One of the most iconic acts in comedy is the comedy duo. It's a simple act involving two characters with polarizing personalities playing off one another with comedic timing. The most common of these is to have one character be wacky and bombastic, and another be more reserved to contrast them.

The world of animation has produced some of the most iconic duos in entertainment. Some date back to its Golden Age, while others are more recent creations, but all of them are united in their ability to make audiences laugh, cry, and come back for more. The best animation duos are influential, entertaining, and simply unforgettable for many fans who are reminded of some nostalgic viewing experiences everytime they see these pairs.

30 Gumby and Pokey

In 'Howdy Doody' (1955–1956), 'The Gumby Show' (1956 - 1969), 'Gumby: The Movie' (1995)

From the mind of stop-motion genius Art Clokey came a series about a Gumby, a green boy made out of clay. With his best friend, an orange pony named Pokey, he travels inside various books to interact with the characters and stories within. Sometimes their adventures lead to them thwarting the evil plans of the Blockheads.

While Gumby had a few friends, his relationship with Pokey was the strongest in the series. His nervous tendencies and occasional bouts of cynicism balanced out Gumby's more energetic and curious traits. Despite his fears, Pokey never abandons Gumby, showcasing their friendship's depths.

Watch on Amazon Prime

29 Rocky and Bullwinkle

In 'The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends' (1959 - 1964)

Airing during the height of the Cold War, The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends introduced the world to Rocket J. Squirrel and his friend Bullwinkle the moose. They go on several adventures while thwarting the plans of Russian spies Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale. In between, the show included several fun segments, including Peabody's Improbable History and Dudley Do-Right.

Despite coming out during the Cold War, Rocky and Bullwinkle's style of humor has allowed them to last into the modern day, with the most recent nostalgic cartoon reboot in 2018. This is thanks to the duo's dynamic. Rocky has a wide-eyed and energetic look at the world, while Bullwinkle is dim-witted but surprisingly witty when it comes to his humor.

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28 Timon and Pumbaa

In 'The Lion King' (1994), 'Timon & Pumbaa' (1995 - 1999), 'The Lion King' (2019)

The Lion King wouldn’t be complete without the wacky misadventures of Timon and Pumbaa. An unlikely pair of friends, the witty meerkat Timon and the lovable warthog Pumbaa are inseparable and complement each other perfectly. If there’s one thing fans still remember from the Disney classic, it’s likely the duo’s hit song "Hakuna Matata."

Although their subsequent appearances in spin-offs have failed to top their original roles in the animated film, Timon and Pumbaa are fondly remembered for the humor and wit they gave young fans back ten. They perfectly capture the essence of true friendship.

27 Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable

In 'Kim Possible' (2002 - 2007)

"Call me, beep me if you wanna reach me." Fans of the iconic animated show from the early 2000s likely still have a special place in their heart for Kim Possible. The series that follows a high school cheerleader by day and crime-fighting prodigy by night would not be the same without the awkward best friend, Ron Stoppable.

Kim can be brave in the face of thrilling missions around the world, knowing she can always count on Ron’s comedic timing and unexpected heroism throughout the series. Everyone needs a strong friendship like the animated duo’s, which hopefully won’t fade into obscurity anytime soon.

Watch on Disney+

26 Chip and Dale

In 'Private Pluto' (1943), 'Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers' (1989 - 1990), (2022)

Disney’s Chip and Dale are lovable chipmunks first introduced in the short film Private Pluto in 1943. After viewers fell in love with their adorable appearance, hilarious antics, and penchant for adventure, there was no stopping the franchise that would be centered on these characters (one of the funny duos of our time).

Known today for their appearances in numerous films, shows, and even video games, the duo has become one of Disney’s most recognizable pairs. Their most recent movie, Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers, received praise from critics and audiences alike, highlighting their enduring popularity today as one of the best cartoon duos.

25 Pinky and The Brain

In 'Animaniacs' (1993 - 1998), 'Pinky and the Brain' (1995 - 1998)

When the staff of Acme labs goes home for the evening, two genetically altered mice named Pinky and Brain begin their latest plan to take over the world. This lofty ambition is Brain's desire: Pinky is just happy to spend time with his friend and spout random trivia. Though their plans never work, the duo's determination is never shaken, and they're always back the next night with something new.

The iconic mouse duo got their start as one of the many skits on Animaniacs before gaining their own show in 1995. There was talk at the time of adding a third character to Pink and the Brain, which prompted the writers to create the episode "Pinky and the Brain and Larry," to show how superfluous a third character would be. Ultimately, a crossover show was made with Elmira from Tiny Toons Adventures, but it didn't last and Pinky and the Brain are a duo again in the Animaniacs reboot.

Buy on Apple TV

24 Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble

In 'The Flintstones' (1960 - 1966)

Until the rise of Scooby-Doo in 1969, The Flintstones was the most successful cartoon produced by Hannah-Barbera. This prehistoric version of The Honeymooners follows Fred Flintstone and his day-to-day life in the town of Bedrock. When not working at the quarry, he and his neighbor and best friend, Barney Rubble, get into trouble ranging from trying to set up a pool to falling for get-rich-quick schemes.

Fred and Barney work so well thanks to their opposing personalities. Fred is stubborn and quick to anger, especially when he doesn't get his way, while Barney is more soft-spoken and jolly. Of course, he still has his limits, and heaven help the person (usually Fred) that makes him mad.

Watch on Netflix

23 Snoopy and Woodstock

In 'The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show' (1983 - 1985), 'Peanuts' (2016)

Snoopy and Charlie Brown may often get the attention in Peanuts and the aptly titled The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show, but the animated dog's friendship with Woodstock should get the credit it deserves. The canine character and the yellow bird have a strong bond that likely still has a place in many fans' hearts.

While Snoopy was initially irritated by Woodstock, their misadventures have helped forge an unbreakable friendship over time. It's easy to imagine the adorable duo still out there with new antics every day.

22 Tweety and Sylvester

In 'The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries' (1995 - 2002), 'The Looney Tunes Show' (2011 - 2013)

Two of the funniest Looney Tunes characters, Tweety and Sylvester were always ones to look forward to after a long day at school. They got their own animated series called The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries where they were shown working together trying to solve bizarre mysteries around the globe.

Of course, the core of their relationship remains Sylvester's increasingly hilarious attempts to eat the yellow canary. This never-ending cycle doesn't stop the two from being close, though, with Sylvester sweetly defending Tweety from other villainous figures more than once – only he can bully the bird after all.

21 Pooh and Tigger

In 'The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' (1988 - 1991), 'Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too' (1974)

The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh depicted fan-favorite characters like Piglet, Rabbit, Eeyore, and more as they learn important lessons about friendship, the outdoors, and honey. While there are many potential duos from the series, it's Pooh and Tigger that stand out as iconic, as they forge a special bond despite their different energy levels and interests.

This friendship is highlighted further in the featurette Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too where Pooh and Tigger learn to accept their differences after a misadventure in the woods.

20 Brian and Stewie Griffin

In 'Family Guy' (1999 - )

Arguably many fans' favorite part of Family Guy, the hilarious talking dog Brian and child Stewie may have initially disliked each other, but they've grown into an inseparable duo in the series. Whether it's what the showrunners intended from the start or not, the duo have become best friends and their characters are all the better for it.

They've been through a ton of strange storylines through the years, even exploring the multiverse together at one point. Stewie may never admit it, but he definitely loves Brian more than Rupert.

19 Fry and Bender

In 'Futurama' (1999 - )

The best episodes of Futurama almost always have a storyline focusing on Fry and Bender. Fry, the somewhat slow yet kindhearted protagonist of the series, is even funnier alongside the brash robot Bender. The two of them would go to the ends of the earth and back (or to the far future and past and back) for each other.

Recent events also highlight how easily Bender is hurt by jealousy when Fry pays more attention to other characters like Leela, adding an extra layer of complication to their friendship. One thing's for sure, it will take more than their petty fights to break up these two Planet Express workers.

18 Wallace and Gromit

In 'A Grand Day Out' (1989), 'Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit' (2005)

Brought to life by British stop-motion company Aardman Entertainment, Wallace is an eccentric inventor who makes inventions to help in his day-to-day life. At his side is Gromit, his loyal dog and trusted friend. Together they travel to the moon to sample its cheese, stop all manner of villains, and maintain a proper amount of British class.

The beauty of Wallace and Gromit is the honesty in their presentation. They are a classic eccentric and straight-man act brought to life with on-point stop-motion animation. Gromit stands out in particular: though he never says a word, the animation in his eyes conveys every emotion perfectly.

17 Hiccup and Toothless

In 'How to Train Your Dragon' (2010), 'How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World' (2019)

The beloved duo at the heart of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, Hiccup and Toothless have undoubtedly solidified their place among the greatest animated duos of all time. The young Viking Hiccup, who never really fit in with his community, is forever transformed by the unexpected bond he forms with Toothless, a powerful dragon called a Night Fury.

Since their first meeting, Hiccup and Toothless have gone on wild adventures that have expanded the franchise’s lore and reached millions of fans around the world. The duo has leaned on each other, and their friendship has definitely inspired young viewers to embrace the values of friendship, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to loved ones.

16 Shrek and Donkey

In 'Shrek' (2001), 'Shrek 2' (2004), 'Shrek the Third' (2007), 'Shrek Forever After' (2010)

Where would Shrek be without Donkey? The duo captivated viewers from around the globe in the movie that spawned a massively successful franchise, 2001’s Shrek. The two characters’ dynamic stole the show and was unbelievably hilarious thanks to Shrek’s clear despise for Donkey, and Donkey’s insistent and chatty personality only making things more difficult.

Over the course of the numerous popular Shrek movies, Shrek and Donkey have each grown as characters and embarked on their own adventures (with Donkey even becoming a father). However, something that has stayed consistent is the improvement of their bond, which is now an irreplaceable highlight of every new entry in the franchise.

15 Phineas and Ferb

In 'Phineas and Ferb' (2007 - )

There are only so many days of summer vacation, and step-brothers Phineas and Ferb intend to make the most of theirs. Every day, with the help of their friends, they create new and exciting projects ranging from giant roller coasters to portals leading to Mars. Meanwhile, their older sister Candace tries to bust them to their mom.

Phineas and Ferb definitely feel like a pair of brothers. Phineas is the more talkative of the two and comes up with the plans, while Ferb silently follows his lead and usually only gives one line per episode. The enthusiasm they share over their sibling projects is infectious and helped elevate Phineas and Ferb to one of Disney's best animated shows.

14 Lilo and Stitch

In 'Lilo & Stitch' (2002), 'Stitch! The Movie' (2003), 'Lilo & Stitch: The Series' (2003)

The 2002 animated Disney classic, Lilo & Stitch, gave fans the chaotic yet lovable duo they didn’t know they needed. When the mischievous Stitch crash lands on the earth, he soon encounters the misunderstood outcast, Lilo. Since then, their unbreakable bond has gotten them through several sequels and series full of aliens, school bullies, and massive waves by the beach.

What makes the animated Disney duo’s story so heartwarming and unforgettable is the way Lilo teaches Stitch kindness and compassion, while Stitch helps Lilo embrace herself and become more bold and daring. For fans wanting to rediscover the iconic duos’ wild adventures throughout the years, they have plenty of options to choose from, starting with Stitch! The Movie, the sequel series Lilo & Stitch: The Series, the spin-off Stitch!, and so much more.

13 Beavis and Butt-Head

In 'Beavis and Butt-Head' (1993 - 2011), 'Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe' (2022)

Who says famous cartoon duos have to be well-behaved? Beavis and Butt-Head certainly aren’t. The two characters are beloved for their crass humor, obsession with heavy metal, and tendency to embrace the art of doing nothing all day. The legendary show they starred in, Beavis and Butt-Head, captured the peak of slacker culture in the ‘90s, and didn’t pull any punches with its offensive comedy.

The teenage slackers have gone on to inspire a generation of cynical and sarcastic youth, who have likely already seen the series’ revival on Paramount+ and the latest movie featuring the duo, 2022’s remarkably smart comedy Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe.

Watch on Paramount+

12 Batman and Robin

In 'Batman' (1966 - 1968), 'Batman: The Animated Series' (1992 - 1999), 'Batman & Robin' (1997)

A crime-fighting tandem that needs no introduction, Batman and Robin’s partnership is among the most well-known in the world of comics and superheroes. Whether fans know them as the Caped Crusaders or the Dynamic Duo, one thing’s for sure, they have been unstoppable since their team-up’s debut in Detective Comics #38 in 1940.


The unbeatable team has been seen across a variety of media, most prominently in comics, but also in movies, shows, and video games. That said, it’s worth noting that despite their undeniable popularity, when considering only animation on the small and big screens, Batman and Robin don’t have many on-screen pairings in cartoons, often appearing separately. One of the more memorable titles where the duo shines is the Batman TV show from the 1960s.

11 Bart and Lisa Simpson

'The Simpsons' (1989 - ), 'The Simpsons Movie' (2007)

A mischievous duo that needs no introduction, Bart and Lisa are the legendary siblings for the long-running animated series The Simpsons. The enduring funny duo is made up of the rebellious older brother who loves pranks, Bart, and the intelligent and conscientious younger sister, Lisa. In the Simpsons’ household and in Springfield Elementary, the two always clash.

Their contrasting personalities make them a delight to watch, and, in fact, their relationship is responsible for some of the best episodes of The Simpsons. Despite their bickering and clear differences, there have been moments that remind viewers how much they care about each other – fans with siblings can likely relate.