, each featuring incredibly memorable female character pairings. However, when it comes to the best cartoon duos, Rogue and Shadowcat on the show from 2001-2003 X-Men: Evolution are undeniably the most worthy of consideration. The pair are rarely seen together in other X-Men shows and comics, but Evolution repositions them as best friends – and it works incredibly well.

X-Men: Evolution deviated a lot from others X-Men adaptations. For example, Rogue and Shadowcat (along with the rest of the team) attend a regular school. Being the same age, Rogue and Shadowcat form an incredibly close friendship in X-Men: Evolution, and Rogue's sultry goth personality somehow creates some incredibly memorable scenes when combined with the prim and upbeat Kitty Pryde/Shadowcat.

39

Robyn and Mebh

Wolf Walkers (2020)

Robyn and Mebh in the 2020 independent animated fantasy film Wolf Walkers They may not be the most well-known cartoon duo out there, but that doesn't mean they're not one of the best. From directors Tomm Moore as the final installment in his Irish Folklore trilogy (which also includes the 2009 film The Secret of Kells and 2014 The Song of the Sea), Hikers centers on two unlikely friends who – by the end of the film – become an absolutely unforgettable pair.

Robyn (Honor Kneafsey) is a young hunter who, while in the forest, discovers Mebh (Eva Whittaker) – a young woman with the ability to transform into a wolf. Initially wary of the mystical girl, Robyn eventually forms such a close bond with Mebh that she puts her life on the line to defend her and the rest of the Wolfwalkers. It's a touching story and one of the best modern examples of two friends in an animated fantasy film (a dynamic that, unfortunately, is quite rare).

38

Lois and Meg

Family Guy (1999-present)

There are not many Family Guy episodes that could be classified as Lois and Meg stories, although whenever the mother-daughter duo interact the results are inevitably hilarious. Although there are many scenes where Lois tries (and often fails) to comfort Meg with some motherly advice, for the most part they are brutal in their comments to each other. In many ways, Lois and Meg in Family Guy are the exact opposite of Marge and Lisa in The Simpsons, and that's exactly why they make such a memorable duo.

For example, when Meg announces that she is going out on a date, Lois simply bursts into laughter and tells her to stop lying. While they're not a positive example of a parent-child relationship, they're still one of the best and most memorable cartoon duos, with their moments together always filled with cheeky humor. Family Guy is loved by.

37

Cheryl and Pam

Archer (2009-2023)

The FX animated spy comedy Archer includes a whole cast of great characters. No one is forgettable, be it the titular super-spy Sterling Archer himself, his overbearing mother Mallory, on-again, off-again girlfriend and fellow spy Lana Kane, or even Cyril Figgis the accountant. However, when it comes to the best cartoon duos, it's Pam and Cheryl from Archer which are easily among the most timeless.

The head of HR for an international spy agency and the receptionist for its owner, Pam (Amber Nash) and Cheryl (Pam Greer), are both uniquely distraught. Despite having office jobs, The duo's unbridled insistence on each other's worst and most reckless traits ensures that they are present on some of Archer's deadliest missions – with hilarious results.

36

Princess Adora and Catra

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018-2020)

Although Netflix's reimagining She-Ra: Princess of Power may have been divisive among fans of the original 1985-1987 Saturday morning cartoon, 2018 She-Ra and the Princesses of Power presented viewers with a full roster of strong female characters. Although there were several pairs of various Princess of Power characters that stood out, it's the central tension and rivalry between former allies Princess Adora (aka She-Ra) and Catra that elevates them to one of the best cartoon duos of all time.

Adora and Catra grew up together as orphans and were raised to be soldiers. During their service to the evil Hordak, they form a fierce but healthy rivalry. However, once Adora switches sides and takes up arms against Hordak as part of the rebellion, she and Catra become reluctant adversaries who end up saving each other from death or capture on more than one occasion. It's an incredibly complex relationship that is incredibly satisfying to watch.

35

Shego and Kim Possible

Kim Possible (2002-2007)

Very few of the best cartoon duos are enemies, and the most memorable pairings tend to be friends or family. However, Kim and Shego from the Disney XD animated adventure show Kim Possible are a notable exception. The titular spy Kim Possible has many enemies, it is with Shego that she is a truly iconic animated duo, similar to Batman and The Joker.

Shego has a similar appearance to Kim, almost being a simple color swap. Having also been a hero, Shego is one of Kim's most dangerous adversaries, if not the most dangerous. Despite the main antagonist being Dr. Drakken, Shego soon became the villain synonymous with Kim Possible. Shego and Kim Possible are one of the few mortal enemies who stand out as truly iconic, and continue to be so nearly two decades later. Kim Possible ended in 2007.

34

Katie and Linda

The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)

The central relationship conflict in Netflix's 2021 sci-fi comedy The Mitchells vs. The Machines is between daughter Katie (Abbi Jacobson) and father Rick (Danny McBride). However, while there aren't as many moments between Katie and her mother, Linda (Maya Rudolph), that doesn't stop the mother-daughter duo from being one of the best animated female duos in a 2020 film, and a memorable one overall.

There are several interactions between the two that show how close Katie and Lina must be (which is also probably why Katie's relationship with Rick is the source of dramatic tension, as she isn't that close to her father). . It is Linda who encourages Katie to make an effort with her father and teaches her daughter to be patient with Rick's stubbornness. These moments give a glimpse into what is clearly an incredibly strong mother-daughter bond, and it makes Linda and Katie an endearing duo.

33

GoGo and Mel Limão

Big Hero 6 (2014)

GoGo and Honey Lemon first appeared in 2014 Big Hero 6 as two members of the Marvel Comics superhero team. However, although they shared several memorable moments in the film, it is the 2017-2021 animated show Big Hero 6: The Series which establishes them as one of the best cartoon girl duos. Starting with the fourth episode, “Big Roommates 2,” which saw Honey Lemon move in with GoGo, the pair appeared as a duo in several episodes.

Like many of the best animated female character pairings, the clash of personalities is responsible for much of what makes Honey Lemon and GoGo so memorable. The bold adrenaline junkie GoGo is the opposite of the cheerful and bubbly Honey Lemon in almost every way. However, this only serves to become the basis of their friendship and ensures that they are the center of many of the best episodes of Big Hero 6: The Series.

32

Susan and Mary Test

Johnny Test (2008-2014)

Johnny Test ran on Cartoon Network from 2008 to 2014 and introduced viewers to a pair of iconic animated twins – Mary and Susan Test, the siblings of the titular hero, Johnny. Mary (Brittney Wilson/Ashleigh Ball) and Susan (Maryke Hendrikse) were essential to the premise of Test Johnny, and the role they played gave them plenty of opportunities to establish themselves as an iconic cartoon scientist duo.

Most episodes of Johnny Test see Susan and Mary experimenting on Johnny in some way. Sometimes this is to impress their neighbor, Gil, other times it's because Johnny blackmails or bribes them into using their scientific genius to help him. Whatever the reason, the results are hilarious, and the way the twins speak in eerie unison ensures they are incredibly memorable.

31

Beth and Espaço Beth

Rick and Morty (2013 to present)

Being the only pair of characters who are clones instantly causes Beth and Space Beth to become Rick and Morty unique among the best cartoon duos, though that's fitting given the show's bombastic sci-fi narratives. Both voiced by Sarah Chalke, Space Beth was featured in the Rick and Morty season 4 finale “Star Mort Rickturn of the Jerri.” She is either a clone of Beth Smith, Rick's daughter, or the original, with the joke that not even Rick is sure which is which.

Space Beth returns several times throughout the rest of the show, and she and Earth-based Beth quickly form a romantic relationship. This makes some incredibly unique comedic moments that only a show like Rick and Morty managed to work and ensures that Beth and Space Beth stand out among the best cartoon duos who are also couples.