Storytelling in general has improved in major ways across different mediums, yet anime is a form of entertainment that’s always seemed ahead of the curve. There are many different genres of anime, all of which can be boiled down to broad stereotypes, but within these larger ideas are areas where anime can get uniquely ambitious and creative. Some of the most satisfying stories in anime come down to bitter rivalries between characters, and there are many different approaches to take.
At the same, there’s an overwhelming amount of anime that feature powerful duos and teams that need to cooperate to defeat the big evil. What’s most interesting is when anime blurs these lines and creates characters that exist both as trusted allies as well as cutthroat rivals.
10 Vegeta & Goku Push Each Other To Be Their Best Selves In Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball Z is full of vicious monsters that are determined to decimate the universe, but it’s impressive how Goku has slowly recruited many of these enemies into allies. Vegeta is one of the first big threats to strike Earth in Dragon Ball Z, but he becomes a team member who’s as vital as Goku. These two Saiyans constantly push each other to become stronger, and much of Vegeta’s development is driven by his obsession to best Goku. This friendly rivalry still exists, but they have each other’s backs when it’s important.
9 My Hero Academia’s Midoriya & Bakugo Offer Two Different Takes On Heroics
My Hero Academia focuses on the development of Izuku Midoriya as he progresses through U.A. High and gradually becomes a formidable hero. Midoriya meets many new people who help him on his journey, but he’s known Katsuki Bakugo since the earlier years of his childhood. Bakugo has bullied Midoriya and shown an antagonistic relationship toward him, but it’s blossomed into a genuine friendship. The two have very different attitudes and styles toward their roles as heroes, and some of the most exciting battles involve these two working together. Bakugo even briefly shares Midoriya’s One For All Quirk with him.
8 Fairy Tail’s Natsu & Gajeel Are Cut From The Same Dragon Cloth
Natsu goes through a stunning metamorphosis throughout Fairy Tail, and the anime successfully transforms the stubborn warrior into a more honorable hero. Natsu brings many allies into his inner circle, and Gajeel is one of the most fascinating because he feels like an alternate version of Natsu.
Both of these characters utilize Dragon Slayer magic and come from similar backgrounds. Natsu and Gajeel are natural friends, but they often clash and turn to a more fiery friendship due to just how much they see themselves in the other.
7 Naruto & Sasuke Recognize Each Other As Worthy Opponents From The Start
Naruto and its successor, Naruto: Shippuden, are two of the biggest anime of their genre, and Naruto Uzumaki's story even continues on today through his son in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Naruto is incredibly driven to become the Hokage and be the best ninja possible, and he sees Sasuke Uchiha early on as a formidable opponent. Naruto focuses on becoming the more competent of the two, which sets the tone for their relationship moving forward. Some of the franchise’s best battles have Naruto and Sasuke either against each other or working together. This dynamic is even echoed in their children.
6 Ryuko & Satsuki Realize That They’re Actually Allies Before It’s Too Late
Kill la Kill is such a dazzling series that takes surreal animation and chaotic powers and applies it to a Shakespearean plot where Ryuko comes to Honnoji Academy for answers over the death of her father. Satsuki is Ryuko's main obstacle on this quest, and they constantly clash with each other. Ryuko and Satsuki both learn more about their histories and the mysterious Life Fibers that have invaded Earth, all of which results in these two rivals working together to take out the true threat behind all of this. It's a beautiful evolution of their relationship.
5 Samurai Champloo’s Mugen & Jin Are Quick To Raise Their Blades To Each Other
Each of Shinichiro Watanabe's anime series is an absolute classic that pushes the medium to exciting places, and Samurai Champloo is an unusual hybrid of hip hop music with samurai customs that delivers a thoughtful and unconventional action-adventure series.
Mugen and Jin are two samurai who are indebted to help out a heroine named Fuu, but they take very contrasting approaches to their ways of life. Mugen and Jin drive each other crazy and are quick to feud, but there's also clear respect in their relationship, and they understand what's important.
4 Inuyasha & Sesshomaru Have Been Turned Against Each Other Since Childhood
InuYasha is a curious mix of shonen and shojo sensibilities where it feels like the titular character’s romance with Kagome is as important as any of the demon-slaying antics. Inuyasha’s brother, Sesshomaru, resents his sibling ever since he’s bestowed the powerful blade, the Tessaiga. This bad blood between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru informs much of their youth, but this animosity has evolved into a reluctant respect of sorts toward each other. The two are now much more likely to work together, and even their children have formed friendships.
3 Ichigo & Renji Are Furious Soul Reapers With Axes To Grind With Each Other In Bleach
Bleach is an important anime series that's one of the more pronounced examples of how rampant filler can rob an anime of its momentum and turn it into a disaster. Bleach's core concept remains strong and Ichigo's missions as a soul reaper contain some thrilling battles. Renji is a fellow soul reaper that bears a lot in common with Ichigo, but the two immediately clash and sense the power that lies in the other. Ichigo and Renji's competitive feud is a constant throughout the series, and neither of the two characters is any calmer by the end of it all.
2 Pokémon’s Ash & Gary Manage To Impress Each Other
Pokémon has become one of the most popular anime franchises of all time. The different anime do an excellent job to reflect the changing aspects of each new video game title. The anime’s protagonist, Ash, goes through many different friends and Pokémon, but Gary remains an important part of his journey. Ash and Gary head into the Pokémon world at the same time and often hold each other up as benchmarks. The two ultimately head in different directions, but as they grow older, they form a better understanding of each other and can operate as friends, not just competitive rivals.
1 One Piece’s Luffy & Ace Are A Classic Case Of Sibling Rivalry
One Piece has amassed a legendary status and the shonen series’ anime grows closer to 1000 episodes, and the manga is still going strong. Luffy’s adventures alongside his Straw Hat Pirates show off his extreme powers, and he’s taken on many dangerous villains. Luffy and Ace are adoptive brothers, and their bond was a major component of their childhoods and something that helped them persevere. In fact, Ace's death in the series pushed Luffy to improve himself and grow even stronger.