Some friends come and go—but the truest friendships last a lifetime. Finding a friend in real-life who sticks by someone through thick and thin can be difficult, but in shonen anime, it happens more often than one would think.
Whether it's pulling each other back from the brink or inspiring each other to get stronger, anime has tons of stories filled with deep and powerful friendships—and friends that stand up to every challenge no matter what. If there were a "hall of fame" for friends, these 10 friendships would definitely be featured.
10 Jonathan Joestar & Robert E. O. Speedwagon (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure has plenty of "ride or die" style of friendships—to the point where the term "Jobros" was coined—but there may be none more diehard or dedicated than the one between Jonathan Joestar and Robert E.O. Speedwagon. Originally a common criminal, Speedwagon's life took a dramatic turn when he meets Jonathan Joestar and gains immense respect for his bravery and spirit.
From there on out, Speedwagon strived to help the Joestars in any way he could. This includes accompanying Jonathan on his quest to stop Dio and creating the Speedwagon Foundation, which would support Jonathan's descendants, Joseph Joestar and Jotaro Kujo.
9 Yugi & The Pharaoh/Atem (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
Part of Yugi Muto's strength is the connection he has to his friends, though the deepest throughout the course of the original series has to go to his other half, the Pharaoh—Atem. Originally just seen as another side of Yugi, the Pharaoh is revealed to be another soul living inside Yugi that helps him in his times of need.
Given their unique relationship, Yugi and the Pharaoh have the kind of deep understanding of each other that only they could have. As the series went on, there were even examples of the emotional turmoil and rage that would come whenever something bad happened to the other.
8 Takato & Guilmon (Digimon Tamers)
Some kids dream of getting a Digimon partner of their very own, but Takato was one of the few who lucked out in Digimon Tamers when his own original Digimon drawing, Guilmon, came to life. The two hit things off well from the very start, creating a deep bond of trust that became a source of power for them.
At first, some would describe the friendship between Takato and Guilmon as a pet and an owner, but as the two grow together and become even more inseparable, it's clear that it's much more than that. Their friendship becomes so strong that they're the first to "Biomerge" and fight as one.
7 Eren, Armin, & Mikasa (Attack On Titan)
Eren, Mikasa, and Armin have pretty much been joined at the hip since they were kids and have stuck together even in the face of the worst catastrophes. Joining the military and the Scout Regiment together, the trio's most admirable trait isn't just the way they save each other from the jaws of death, but the loyalty they have to each other.
Examples of how strong their friendship include when Armin and Mikasa defended Eren when he was revealed to be a Titan Shifter and the time Eren and Mikasa almost threw away humanity's chance at turning the tide to save a nearly dead Armin. These three would risk anything to save each other.
6 Goku & Krillin (Dragon Ball)
Goku's had many friends over the years, and many would point to the intense rivalry with Vegeta being one of the strongest. However, if there's one person who Goku stands by through thick and thin, then it'd be wrong not to mention Krillin. They may have been rivals during their training days with Master Roshi, but the two would eventually grow to be the best of friends.
Despite Goku far surpassing Krillin, Goku never sees Krillin as weak, nor does he talk down to him, and still calls on his buddy when a threat is coming their way. Their friendship allowed Goku to become enraged enough to become a Super Saiyan after watching Frieza kill him.
5 Emma, Norman, & Ray (The Promised Neverland)
Many kids at the Grace Field House, but none may have been closer than Emma, Norman, and Ray. Being the three smartest kids, the trio takes charge after discovering the truth and resolving to rescue everyone from the cruel truth behind their orphanage. While they all have different ways of doing things and don't always see eye-to-eye, they do have an intense amount of trust in each other.
When Norman is up next to be shipped out, Ray and Emma nearly blow their escape plans to save him, but he stops them so that they can still make it out. In the end, this trio, like the other kids of Grace Field, aren't just friends. They're family.
4 Gon & Killua (Hunter x Hunter)
Gon's the kind of personality who could get along with anyone. It turns out this includes the kid assassin Killua. The two pretty much hit things off from the very moment they met, and it didn't take long till Gon and Killua were best friends. That bond only grows stronger the longer they stick together as they train in the ways of Nen.
The two ended up being a really positive influence on each other, and it's believable that Gon would go to hell and back for Killua as much as Killua would do the same for him. Even when they go their separate ways, they both know that it isn't a "goodbye" and will see each other again soon.
3 Naruto & Sasuke (Naruto)
Admittedly, Naruto and Sasuke's relationship is more than complicated. Starting as bitter rivals in their early days, the two Konoha ninja eventually became trusted allies. Still, Sasuke's lust for power and revenge eventually drove a wedge between them and lead to their epic clash.
Even after all that and the further Sasuke fell into darkness, Naruto still believed he could bring his friend back, even if he had to die trying. Sasuke eventually realized that some bonds couldn't be broken and, thanks to Naruto's influence, started to live for his redemption. Though they took different paths, Naruto and Sasuke are equals, and in a sense, the only two people who truly understand one another.
2 The Straw Hat Crew (One Piece)
Sometimes it's not about the destination but the friends you make along the way. That's something that Luffy seems to have taken to heart during his quest to become King of the Pirates. Luffy may not be the brightest captain, but he has a lot of faith in the many members of his crew, regardless of their backgrounds or some "not-so-humble beginnings."
As they go on their many adventures together, the friendship between the Straw Hats has become as strong as they are, to the point where the journey can be put on hold when one or more go missing, and they fight hard to get them back no matter what. To the Straw Hat Pirates, an adventure isn't the same without your friends.
1 The Entire Fairy Tail Guild (Fairy Tail)
Many guilds in the Fairy Tail world are just that, a collection of wizards that work together, but the Fairy Tail Guild has always been more than that. The many Fairy Tail members are as close as friends can truly be, to the point where friendship can actually become their superpower.
Fairy Tail isn't just one big, close-knit group of friends, but one big found family and the place these magic-users truly belong. They may argue sometimes, but at the end of the day, Fairy Tail members would sacrifice anything for each other.