The 40 Best Duos in Anime History

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Anime expert Preston Hargrove shares his favorite anime duos
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Anime may be known for having a lot of iconic trios, but there are plenty of duos that are just as important and popular. In this article, we interviewed an anime expert to compile a list of some of the most iconic anime duos of all time, including friends, rivals, and romantic partners. Keep reading to see if your favorite made the list.

Popular Anime Duos

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An illustration of some of the most popular duos from anime.

Anime expert Preston Hargrove says some of the most iconic anime duos include Goku and Vegeta from Dragon Ball, Naruto and Sasuke from Naruto, Zoro and Sanji from One Piece, and Gon and Killua from Hunter x Hunter. Others include Ash and Pikachu from Pokémon and Bakugo and Deku from My Hero Academia.

1

Ash & Pikachu (Pokémon)

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  1. Ash and Pikachu are so iconic that even non-Pokémon fans know about them! But what non-fans may not know is that these two didn’t start out on the best of terms. Pikachu was stubborn, and he and Ash didn’t get along. The more they traveled together, though, the more they bonded. Their teamwork helped Ash earn the title of Pokémon Master.[1]

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Preston Hargrove is an anime expert with over 20 years of experience with anime culture. Also a musician, he creates content that blends piano and anime.

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2

Goku & Vegeta (Dragon Ball)

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  1. “Always and forever, I think everybody’s going to run to Goku and Vegeta,” says Hargrove. “They are legit the blueprint for not only duos but anime rivals. Goku is a humble fighter, a humble guy. Vegeta is somewhat of a narcissistic type of fighter who thinks he is the best thing since sliced bread… The two together are a really good duo and a really good rivalry.”[2]
3

Edward & Alphonse (Fullmetal Alchemist)

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  1. Edward and Alphonse are brothers and friends. In an attempt to resurrect their mother with alchemy, Edward lost his arm, and Alphonse lost his body. Edward is determined to get Alphonse his body back, even if it means losing his own life. They may fight like all siblings, but they’ll stop at nothing to protect each other.[3]
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4

Naruto & Sasuke (Naruto)

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  1. Hargrove says Naruto and Sasuke are another popular duo: “Naruto represents hope. Sasuke is this edgy kind of revenge type of guy. They were really big rivals to the point where Sasuke legit wanted to kill Naruto, but by the end of the series, they are buddy-buddy.”[4]
5

Bakugo & Midoriya (My Hero Academia)

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  1. Bakugo and Midoriya (Deku) are another iconic duo that began as rivals. Bakugo was quite literally Midoriya’s bully, but when they repeatedly have to team up to fight villains, they slowly begin to respect each other and encourage each other to be better heroes.[5]
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6

Zoro & Sanji (One Piece)

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  1. According to Hargrove, Zoro and Sanji “are more rivals than they are a duo. They fuss on every occasion. They do not like each other, but they will defend each other 100%.”[6] These frenemies may get on the rest of the crew’s nerves with their bickering, but when they team up in fights, they’re unstoppable.
    • Some One Piece fans even ship Zoro and Sanji romantically!
7

Gon & Killua (Hunter x Hunter)

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  1. Hargrove says, “Gon and Killua from Hunter x Hunter are one of the best anime duos, one of the best friendships that you’ll see in anime. They both have healthy emotions towards one another. Killua helps Gon grow. Gon helps Killua grow, and it’s like this innocence of a true childhood friendship.”[7]
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8

L & Light (Death Note)

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  1. Quiz death note characters main.png
    Who doesn’t love the cat-and-mouse game between L and Light? Unlike most anime duos, these two aren’t friends. They’re rivals who happen to be two sides of the same coin. They’re constantly trying to outsmart each other and achieve their different goals, leading to an exciting watch for fans.[8]
9

Inuyasha & Kagome (Inuyasha)

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  1. There’s a reason Inuyasha and Kagome are endgame. Inuyasha will do anything to protect Kagome, while Kagome embraces Inuyasha as a half-demon and doesn’t try to change him. In addition to having great chemistry, they help each other learn about themselves and experience things they never thought they’d be able to.[9]
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10

Loid & Yor Forger (Spy x Family)

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  1. Loid and Yor may not be a real married couple, but that doesn’t stop them from being an iconic duo. Though neither knows the other’s true identity, they support each other like a real couple. By pretending to have a family together, the assassin and spy are able to reconnect with everyday domestic life.[10]
11

Frieren & Fern (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)

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  1. Frieren is a near-immortal elf mage, while Fern is her human apprentice. At first, Frieren isn’t interested in connecting with humans because of their comparatively short lifespan. Slowly, however, Fern helps her reconnect and learn to process her grief. While they’re both powerful mages, the true strength of their friendship comes from their mutual respect and emotional depth.[11]
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12

Jessie & James (Pokémon)

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  1. Jessie and James may be bad at being villains, but they’re pretty good at being friends. They always support each other and work together to come up with plans to steal Pikachu. While these plans ultimately fail, they never give up on each other.[12]
    • When you add Meowth to the mix, Team Rocket is also an iconic anime trio.
13

Tanjiro & Nezuko (Demon Slayer)

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  1. Tanjiro and Nezuko are brother and sister, so it’s no surprise they make a great team. Like most siblings, they argue a lot, but they always have each other’s backs. They’re also the only surviving members of their family, which deepens their bond and their desire to protect each other.[13]
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14

Isaac & Miria (Baccano!)

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  1. Isaac and Miria are partners-in-crime… literally. These immortal thieves are absolutely hilarious together. They’re ride-or-die friends who finish each other’s sentences and always agree with each other, no matter how absurd the plan is. They’re not always the smartest, but they’re totally dedicated to each other.[14]
15

Yukio & Rin (Blue Exorcist)

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  1. Yukio and Rin are twin brothers who grew apart when Yukio learned that Rin is part devil. Despite this, Rin continued to care for his brother, and throughout the series, the two begin to rekindle their relationship. They may fight and argue a lot, but their arguments are entertaining, and over time, they learn that they’re stronger together.[15]
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16

Kyo & Tohru (Fruits Basket)

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  1. Tohru and Kyo accept each other as they are. Kyo is normally hot-tempered and aggressive, but he lets his guard down around Tohru. Tohru sees the good in Kyo, and they help each other overcome their flaws and overcome their trauma.[16]
17

Mustang & Hawkeye (Fullmetal Alchemist)

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  1. Edward and Alphonse aren’t the only iconic duo from Fullmetal Alchemist. Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye are both strong and protective of the people they care about. Roy knows that Riza will take care of him but that she’ll also be willing to kill him if he loses his morality. They both push each other and bond over their shared trauma.[17]
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18

Kageyama & Hinata (Haikyuu!!)

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  1. Kageyama and Hinata only have two things in common: they love volleyball, and they’re incredibly stubborn. But even though they’re very different, they work together better than any other players on their team. They push each other to be their best, and they can always rely on each other.[18]
19

Inuyasha & Sesshomaru (Inuyasha)

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  1. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru have a complicated relationship; they’re half-brothers who are also sworn enemies. Though they hate each other, they’re bound by blood, and throughout the course of the series, they slowly begin to understand and care for each other. When they team up, they’re practically unstoppable.[19]
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20

Might Guy & Rock Lee (Naruto)

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  1. Rock Lee and Might Guy are incredibly dedicated to each other. Neither of them was born with powers, and Guy took Lee under his wing to master taijutsu. They’re both eccentric and are always smiling, but they seriously care about each other, too. Guy even claims that he’ll kill himself if Lee doesn’t make it through an intense surgery.[20]
21

Shiro & Sora (No Game No Life)

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  1. At first glance, Shiro and Sora have little in common. Sora is a manipulative teenage boy, and Shiro is an 11-year-old genius who struggles to express her emotions. Despite being opposites, the two actually work really well together and even team up to defeat the God of Games. Their relationship may be based on their love for video games, but their bond goes on to become something much stronger.[21]
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22

Natsu & Happy (Fairy Tail)

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  1. Natsu and Happy weren’t always a duo. In fact, Happy was originally tasked with killing Natsu and the other Dragon Slayers. But when he lost his memories, he and Natsu quickly became great friends. They’re always by each other’s side, share a similar sense of humor, and work well together to face various challenges.[22]
23

Yugi & Seto (Yu-Gi-Oh!)

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  1. Yugi and Seto may be rivals, but they respect each other. While they both want to be the best Duel Monsters player, they’re willing to work together when they have a shared task or common enemy. Over time, they help each other change and grow into better people.[23]
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24

Soul & Maka (Soul Eater)

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  1. Soul is literally Maka’s scythe, so it’s no surprise these two work well together. They have clashing personalities, but this creates a sibling dynamic rather than a rivalry. They learn to understand each other and do whatever it takes to keep the other safe.[24]
25

Saitama & Genos (One Punch Man)

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  1. Genos is Saitama’s disciple, but their relationship is stronger than the standard mentor/mentee. Even though Saitama seems cold, he truly cares about Genos. Genos is much more open, letting Saitama know how much he’s inspired by Saitama’s power. They also live together, which shows how close their bond is.[25]
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26

Itadori & Megumi (Jujutsu Kaisen)

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  1. Megumi and Itadori are unlikely friends. Itadori is impulsive, while Megumi is calm, and together, they balance each other out. They often land themselves in tricky situations, but they work together to overcome them. They trust each other completely, and they’ve bonded over their shared trauma.[26]
27

Meliodas & Ban (Seven Deadly Sins)

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  1. While all the members of the Seven Deadly Sins are close, Meliodas and Ban are especially so. They’re very excited to see each other again when they’re reunited, and they work well together in battle and in everyday life. Ban encourages Meliodas to be his best, and they make a great team while working in Meliodas’s bar.[27]
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28

Sailor Moon & Sailor Venus (Sailor Moon)

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  1. There are a lot of iconic relationships in Sailor Moon, including that between Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus. As the former leader of the Sailor Guardians, Sailor Venus is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Sailor Moon safe. In addition to protecting each other, these two also have a lot of common interests and are often spotted together in the school yard.[28]
29

Erwin & Levi (Attack on Titan)

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  1. Erwin and Levi were friends before the events of Attack on Titan even started. They completely respect and trust each other. Levi is willing to follow Erwin’s commands without question because of how much he trusts his judgment, and Levi helps Erwin be more honest and open.[29]
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30

Sekkekkyu & Hakkekkyu (Cells at Work!)

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  1. Red blood cells and white blood cells work together to protect our bodies from infections, but this duo is even more iconic in Cells at Work! Sekkekkyu is a red blood cell who was once rescued by the white blood cell Hakkekkyu. These two don’t have a ton of screentime, but it’s clear they share a deep bond and work to keep each other safe.[30]
31

Yato & Yukine (Noragami)

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  1. Yato is a god, and Yukine is a spirit that serves him. Despite this, Yato doesn’t like Yukine at first. As the series progresses, though, they slowly warm up to each other and begin to work better as a team. Eventually, Yato even becomes proud of Yukine and his growth.[31]
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32

Sylphy & Luceria (A Nobody’s Way Up to an Exploration Hero)

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  1. Sylphy (a demigod) and Luceria (a demon) are two characters summoned by servant cards to help protagonist Kaito explore dungeons. Like many great duos, these two didn’t like each other when they first met, but they slowly began to understand and like each other. Sylphy’s intelligence and Luceria’s strength help Kaito easily conquer each dungeon they come across.[32]
33

Okarun & Momo (Dandadan)

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  1. Though they initially dislike each other, Okarun and Momo are forced to team up when they develop supernatural abilities and begin fighting aliens and yokai. They may deny it, but they have explosive chemistry and romantic tension. They also learn to communicate and support each other.[33]
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34

Rudeus & Eris (Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation)

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  1. Rudeus and Eris are cousins who help each other learn and grow. Rudeus has an advanced knowledge of magic, so he helps teach Eris, while Eris is a talented swordsperson who teaches Rudeus how to fight. After a teleportation incident leaves them millions of miles away from home, they help each other survive.[34]
35

Rio & Aishia (Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles)

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  1. This duo is a bit complicated. Rio is actually a high school student named Haruto who gets transported into the body of a young boy named Rio following an accident. Later on, Haruto-as-Rio discovers he has a spirit living inside him named Aishia. Together, they form a powerful duo, as Aishia has powerful magic that helps Rio sneak around to accomplish different tasks.[35]
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36

Joseph & Caesar (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

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  1. Joseph and Caesar start out as rivals, but after they completed their Ripple training, they went on several missions together and realized they worked well as a team. The more time they spent together, the better friends they became. By the time Caesar died, Joseph cared for him greatly and vowed to get vengeance for his friend.[36]
37

Elias Ainsworth & Chise Hatori (The Ancient Magus’ Bride)

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  1. Elias may buy Chise in an auction, but hear us out: they’re actually great together. Chise is incredibly loyal to Elias, as this is the first time she’s had a place to call home. Elias sees Chise’s potential and teaches her how to do magic, while Chise helps him connect with his emotions and humanity. Together, they help each other heal from their trauma and loneliness.[37]
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38

Andy & Fuuko (Undead Unluck)

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  1. Andy and Fuuko may live cursed lives, but together, they’re practically unstoppable. Fuuko can’t physically get close to people because she emits bad luck, while Andy cannot die, no matter what happens. The two originally stick together because Andy wants to see if Fuuko’s bad luck can kill him, but as the series progresses, they team up to defeat their enemies.[38]
39

Kamina & Simon (Gurren Lagann)

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  1. Kamina and Simon are opposites: Kamina is loud and charismatic, while Simon is timid and insecure. Despite their differences, they get along well. Kamina pushes Simon to become a confident hero, and Simon looks up to Kamina like an older brother.[39]
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40

Hyakkimaru & Dororo (Dororo)

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  1. Hyakkimaru and Dororo may not have a lot in common, but they balance each other out. Hyakkimaru is a powerful fighter, but he’s reckless. Dororo is physically weak, but she’s smart and empathetic. Hyakkimaru physically protects her, while she helps him reconnect with humanity. Together, they’re a small but strong found family.[40]

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.themarysue.com/best-anime-duos-ranked/
  2. ↑ Preston Hargrove. Anime Expert. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.themarysue.com/best-anime-duos-ranked/
  4. ↑ Preston Hargrove. Anime Expert. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://collider.com/anime-duos-best-ranked/
  6. ↑ Preston Hargrove. Anime Expert. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ Preston Hargrove. Anime Expert. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://collider.com/anime-duos-best-ranked/
  9. ↑ https://caffeineanime.com/22-of-the-best-anime-duos-of-all-time/
  1. ↑ https://spy-x-family.fandom.com/wiki/Loid_Forger/Relationships
  2. ↑ https://frieren.fandom.com/wiki/Fern/Relationships
  3. ↑ https://www.cbr.com/anime-duos-best-chemistry-not-romantic/
  4. ↑ https://www.cbr.com/anime-duos-best-chemistry-not-romantic/
  5. ↑ https://www.fandomspot.com/iconic-anime-duos/
  6. ↑ https://shipping.fandom.com/wiki/Okumura_Brothers
  7. ↑ https://shipping.fandom.com/wiki/Kyohru
  8. ↑ https://epicstream.com/article/12-best-anime-duos
  9. ↑ https://epicstream.com/article/12-best-anime-duos
  10. ↑ https://screenrant.com/inuyasha-anime-sesshomaru-best-character-op-ed/
  11. ↑ https://collider.com/naruto-rock-lee-might-guy/
  12. ↑ https://www.fandomspot.com/iconic-anime-duos/
  13. ↑ https://epicstream.com/article/12-best-anime-duos
  14. ↑ https://yugioh.fandom.com/wiki/Yami_Yugi_and_Seto_Kaiba
  15. ↑ https://caffeineanime.com/22-of-the-best-anime-duos-of-all-time/
  16. ↑ https://epicstream.com/article/12-best-anime-duos
  17. ↑ https://collider.com/anime-duos-best-ranked/
  18. ↑ https://www.fandomspot.com/iconic-anime-duos/
  19. ↑ https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Minako_Aino_/_Sailor_Venus_(anime)
  20. ↑ https://shipping.fandom.com/wiki/EruRi
  21. ↑ https://epicstream.com/article/12-best-anime-duos
  22. ↑ https://www.fandomspot.com/iconic-anime-duos/
  23. ↑ https://mobkara.fandom.com/wiki/Sylphy
  24. ↑ https://dandadan.fandom.com/wiki/Momo_Ayase/Relationships
  25. ↑ https://mushokutensei.fandom.com/wiki/Eris_Greyrat/Relationships
  26. ↑ https://seirei-gensouki.fandom.com/wiki/Aishia/Relationships
  27. ↑ https://www.fandomspot.com/iconic-anime-duos/
  28. ↑ https://shipping.fandom.com/wiki/EliChise
  29. ↑ https://undead-unluck.fandom.com/wiki/Andy
  30. ↑ https://www.themarysue.com/best-anime-duos-ranked/
  31. ↑ https://www.fandomspot.com/iconic-anime-duos/

About This Article

Preston Hargrove
Co-authored by:
Preston Hargrove
Anime Expert
This article was co-authored by Preston Hargrove and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Preston Hargrove is an anime expert and content creator based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Preston has over 20 years of experience with anime culture and 15 years of music experience. A Livingstone College music graduate, he is currently pursuing a Master’s in Choral Conducting from Messiah University while creating content that blends piano and anime. This article has been viewed 1,485 times.
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