Top 10 Platonic Male-Female Friendships in Anime, Ranked

The anime has many iconic friendships that consist of the same sex, like Gon and Killua or Luffy and Zoro, but there are also many iconic friendships in the anime that are between men and women. Friendship is a recurring theme in many anime and serves as the core of so many bonds, highlighting trust, mutual respect and loyalty. Male and female friendships in anime prove that love can be platonic and that Not all bonds between men and women need romance.

From sibling relationships to friendships that thrive on shared experiences, male and female platonic bonds in anime take many forms. Whether through teamwork in battle or providing emotional support, these friendships emphasize the power of companionship and the strength that comes from mutual trust.

10

Rengoku and Mitsuri

Demon Slayer

Although little of their relationship is shown in reality Demon Slayer anime series, it is canon that Mitsuri and Rengoku shared a strong, non-romantic bond. Mitsuri looked up to Rengoku as her mentor. She developed her Loving Breath as a variation of her Flaming Breath style. His guidance inspired her and their connection was built on mutual respect and admiration. Given that Rengoku and Mitsuri have bombastic personalitiestheir bond makes a certain amount of sense.

The two also share a love of food and have happy, enthusiastic personalities. Upon learning of Rengoku’s death after Demon Slayer: Mugen TrainMitsuri was deeply devastated. Their relationship highlights the power of mentorship and the impact Rengoku has had on Mitsuri’s life, both as a fighter and as a person. It’s a shame fans didn’t get to see more of Rengoku, as he and Mitsuri are an interesting duo.

9

Gin and Kagura

Gintama

Kagura and Gintoki share a close family bond that is much like that of a father and daughter. Throughout the series, Kagura has picked up on many of Gintoki’s characteristics, such as nose picking or even his carefree and sometimes rude behavior. The two are evidently partners in crime and share many silly moments that are always endearing.

Their platonic relationship is further highlighted when Shinpachi states that Kagura is a “mini Gintoki”. Kagura even refers to Gintoki as her “earth father”showing that in all seriousness she admires Gintoki. Despite their frequent comedic banter on screen, they genuinely care for each other, especially Gintoki, who worries about Kagura’s safety when she is injured or in danger. Despite Gintama wild story, Gintoki and Kagura share a healthy affection for each other that makes them always compelling to watch.

8

Swallowtail Secre (Nero) and Asta

Black Clover

Since the beginning of Black CloverAsta has been seen with an anti-bird companion named Nero who accompanies him at all times. It is later revealed that this bird’s true form is a girl whose name is Secre Swallowtail. Although Secre initially stays with Asta because of his grimoire and his connection to the first Wizard King, her loyalty deepens over time and she comes to genuinely care for him. The result is one of the best friendships Black Clover.

Like a bird, Secre pecks and pulls Asta’s hair a lot when she gets angry, showing their playful yet sibling-like relationship. When she transforms into a human, it becomes clearer how much she cares for Asta. Despite her usual apathetic behavior, she is loyal and genuinely admires Asta for his relentless motivation and unwavering spirit. Their relationship is very similar to when she served the first Wizard King with the same loyalty and respect.

7

Alma and Maka

Soul Eater

While some fans may interpret the strong bond between Soul and Maka as the basis for a potential romantic relationship, the series never confirms that they are a couple. Instead, the two are close friends who share a deep connection that is strengthened by their partnership as master and weapon.

Despite Maka’s contrasting personalities being hardworking and serious in Soul Eateralthough Soul is more rebellious and cynical, their differences complement each other. Their ability to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses makes them not only a great team, but also highlights what a genuine and supportive friendship is. Their relationship is a great representation of how people can still have great friendships with people who might be their opposite.

6

Connie and Sasha

Attack on Titan

Both Connie and Sasha serve as much-needed comic relief in the dark and tragic world of Attack on Titan. Their playful personalities bring joy to the serious and dangerous role a member of the Survey Corps must play. When Sasha dies in one of Attack on Titan In the saddest deaths, Connie is clearly broken, showing the strong bond the two had.

In the final battle, when everything comes to an end, Connie still visualizes Sasha smiling, highlighting how much she really meant to him, even after her death. Despite how undeniable their chemistry is, their relationship remains platonic. Instead, fans often speculate that Nicolo would have been a better match for Sasha.

5

Shikamaru and Ino

naruto

As part of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio in narutoIno and Shikamaru share a particularly strong bond as teammates. Their relationship is based on mutual trust and understanding, which is crucial in their many battles together. Shikamaru protected Ino’s body on numerous occasions when she used her Mind Transfer jutsu, showing his responsibility for her safety. In turn, Ino’s mental jutsu often assists Shikamaru’s shadow paralysis jutsu, creating a powerful combination that makes them a formidable team.

Their relationship highlights how well they recognize each other’s strengths, allowing them to work together seamlessly in battle. Outside of battle, the two are close friends who genuinely support each other. During the Chunin Exams, Ino supported Shikamaru, expressing her support in wanting to see her teammate win.

4

Power and Denji

chainsaw man

Denji and Power have a playful, sibling-like relationship where they fight and tease each other. At first, the two don’t get along due to the chaotic conflict of their personalities, but over time their friendship grows. Despite their frequent arguments, it’s clear that they care for each other in a unique way, often feeling like a brother-sister dynamic rather than just fellow Demon Hunters.

When Makima kills Power in one of the chainsaw man After the saddest deaths in the manga, Denji is so emotionally shaken that he gives himself over entirely to Makima. Denji valued his friendship with Power, even if it wasn’t always expressed openly. Her death was a huge turning point for Denji and Behind their silly interactions, he truly appreciated the power and bond they shared.

3

Itadori and Nobara

Jujutsu Kaisen

Even though Nobara only knew Itadori for a short time, she downplays her emotions when discussing his supposed death with Megumi, claiming that she is not the type to cry over someone she barely knew. However, her quivering lip reveals that she cared more about Yuji than she was willing to admit. This moment subtly hints at the bond the two have developed despite the short time they spent together.

When Yuji returns to life, their bond grows stronger and evolves into a playful and quarrelsome relationship, like that of siblings. Their friendship and undeniable chemistry are evident during battles and in downtime when they are not on missions. When Mahito apparently kills Nobara, Yuji is clearly distraught. Even in his uncertainty about whether Nobara was truly dead Jujutsu KaisenYuji couldn’t bear the idea of ​​someone replacing her.

2

Ichigo and Rukia

Bleach

Many fans expected Ichigo and Rukia to end up together, but in the end, their relationship remains strictly platonic. From the moment Ichigo meets Rukia, his life changes, as it was she who gave him the powers to become a Soul Reaper. Both have shown to bring out the best in each other in moments of battle or strength.

Despite their strong bond, Ichigo ends up with Orihime in the end and Rukia ends up with Renji. Despite ending up with other romantic partners in Bleach Conclusion, Ichigo and Rukia remain good friends and keep in touch. This becomes evident at the end, where Rukia visits Ichigo’s family alongside her husband, Renji.

1

Nami and Luffy

One piece

The best platonic friendship between a man and a woman in anime is between Nami and Luffy. Nami was the second member to join the Straw Hat Pirates and serves as the ship’s navigator. Initially, Nami did not want to be part of the crew due to her deep hatred for pirates. However, after Luffy defeated Arlong and freed her from a life of oppression, her view of him and the crew completely changed.

Despite often being frustrated by Luffy’s carefree and reckless behavior, Nami truly cares about him. Luffy, in turn, completely trusts Nami, even after she temporarily betrayed him at the beginning of the Arlong Park arc. Their friendship demonstrates how deep bonds can form through shared hardships, regardless of differences.