It’s
February, the Valentines season, and thus, a common topic or trend during the
time is couples. However, I want to twist the formula a bit, and talk about
male and female couples that still have great chemistry, yet have no romantic
context in the relationship. Truthfully, I sometimes find it more enduring when
a strong relationship can form without any romantic implications. It’s actually
kind of healthy to look at things from the less formulaic fashion, yet still
very wholesome in their own respected way. Now, originally, I was going to do Non-Romantic
Couples from general movies and TV, but then I noticed that the majority of my picks were animated, so I decided to make this countdown more consistent by
looking at parings from animated sources. So, for a little twist on this Valentines
season, here are, in my view, the sweetest pairings of animated characters …
with no romantic tie-ins.
#10 Judy Hopps
and Nick Wilde (from “Zootopia”)
In a world full of animals, a mystery is brewing, in which something is secretly causing certain beasts to act like savages, and it’s up to two poplar opposite animals to come together and crack the case. Who doesn’t love a good buddy cop parring, especially between two characters brimming with such distinct personalities? However, their partnership, and more specifically their friendship goes so much deeper then two quirky cops budding heads. They’re both at opposite ends of the animal food chain, and see past all that to form a really special bond. While the two do admit to loving one another, it’s still not conveyed in a romantic sense. Still, the two are delightful, and its great fun seeing them work together to solve the mystery. No matter what kind of funny or emotional situations they face, it’s always together.
In a world full of animals, a mystery is brewing, in which something is secretly causing certain beasts to act like savages, and it’s up to two poplar opposite animals to come together and crack the case. Who doesn’t love a good buddy cop parring, especially between two characters brimming with such distinct personalities? However, their partnership, and more specifically their friendship goes so much deeper then two quirky cops budding heads. They’re both at opposite ends of the animal food chain, and see past all that to form a really special bond. While the two do admit to loving one another, it’s still not conveyed in a romantic sense. Still, the two are delightful, and its great fun seeing them work together to solve the mystery. No matter what kind of funny or emotional situations they face, it’s always together.
#9 Lilo and
Stich (from “Lilo and Stich”)
In this animated Disney classic, a little girl takes on a new pet, one that just happens to come from outer-space. The little girl also happens to be two parents short, and is having trouble getting along with her older sister. Thankfully, her new pet dose more then become a new friend, he ties this broken family back together, and becomes a figurative sibling in the prosses. I think most fans can agree that Lilo and Stich are some of the most enduring, emotional and all-around lovable characters under Disney’s banner, and none would disagree that they both have beautiful chemistry. It’s such a simple joy seeing two characters born galaxies apart, yet still come together as a family, and their relation varies from the affection a girl would have for a pet, to the love a sister would have for a brother.
In this animated Disney classic, a little girl takes on a new pet, one that just happens to come from outer-space. The little girl also happens to be two parents short, and is having trouble getting along with her older sister. Thankfully, her new pet dose more then become a new friend, he ties this broken family back together, and becomes a figurative sibling in the prosses. I think most fans can agree that Lilo and Stich are some of the most enduring, emotional and all-around lovable characters under Disney’s banner, and none would disagree that they both have beautiful chemistry. It’s such a simple joy seeing two characters born galaxies apart, yet still come together as a family, and their relation varies from the affection a girl would have for a pet, to the love a sister would have for a brother.
#8 Moana and
Maui (from “Moana”)
When a brave young village princess sets sail on a quest to save her island, she’s forced to team up with a powerless Demi God, and the two need to learn to work together in order to set things right. Something you may notice throughout my whole list are friendships that take shape between two polar opposite characters, and this is no exception. One is tinny and hopeful, while the other is big and full of himself. Both are brimming with charisma, and it makes for some really fun interplay. Moana lacks knowledge, while Maui lacks chivalry, and both help one another better themselves through the course of their journey. For the most part, their the only two human characters on screen, and they both carry the show with ease. Each character is charming on their own, but put them together and its movie magic.
When a brave young village princess sets sail on a quest to save her island, she’s forced to team up with a powerless Demi God, and the two need to learn to work together in order to set things right. Something you may notice throughout my whole list are friendships that take shape between two polar opposite characters, and this is no exception. One is tinny and hopeful, while the other is big and full of himself. Both are brimming with charisma, and it makes for some really fun interplay. Moana lacks knowledge, while Maui lacks chivalry, and both help one another better themselves through the course of their journey. For the most part, their the only two human characters on screen, and they both carry the show with ease. Each character is charming on their own, but put them together and its movie magic.
#7 Prince Zuko
and Katara (from “Avatar: The Last Airbender”)
From a magical land of four kingdoms, an evil army called the Fire Nation plots to rule it all, and small team of young hero’s set out on a quest to not only end the war, but bring peace to all nations. Watching such a vulnerable young group go on such an adventure is very exciting, but things are only more compelling when their greatest adversary, the Prince of the very nation their trying to defeat, becomes one with our heroes. Katara, being the emotional center of this group of heroes already felt sympathy for their foe, but was also the most resentful to take him on as an ally, as she’d been cruelly betrayed by the prince all while she tried to convey a sense of remorse to him. Seeing the villain make a full reformation is an enduring character arc in of itself, but seeing him form a deep friendship with the girl who both feared and hatted him the most is even more rewarding. The bond that forms between the two is so deep that other characters in the show call them out on being a romantic item, which they openly object to. Still, they make for an enduring pair, and were an important example of how peace and love can be achieved between enemies. They're friendship was so touching that a part of me genuinely wanted to see them both become an item, but I’m happy with them just being close friends.
From a magical land of four kingdoms, an evil army called the Fire Nation plots to rule it all, and small team of young hero’s set out on a quest to not only end the war, but bring peace to all nations. Watching such a vulnerable young group go on such an adventure is very exciting, but things are only more compelling when their greatest adversary, the Prince of the very nation their trying to defeat, becomes one with our heroes. Katara, being the emotional center of this group of heroes already felt sympathy for their foe, but was also the most resentful to take him on as an ally, as she’d been cruelly betrayed by the prince all while she tried to convey a sense of remorse to him. Seeing the villain make a full reformation is an enduring character arc in of itself, but seeing him form a deep friendship with the girl who both feared and hatted him the most is even more rewarding. The bond that forms between the two is so deep that other characters in the show call them out on being a romantic item, which they openly object to. Still, they make for an enduring pair, and were an important example of how peace and love can be achieved between enemies. They're friendship was so touching that a part of me genuinely wanted to see them both become an item, but I’m happy with them just being close friends.
#6 Ralph and
Vanellope (from “Wreck it Ralph”
movies)
Here’s yet another unique friendship that blooms between two polar opposites, one being a giant man and the other being a smart talking little girl. Despite being so different, the two can at least relate to being outcasts from their homes. One is regarded as merely a bad guy and the other is viewed as a glitch. It’s through this one connection that a warm and humble friendship takes shape, and it’s truly as sweet as they get. The two end up filling a void in each other’s lives, and their friendship is only deepened in the sequel. Not too much more needs to be said, just another solid, meaningful and heartfelt relationship between two best friends.
Here’s yet another unique friendship that blooms between two polar opposites, one being a giant man and the other being a smart talking little girl. Despite being so different, the two can at least relate to being outcasts from their homes. One is regarded as merely a bad guy and the other is viewed as a glitch. It’s through this one connection that a warm and humble friendship takes shape, and it’s truly as sweet as they get. The two end up filling a void in each other’s lives, and their friendship is only deepened in the sequel. Not too much more needs to be said, just another solid, meaningful and heartfelt relationship between two best friends.
#5 Quasimodo and Esmeralda (from “The
Hunchback of Notre Dame”)
Quasimodo was a poor soul born with a human dis-figuration, and thus was regarded as an outcast by the world. However, one exceptional woman named Esmeralda stands as the first to see past the deformity, and aims to help expose the mans beautiful soul under the features. While Quasimodo does fall in love with Esmeralda, she on the other hand has her heart set on a soldier. It’s a bold move for an animated picture to have a main hero that doesn’t get the main girl in the end, but it works as the two still retain a meaningful friendship. No, Quasimodo and Esmeralda never become a romantic item, but it is still a beautiful friendship, and one that illuminates both their lives in the process.
Quasimodo was a poor soul born with a human dis-figuration, and thus was regarded as an outcast by the world. However, one exceptional woman named Esmeralda stands as the first to see past the deformity, and aims to help expose the mans beautiful soul under the features. While Quasimodo does fall in love with Esmeralda, she on the other hand has her heart set on a soldier. It’s a bold move for an animated picture to have a main hero that doesn’t get the main girl in the end, but it works as the two still retain a meaningful friendship. No, Quasimodo and Esmeralda never become a romantic item, but it is still a beautiful friendship, and one that illuminates both their lives in the process.
#4 Marlin
and Dory (from “Finding Nemo”)
Now if there was ever an obvious set-up for two characters to fall in love, “Finding Nemo” has it. The film literally begins with a wife tragically dying, and a husband left single. Yet, while a new woman comes into the picture, she does so without becoming an obvious romantic replacement. This is another terrific example of how a lead male and lead female can be a perfect match without being an item. Even though they’re not lovers, both their partnership and their friendship is as natural as they get. Plus, it’s just a real breath of fresh air to have a female character filling the void of a missing lover, without becoming a new girl-friend in the process. Instead, she’s just a close side kick to go along for the adventure, and in this regard, I’d say that Marlin and Dory are a perfect pair, even though they’re not a romantic couple.
Now if there was ever an obvious set-up for two characters to fall in love, “Finding Nemo” has it. The film literally begins with a wife tragically dying, and a husband left single. Yet, while a new woman comes into the picture, she does so without becoming an obvious romantic replacement. This is another terrific example of how a lead male and lead female can be a perfect match without being an item. Even though they’re not lovers, both their partnership and their friendship is as natural as they get. Plus, it’s just a real breath of fresh air to have a female character filling the void of a missing lover, without becoming a new girl-friend in the process. Instead, she’s just a close side kick to go along for the adventure, and in this regard, I’d say that Marlin and Dory are a perfect pair, even though they’re not a romantic couple.
#3 Raven and
Beast Boy (from “Teen Titans”)
Many close friendships develop among this distinct team of young superheroes, and one of the most delightful is between the two most polar opposite characters. Raven is the shady, quiet, shut-out, while Beast Boy is the loud, colorful, jokey, party animal. The two get on each other’s nerves, and bicker like a dysfunctional brother and sister. Yet, like any pair of siblings, they can’t help but form a strong connection, and are secretly each other’s best friend. They are always there for emotional support, and will fight by each other’s side till the end. They’re also a hilarious pairing as their personalities are perfectly at odds, and it leads to some hilarious interplay. Ravens deadpan reactions to Beast Boys over-the-top jokes are comedy gold and I could watch them go back and forth all day.
Many close friendships develop among this distinct team of young superheroes, and one of the most delightful is between the two most polar opposite characters. Raven is the shady, quiet, shut-out, while Beast Boy is the loud, colorful, jokey, party animal. The two get on each other’s nerves, and bicker like a dysfunctional brother and sister. Yet, like any pair of siblings, they can’t help but form a strong connection, and are secretly each other’s best friend. They are always there for emotional support, and will fight by each other’s side till the end. They’re also a hilarious pairing as their personalities are perfectly at odds, and it leads to some hilarious interplay. Ravens deadpan reactions to Beast Boys over-the-top jokes are comedy gold and I could watch them go back and forth all day.
#2 Dipper
and Mabel (from “Gravity Falls”)
In the strange little town of Gravity Falls, twin siblings named Dipper and Mable spend their summer going on wild and hilarious supernatural adventures. As is typical with most siblings, they drive each other nuts, but their also respectively as close as best friends get. When it comes to the more conventional relationships I’ve seen between brother and sister characters, there usually kind of one-note. Dipper and Mabel by contrast are about as adorable as siblings get. They tease each other, they goof around, yet they also combine their individual strengths, and are always supportive of one another in both times of need, and plain emotional support. We see over the course of their adventures how a once awkward sibling hug becomes a sincere embrace between two loving siblings. There’s an infectious charm that leaps off the screen when these two work off each other, and through the course of the show, they share some absolutely precious moments together. They’re certainly no romantic couple, yet they still convey such lovable chemistry with each other.
In the strange little town of Gravity Falls, twin siblings named Dipper and Mable spend their summer going on wild and hilarious supernatural adventures. As is typical with most siblings, they drive each other nuts, but their also respectively as close as best friends get. When it comes to the more conventional relationships I’ve seen between brother and sister characters, there usually kind of one-note. Dipper and Mabel by contrast are about as adorable as siblings get. They tease each other, they goof around, yet they also combine their individual strengths, and are always supportive of one another in both times of need, and plain emotional support. We see over the course of their adventures how a once awkward sibling hug becomes a sincere embrace between two loving siblings. There’s an infectious charm that leaps off the screen when these two work off each other, and through the course of the show, they share some absolutely precious moments together. They’re certainly no romantic couple, yet they still convey such lovable chemistry with each other.
Before I
reveal my number one favorite non-romantic paring, here are some Honorable
mentions …
Gadget and Dale (“Chip N’
Dale: Rescue Rangers”),
Spike and Faye (“Cowboy Bebop”),
Robin and Raven (“Teen Titans”),
Ezra and Sabine (“Star Wars Rebels”),
Sheeta and Pazu (“Castle in the Sky”)
When it comes to the “Star Wars” saga, there’s a number of stand out relationships, including the struggles between a heroic son and his evil father, as well as the romance between a smuggler and a princess. However, my personal favorite relationship from the “Star Wars” franchise, and taking top honors on my countdown is the journey between a young master and his even younger apprentice.
Thanks for reading my countdown ... and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!
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