5 Anime Friendships That Became Blessings For The Characters (& 5 That Were Worse Than Curses)

In anime, friendships are frequently used to explore the intricacies of human relationships and their impact on characters’ personal growth. For example, in One Piece, the strong bond between Luffy and his Straw Hat crew serves as a driving force for their heroic adventures and eventual successes. However, in series like Death Note, friendships can also take a darker turn, as seen in the twisted and destructive relationship between Light Yagami and L, characterized by deceit and tragedy.

This article delves into ten different anime friendships and their impact on characters’ lives. It showcases five friendships that brought joy and empowerment, demonstrating how camaraderie and support can elevate individuals to greatness. Additionally, it also examines five friendships that turned toxic, exploring the consequences of betrayal and heartache and the ways in which these bonds can shape the destinies of characters in the intricate and diverse narratives of anime storytelling.

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer.

Anime Friendships That Became Blessings for the Characters

Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew (One Piece)

Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew (Image via Toei Animation)

The essence of One Piece resides in Luffy and his comrades. Luffy’s pursuit of becoming the Pirate King would not have been achievable without the Straw Hats, particularly individuals like Zoro, Nami, and Sanji, who provided invaluable support to Luffy in the initial phases of the storyline. As their group expands, so does their affection for their newfound family.

Describing them as “best friends”hardly does justice to the depth of their connection. With their unique abilities and unwavering devotion, their joint adventures become a remarkable display of the unbreakable bond of friendship, making their relationship a truly cherished gift.

2) Main Characters of Demon Slayer Anime: Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu

Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu (Image via Ufotable)

Tanjiro Kamado, the main character, is determined to rescue his sister Nezuko from her demon form and find a cure. In his journey, he forms close bonds with Inosuke Hashibira, a fiery and wild demon who was raised by boars, and Zenitsu Agatsuma, a skilled swordsman.

Despite their contrasting personalities, they are all determined to face the demanding challenges of defeating demons as a team. Tanjiro takes on the role of a caring leader, Inosuke provides strength, and Zenitsu possesses hidden talent. This illustrates the significance of their bond, which strengthens as they each grow as individuals, ultimately playing a crucial role in their journey.

Gon and Killua from Hunter x Hunter

Anime friendships that enhanced the series (Image via Nippon Animation)

The iconic best friend duo of Gon and Killua from Hunter x Hunter has proven their strength and resilience throughout the series. From their journey through the Hunter Exam to the 13th Chairman Election arc, they have faced numerous life-changing challenges. Despite obstacles such as the manipulative Zoldyck family, grueling training sessions with Biscuit, and the traumatic events of the Chimera Ant arc, their bond remains unbreakable.

Gon’s unwavering determination perfectly complements Killua’s lethal assassin abilities, forging a bond of friendship characterized by mutual development and profound emotional reinforcement. Together, they confront perilous obstacles and acquire valuable insights from one another.

Hinata and Kageyama: The Dynamic Duo of Haikyuu!!

Hinata and Kageyama (Image via Production I.G.)

Haikyu!! highlights the importance of teammate dynamics in sports, and the series showcases numerous endearing friendships. However, the most captivating bond is between Hinata and Kageyama, who are not your typical “best friends.”Instead, they function as both partners and competitors. Despite their constant bickering and minimal interaction outside of volleyball, their unspoken trust in each other is undeniable.

The foundation of their relationship is rooted in actions rather than words, which serves as a central element in the series. Kageyama’s precise setting is perfectly matched by Hinata’s remarkable speed and agility, resulting in an unbeatable duo. This special connection not only elevates their own growth, but also has a transformative effect on their team, making their friendship a valuable blessing.

Goku and Krillin: The Legendary Duo (Dragon Ball)

Anime friendships in Dragon Ball (Image via Toei Animation)

Throughout the original Dragon Ball anime, Krillin was not only Goku’s earliest training rival, but also one of his closest friends. They stood by each other through numerous challenges, with Goku often tapping into new levels of power after Krillin’s death.

Despite starting off as a comic relief character, Krillin’s evolution from a monk training under Master Roshi to a key figure was evident. He played a crucial role in defeating the Saibamen, survived the intense Saiyan Saga, and was a valuable ally on Namek. In a surprising turn of events, Krillin even found love and started a family with Android 18. Despite facing criticism and mockery, Krillin’s friendship with Goku proved to be a blessing in their lives.

When Best Friends Become Worst Enemies: The Tragic Anime Friendships of Spike and Vicious, Guts and Griffith

Suzaku and Lelouch’s Journey in Code Geass

In Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Suzaku Kururugi and Lelouch Lamperouge are comrades who share a common goal, despite being members of opposing military factions. Lelouch, known as Zero, is a vigilante fighting to topple the Britannian Empire, while Suzaku, a loyal knight of Britannia, believes in effecting change from within the established system.

Despite the presence of betrayal, secret identities, and divided allegiances, the crux of their narrative remains centered on the strength of their anime friendships. Despite being on opposing sides, the two characters develop a mutual respect for each other, with their friendship ultimately defining their rivalry. Throughout the series, the conflicting political ideologies of Kaneda and Tetsuo and the enduring bond between them serve as significant themes, emphasizing the impact of their friendship during the tumultuous era of war.

2) Light and L from Death Note

Light and L (Image via Nippon Television)

Light Yagami and L from Death Note have a intricate dynamic characterized by mutual mistrust and a constant battle of wits. At first, L, who is determined to apprehend the elusive Kira responsible for a string of killings, becomes Light’s main nemesis. In order to gain an advantage and get closer to L, Light cunningly inserts himself into their investigation, pretending to be friends with L.

While temporarily suffering from amnesia due to giving up the Death Note, Light develops a genuine connection with L. However, when his memories resurface, Light immediately goes back to his goal of getting rid of L. The complex dynamics of admiration, deceit, and treachery between the two characters make for intriguing exchanges, leaving viewers wondering what could have transpired had things been different.

Spike Spiegel and Vicious (Cowboy Bebop)

Despite being friends and partners in the Red Dragon Syndicate, Spike and Vicious have a tumultuous past. They climbed the ranks together, but their relationship deteriorated due to their shared feelings for Julia. Vicious became enraged when Spike tried to run away with Julia, leading to a violent rivalry between them.

Despite Spike’s attempts to break free from their destructive connection, their past ultimately catches up to them. The narrative of Bebop ultimately unveils their ultimate confrontation, resulting in the destruction of both. The malevolent nature of Vicious and Spike’s pursuit of independence form a toxic dynamic that brings out the worst in both individuals.

4) Main Characters in Berserk

Griffith and Guts (Image via OLM Team Iguchi)

Upon winning a duel, Griffith, a leader with aspirations of ruling his own kingdom, recognized Guts’ exceptional swordsmanship and extended an invitation for him to join his Band of the Hawk. Despite their initial rivalry, they eventually became close friends, with Guts keeping Griffith’s ambitions in check and Griffith utilizing Guts’ talents to their fullest potential.

Despite Guts’ departure, Griffith’s actions became increasingly desperate, ultimately resulting in a tragic betrayal that led him to become a member of the God Hand. Their complicated friendship turned into a rivalry, highlighting their opposing traits of Guts’ straightforwardness and Griffith’s cunning. This dynamic bond was both a blessing and a curse throughout the tumultuous narrative of Berserk.

Shou Tucker and Edward Elric: The Tragic Duo of Fullmetal Alchemist

Shou Tucker and Edward Elric (Image via Bones)

Despite initially appearing as a skilled alchemist and loving father to his daughter Nina, Shou Tucker from Fullmetal Alchemist is eventually exposed as a heartless and manipulative individual. He had secretly conducted a gruesome chimera experiment, sacrificing his wife and merging Nina with their dog, Alexander, revealing his true nature. This deceitful act shattered the trust of the Elric brothers who had previously held him in high regard.

Despite being an amalgamation of suffering, Nina is barely able to convey her agony to the Elrics, leaving them shocked to their core. This ultimate betrayal by their own family member terrifies Edward Elric, forcing him to confront the repercussions of alchemical manipulation and human transmutation.

In Conclusion

Anime friendships are crucial components that influence the destinies of characters. They encompass enduring relationships that empower main characters, as well as tragic betrayals that result in devastation, reflecting the intricacies of human connections. These anime friendships demonstrate the impact of loyalty and support in propelling characters towards success, while also revealing the darker aspects of trust and manipulation.

In the world of anime, friendships hold great significance as they reveal profound truths about the human experience. Through their intricate storytelling and raw emotion, they strike a chord with viewers. Above all, they serve as a powerful reminder that the decisions we make in our friendships can greatly influence our paths in life.