No man is an island: the saying also holds true for any well-crafted narrative. The success of a story largely depends on the strength of its characters. While the main characters often drive a show forward, a story is nothing without a supporting cast. In anime, duos especially play an important part.
RELATED:Best Anime Series, Ranked
They could befierce rivalswho take their competition too seriously, unfortunate romantic pairs who never give up, or even high school buds who try to survive all sorts of teenage drama. Together, these characters create entertaining interactions and bring the extra oomph that makes anime so addicting.
10Iori & Kohei (Grand Blue)
Iori and Kohei are theultimate comedyduo who can’t resist taking jabs at anyone in their sight. These two freshmen at Izu University are part of the diving club and spend most of their time hanging out with college seniors and getting drunk. But when it comes to the ladies, all bets are off.
They will stop at nothing to block each other’s game, whether it’s by throwing themselves in the way or trying to embarrass the other in front of their crushes. Iori often uses offensive pick-up lines, which turn off most women. Kohei, though, is more of a hopeless romantic, but his over-the-top and dramatic gestures come across as downright creepy.
9Polnareff & Iggy (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders)
At first, the two couldn’t stand each other. Polnareff disliked Iggy’s constant farting and crude behavior, while Iggy found Polnareff to be a pompous show-off with no substance. But, during their battle against Vanilla Ice, everything changed.
RELATED:JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 9 Should’ve Got A Simulpub English Release
Iggy, who used to not give a damn about anything, ends up sacrificing himself for the sake of Polnareff. Their partnership is certainly iconic. Polnareff and Iggy may have been total opposites, but together they proved that even the most unlikely pairs could form a bond that ignores all differences.
8Mob & Reigen (Mob Psycho 100)
Reigen and Mob are one of the best master-student duos in the anime world. Mob possesses terrific psychic powers but lacks confidence, whereas Reigen has no real powers but is confident and charismatic. In one episode ofMob Psycho 100, while Mob tried his best to exorcise some spirit, it was Reigen who got the job done with just his silver tongue.
RELATED:Best Anime By Bones: Studio Behind Mob Psycho 100
He talked to the ghost and convinced it to move on without any fuss. This is just one example of how they balance each other out. Mob thinks he has a ton to learn from his master, but the reality is that Reigen, being a con artist, has little to teach him except for his excellent people skills.
7Yukimura & Himuro (Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It)
Yukimura and Himuru just can’t face the fact that they are in love with each other. As postgrad researchers, the two engage in a series of hilarious and wacky science experiments to prove that their feelings are indeed genuine. While they are in denial, it is quite obvious to everyone in their lab that they are more than head-over-heels with each other.
Even their junior, Kanade, can’t help but roll her eyes and urges them to tie the knot already! These two are one of the most underrated andbest romanticduos in the anime world. Every episode is filled with new, bizarre experiments and romantic scenes with the highest possible dose of oxytocin.
6Dazai & Chuuya (Bungo Stray Dogs)
This aesthetically pleasing pair fromBungo Stray Dogshave a dynamic that is hard to resist. Their initial encounter was not a pleasant one, as Dazai suspected Chuuya to be a potential spy. However, the two ended up joining forces to take down a group of bad guys. At other times, they constantly try to one-up each other.
It’s a game of verbal ping-pong, and while they’re trading insults, you can’t help but be entertained by their banter. They even have their contact names saved as “Slug” and “Mackarel.” Dazai, however, makes physical contact with Chuuya, something that he doesn’t typically do with other dudes. Their relationship is pretty ambiguous, which is why fans can’t help but ship them.
5Takemichi & Chifuyu (Tokyo Revengers)
Tekemichi is what you’d call a bit of a crybaby hero. But that’s exactly why he needs Chifuyu by his side. They’ve been through the wringer together, and their relationship is based on respect and fierce loyalty. During every time leap inTokyo Revengers, Chifuyu fights alongside Takemichi against the external forces.
RELATED:Strongest Characters In Tokyo Revengers, Ranked
He doesn’t have strength like Mikey, but he has the brains and tactical planning necessary to outwit other gangs. They make one of the best duos in all of the shonen, and they’re well on their way to changing their fates!
4Shora & Shiro (No Game No Life)
These two inseparable bro-sis duos can even defeat the Gods. Summoned to a fantasy world of the game, Shora and Shiro wasted no time becoming the top players. Gaming isn’t just a hobby for these two, it’s a way of life. As proud NEETs, they use games to express themselves.
They’ve even made a rule in Disboard that all beef must be settled through games. From secret hand signals to subtle eye twitches, watching these two communicate during a match is like watching some next-level telepathy. Even if you don’t understand a lick of what’s happening, you can’t help but cheer them on.
3Arima & Kaori (Your Lie In April)
Arima and Kaori are like a lock and a key. This musical duo’s potential can only be unlocked when their melodies mix together. Arima is a piano prodigy, and people used to call him a “human metronome” for his incredible sense of rhythm.
But after his mom passed away, he lost his ability to hear his piano notes. It was a really tough time for him, but Kaori brought back the harmony that Arima had lost in his music. It’s amazing to see how they complement each other on stage – they truly bring out the best in each other, and you can just feel the electricity.
2Loid & Franky (Spy X Family)
Spy X Family’s Franky is the key informant for Operation Strix. And when it comes to getting a job done, he’s the one Loid relies on the most. Their relationship is professional, but Franky is no less of a Forger. In fact, he is the Uncle-in-Chief to Anya.
RELATED:Best Spy Anime To Watch After Spy X Family
Although he’s not exactly thrilled about this babysitting gig, a little bribe from Loid instantly turns him from being grumpy to happy-go-lucky. Loid is also the go-to guy for Franky when it comes to relationship advice. They met as enemies during the war, but now they’re best friends (even though they don’t like to admit it). Maybe they’re even proof that Ostania and Westalis can be friends again someday.
1Father & Hohenheim (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
The legendary Elric brothers may be an iconic anime duo, but it’s Father and Hohenheim’s symbiotic relationship which embody depth. Before breaking free from his flask, Father gave purpose to Hohenheim’s existence, who was once a slave in the ancient Xerxes empire.
Father taught him how to read and write, and shared all the knowledge of the world. In return, Hohenheim gave Father his blood so he could be free. This equivalence exchange, however, set the stage for some of the most unforgettable storylines in anime, a conflict spanning over 400 years.
