Top 10 Heroes & Sidekicks With the Best Chemistry

#10: Batman & Robin

“Batman Forever” (1995)

Even if it’s not your favorite entry in the franchise, “Batman Forever” includes a fun origin story for these iconic partners. As Dick Grayson shows promise as a hero, Bruce Wayne becomes a mentor to the younger and brasher character. They form a historic pair that prove to be the perfect duo for Gotham city and we get to be there as they fight crime and learn to work together.
Their personalities, gadgets, and quips make them quite the legendary team. This particular film also tests their skills against enemies like the Riddler and Two-Face. Their commitment to justice and trademark costumes combine to make one of the best comic book duos ever.

#9: Marlin & Dory

“Finding Nemo” franchise (2003-16)

One of them is intensely neurotic and the other is hopelessly optimistic. Together, these opposites embark on a journey with a common goal: to find Nemo. Along the way, they become inseparable allies that need each other for emotional support. Dory finds a new friend, but Marlin learns to open up and embrace a new relationship. It might be one of the more heartwarming friendships in any Pixar film. Sure, the pair has their contentious moments, but they always find a way back to each other. It’s only fair that they got a sequel to hang out one more time.

#8: Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson

“Sherlock Holmes” franchise (2009-11)

Thanks to director Guy Ritchie, this legendary detective team was reimagined to wow contemporary audiences. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law imbue the roles with their unique personalities. Utilizing plenty of sarcasm and physical gags, this duo brings out ample comedy and drama as they add new life to these classic figures. Downey’s performance overflows with a giddy energy that only Law’s straight man can combat. Despite their differences, the duo pieces together evidence and survives several exciting scrapes, proving that even seemingly chaotic characters can join forces to create a perfect crime-solving pair. We might not get another sequel, but this hero and sidekick have enough personality to easily power several more.

#7: Shrek & Donkey

“Shrek” franchise (2001-)
In this franchise which sends up classic fairy tales, these two magical creatures first become friends when they accept a difficult quest. An ogre who prefers to be left alone and a donkey who won’t shut up make an unforgettable odd couple, aided immeasurably by Mike Myers’ gruff but winning manner and Eddie Murphy’s out-there charms. Okay, they don’t start off as buddies, but the pair eventually warms up to each other. The partners show that they can be heroic despite their differences. While they may have their moments, they remain great - if sometimes abrasive - friends throughout all the films.

#6: Marty McFly & Doc Brown

“Back to the Future” franchise (1985-90)

In any other film, a high school kid and a mad scientist might seem like an odd pair, but boy do they work in the “Back to the Future” series! Marty McFly is a skateboarder and a rocker, but that doesn’t stop him from loving science. His time travel adventures help him better understand his family - and Doc Brown. Together McFly and Brown learn about each other, technology, and important life lessons. The two discover their true potential, with each of them ending this trilogy on a happier note. Through it all, Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd make their characters totally believable and entertaining.

#5: Chuck & Wilson

“Cast Away” (2000)

With his awesome and lengthy career, Tom Hanks is clearly no stranger to effective screen partnerships. But his most challenging partnership may well have been in “Cast Away,” where he is asked to befriend a volleyball. Fortunately, the actor is more than up to the task. Playing a plane crash survivor that lives on an island, his character starts talking to an inanimate object in order to stay sane. Hanks makes the role seem natural, making you feel for a lonely hero and his friend named Wilson. His time alone would not have been the same without this invaluable sidekick. Considering their tearful goodbye, this friendship really goes the distance and makes you thankful for your loved ones.

#4: Aladdin & Genie

“Aladdin” (1992)

After he finds a magic lamp, Aladdin strikes up a friendship with the magical being inside. Genie first helps the hero look rich and win Princess Jasmine’s heart. Through triumphs and failures, this pair comes to rely on each other. The genie provides some much needed comic relief to this heroic tale. He also teaches the street urchin about becoming a better and more caring person. This is a lesson that Aladdin takes to heart, with the lead character deciding to free his sidekick. It’s a selfless act that underscores the protagonist’s devotion to his friend.

#3: Wayne & Garth

“Wayne’s World” franchise (1992-93)

If you’re looking for two people to party with, you could do a lot worse than Wayne and Garth. The hero and sidekick of this film are an amazing comedy duo. Born out of an “SNL” sketch, these ordinary guys just love to talk about music and do their public access TV show. They have such an easygoing demeanor and an obvious chemistry, which makes spending time with them a delight. You rarely hear them fight either, with their positive attitudes driving them toward their dreams. With a front row seat to their friendship, audiences get to watch as two soulmates enjoy the simple things in life.

#2: Han Solo & Chewbacca

“Star Wars” original trilogy (1977-83)

A smuggler and his Wookie co-pilot first appeared at the Mos Eisley cantina. While they might not initially seem heroic, both characters rise to the occasion when necessary. They become notable players in the rescue of Princess Leia and the rebellion against the Empire. Han Solo also seems to have a knack for his partner’s language, understanding all of the subtleties during tense moments. They have a definite chemistry that makes for some entertaining arguments and set pieces. After being reunited in “Return of the Jedi,” these two are back in action and ready to fight like old times. Not the most obvious team up, these space travelers defy the odds with their rapport.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Indiana Jones & His Dad, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989)

The Hero & His Bookworm Father Argue, Problem-Solve & Come To Love Each Other Again

Maverick & Goose, “Top Gun” (1986)

The Ultimate Pilot & Navigator Matchup Are Best Friends & Adrenaline Junkies

Ferris & Cameron, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986)

This Comical Duo Goes On the Skip-Day of a Lifetime & Teach Each Other about Life

Jay & Silent Bob, “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” (2001)

One Talks & the Other Doesn’t, but These Icons Find a Way to Support Each Other

Simba/Timon & Pumbaa, “The Lion King” (1994)

These Friends Find Their Way Back to Pride Rock & Celebrate “Hakuna Matata”

#1: Sam & Frodo

“The Lord of the Rings” franchise (2001-03)

It’s a friendship so epic that it spans three movies. Frodo Baggins’ quest to deliver the One Ring would be incomplete without his travel companion Samwise Gamgee. One is destined for greatness while the other is devoted to making it happen. These two survive battles, Gollum, and even spiders. Even when Baggins stumbles, Gamgee is there to prop him up and motivate him. It’s clear that they were a match made in heaven, proving to be a loyal team that never gives up. Time and time again, this hero and sidekick show that they’re an essential partnership.

Did we forget another heroic duo? Let us know in the comments below.