Anime is full of popular duos, but some are so iconic that they often become the heart and soul of their respective series. These duos resonate deeply with various audiences through their themes of friendship, rivalry, admiration, and more. On their journey together, these duos explore the depths of emotional connection and growth.
By bringing out the best and sometimes the worst in each other, they create a truly captivating story. From Goku and Vegeta’s epic battles to Gon and Killua’s instant chemistry as friends, these duos show the strength of their connection through moments of triumph, conflict, and camaraderie.
10
Saitama and Genos
One punch man
Saitama and Genos are a unique duo with contrasting personalities. Genos is serious and always committed to improving, while Saitama remains calm and indifferent. Despite their differences, they develop a solid mentor-mentee relationship, while Genos admires Saitama for his remarkable strength and genuine humility.
Eventually, Genos asks to live with Saitama to learn more from him, which transforms their relationship from that of a mere teacher and student to a genuine friendship. Although Saitama is aloof for most of the series, he truly cares about Genos.. This is especially evident in One punch man Chapter #166, when Cosmic Garou rips out Genos’ core, Saitama’s reaction is visibly filled with anger, showing deep concern for his pupil.
9
Ban and Meliodas
Seven deadly sins
Ban and Meliodas are the two members of the Seven Deadly Sins who undoubtedly have the best friendship in the group. Even after years of not seeing each other, the two picked up where they left off, playfully punching each other as a way of expressing their joy at being reunited.
Even though the two are sometimes highly competitive with each other, they are still great friends. Like most friendships, the two have had many disputes, but they still maintain great respect for each other. Ban refers to Meliodas as Captain and trusts him as a leader, while Meliodas is grateful to have Ban by his side..
8
Hyakkimaru and Dororo
Dororo
Hyakkimaru and Dororo meet for the first time when Hyakkimaru saves Dororo from a demon. From there, Dororo decides to accompany Hyakkimaru on his journey to fight demons and recover lost parts of his body. Sensing no threat in Dororo’s soul, Hyakkimaru allows him to become his traveling companion.
Throughout your travels, Hyakkimaru begins to find more comfort and pleasure in having Dororo around. He becomes very protective of Dororo, ensuring her safety is a priority even if it means interrupting his personal missions. Together, the two become inseparable best friends.
7
Luffy and Zoro
One piece
Roronoa Zoro was the first member to join Monkey D. Luffy’s crew, the Straw Hat Pirates. Zoro holds Luffy in high regard as his captain, admiring his indomitable spirit and determination. The respect is mutual, as Luffy admires Zoro not just as a skilled swordsman or as one of his strongest crewmates, but as a true friend.
Their bond is particularly highlighted in One piece The infamous but important Long Ring Long Land arc when Zoro insinuates that the only reason he’s a pirate is because of Luffy. He says that there would be no point in being one if he couldn’t have Luffy as his captain. These two truly embody what loyalty, respect, and trust mean in a friendship.
6
Light and L
Death Note
- Cast
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Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent Tong, Ryō Naitō, Trevor Devall
- Release date
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October 21, 2007
- Seasons
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1
Unlike Luffy and Zoro, who are loyal friends, Light Yagami and L Lawliet are complete opposites. They are each other’s natural enemies, but that’s what makes them a great duo. Both characters are extremely intelligent, and the way they use their intelligence against each other is what really captivates fans about their relationship.
TTheir complex relationship involves more than just a clash between good and evil, but a deeper exploration of morality and ambition. The psychological chess game they play is intriguing, as they both fight for the same cause in two completely different ways. This cat and mouse chase of how the two try to outsmart each other is what naturally makes them a truly iconic duo.
5
Eduardo and Afonso
Fullmetal Alchemist
The Elric Brothers definitely stand out from most anime duos due to their true representation of what brotherhood means. The brotherly bond they have is what serves as the backbone of their series. Like normal brothers, the two fight often, but they would still sacrifice themselves and do anything to protect each other. Still, Ed and Al are some of the best brothers in all of anime history.
Like many other iconic anime duos, the two have completely different personalities; Ed is hot-tempered, while Al is gentle and calm. It’s these conflicting personalities that make them fight so often, but it’s also what makes them a great representation of what brothers can be like. Their unwavering loyalty to each other, along with their differences and how they each approach the same goal, is what makes them one of the most memorable iconic brothers and duos in anime..
4
Goku and Vegeta
Dragon Ball Z
Arguably, one of the most iconic anime duos is Goku and Vegeta, who have an interesting mix of friendship and rivalry. The two started out as some of anime’s most iconic rivals, but over time they learn to have respect for each other and even use each other as inspiration to train harder and become stronger. Although the two may not like to admit it, they also create a great dynamic by teaming up when necessary.
Similar to Light and L, their personalities are very opposite, as Goku has a laid-back personality while Vegeta is more uptight and serious. Despite their stubbornness, frequent fights, and conflicting personalities, theyThe chemistry the two have is undeniably apparent. This unique blend of competition and camaraderie solidifies their place as one of anime’s most iconic duos.
3
Naruto and Sasuke
naruto
Since the beginning of the series, Naruto and Sasuke have been rivals, always trying to prove who was stronger, but still made space to forge a true friendship. Because they are both orphans with traumatic backgrounds, they understand each other more than others. However, despite having a traumatic childhood, they both have a different view of life and their own personal goals.
Sasuke was driven by revenge and Naruto was driven by gaining the respect of his village. Even though Sasuke chose his own path to revenge, Naruto still considered him a friend and stopped at nothing to save him from that path. In the end, the two still seem to raise the question of who is stronger, but at the same time, they show fans that what really matters in their relationship is that they fully recognize each other as true best friends.
2
Ash and Pikachu
Pokémon
Ash and Pikachu are arguably the two main faces of Pokémon, which makes them one of the most iconic duos in anime. Their relationship perfectly portrays what it means to be best friends and partners. At first, the two had a rough start, as Pikachu originally didn’t respect Ash and didn’t want to enter a Poké Ball.
Pikachu later ends up having respect for Ash when he saves him from a group of Spearows.. From then on, the two become inseparable friends and Ash also allows Pikachu to stay out of a Poké Ball at all times, whether on his head or shoulders. Their bond not only symbolizes the true meaning of friendship, but also highlights the growth and trust that can develop between a trainer and their Pokémon.
1
Gon and Killua
Hunter x Hunter
When Gon and Killua met during the Hunter Exam, they instantly hit it off, making it no surprise for the two to stand out as the anime’s best duo. Throughout the entire series, Gon and Killua are inseparable, taking on almost every mission and challenge together. This constant companionship allows fans to see the deep bond and natural chemistry between them, whether they’re training together, facing enemies, or navigating the world around them.
The two had very different upbringings; Killua was born and raised in a family of assassins, while Gon was raised by his caring Aunt Mito. Despite that, Gon and Killua learn a lot from each otherespecially Killua, who, through Gon, begins to see the beauty and happiness of life outside the dark world in which he was raised. Their journey together is a central element of the series, making them anime’s most iconic duo.