By Megan Deppe
The Star Wars franchise has gifted us with so many iconic friendships, from R2-D2 and C-3PO and Luke and Han, to Rey and BB-8. We’re inspired when we see two friends stand by each other, support each other… and maybe even tease a little bit. Friendships as strong as these can be found throughout the many worlds of Disney, so we decided to look back at some of the dynamic duos that we aspire to find in our own lives.
1. Finn and Poe (Star Wars: The Force Awakens)
We’re excited for everything that The Last Jedi has to offer, and we’re hoping we’ll get to see the continued bromance of Finn and Poe. Ever since Poe gave Finn his jacket—and, of course, a real name—these two characters have had a relationship like no other. Even BB-8 loves the two of them! All fingers are crossed that they get sent on more missions together as they fight to free the galaxy from the First Order.
2. Lilo and Stitch (Lilo & Stitch)
This human-alien duo danced their way into our hearts while they danced along to Elvis, learning how to create an ‘ohana’ when their worlds were falling apart. When Lilo wished upon a star for “the nicest angel you have” to be her friend, she didn’t get quite what she asked for, but exactly what they both needed.
3. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde (Zootopia)
Who could have imagined that such a great pair could come from a couple of clever hustles? Nick hustled Judy into a free jumbo pop, and she paid him back by blackmailing him into helping her track down Mr. Otterton. Judy’s optimism and determination are a good match for Nick’s street smarts, and the city of Zootopia is safer with the two of them on patrol. It doesn’t matter who is predator and who is prey—the two of them make the world a better place!
4. Timon and Pumbaa (The Lion King)
Have you ever used one of these names in a sentence without automatically including the other? These two misfits took in a lost little lion cub and taught him the meaning of “Hakuna Matata,” becoming one of the best duos Disney has ever brought to the screen. Whether they’re chowing down on grubs or distracting the hyenas, they belong together, with no worries for the rest of their days!
5. Chip and Dale (Chip ’n’ Dale Rescue Rangers)
Chip and Dale have been amusing us since 1943, but the inseparable chipmunks’ friendship has stood the test of time. Whether they are just annoying Donald or working as Rescue Rangers, these chipmunks can navigate any obstacle, as long as they’re together.
6. Tod and Copper (The Fox and the Hound)
“You’re not even aware you’re such a funny pair.” That is the ultimate friendship goal, to enjoy each other’s company so much that you don’t care what anyone else thinks. On paper, this duo should never have come to be—a hound dog and the fox he is born to hunt—but that makes their friendship all the sweeter. They prove that you should never let anyone else tell with whom you can and cannot be friends.
7. Rocket and Groot (Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy)
Sometimes the best duos are the ones that only make sense to the duo itself. Rocket and Groot are a complete set, and they bring out the best in each other. Rocket, the only one who can understand the many subtleties of “I am Groot,” makes sure that no one pushes his big tree around, and Groot doesn’t hesitate to remind Rocket to be a little nicer to people. Even before the Guardians formed, Rocket and Groot were a package deal and we’d never want to see them any other way.
8. Mike and Sulley (Monsters, Inc.)
From college rivals to scare floor bros, Mike and Sulley have been one of the greatest Disney pairs, no matter how much they may bicker. These two have worked their way up to become the best Scare team in the company, but they also learn together how effective they can be when they turn their energies toward something more positive. There’s nothing like having a friend to push you to do your best, especially when you can repay him by calling him “Googly-Bear” whenever you get the chance.
9. Cogsworth and Lumiere (Beauty and the Beast)
We all need a little balance in our lives, and balance is what makes Lumiere and Cogsworth “a cut above the rest.” Though the two have different ideas about how to accomplish their goals, they can respect each other and work together to accomplish them. Their teamwork keeps Beast’s castle functioning—and also hopeful!—and they make it possible for the relationship between Belle and Beast to grow. You can’t get much better as a duo than that!
10. Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable (Kim Possible)
Their names may be polar opposites, but these two teenage crime fighters come together as an unbeatable pair. Even before these two crime-stoppers started dating (FINALLY), they complemented each other perfectly from the moment they met at nap time. Kim is a perfectionist who holds herself to high standards, while Ron is more laid back and calm, which helps Kim take herself less seriously. Kim’s bravery helps to inspire Ron to be the best he can be.
11. Buzz and Woody (Toy Story)
If any duo could go to infinity and beyond, it is definitely our favorite cowboy and Space Ranger. Whether they’re trapped together in a claw machine or escaping daycare, Buzz and Woody have stuck by each other. Sure, it may have started off a little rocky at first when someone may have pushed someone else out the window, but these two definitely have a friend in each other now!
12. Kenai and Koda (Brother Bear)
What friendship doesn’t start off with a little annoyance? Kenai may not have connected with Koda from the very beginning, but these two eventually realized that they’re actually quite a bit alike. They share a love for fun and can’t help but engage in some harmless brotherly teasing to make a road trip less boring. Koda helps Kenai come to terms with the tragic loss of his brother, and as the two become a new “family,” Kenai also gives Koda something he’d never had before—a sibling of his own.
13. Han and Chewbacca (Star Wars)
Leia may have initially dismissed them as a scruffy-looking nerf-herder and walking carpet, but Han and Chewbacca’s friendship is iconic! This is the type of friendship we all want, one with unconditional support (even if you have to make fun of your buddy a little…) and someone who will stay true to the end. Their “Chewy, we’re home” moment in The Force Awakens filled us with tears of joy, and we’re looking forward to seeing the earlier days of their relationship in the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story.
