One of the relationships we love to watch on our favorite TV shows and in movies are the best friends who navigate life together. Best friends on screen are relatable because everyone knows how much more fun things are with a friend who gets you by your side—no matter what. It’s why we never question how high schooler Marty McFly even befriended the eccentric scientist Doc Brown but cheer for their travel through time together; why we want everyone at the reunion to believe Romy and Michele really did invent Post-Its; why we root for Thelma and Louise to the bitter end, over the cliff. Friendship bonds are the most unbreakable—and endlessly entertaining. We put together a list of the most iconic BFF duos in pop culture. Let us know your favorite onscreen friendships in the comments!
Cher and Dionne, Clueless
One of the most enduring pop culture BFFs are Cher and Dionne from Clueless. Cher jokes that she and Dionne are besties because they were both named after “great singers of the past who now do infomercials” and “know what it’s like to have people be jealous” of them. But jokes aside, throughout the movie we learn the depth of their friendship. Cher is the stylish and ambitious social queen of Beverly Hills, and Dionne is equally fashionable and witty. They don’t just share a sense of great style, but a dedication to loyalty and love. However misguided, they put their good taste to good use by offering makeovers and matchmaking, but really it’s their support for each other during their adventures that makes their bond unstoppable—and full of humor.
Rachel and Monica, Friends
It’s hard to think of TV best friends and not picture Monica Geller and Rachel Green from Friends. Best friends as teens and then reunited in their twenties, Monica and Rachel are opposites who really support one another. Monica is organized, neurotic, driven and responsible, while Rachel is fashionable, free-spirited, and it takes a few seasons of the show for her to find her passion. Their bond is built on shared experiences and humor, and their relationship is an anchor of their friend group.
Chandler and Joey, Friends
Much like Monica and Rachel, Chandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani from Friends are a comedic BFF duo whose bond is based on opposite personalities. Chandler is sarcastic and self-deprecating while Joey is aloof and lovable. Their friendship thrives on humor, loyalty, and ridiculous adventures—whether it’s sharing an apartment, supporting each other through romantic mishaps, or engaging in hilarious schemes. Their brotherly bond is both heartwarming and endlessly entertaining, making them one of television’s most iconic best friend pairings.
Cory and Shawn, Boy Meets World
Cory Matthews and Shawn Hunter from Boy Meets World remain best friends from their childhood through adulthood (as evidenced on the show Girl Meets World, where we meet the characters as adults). Cory is optimistic and rule-abiding with a seemingly perfect home life, while Shawn is rebellious and adventurous and his family life is a bit more complicated than Cory’s. But because of their bond, their friendship is full of humor, loyalty, and heartfelt moments. Together, they help each other evolve and see different points of view as they navigate the challenges of growing up.
Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins, Parks and Recreation
Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins from Parks and Recreation meet under interesting circumstances: at a community meeting. Their relationship is destined from the beginning: Ann is there to ask for help about the huge pit behind her home, and Leslie promises that as a public servant, she will get it filled and fixed, and this becomes the central plot of the series. Leslie is relentlessly ambitious and endlessly energetic, while Ann is calm, caring, and level-headed. As their relationship grows they balance each other perfectly. Their friendship is built on unwavering support, mutual respect, and countless comedic, heartfelt moments. The show’s dedication to female friendship–Leslie invented Galentine’s Day, after all–is refreshing.
Andie and Duckie, Pretty in Pink
Sometimes best friendship comes with a bit of romantic pining, and that’s ok. Duckie and Andie from Pretty in Pink share a sweet and enduring friendship that balances unrequited love with genuine connection. Duckie is a true original: quirky, loyal, and sensitive–and always there to support Andie. Andie is creative and independent, and while neither of them completely fit in at school, their originality as individuals have made them icons for decades. The bond between Andie and Duckie is marked by humor and heartfelt moments, showing that true friendship sometimes means putting someone else’s happiness first—even when your own heart is involved.
Frodo and Samwise, The Lord of the Rings
This relationship is so iconic that it’s become a trope in fiction. Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings are the epitome of loyalty and steadfast friendship. Frodo is tasked with the nearly impossible burden of destroying the One Ring, and relies on Sam, his devoted and courageous companion, for support, guidance, and unwavering encouragement. Their bond is tested through danger, despair, and the corrupting influence of power, yet Sam’s loyalty never wavers. Together, they demonstrate that true friendship is defined not just by shared adventures, but by selflessness, trust, and the willingness to carry one another through the darkest of times.
Will and Grace, Will & Grace
An iconic duo that broke new ground in the culture, Will Truman and Grace Adler from Will & Grace are the quintessential TV best friends, embodying a deep, platonic bond. Their friendship is marked by their identities as Will, a gay man and Grace, a straight single woman, navigate dating alongside demanding careers in New York City. Their friendship is chock full of humor, honesty, and unwavering support, often serving as each other’s sounding board and cheerleader.
Miss Patty and Babette, Gilmore Girls
There are so many iconic duos on the show Gilmore Girls, but Babette Dell and Miss Patty are the best BFFs in town. Delightful and eccentric, they bring humor and heart to Stars Hollow and pepper the series with hilarious moments. Both are chatty and have fantastic one-liners fans quote endlessly. Babette is Lorelai’s cat-loving neighbor, and Miss Patty is the glamorous dance teacher with a colorful past. Both love to sing showtunes, tell stories, and seem to know everything about everyone. Their small town camaraderie embodies the offbeat, tight-knit spirit that makes Stars Hollow so charming.
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