Summary

• Iconic cartoon friendships like SpongeBob and Patrick showcase the power of loyalty, humor, and shared adventures in shaping lasting bonds.
• The dynamic duo of Finn and Jake from Adventure Time exemplifies an extraordinary friendship defined by loyalty, , and a shared sense of adventure.
• Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble from The Flintstones embody lifelong camaraderie, trust, and endless entertainment, reflecting the joys of true companionship.

Throughout the rich history of animated storytelling, the best cartoon friends have left an indelible mark on popular culture. These cartoon best friends captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide, in a diversity of languages translated to. While the animated adventures can take audiences anywhere and make anything possible, the simple and relatable friendships within these stories are a big part of where the magic comes from, showing the different paths and shapes that can make great friends.

These iconic cartoon friendships have become the touchstones of nostalgia, teaching us valuable lessons about loyalty, camaraderie, and the power of genuine connections. From the depth of Bikini Bottom with SpongeBob and Patrick, to the outer reaches of space with Woody and Buzz, dynamic duos and sometimes trios of cartoon characters have shown viewers around the world the true essence of friendship, and have been an influence and an inspiration to generations of children but also generations of adults.

15 Hiccup And Toothless

How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

The How to Train Your Dragon movies show how one friendship can inspire an entire community to be more open-minded about their perceived enemies. The story takes place in a land of Vikings where they are constantly doing battle with dragons. However, one meek Viking boy named Hiccup meets a lonely and injured dragon named Toothless and finds that comion is a much more effective tool for dealing with these beasts.

The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless is very much like one between a boy and his dog. However, Toothless is much more than just a pet to Hiccup as he is the friend who gave him courage and helped shape him into a leader throughout the movies. In return, Hiccup helped Toothless find his place in the world. It will be interesting to see how the live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie can pull off this pivotal relationship.

14 Cooper And Tod

The Fox And The Hound (1981)

One of the best cartoon friendships in Disney movie history comes in one of its most heartbreaking movies. The Fox and the Hound is an animated movie that remains a standout of the pre-Disney Renaissance period but is often forgotten due to its smaller and more intimate scale. The story begins with a young fox named Tod meeting a young pup named Copper, and the two innocent animals develop an immediate friendship.

However, as the two friends get older and their natural instincts begin to play a bigger role in their lives, they gradually realize that they are meant to be enemies in this world. It is a heartbreaking journey to see these two lovable characters undertaking, but there is a sweet charm to the story as they are willing to fight against conventions to remain the best of friends no matter what anyone else says.

13 Beavis And Butt-Head

Beavis And Butt-Head (1993-2011)

Beavis and Butt-Head are two characters who prove a friendship can be beautiful even if those involved are far from it. Created by Mike Judge before making another cartoon classic with King of the Hill, Beavis and Butt-Head was a series that followed the two titular friends who were proud slackers and ionate heavy metal fans who sat around all day giggling at their own low-brow humor and do little else.

The show became a cultural phenomenon that spoke to the generation of MTV viewers but the friendship between these two characters should not be overlooked in favor of the show's seemingly simplistic humor. Beavis and Butt-Head were not kind or caring people and they didn't really share their feelings about each other. However, there was something charming about these two finding kindred spirits in the world that saw them as weird and unwanted.

12 Rocky And Bullwinkle

The Adventures Of Rocky And Bullwinkle And Friends (1959-1963)

Rocky and Bullwinkle are two of the most iconic cartoon friends in pop culture history with their adventures together going back to the 1950s. Rocky is a young flying squirrel while Bullwinkle is a football-playing moose. Together they find themselves taking on the villainous Russian spies known as Boris and Natasha. However, they mostly just seem to enjoy spending time with each other.

The cartoons show that Rocky and Bullwinkle are by no means perfect as Rocky has a childish nativity to him while Bullwinkle is seen as being completely foolish. Often time they beat the enemies based on pure luck. However, these two characters exemplify great values as a team with heroic, idealistic, and moral standards. They don't bicker or fight with each other and simply show each other respect and kindness as the best of pals.

11 Shrek And Donkey

Shrek (2001)

With the voices of Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy helping to bring Shrek and Donkey to life, it is no surprise that these two characters are hilarious together. However, their misadventures in the strange fairy tale world of Far, Far Away show a bond that is a lot sweeter than what first appears. What makes it so rewarding is how Shrek and Donkey take a lot of time to form that friendship.

Shrek is a grumpy ogre living alone in his swamp when he is bombarded by fairy tale creatures moving in, including Donkey. This begins their reluctant journey together with Donkey trying his best to connect with Shrek and Shrek doing his best to get some of his peace and quiet back. However, throughout the Shrek movie franchise, these two are shown to have an easygoing and relatable friendship as they go through marriage and fatherhood in their respective lives, growing older and proving that Shrek just needed a talking Donkey in his life to become more social.

10 SpongeBob And Patrick

SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-)

SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star's friendship in SpongeBob SquarePants is widely regarded as one of the greatest in cartoon history. Their bond is built on loyalty, childlike innocence, and shared adventures in the whimsical world of Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob's eternal optimism perfectly complements Patrick's carefree nature that transpires in Patrick's funny quotes resulting in countless hilarious and heartwarming moments. Their friendship is characterized by their mutual and willingness to go to great lengths for each other.

Whether it's helping in jelly fishing or embarking on wild escapades, SpongeBob and Patrick prove that true friends are always there for each other. They demonstrate the power of friends' bonds and teach valuable lessons about comion, acceptance, and the importance of having a best friend by your side. Through their infectious laughter and enduring camaraderie, SpongeBob and Patrick have etched themselves into cartoon history as an iconic duo that exemplifies the true essence of friendship.

9 Shaggy And Scooby

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1978)

The friendship between Shaggy Rogers and Scooby-Doo from the Scooby-Doo franchise is an iconic duo that has captured the hearts of generations. Shaggy as a character with an insatiable appetite and easygoing personality perfectly complements Scooby-Doo's lovable cowardice and insatiable appetite for adventure. Their shared love for food often drives them into comical situations while also proving to be the most reluctant of the Mystery Inc. team.

Shaggy and Scooby's relationship teaches a young audience about the power of teamwork and facing fears together. They show that true friends stick together through thick and thin, embracing their differences and finding strength in their unity. Despite their comical mishaps and encounters with ghosts and ghouls, Shaggy and Scooby's unbreakable bond remains the heart of the Scooby-Doo series, reminding everyone that friendship can overcome any obstacle.

8 Finn And Jake

Adventure Time (2010-2018)

The dynamic duo of Finn the Human and Jake the Dog from Adventure Time embodies the essence of an extraordinary friendship. Finn, the brave and determined hero, and Jake, the shape-shifting, wise-cracking dog, embark on countless adventures in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo. Their friendship is defined by their shared sense of adventure, loyalty, and unconditional for one another.

Finn and Jake's bond evolves and grows throughout the series as they face trials and tribulations together, proving that true friendship endures through the ups and downs of life. They have epic escapades and witty banter that go as far as Finn and Jake inventing slang together. Their unwavering camaraderie solidifies their place as one of the greatest cartoon friendships of all time. Through their journey, Finn and Jake provide valuable lessons about courage, resilience, and the power of true friendship, making them unforgettable in the hearts of audiences around the world.

7 Mac And Bloo

Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends (2004-2009)

The friendship between Mac and Bloo in Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends is a heartwarming tale of companionship and imagination. Mac, a comionate and responsible young boy, creates Bloo, his mischievous and adventurous imaginary friend. Despite their contrasting personalities, Mac and Bloo's friendship is unbreakable. They navigate the challenges of Foster's Home together, forming a deep bond and teaching important lessons about acceptance, forgiveness, and the power of imagination.

Mac's desire to do what's right often balances Bloo's impulsive nature, and their hilarious adventures showcase their enduring friendship. Together, they demonstrate that true bonds between friends transcend differences and are cartoon-proof of the importance of embracing diversity and appreciating the unique qualities that make everyone special. Mac and Bloo's memorable escapades and heartfelt moments have left an indelible mark in cartoon history as one of the greatest friendships of all time.

6 Tom And Jerry

The Tom & Jerry Show (1980)

The timeless rivalry-turned-friendship between Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse in the many Tom and Jerry series and movies, has captivated audiences for decades. Their ongoing chase and constant pranks create an atmosphere of comedic chaos. Beneath the surface, however, lies a unique bond that transcends their differences. Tom and Jerry's relationship highlights the importance of finding common ground and embracing unlikely friendships.

Despite their conflicts, they occasionally team up when faced with a common enemy, revealing their mutual understanding and camaraderie. Through their moments of teamwork, Tom and Jerry are an example of the transformative power of friendship, empathy, and the ability to look beyond superficial differences. Their iconic status as cartoon characters and their ability to evoke laughter while conveying a heartwarming message of friendship make them unforgettable in the annals of animation.