If we're being completely honest, there is no other kind of relationship that remotely compares to the bond between siblings. Whether filled with rivalry and hard feelings or nothing but sweet love and appreciation, it is an undeniable fact that the powerful bond shared between two people of the same blood – or not – is quite unmatched.
From Sam and Dean Winchester to Leia and Luke Skywalker, movies and television have always offered a wide range of incredible sibling duos, and audiences simply cannot help empathizing with them. At times, it almost feels like viewers, too, are a part of these characters' compelling connections. These duos share unique dynamics - they can be heartwarming and supportive or troubled and chaotic. Even so, they remain compelling and fascinating, often acting as the best aspect of their respective projects.
21 Oj and Emerald Haywood
'Nope' (2022)
Although the focus of the underrated science fiction Nope isn’t exactly OJ and Emerlad’s relationship but rather the huge being that’s tormenting their town, it would be hard to picture Jordan Peele’s great alien invasion movie without Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer’s performances as the fantastic sibling duo at its center, as they can be seen teaming up throughout the movie's entirety.
Whether they are bickering (find synonymous) or fighting a gigantic beast, OJ and Emerald are an overlooked duo for the books, which is not surprising considering that the movie doesn’t get the love that it gets. Whether it is thanks to Kaluuya and Palmer's acting efforts or the film's well-written screenplay, OJ and Emerald inevitably charm everyone with their chemistry and fantastic teamwork.
Nope
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Release Date July 20, 2022 Director Jordan Peele Cast Steven Yeun , Daniel Kaluuya , Keke Palmer , Terry Notary , Conor Kowalski , Mark Casimir Dyniewicz Runtime 130 minutes Main Genre Horror20 Dee and Dennis
'It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia' (2005 - )
Anyone who enjoys good dialogue and tons of bickering in television shows will sympathize with Dee (Kaitlin Olson) and Dennis’ (Glenn Howerton) unmatched connection, as they are one of the most famous brother and sister characters duos. And while the dark comedy series has captured the attention of many for its controversial jokes, its central characters and the bond they share are also to blame for its popularity.
The relationship between twins Dee and Dennis is three-dimensional, making the two a relatable duo for many siblings — especially those with similar ages — over the world. While they seemingly hate each other and bicker a lot of the time, they’re just as likely to team up and be partners in crime. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Dennis and Dee are the typical brother-sister duo that audiences can’t help but empathize with.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
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Release Date August 4, 2005 Creator Rob McElhenney Cast Charlie Day , Glenn Howerton , Rob McElhenney , Kaitlin Olson , Danny DeVito Seasons 16 Main Genre Comedy 19 Olive and Dwayne
'Little Miss Sunshine' (2006)
While Little Miss Sunshine is an all-around great film for a number of reasons (be it its highly entertaining and at times even emotional plot or the beautiful messages it sends, namely the film's stance on body positivity), one of its strongest aspects is undoubtedly its characters. Olive and Dwayne, the sibling duo portrayed by Abigail Breslin and Paul Dano, are arguably one of the most memorable in cinema.
Although the two don’t get as much screen time as other well-liked duos on this list, the refreshing dynamic between these almost polar opposite siblings (one an edgy and melancholic teen; the other a naive child full of energy) is realistic and beautifully portrayed by two talented actors. It may not be the pick that immediately comes to mind regarding the most iconic sibling duos in film, but it is certainly a valid one.
Little Miss Sunshine
RComedyDramaIndie Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date July 26, 2006 Director Jonathan Dayton , Valerie Faris Cast Abigail Breslin , Greg Kinnear , Paul Dano , Alan Arkin , Toni Collette , Steve Carell Runtime 10118 Quinn and Daria
'Daria' (1997 - 2002)
Next up is Quinn and Daria from the titular protagonist’s show. Perfectly repressing the “loser” and “popular” (Quinn is Vice President of the Fashion Club, after all) sisters trope in Daria, the cartoon duo delivers what it promises: although the two share a complicated relationship, as expected, with a fair share of ups and downs, it is ultimately lovely to watch, particularly the sisterly moments.
While they may have their differences like other duos mentioned on this list (and are likely to grow closer as they age, considering that they’re undergoing a very transformative time in their lives when the series takes place), the clash of Quinn and Daria’s behavior makes for a really entertaining time in front of the screen, proving that they’re one of the best sister duos in television.
Daria
TV-PGAnimationComedyDramaRelease Date March 3, 1997 Creator(s) Glenn Eichler , Susie Lewis Cast Tracy Grandstaff , Wendy Hoopes , Julian Rebolledo , John Lynn , Lisa Collins , Marc Thompson , Ashley Paige Albert , Jessica Cydnee Jackson Seasons 517 Mei and Satsuki
'My Neighbour Totoro' (1988)
The charming and beautifully illustrated My Neighbour Totoro stands among Studio Ghibli’s finest movies, whether that be for its outstanding execution or the lighthearted, feel-good story that anchors it. Mei and Satsuki, two sisters who share an unbreakable bond, are the lead characters in the Hayao Miyazaki picture. They, too, deserve a nod for their moving relationship in this delightful movie.
Part of what makes Mei and Satsuki’s bond special is the clear way they care for each other, as well as the beautiful manner in which their familial love is displayed in the film — whether that is through the latter protecting and always caring for her younger sister, or the former always finding a way to her somehow. It’s a beautiful movie overall, and the well-written sisterly bond is the cherry on top.
My Neighbor Totoro
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Release Date April 16, 1988 Director Hayao Miyazaki Cast Noriko Hidaka , Chika Sakamoto , Shigesato Itoi , Sumi Shimamoto , Tanie Kitabayashi , Hitoshi Takagi Runtime 86 Minutes 16 Dipper and Mabel
'Gravity Falls' (2012 - 2016)
Gravity Falls’ Dipper and Mabel also deserve a nod when it comes to fictional couples we can not get enough of. The genuine bond between the two is easily one of the best aspects of this beloved series, and it’s clear from the beginning that the two truly care for each other.
One thing about Dipper and Mabel is that they will prioritize each other’s needs on top of their own, demonstrating care and that they will always look out for each other at the end of the day, even if they may have different interests and bicker at times. What’s special about Mabel and Dipper is how they essentially like the person each one is, making the two one of the most memorable sibling duos in cartoons.
Gravity Falls
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Release Date June 15, 2012 Cast Kristen Schaal , Linda Cardellini , Jason Ritter Seasons 2 15 Katniss and Prim Everdeen
'The Hunger Games' Film Series (2012 - 2015)
This Hunger Games sisterly duo is one that easily comes to mind when the subject is famous siblings in movies. It is very clear from the beginning of the iconic death game movie that the two share a very strong bond and that Katniss feels extremely protective over Primrose.
Although, unfortunately, Prim ended up undergoing a tragic fate nonetheless, their bond remains strong and unbreakable; after all, not everyone would voluntarily take their sister's place in the Hunger Games. Katniss proved that she would gladly take a bullet for her younger sister by choosing to keep her away from harm and face the deadly games in her place.
The Hunger Games
PG-13Adventure Sci-FiAction Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date March 12, 2012 Director Gary Ross Cast Stanley Tucci , Wes Bentley , Jennifer Lawrence , Willow Shields , Liam Hemsworth , Elizabeth Banks Runtime 14214 Fred and George Weasley
'Harry Potter' Film Series (2001 - 2011)
Fred (James Phelps) and George (Oliver Phelps) are as thick as thieves. Harry Potter's sneaky duo with extremely cute and enviable matching sweaters turned out to be one of the best portrayals of brotherhood on the big screen. Although Ron, Billy, and Ginny are also a part of the family, these two particular characters almost have a bond of their own. Like two peas in a pod, where one went, the other followed.
The Weasley twins are two of the greatest, funniest, most entertaining characters in the Harry Potter series. Not only do they bring a fair share of fun and goofiness to the films, but also a very realistic portrayal of what genuine brotherhood looks like. No doubt, Fred and George are among the most famous siblings in movies.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
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Release Date November 16, 2001 Director Chris Columbus Cast Richard Harris , Maggie Smith , Robbie Coltrane , Saunders Triplets , Daniel Radcliffe , Fiona Shaw , Rupert Grint , Emma Watson Runtime 152 minutes13 T'Challa and Shuri
'Black Panther' (2018)
Marvel strikes with another couple of characters that accurately portray a distinctive and entertaining sibling dynamic. This time, the fictional people in question are T'Challa (played by the late Chadwick Boseman) and Shuri (Letitia Wright) from Black Panther, the perfect example of what typical brothers and sisters act like around each other.
Filled with teasing and making fun of one another while knowing that deep down, no one compares to the person they have grown up with, this unique bond was almost too good to be true. Much like Luke and Leia, T'Challa and Shuri are masters of their fields; putting them together results in a ferocious and implacable duo.
Black Panther
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Release Date February 16, 2018 Director Ryan Coogler Cast Chadwick Boseman , Michael B. Jordan , Lupita Nyong'O , Danai Gurira , Martin Freeman , Daniel Kaluuya Runtime 134 minutes12 Anna and Elsa Oldenburg
'Frozen' Film Series (2013 - 2019)
It wouldn't even be fair not to add these two to any best sibling ranking. Anna and Elsa of Frozen are known for sharing an intimate connection since the beginning of the movie, entertaining thousands of fans with their fun-loving personalities while always being there for each other.
Although Anna could never live up to Elsa's superpowers, she would go to the ends of the Earth for her sister, and Elsa would more easily make hell freeze over than let anything happen to Anna. Through thick and thin, these loving characters remain the same inseparable sisters they once were. Anna and Elsa grow older and wiser, but their undying and sweet companionship will always be there, and fans can't wait to see more of them in the upcoming Frozen film.
Frozen
PGMusicalFantasyFamily Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date November 20, 2013 Director Chris Buck , Jennifer Lee Cast Kristen Bell , Idina Menzel , Jonathan Groff , Josh Gad , Santino Fontana , Alan Tudyk Runtime 108 minutes11 Wednesday and Pugsley Addams
'Wednesday' (2022 - )
They're creepy and they're kooky; these two have been around for a while now, earning a spot among the best brother and sister duos. However, Tim Burton's take on the characters' relationship has earned a place in the hearts of many. Beautifully brought to life by Jenna Ortega and Isaac Ordonez in Netflix's Wednesday, the titular character and Pugsly's relationship is among the most endearing in its own strange way.
Contrary to her brother, Wednesday is not keen on deliberately showing affection. Nevertheless, it is still quite evident that, deep down, Wednesday does love and care for Pugsly, protecting him against anything and everyone. These two are the definition of "no one bullies my brother except for me," and there's something beautiful about that.
Wednesday
TV-14ComedyCrimeFantasy Release Date November 23, 2022 Creator Alfred Gough, Miles Millar Cast Jenna Ortega , Hunter Doohan , Christina Ricci , Percy Hynes White Seasons 210 Ross and Monica Geller
'Friends' (1994 - 2004)
Considering how treasured Friends is, it only makes sense that two of its titular characters also earn a spot among the most favored on this list. Played by CourteneyCox and DavidSchwimmer, these two are known for their bickering and teasing, realistically illustrating the sister and brother relationships often seen off-screen.
Incredibly competitive but without ever sacrificing their love for each other, Ross and Monica’s close bond (sometimes way too close for comfort, according to some fans) is unforgettable, especially given that the two were one of the biggest, most popular TV shows, with their bond being a central part of it. After all, they were there for each other every step of the way, supporting each other’s relationships among other things.
Friends
TV-14RomanceSitcom Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date September 22, 1994 Cast Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Lisa Kudrow , Matt LeBlanc , Matthew Perry , David Schwimmer Seasons 109 Luke and Leia Skywalker
'Star Wars' Film Series (1977 - 2019)
While this relationship started in a - well, unconventional way, Luke and Leia remain among the best cinematic siblings. The two prized Star Wars characters bonded almost instantly, becoming even closer as soon as they discovered they shared the same blood in 1983's Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
Even though the big reveal startled everyone, Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Luke (Mark Hamill) definitely go down as one of the most iconic sibling duos. Both are quite different characters with much to offer and are great at doing what they do best. Thanks to Hammill and Fisher's warm, earnest performances, Luke and Leia's bond remains a fan-favorite aspect of the Star Wars saga; together, they are unstoppable.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
PGActionAdventureFantasy Sci-Fi Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date May 25, 1977 Director George Lucas Cast Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford , Carrie Fisher , Peter Cushing , Alec Guinness , Anthony Daniels Runtime 121 minutes 8 Sam and Dean Winchester
'Supernatural' (2005 - 2020)
For years, Supernatural was the crowning jewel of The CW's line-up, and it's all thanks to the charming duo at its center. While Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) start the enthralling series as close-enough siblings, their strong bond slowly develops, becoming one of the main plotlines in the show.
These two charming characters won over a lot of people's hearts, both individually and as a team, strengthening their relationship throughout the episodes and kicking ass as the incredible dynamic duo they are. The Winchester brothers gave the expression "to hell and back" a whole new meaning. They died for each other - literally - proving that some bonds are too strong to break, no matter how hard the forces of hell try.
Supernatural
TV-14ActionAdventureDrama Horror Sci-Fi Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date September 13, 2005 Creator Eric Kripke Cast Misha Collins , Jared Padalecki , Jensen Ackles , Jim Beaver Seasons 157 Jon Snow and Arya Stark
'Game of Thrones' (2011 - 2019)
Because of its gigantic universe, lore, and world-building, Game of Thrones features plenty of iconic characters that share interesting relationship dynamics. However, Arya (Maisie Williams) and Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) may be the most popular sibling duo. This is no wonder, considering how obvious it is that Arya genuinely loves Jon, and the two care for each other deeply.
When everyone was going against the potentially powerful Arya, Jon was the only one encouraging her dreams and ambitions, hence why she has always looked up to her half-brother. Despite the fact that the two turned out to actually be cousins, Jon and Arya ultimately deserve a spot among the best sibling duos on television for the powerful familial bond they shared.
Game Of Thrones
TV-MAAdventureDramaFantasyActionRelease Date April 17, 2011 Creator David Benioff, D.B. Weiss Cast Peter Dinklage , Lena Headey , Nikolaj Coster-Waldau , Emilia Clarke , Kit Harington , Sophie Turner , Maisie Williams Seasons 86 Katara and Sokka
'Avatar: The Last Airbender' (2005 - 2008)
What better way to show affection than by constantly having each other's backs and defending one another through thick and thin? There is no doubt that this Water Tribe duo of Avatar: The Last Airbender loves each other to their cores, often working together and consequently becoming the best version of themselves.
The powerful benders Katara and Sokka are unquestionably one of the most treasured pairs of siblings on television and among the most accurate representations of the brother-sister dynamic in media. While they're often at each other's throats, when push comes to shove, these characters would easily risk their lives for their other half.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
TV-Y7-FVAnimationActionAdventureFantasy Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date February 21, 2005 Cast Dee Bradley Baker , Mae Whitman , Jack De Sena , Dante Basco Seasons 35 Fleabag and Claire
'Fleabag' (2016 - 2019)
Amazon Prime's original series Fleabag delivers a complex portrait of sisterhood when depicting Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and Claire's (Sian Clifford) often turbulent relationship. The two characters could not be any more different from each other; it is not just the simple details that are poles apart. More than anything, it is their mindset and general attitude toward life that makes them two completely non-identical people.
Although polar opposites, their bond throughout the series is really well explored. It is obvious to anyone that Claire and Fleabag would do anything for each other, often acting as each other's sole source of support. This comical, at times emotional show beautifully managed to capture the struggles of sisterhood while accurately portraying the different anxieties of each character.
Fleabag
TV-MAComedyDrama Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date September 16, 2016 Creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge Cast Olivia Colman , Bill Paterson , Andrew Scott , Phoebe Waller-Bridge , Sian Clifford Seasons 2 4 Will and Jonathan Byers
'Stranger Things' (2016 - 2024)
This Stranger Things duo is arguably one of the best things in modern television. From the very beginning, it is evident that Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) and Will (Noah Schnapp) share a very intimate and protective bond, especially when it comes to the older brother's shielding over the youngest.
Jonathan would do anything to ensure Will's safety, even if it included a terrifying trip to the Upside Down. Facing a good number of Stranger Things' bizarre creatures is probably not the character's main concern as long as he gets to bring his little brother back to welfare (where they can later discuss their awesome taste in music).
Stranger Things
TV-14 Sci-FiDrama Horror Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date July 15, 2016 Creator Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer Cast Winona Ryder , David Harbour , Cara Buono , Finn Wolfhard Seasons 53 Bart and Lisa Simpson
'The Simpsons' (1989 - )
This famous brother-sister duo is more than popular - it's outright iconic, a crucial part of modern pop culture. While the two are fundamentally different, with distinct kinds of behavior and personal tastes, The Simpsons' Bart and Lisa couldn't live without each other.
What is so unique about Bart and Lisa's relationship is how well it represents an average sister-brother dynamic; there's fighting, name-calling, some banter, and a whole lot of love. They are relatable for viewers who actually share this type of relationship in real life. The two are frequently displaying acts of rivalry, but they ultimately end up bonding over shared interests and clearly care for one another.
The Simpsons
TV-14 Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date December 17, 1989 Cast Dan Castellaneta , Julie Kavner , Nancy Cartwright , Yeardley Smith , Hank Azaria , Harry Shearer Seasons 36 Main Genre Comedy2 Stefan and Damon Salvatore
'The Vampire Diaries' (2009 - 2017)
Who doesn't love a well-developed brotherly relationship between two vampires? Damon (Ian Salvatore) and Stefan (Paul Weasley) from The Vampire Diaries are proof that, with the right amount of effort and an interesting enough storyline, those can be pulled perfectly.
While both TVD characters have done a great deal of bad things to each other throughout the series, they have also come a very long way. The audience witnesses countless times how clearly and how much Stefan cares for Damon — spoiler alert: it is a lot. Damon himself once said that Stefan is all he has. From emotional lines to heartwarming scenes, it is an undeniable fact that these two hold each other dear and close to their hearts. And we viewers can't help but sympathize with their unusual, tender bond.
The Vampire Diaries
TV-14Drama HorrorRomanceFantasy Where to Watch*Availability in US
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Release Date September 10, 2009 Creator Julie Plec, Kevin Williamson Cast Paul Wesley , Ian Somerhalder , Katerina Graham , Candice Accola , Matthew Davis Seasons 8ncG1vNJzZmibn6G5qrDEq2Wcp51kr6a%2F02aqopqcnruoecOupqxlmaN6p7XLpmStrl8%3D