10 pairs of iconic anime best friends

Anime frequently highlights anime best friends as a central theme, creating emotional bonds that propel an entire series. These relationships push beyond basic friendship because they develop into indestructible connections strengthened by collective struggles, heartbreaking defeats, and victorious achievements.

Anime uses its medium to showcase deep and nuanced connections between characters, which results in unforgettable partnerships that help each other through overwhelming challenges.

These relationships between childhood friends and former rivals reflect the profound connection of discovering someone who truly understands you. This article explores ten anime best friend pairs who achieved worldwide recognition through their authentic portrayals of friendship.

Disclaimer: The speculations and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author.

Gon and Killua, Luffy and Zoro, and 8 other pairs of iconic anime best friends

1) Gon and Killua Hunter x Hunter

Gon and Killua as seen in the anime (Image via Madhouse)

The friendship between Gon Freecss and Killua Zoldyck stands as one of the most iconic anime best friends duo. Gon and Killua form an immediate bond during the Hunter Exam because Gon’s optimism complements Killua’s practical assassin background. Their dynamic helps each other grow: Gon gives Killua purpose beyond killing, while Killua grounds Gon with loyalty and caution.

The partnership between them grows stronger throughout Greed Island, Yorknew City, and the Chimera Ant arc, transforming from admiration into an unbreakable bond. Their distant friendship stands as the heart of the series, showing how true companionship enables people to defeat the darkest battles.

2) Luffy and Zoro from One Piece

Luffy and Zoro as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Monkey D. Luffy’s alliance with Roronoa Zoro serves as the Straw Hat Pirates’ core foundation. Luffy rescued Zoro from execution, which started their adventure together through unwavering trust. Roronoa Zoro committed to being Luffy’s undefeated companion on their mission to become Pirate King. Despite their opposite personalities, Luffy being carefree and Zoro demonstrating stoic resolve, they support each other through their united determination.

Zoro follows Luffy out of respect and not obligation, risking everything in battle for him. Luffy, in turn, has unwavering faith in Zoro’s strength. Their wordless understanding in combat cements their status as anime best friends, transcending the typical captain-subordinate dynamic, making their place in being.

3) Gintoki and Katsura from Gintama

Gintoki and Katsura as seen in the anime (Image via Sunrise)

The war forged a strong friendship between Sakata Gintoki and Katsura Kotaro, another pair of anime best friends. Despite surviving the brutal Joui War by following different paths—Gintoki as a freelancer and Katsura as a resistance leader—their dedication to each other stays strong. Their dynamic thrives on contradiction: Despite Gintoki’s mockery, Katsura receives his unwavering help, which causes his stern exterior to collapse around Gintoki.

Experiencing the same traumatic events together enables them to understand each other deeply without needing to speak. The combination of comedy and serious moments in Gintama demonstrates the enduring power of friendships formed through adversity as they adapt yet remain unbreakable.

4) Meliodas and Ban from The Seven Deadly Sins

Meliodas and Ban as seen in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Meliodas and Ban’s friendship in The Seven Deadly Sins transcends mortality itself. As immortal warriors, their bond grew into being anime best friends through countless battles and drinking contests. Their first meeting was a three-day fight, which set the tone for a friendship built on mutual respect, making them one of the most iconic anime best friends. Despite betrayals, brutal clashes, and even death, their connection remains unbreakable.

Ban once tried to steal Meliodas’ strength to revive Elaine, yet their trust endured. They express their friendship through good-natured brawls, competitive drinking, and unwavering support in dark times. Their dynamic balances intensity and humor, proving true friendship can withstand centuries of hardship and supernatural challenges.

5) Naruto and Sasuke from Naruto

Naruto and Sasuke as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha are one of the most intricate anime best friends duo in history. Their journey from foes to an inseparable team originates from a shared understanding of their lonely childhood experiences. Naruto’s unyielding quest to retrieve Sasuke stemmed from Sasuke’s pursuit of revenge, which fundamentally defined Naruto.

Naruto’s refusal to abandon Sasuke during his dark transformation displays how their battles represent emotional conflicts alongside physical confrontations. Their reconciliation feels earned after many years of conflict because true friendship survives through even the deepest wounds. Their relationship transforms them because intense trials typically lead to powerful bonds.

6) Gojo and Suguru from Jujutsu Kaisen

Gojo and Suguru as seen in the anime cover (Image via MAPPA)

Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto from Jujutsu Kaisen are one of the most tragic anime best friends. As Jujutsu High prodigies, they shared an unbreakable connection, burdened by their immense power and a dream to reform the corrupt sorcerer world. However, Suguru’s disillusionment led him down a dark path, while Gojo remained steadfast.

Despite their ideological divide, Gojo never stopped seeing Suguru as his best friend. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the series, shaping many central conflicts. Few anime friendships capture such bittersweet complexity, proving that true bonds endure even when paths diverge.

7) Kuroko and Taiga from Kuroko’s Basketball

Kuroko and Taiga as seen in the anime (Image via Production I.G)

The sports anime genre finds a new definition of friendship through Tetsuya Kuroko and Taiga Kagami’s partnership in Kuroko’s Basketball because their contrasting playstyles complement each other perfectly. Seirin High sees an unexpected yet powerful partnership between Kuroko, who operates as the near-invisible “phantom sixth man,” and Kagami, who plays as a powerhouse forward.

Starting as skeptics, they become comrades when they unite to defeat the Generation of Miracles. Kuroko’s clever playmaking opens up opportunities for Kagami’s explosive scoring, while Kagami’s commanding presence increases Kuroko’s performance during matches. Beyond basketball, they push each other to grow, proving that anime best friends succeed by embracing differences and valuing individual strengths.

8) Hinata and Kageyama from Haikyuu!!

Anime best friends Hinata and Kageyama as seen in the anime (Image via Production I.G)

The relationship between Haikyuu!!’s Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama transforms from competition into a strong connection, evolving from rivalry to an unbreakable bond. Hinata reaches his hidden potential through Kageyama’s accurate gameplay, making them both Karasuno’s leading offensive duo. Hinata’s dynamic spirit tempers Kageyama’s strict perfectionism, and Kageyama’s technical skill hones Hinata’s abilities.

Their quick attack symbolizes implicit trust and an unspoken connection. Beyond volleyball, they genuinely support each other’s growth and future aspirations. These anime best friends embody Haikyuu!!’s core message: true strength isn’t individual brilliance but the connections with those who push us beyond our limits.

9) Denji and Pochita from Chainsaw Man

Anime best friends Denji and Pochita as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

The friendship between Denji and Pochita stands out as a unique warmth in Chainsaw Man’s otherwise harsh universe. The poverty-stricken Denji shared his resources with the wounded Chainsaw Devil because their friendship was built on survival instincts. Their relationship extends beyond normal pet-owner interactions because Pochita chose to become Denji’s heart in both physical and emotional ways when he faced death.

Though transformed, Pochita remains Denji’s guiding force, shaping his choices. As anime best friends, their friendship embodies the series’ core theme: even in a world of exploitation, genuine connection can exist. Amid Denji’s pursuit of material desires, his bond with Pochita is his most profound and selfless relationship.

10) Natsu and Happy from Fairy Tail

Anime best friends Natsu and Happy as seen in the anime (Image via J.C. Staff)

The friendship between Natsu Dragneel and Happy represents one of anime’s most heartfelt connections. After Natsu discovered an egg that produced Happy, they became inseparable partners who collaborated on their fighting techniques and have a brotherly bond. Natsu and Happy share an unconditional friendship because Happy accepts Natsu’s reckless nature while Natsu is always protective of Happy.

Their combat synergy shines as Happy enables Natsu’s aerial attacks with Max Speed. Beyond battles, they share a home, meals, and a love for adventure. Their comedic banter adds levity, but beneath it lies emotional support. As one of the most memorable anime best friends, their bond embodies Fairy Tail’s core theme: true family is forged through shared experiences, not just blood.

Conclusion

The worldwide appeal of legendary anime friendships stems from their ability to reflect essential aspects of human connection. These dynamic pairs show how friendship transforms lives when fighting supernatural threats, chasing dreams that seem impossible, or dealing with everyday obstacles. The best anime friendships become stronger as time progresses through the challenges and misunderstandings they encounter.

The common factor among these friendships is mutual development because each friend assists the other to be better. As anime best friends, these enduring stories captivate modern anime enthusiasts by showing that friendship provides companions for life and reflects our best qualities while giving us the strength to confront future challenges.

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Edited by Ivanna Lalsangzuali