50 Most Iconic Animation Duos of All Time, Ranked

One of the most iconic acts in comedy is the comedy duo. It’s a simple act involving two characters with polarizing personalities playing off one another with comedic timing. The most common of these is to have one character be wacky and bombastic, and another be more reserved to contrast them.

The world of animation has produced some of the most iconic duos in entertainment. Some date back to its Golden Age, while others are more recent creations, but all of them are united in their ability to make audiences laugh, cry, and come back for more. The best animation duos are influential, entertaining, and simply unforgettable for many fans who are reminded of some nostalgic viewing experiences every time they see these pairs.

50. Gumby and Pokey

In ‘Howdy Doody’ (1955–1956), ‘The Gumby Show’ (1956–1969), ‘Gumby: The Movie’ (1995)

From the mind of stop-motion genius Art Clokey came a series about a Gumby, a green boy made out of clay. With his best friend, an orange pony named Pokey, he travels inside various books to interact with the characters and stories within. Sometimes their adventures lead to them thwarting the evil plans of the Blockheads.

While Gumby had a few friends, his relationship with Pokey was the strongest in the series. His nervous tendencies and occasional bouts of cynicism balanced out Gumby’s more energetic and curious traits. Despite his fears, Pokey never abandons Gumby, showcasing their friendship’s depths.

49. Ralph Wolf and Sam Sheepdog

In ‘Don’t Give Up the Sheep’ (1953), ‘Sheep Ahoy’ (1954), ‘Double or Mutton’ (1955)

Warner Bros. created many iconic duos in their Looney Tunes shorts, but one of the most unique dynamics comes from Ralph Wolf and Sam Sheepdog. At first glance, it seems like it’d be antagonistic: Ralph is constantly trying to steal a herd of sheep, and Sam thwarts him. However, the duo mix things up by only being punch-clock adversaries.

When the whistle blows for quitting time, Ralph and Sam depart on good terms, and sometimes Sam even encourages Ralph that next time might be different. This friendly relationship is a great juxtaposition and serves as a good reminder that your opposition isn’t always your enemy. Plus, the slapstick is hilarious, especially from Sam, who often just remains motionless as he lets Ralph dig his own grave with overly complex gadgets.

48. Rocky and Bullwinkle

In ‘The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends’ (1959-1964)

Airing during the height of the Cold War, The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends introduced the world to Rocket J. Squirrel and his friend Bullwinkle the moose. They go on several adventures while thwarting the plans of Russian spies Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale. In between, the show included several fun segments, including Peabody’s Improbable History and Dudley Do-Right.

Despite coming out during the Cold War, Rocky and Bullwinkle’s style of humor has allowed them to last into the modern day, with the most recent nostalgic cartoon reboot in 2018. This is thanks to the duo’s dynamic. Rocky has a wide-eyed and energetic look at the world, while Bullwinkle is dim-witted but surprisingly witty when it comes to his humor.

47. Arnold and Gerald

In ‘Hey Arnold!’ (1996–2004)

Hey Arnold! was one of those kids’ shows that respected the intelligence of its audience and thus wasn’t afraid to tell grounded, realistic stories. The show followed a football-headed youth named Arnold as he navigated life in the big city and all that came with it. No matter what trouble comes his way, be it investigating spooky urban legends or helping to reunite long-lost family members, Arnold was always helped out by his best friend, Gerald.

Arnold and Gerald’s friendship stands out so well thanks to how simple and heartwarming it is. Arnold’s optimism and kindness often lead him to help others, and though Gerald is usually more on the skeptical side, he always helps Arnold out because that’s what best friends do. When they’re not going on adventures, the two can also find fun in the simplest things, which is a good representation of how the best of friends can form fantastic memories through the simplest actions.

46. Tommy and Chuckie

In ‘Rugrats’ (1991–2004), ‘All Grown Up!’ (2003–2008), ‘Rugrats’ (2021–2023)

Rugrats was a staple of 1990s Nickelodeon thanks to its unique premise of showing life from the perspective of toddlers. The most prominent characters are Tommy Pickles, whose house the kids always visit, and Chuckie Finster, who lives with his single father. Tommy would often lead his fellow toddlers on crazy adventures, while Chuckie would try, and usually fail, to voice his concerns.

Beyond their contrasting personalities, Tommy and Chuckie’s friendship is a great example of the complexities that go into building and maintaining friendships. Usually, the two were as close as brothers, but sometimes they could butt heads, especially since their young age meant they couldn’t process their emotions. No matter how many times they fight, they always come back together and sometimes learn from one another, which reaffirms the strength of their friendship.

45. Timon and Pumbaa

In ‘The Lion King’ (1994), ‘Timon & Pumbaa’ (1995-1999), ‘The Lion King’ (2019)

The Lion King wouldn’t be complete without the wacky misadventures of Timon and Pumbaa. An unlikely pair of friends, the witty meerkat Timon and the lovable warthog Pumbaa are inseparable and complement each other perfectly. If there’s one thing fans still remember from the Disney classic, it’s likely the duo’s hit song “Hakuna Matata.”

Although their subsequent appearances in spin-offs have failed to top their original roles in the animated film, Timon and Pumbaa are fondly remembered for the humor and wit they gave young fans back ten. They perfectly capture the essence of true friendship.

44. Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable

In ‘Kim Possible’ (2002–2007)

“Call me, beep me if you wanna reach me.” Fans of the iconic animated show from the early 2000s likely still have a special place in their heart for Kim Possible. The series that follows a high school cheerleader by day and crime-fighting prodigy by night would not be the same without the awkward best friend, Ron Stoppable.

Kim can be brave in the face of thrilling missions around the world, knowing she can always count on Ron’s comedic timing and unexpected heroism throughout the series. Everyone needs a strong friendship like the animated duo’s, which hopefully won’t fade into obscurity anytime soon.

43. Mordecai and Rigby

In ‘Regular Show’ (2010–2017)

Regular Show was one of Cartoon Network’s breakout hits of the 2010s and followed the adventures of best friends Mordecai and Rigby. This duo of anthropomorphic animals work as groundskeepers at their local park, but would rather be doing anything else. This leads to them often getting into trouble as they try to find ways to shirk responsibility.

Concerning their dynamic, Mordecai is the more level-headed of the two, while Rigby is the more chaotic and selfish one. Though they can occasionally get on each other’s nerves, they are a wholesome depiction of best friends, as they always have each other’s backs and love nothing else than to just hang out and share catchphrases. As the series goes on, both of them are subjected to character development that sees them grow up as they begin to find purpose in their lives.

42. Chip and Dale

In ‘Private Pluto’ (1943), ‘Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers’ (1989–1990), (2022)

Disney’s Chip and Dale are lovable chipmunks first introduced in the short film Private Pluto in 1943. After viewers fell in love with their adorable appearance, hilarious antics, and penchant for adventure, there was no stopping the franchise that would be centered on these characters (one of the funny duos of our time).

Known today for their appearances in numerous films, shows, and even video games, the duo has become one of Disney’s most recognizable pairs. Their most recent movie, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, received praise from critics and audiences alike, highlighting their enduring popularity today as one of the best cartoon duos.

41. Dipper and Mabel Pines

In ‘Gravity Falls (2012–2016)

Twin siblings Dipper and Mabel Pines are sent to live with their great-uncle Stan in Gravity Falls over the summer. Mabel can’t wait to make new friends and hopefully find a boyfriend, while Dipper becomes engrossed in a mysterious journal. Reading it informs Dipper of various strange and mysterious activities that plague the town, and the deeper he dives into the mystery, the more it seems like Stan is connected to everything.

Gravity Falls was one of Disney’s biggest successes in the 2010s, and the relationship between the Pines siblings was a major factor in that. The two captured all the pros and cons of sibling dynamics, from their spats due to their contrasting personalities and the sweetness of their silly rituals and in-jokes. They also work as individual characters: Mabel is an energetic ball of joy whose imagination is as creative as it is off-putting, while Dipper has a strong intellect that is held back by his social awkwardness.

40. Arthur and D.W. Read

In ‘Arthur’ (1996–2022)

Arthur was one of the greatest children’s shows ever made, thanks to its timeless morals and relatable characters for younger audiences. It followed Arthur Read, a young aardvark trying to navigate the crazy world of childhood with his friends, family, and community. Sometimes, episodes also follow his younger sister, Dora Winifred Read, though she prefers to go by D. W.

Arthur and D.W.’s relationship is a mixture of familial love and fierce sibling rivalries, which captures how tumultuous things can be between young siblings. When they get into spats, the show highlights both sides of the disagreement, highlighting how everyone has a perspective in a conflict. When they need one another, though, Arthur and D. W. will look past their disagreements to help the other.

39. Pinky and The Brain

In ‘Animaniacs’ (1993–1998), ‘Pinky and the Brain’ (1995–1998)

When the staff of Acme labs goes home for the evening, two genetically altered mice named Pinky and Brain begin their latest plan to take over the world. This lofty ambition is Brain’s desire: Pinky is just happy to spend time with his friend and spout random trivia. Though their plans never work, the duo’s determination is never shaken, and they’re always back the next night with something new.

The iconic mouse duo got their start as one of the many skits on Animaniacs before gaining their own show in 1995. There was talk at the time of adding a third character to Pink and the Brain, which prompted the writers to create the episode “Pinky and the Brain and Larry,” to show how superfluous a third character would be. Ultimately, a crossover show was made with Elmira from Tiny Toons Adventures, but it didn’t last and Pinky and the Brain are a duo again in the Animaniacs reboot.

38. Dick Dastardly and Muttley

In ‘Wacky Races’ (1968–1969), Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines (1969–1970), Laff-A-Lympics (1977–1978)

Thanks to their massive collection of cartoon characters, Hanna-Barbera is responsible for many iconic animated duos. Among them are the villainous duo of Dick Dastardly and his dog Muttley. Originally the drivers of “The Mean Machine” in Wacky Races, the duo became so popular that they got a spin-off show and appeared in several crossovers with other Hanna-Barbera characters, always getting up to mischief.

These two are the classic evil duo, with Dastardly acting as the boss with a huge ego and Muttley, his overworked and often mistreated sidekick who takes joy laughing at his boss’ misfortune. Despite this, the two do seem quite fond of one another, though they rarely show affection unless it’s the most dire of situations. No matter how many times they lose, these double-dealing do-badders are always back with a new scheme to cheat their way to victory.

37. Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo Bear

In ‘The Huckleberry Hound Show’ (1958–1960), ‘The Yogi Bear Show’ (1961–1962)

Living in Jellystone National Park are a duo of bears named Yogi and Boo-Boo. They spend their days trying to pinch pick-a-nic baskets from tourists visiting the park, even though this breaks the rules of Ranger Smith. While Boo-Boo tries to caution Yogi against getting on the ranger’s bad side, Yogi is confident he can get away with his actions thanks to being smarter than the average bear.

Yogi and Boo-Boo became surprising breakout characters in Hanna-Barbera’s budding catalog, and to this day rank among their best characters for a reason. They’re a simple but effective duo: Boo-Boo acts as the more reasonable of the two and tries to keep Yogi in line, but his obsession with taking the easy way through life constantly gets him in trouble. It also helps that their actors, Daws Butler and Don Messick, work beautifully off one another.

36. Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble

In ‘The Flintstones’ (1960–1966)

Until the rise of Scooby-Doo in 1969, The Flintstones was the most successful cartoon produced by Hannah-Barbera. This prehistoric version of The Honeymooners follows Fred Flintstone and his day-to-day life in the town of Bedrock. When not working at the quarry, he and his neighbor and best friend, Barney Rubble, get into trouble ranging from trying to set up a pool to falling for get-rich-quick schemes.

Fred and Barney work so well thanks to their opposing personalities. Fred is stubborn and quick to anger, especially when he doesn’t get his way, while Barney is more soft-spoken and jolly. Of course, he still has his limits, and heaven help the person (usually Fred) that makes him mad.

35. Snoopy and Woodstock

In ‘The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show’ (1983–1985), ‘Peanuts’ (2016)

Snoopy and Charlie Brown may often get the attention in Peanuts and the aptly titled The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show, but the animated dog’s friendship with Woodstock should get the credit it deserves. The canine character and the yellow bird have a strong bond that likely still has a place in many fans’ hearts.

While Snoopy was initially irritated by Woodstock, their misadventures have helped forge an unbreakable friendship over time. It’s easy to imagine the adorable duo still out there with new antics every day.

34. Tweety and Sylvester

In ‘The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries’ (1995–2002), ‘The Looney Tunes Show’ (2011–2013)

Two of the funniest Looney Tunes characters, Tweety and Sylvester were always ones to look forward to after a long day at school. They got their own animated series called The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries where they were shown working together trying to solve bizarre mysteries around the globe.

Of course, the core of their relationship remains Sylvester’s increasingly hilarious attempts to eat the yellow canary. This never-ending cycle doesn’t stop the two from being close, though, with Sylvester sweetly defending Tweety from other villainous figures more than once – only he can bully the bird after all.

33. Pooh and Tigger

In ‘The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh’ (1988–1991), ‘Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too’ (1974)

The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh depicted fan-favorite characters like Piglet, Rabbit, Eeyore, and more as they learn important lessons about friendship, the outdoors, and honey. While there are many potential duos from the series, it’s Pooh and Tigger that stand out as iconic, as they forge a special bond despite their different energy levels and interests.

This friendship is highlighted further in the featurette Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too where Pooh and Tigger learn to accept their differences after a misadventure in the woods.

32. Brian and Stewie Griffin

In ‘Family Guy’ (1999–)

Arguably many fans’ favorite part of Family Guy, the hilarious talking dog Brian and child Stewie may have initially disliked each other, but they’ve grown into an inseparable duo in the series. Whether it’s what the showrunners intended from the start or not, the duo have become best friends and their characters are all the better for it.

They’ve been through a ton of strange storylines through the years, even exploring the multiverse together at one point. Stewie may never admit it, but he definitely loves Brian more than Rupert.

31. Fry and Bender

In ‘Futurama’ (1999–)

The best episodes of Futurama almost always have a storyline focusing on Fry and Bender. Fry, the somewhat slow yet kindhearted protagonist of the series, is even funnier alongside the brash robot Bender. The two of them would go to the ends of the earth and back (or to the far future and past and back) for each other.

Recent events also highlight how easily Bender is hurt by jealousy when Fry pays more attention to other characters like Leela, adding an extra layer of complication to their friendship. One thing’s for sure, it will take more than their petty fights to break up these two Planet Express workers.

30. Wallace and Gromit

In ‘A Grand Day Out’ (1989), ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’ (2005)

Brought to life by British stop-motion company Aardman Entertainment, Wallace is an eccentric inventor who makes inventions to help in his day-to-day life. At his side is Gromit, his loyal dog and trusted friend. Together they travel to the moon to sample its cheese, stop all manner of villains, and maintain a proper amount of British class.

The beauty of Wallace and Gromit is the honesty in their presentation. They are a classic eccentric and straight-man act brought to life with on-point stop-motion animation. Gromit stands out in particular: though he never says a word, the animation in his eyes conveys every emotion perfectly.

29. Hiccup and Toothless

In ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010), ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2′ (2014), How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World’ (2019)

The beloved duo at the heart of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, Hiccup and Toothless have undoubtedly solidified their place among the greatest animated duos of all time. The young Viking Hiccup, who never really fit in with his community, is forever transformed by the unexpected bond he forms with Toothless, a powerful dragon called a Night Fury.

Since their first meeting, Hiccup and Toothless have gone on wild adventures that have expanded the franchise’s lore and reached millions of fans around the world. The duo has leaned on each other, and their friendship has definitely inspired young viewers to embrace the values of friendship, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to loved ones.

28. Marlin and Dory

In ‘Finding Nemo’ (2003), ‘Finding Dory’ (2016)

When his son, Nemo, is taken by a human diver, Marlin the clownfish embarks on a quest across the open ocean to rescue him. He is joined early on by Dory, a regal blue tang with short-term memory loss. Fortunately, Dory has a few very specialized skills, such as the ability to read English and communicate with whales, which proves invaluable to Marlin.

Marlin and Dory became beloved Pixar characters thanks to their contrasting personalities. Dory’s eternal optimism helps to keep Marlin from spiraling into a constant state of worry, while his practical thinking helps keep Dory’s mind from wandering too far from the task at hand. It’s a beautiful pairing that shows how people of opposite personalities can become the best of friends and how they can learn from one another to grow and change.

27. Mike and Sully

In ‘Monsters, Inc.’ (2001), ‘Monsters University’ (2013)

In an alternate world where monsters harvest the screams of human children as a power source, there is no team better than Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan. With Mike’s knowledge of scare theory, and Sully’s natural talent at scaring children, the two are set to break Monsters Inc.’s scare record. Unfortunately, the sudden arrival of a human child in the factory leads them to uncover a terrible conspiracy.

Mike and Sully are both among Pixar’s best characters, and their dynamic in Monsters, Inc. is both hilarious and heartwarming. Sully tends to approach situations level-headed and calm, while Mike always assumes the worst and has big, emotional blowouts. Combine that with their size differences and the amazing talent of Billy Crystal and John Goodman, and you have a recipe for success.

26. Shrek and Donkey

In ‘Shrek’ (2001), ‘Shrek 2’ (2004), ‘Shrek the Third’ (2007), ‘Shrek Forever After’ (2010)

Where would Shrek be without Donkey? The duo captivated viewers from around the globe in the movie that spawned a massively successful franchise, 2001’s Shrek. The two characters’ dynamic stole the show and was unbelievably hilarious thanks to Shrek’s clear despise for Donkey, and Donkey’s insistent and chatty personality only making things more difficult.

Over the course of the numerous popular Shrek movies, Shrek and Donkey have each grown as characters and embarked on their own adventures (with Donkey even becoming a father). However, something that has stayed consistent is the improvement of their bond, which is now an irreplaceable highlight of every new entry in the franchise.

25. Phineas and Ferb

In ‘Phineas and Ferb’ (2007-)

There are only so many days of summer vacation, and step-brothers Phineas and Ferb intend to make the most of theirs. Every day, with the help of their friends, they create new and exciting projects ranging from giant roller coasters to portals leading to Mars. Meanwhile, their older sister Candace tries to bust them to their mom.

Phineas and Ferb definitely feel like a pair of brothers. Phineas is the more talkative of the two and comes up with the plans, while Ferb silently follows his lead and usually only gives one line per episode. The enthusiasm they share over their sibling projects is infectious and helped elevate Phineas and Ferb to one of Disney’s best animated shows.

24. Lilo and Stitch

In ‘Lilo & Stitch’ (2002), ‘Stitch! The Movie’ (2003), ‘Lilo & Stitch: The Series’ (2003)

The 2002 animated Disney classic, Lilo & Stitch, gave fans the chaotic yet lovable duo they didn’t know they needed. When the mischievous Stitch crash lands on the earth, he soon encounters the misunderstood outcast, Lilo. Since then, their unbreakable bond has gotten them through several sequels and series full of aliens, school bullies, and massive waves by the beach.

What makes the animated Disney duo’s story so heartwarming and unforgettable is the way Lilo teaches Stitch kindness and compassion, while Stitch helps Lilo embrace herself and become more bold and daring. For fans wanting to rediscover the iconic duos’ wild adventures throughout the years, they have plenty of options to choose from, starting with Stitch! The Movie, the sequel series Lilo & Stitch: The Series, the spin-off Stitch!, and so much more.

23. Charlie and Pim

In ‘Smiling Friends’ (2020–)

In a world populated by various colorful critters, the Smiling Friends organization is dedicated to spreading positivity and making their clients smile. The primary agents are the ever-optimistic Pim and the more cynical Charlie. Unfortunately, their clients tend to have a wide spectrum of issues that push Pim and Charlie to their limits.

Smiling Friends has established itself as one of the best adult cartoons, and Charlie and Pim’s dynamic is a major reason for its success. They’re a classic pairing of positivity and negativity, with Pim always eager to help others and see the best in every situation, while Charlie approaches things with a more cynical and practical approach. Their dialogue exchanges are also hilarious, full of casual ramblings about inconsequential topics that helps them feel like true friends.

22. Beavis and Butt-Head

In ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ (1993–2011), ‘Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe’ (2022)

Who says famous cartoon duos have to be well-behaved? Beavis and Butt-Head certainly aren’t. The two characters are beloved for their crass humor, obsession with heavy metal, and tendency to embrace the art of doing nothing all day. The legendary show they starred in, Beavis and Butt-Head, captured the peak of slacker culture in the ‘90s, and didn’t pull any punches with its offensive comedy.

The teenage slackers have gone on to inspire a generation of cynical and sarcastic youth, who have likely already seen the series’ revival on Paramount+ and the latest movie featuring the duo, 2022’s remarkably smart comedy Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe.

21. Daria and Jane

In ‘Daria’ (1997–2002)

First appearing on Beavis and Butt-Head, Daria’s dry wit proved so popular that she received her own spin-off show. Now she is forced to navigate high school life and isn’t afraid to point out everything wrong with the world around her in a dry and cynical tone. Fortunately, by her side is her best friend Jane, an aspiring artist and fellow outcast.

Daria established itself as an iconic 90s show thanks to its unapologetic look at the troubles of high school life, and Daria and Jane were the perfect duo to focus on. They’re both interesting examples of teenage rebellion and cynicism, with Darya doing everything she can to avoid socializing outside of her friend group, and Jane having a more outgoing personality. They help to balance each other out and are never afraid to express themselves.

20. Batman and Robin

In ‘Batman’ (1966–1968), ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ (1992–1999), ‘Batman & Robin’ (1997)

A crime-fighting tandem that needs no introduction, Batman and Robin’s partnership is among the most well-known in the world of comics and superheroes. Whether fans know them as the Caped Crusaders or the Dynamic Duo, one thing’s for sure, they have been unstoppable since their team-up’s debut in Detective Comics #38 in 1940.


The unbeatable team has been seen across a variety of media, most prominently in comics, but also in movies, shows, and video games. That said, it’s worth noting that despite their undeniable popularity, when considering only animation on the small and big screens, Batman and Robin don’t have many on-screen pairings in cartoons, often appearing separately. One of the more memorable titles where the duo shines is the Batman TV show from the 1960s.

19. Bart and Lisa Simpson

In ‘The Simpsons’ (1989–), ‘The Simpsons Movie’ (2007)

A mischievous duo that needs no introduction, Bart and Lisa are the legendary siblings for the long-running animated series The Simpsons. The enduring funny duo is made up of the rebellious older brother who loves pranks, Bart, and the intelligent and conscientious younger sister, Lisa. In the Simpsons’ household and in Springfield Elementary, the two always clash.

Their contrasting personalities make them a delight to watch, and, in fact, their relationship is responsible for some of the best episodes of The Simpsons. Despite their bickering and clear differences, there have been moments that remind viewers how much they care about each other – fans with siblings can likely relate.

18. Ash Ketchum and Pikachu

In ‘Pokémon’ (1997–), ‘Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew’ (2005), ‘Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!’ (2017)

Originating from the Pokémon games, Ash and Pikachu comprise one of the most legendary cartoon pairs in cinematic history. From the original series to the several movies, the world of Pokémon is an overwhelming one full of fascinating, terrifying, and sometimes charming creatures. One thing remains the same for fans, though, and that’s the way they can count on Ash and Pikachu to take them on exhilarating adventures through that world.

Ash is the determined Pokémon trainer who embarks on a thrilling yet grueling journey to become a Pokémon Master. When Ash befriends the strong and adorable Pikachu, the duo becomes a powerful pairing that only gets better with each new challenge. Although they can sometimes both go on their own arcs (with Pikachu even starring in 2019’s Detective Pikachu), the two pals will always find their way back to each other.

17. Buzz Lightyear and Woody

In ‘Toy Story’ (1995), ‘Toy Story 2’ (1999), ‘Toy Story 3’ (2010), ‘Toy Story 4’ (2019)

Friends for infinity and beyond, Buzz and Woody are the stars of the Toy Story franchise. When they met for the first time in the 1995 film, Buzz was a space ranger who didn’t know that he was a toy. It would take some insistence and a fierce rivalry with Andy’s favorite toy, Woody, for that to change.

Although the Toy Story movies are full of well-designed characters like Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Bo Peep, and more, Buzz and Woody undoubtedly still have a special place in fans’ hearts. It’s their love-hate relationship that kickstarted the franchise, and it’s also their strong bond that has kept each new movie interesting. With the way things turned out in Toy Story 4, though, it would be interesting to see where the duo cartoon characters go next.

16. Cosmo and Wanda

In ‘The Fairly OddParents’ (2001–2017), ‘The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder’ (2022)

Nickelodeon’s The Fairly OddParents depicts the experiences of 10-year-old Timmy Turner, who is neglected by his parents and abused by Vicky, his babysitter. His life changes – for better or worse – when two fairy godparents, Cosmo and Wanda, enter his life and make all his dreams come true.

Cosmo and Wanda are the chaotic yet endearing duo that serves as the true stars of the series, with their antics usually underscoring the worst parts of parenting in the show. They’re well-intentioned yet constantly make mistakes, which often lead to comedic scenarios with a dash of magic. Just as they were for Timmy, the legendary animated characters likely served as fans’ second parents during their childhoods. And although the recent continuation of the series on Paramount+, The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder, didn’t quite stick the landing, the revival is a testament to just how popular Cosmo and Wanda still are.

15. Elsa and Anna

In ‘Frozen’ (2013), ‘Frozen II’ (2019)

The beloved sisters from Disney’s Frozen franchise have become among the most popular animated duos in recent memory. Quickly becoming symbols and sisterhood and empowerment, Elsa and Anna are an iconic female duo in animation who have emphasized the transformative power of love.

The duo’s story highlights the strength of familial bonds, no matter how different the siblings may be from each other. They are no damsels in distress, but rather multi-dimensional characters who transcend traditional portrayals of princesses – not to mention have become a global phenomenon. In this way, they continue to be sources of inspiration for young viewers around the world.

14. Marceline and Princess Bubblegum

In ‘Adventure Time (2010–2018), ‘Adventure Time: Distant Lands’ (2020–2021)

Many crazy and mystical characters live in the land of Ooo, but two of the most recognized are Princess Bubblegum of the Candy Kingdom and Marceline the Vampire Queen. The former is a sentient wad of chewing gum who uses the power of science to build a prosperous kingdom for her sugary subjects, though her paranoia can sometimes lead to her stepping out of line when it comes to dealing with other leaders. Meanwhile, the latter is a carefree music lover who is always looking to have a good time, even if it occasionally comes at others’ expense.

Marceline and Bubblegum’s dynamic grew throughout Adventure Time‘s run and ended as one of the show’s strongest. They’re a fun case of enemies-to-lovers, as though their personalities often cause friction, they also know how to meet at each other’s level, which demonstrates how well they know one another. The pair were also among the first examples of protagonist same-sex pairings in kids’ cartoons, opening the door for future shows to do more.

13. Aladdin and Genie

From ‘Aladdin’ (1992)

To win the heart of Princess Jasmine, Aladdin agrees to delve into the Cave of Wonders and recover a magic lamp for the disguised royal Vizeer, Jafar. Though he is betrayed by Jafar and left to die, Aladdin’s monkey companion, Abu, steals back the lamp. Rubbing it unleashes a magic Genie who is compelled to grant Aladdin three wishes.

Aladdin and the Genie develop a phenomenal bond due to their shared experience of longing for a better life. This means that, rather than the master-servant dichotomy the Genie was used to, Aladdin treats him as an equal, and even agrees to use his last wish to free the Genie from the lamp. Genie in turn tries to encourage Aladdin to see the best qualities in himself rather than pretend to be something he isn’t.

12. Finn and Jake

In ‘Adventure Time’ (2010–2018)

Finn the human and Jake the dog live together in the mystical land of Ooo. Together they fight evil to protect the various princesses, look for treasure, or just because they’re bored. With Finn’s skill with the sword and Jake’s shape-shifting, there’s no problem they can’t overcome except their immaturity.

Adventure Time kick-started a new golden era for Cartoon Network in the 2010s, and Finn and Jake were a big part of that success. While both have a love for adventure, Jake tries to act as the voice of reason, though his wisdom is often flawed. Finn meanwhile has a lot to learn about growing up and forming relationships, which offers many chances for the two to learn from and work off one another.

11. Megatron and Starscream

In ‘The Transformers’ (1984–1987)

Villain duos can be just as entertaining as heroic ones, and there are few more hilariously dysfunctional than Megatron and Starscream from the Transformers franchise. Beginning with the original 1984 series, Starscream never tried to hide his ambition to one day usurp Megatron as leader of the Decepticons. Every attempt ends with him whimpering for his life, but Megatron shows mercy and picks him back up, always ready to strike him down again when he tries to act again.

One can only speculate as to why Megatron keeps Starscream alive. Perhaps it’s because he still needs Starscream in his fight against the Autobots, or perhaps it’s because knocking Starscream down helps keep the rest of the Decepticons in line. Regardless of why, this dynamic is hilariously toxic, mainly because Starscream keeps bringing it upon himself by never taking the hint that he’s out of his league.

10. Ren and Stimpy

In ‘The Ren & Stimpy Show’ (1991–1996)

The Ren & Stimpy Show was one of Nickelodeon’s first cartoons, and though it has one of the darkest production stories in animation, it also changed the face of animation forever. It followed the misadventures of an angry Chiuawa named Ren, and his best friend and roommate, a dumb cat named Stimpy. Every day brings with it new and grotesque challenges, often made worse by the duo’s individual flaws.

Much of the surrealist humor of The Ren & Stimpy Show comes from how these two contrasting personalities react to each other and the crazy situations they wind up in. Ren’s first instinct is usually to descend into a psychotic rampage, while Stimpy means well, but his lack of intelligence often makes the situation, and Ren’s blood pressure, worse. On the voice-acting side, Billy West is perfect at bringing out Stimpy’s simple but big-hearted nature, and after series creator John Kricfalusi was removed from the show, he did an admirable job as Ren, but nothing can beat Kricfalusi’s insane ramblings.

9. Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner

In ‘Fast and Furry-ous’ (1949), ‘The Road Runner Show’ (1966–1972), ‘The Looney Tunes Show’ (2011–2013)

“Road Runner, the coyote’s after you.” Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner first appeared in the 1949 cartoon short Fast and Furry-ous, but became popular around the world thanks to the Saturday morning animated anthology series from the 60s, The Road Runner Show.

Its premise is simple and brilliant, centering on the endless chase that goes on between the coyote and the bird, with the Roadrunner managing to outsmart the predator every single time. Fans today likely still recall the numerous running gags (like the Acme products) and iconic sound effects from the series. The gut-busting characters are synonymous with classic animation, and are still referenced in contemporary shows and films.

8. Donald Duck and Daisy Duck

In ‘Mr. Duck Steps Out’ (1940), ‘House of Mouse’ (2001–2003), ‘Mickey Mouse Clubhouse’ (2006–2016)

Although Mickey Mouse had a great theatrical career in the 1930s, Donald Duck eclipsed him in popularity by the end of the decade. Thus, it was only natural Disney would give him a girlfriend. After an attempt with Donna Duck in 1937s ‘Don Donald’, they struck gold with Daisy, an outspoken and fashion-loving socialite, who has since become one of Disney’s core characters.

The success of Donald and Daisy is thanks to their timeless appeal and contrasting personalities. They’re a classic romantic couple, trying to make things work despite their flaws, be it Donald’s temper or Daisy’s jealousy. Sometimes they can get into arguments due to their mutual stubbornness, but they always come back around.

7. Shaggy and Scooby-Doo

In ‘Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!’ (1969–1978), ‘Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island’ (1998)

Zoinks! Although the most recent entry in the franchise, Velma, turned out to be one of the lowest-rated shows in recent years, it does little to tarnish the reputation of the legendary cartoon duo, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo. Norville “Shaggy” Rogers and Scooby-Doo’s friendship is best represented by the original Saturday-morning cartoon series from Hanna-Barbera Productions, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, which aired from 1969 to 1978.

Together, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo (along with the rest of the gang) unmask the very human villains behind seemingly supernatural occurrences. In the process of their humorous hijinks, Shaggy and Scooby have given fans iconic movies and catchphrases like “Scooby-Dooby-Doo!” – and with the franchise still popular today, who knows how many more generations will fall in love with the wacky duo?

6. Goku and Vegeta

In ‘Dragon Ball Z’ (1989–1996), ‘Dragon Ball GT’ (1996–1997), ‘Dragon Ball Super’ (2015–2018)

Dragon Ball is one of the most recognized media franchises to come from Japan, so, fittingly, it also has one of the best rivalries in anime. During the first arc of Dragon Ball Z, the series protagonist, Son Goku, learns that he is a member of an alien warrior race called the Saiyans and faces off against Prince Vegeta when he comes to Earth. Their first battle leaves both of them severely injured, but Goku decides to let Vegeta go in the hopes of meeting him again.

Since then, Goku and Vegeta have become the best of frenemies, especially when Vegeta becomes a permanent resident on Earth. They respect one another as Fighters and enjoy seeing how far they can push themselves, though Vegeta’s pride often leads to him doing reckless and borderline evil actions in his attempts to surpass his rival. Not that Goku seems to mind, since to him, any reason to spar with Vegeta is a good one.

5. Rick and Morty

In ‘Rick and Morty’ (2013–)

The world of adult animation tends to be hit-and-miss in terms of humor, character, and art style. One show that managed to impress a wide audience is Rick and Morty. It follows the adventures of Rick Sanchez, a nihilistic genius who goes on adventures across the infinite multiverse with his fourteen-year-old neurotic grandson, and how it affects the rest of their family.

Rick is like a perfect blend of negative tropes: he’s arrogant, egotistical, and stubborn to a fault, especially when he’s convinced he is right. In contrast, Morty is more soft-spoken and tries to balance his grandfather’s cynicism with optimism and kindness. Rick and Morty’s interactions are the heart and soul of the show, which throws the innocence of youth against the harsh realities of the world.

4. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

In ‘Plane Crazy’ (1928), ‘Steamboat Willy’ (1928), ‘Mickey Mouse’ (2013–2019)

After losing the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks created Mickey Mouse. Soon after, they created Minnie to be his girlfriend, inspired by the flapper subculture. Over the decades, both of their characters would go through massive reworks, but their love always remains.

Mickey and Minnie are perhaps the most recognized couple in all animation. They might not be as exciting as others due to their universally sweet and kind personalities, but in this way, this helps them retain relevance regardless of the era. They are the ideal relationship, with mutual love, understanding, and admiration.

3. Tom and Jerry

In ‘Tom and Jerry’ (1965–1972), ‘The Tom and Jerry Show’ (1975), ‘The Tom and Jerry Show’ (2014–2021)

Created in 1940 by William Hannah and Joseph Barbera, Tom and Jerry features the two titular characters who make up one of the oldest duos in animation history. From 1940 to 1958, the cat and mouse duo chased, bashed, and hammered one another in over one hundred shorts. The duo has continued to chase each other through multiple spin-offs and films.

Their success came from their contrasting personalities and skillful animation that rivaled Disney at the time. While Tom is usually arrogant and Jerry sympathetic, both can be the instigator or the victim of their never-ending feud. Several adaptations have tried to make them friends, but what audiences want is more slapstick to laugh at.

2. SpongeBob and Patrick

In ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999–), ‘The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie’ (2004)

Beneath the waves, in the town of Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob SquarePants makes famous Krabby Patties at the local restaurant, the Krusty Krab. When he’s not working, he’s hanging out with his best friend, Patrick Star. Together they annoy their neighbor, Squidward, catch jellyfish, and make up their wild games.

While most episodes show SpongeBob and Patrick as being childish, their subtle differences are what makes this SpongeBob SquarePants pairing so good. Patrick is the dumber and more stubborn of the two, while SpongeBob is more mature but easy to sway. The vocal performances by Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke perfectly capture the innocence of the characters.

1. Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck

In ‘Rabbit Fire’ (1951), ‘The Looney Tunes Show’ (2011–2013)

The Looney Tunes have a wide cast of wacky and zany characters, but none fit this description better than Daffy Duck. During the early years, he was the king of screwball comedy, but things changed when directors Chuck Jones and Friz Freleng experimented with his personality. Now a more cynical and greedy character, it was decided that Daffy should be paired up with Bugs Bunny, and the rest was history.

The dynamic between Daffy and Bugs is so strong that it practically writes itself. They are two clashing egos that refuse to back down from a challenge, though Daffy is usually the one who causes their feuds due to his narcissism and need to win. This often leads to his own downfall, since Bugs can easily twist his words and actions against Daffy, which helps cement him as one of the best cartoon characters.

NEXT: Great Actors Who Voiced Recognizable Animated Characters