10 of the best besties in pop culture (and an honorable mention)
4. Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings trilogy)
Two hobbits, one epic quest, and a friendship so strong it makes you want to hug your bestie tighter than ever.
Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee aren't your average next-door neighbors. These two shorties (I can say that, I'm 4'11") stepped out of the Shire and into the pages of history with a mission that was basically an all-expenses-paid trip to Mount Doom. While Frodo had the weight of the One Ring to bear, Sam was there, proving that behind every great hero is a best friend with a backpack full of snacks and unwavering loyalty. Their journey was filled with more ups and downs than a rollercoaster at the county fair, but through it all, their bond only grew stronger, teaching us that even in the darkest of times, a true friend lights the way.
Why are Frodo and Sam so iconic, you ask? Well, it's not just because they walked into Mordor (which, let's face it, is pretty badass). It's because they showed us the power of friendship under the most extreme conditions. Sam carried Frodo (literally and figuratively) when the going got tough, and together, they faced giant spiders, evil overlords, and the temptation of absolute power. Their adventure was more than just a story about defeating evil - it was a heartwarming tale of how bravery, sacrifice, and a little bit of hobbit courage can conquer even the mightiest of challenges. Frodo and Sam's friendship is the kind that inspires us to be better friends ourselves, sticking by each other no matter what, with or without the threat of a Dark Lord looming over us.
And, not to mention, they're an absolute masterclass in positive masculinity.
5. Bert and Ernie (Sesame Street)
Ah, the dynamic duo of Sesame Street, the incomparable Bert and Ernie.
These two have been the ultimate roomies long before anyone was binge-watching shows about friends living in New York apartments. Why are they so iconic, you ask? Well, it's simple: Bert and Ernie are like the mac and cheese of friendships. Bert, with his love for pigeons and bottle cap collections, and Ernie, with his endless enthusiasm and rubber ducky obsessions, couldn't be more different.
Yet, they show us that friendship isn't about being the same - it's about sticking together and laughing through the ups and downs, even if it means compromising on how to decorate their shared space.
For decades, these Muppet pals have been schooling us all on what it means to live in harmony. Through their lighthearted bickering and heartwarming reconciliations, they've taught generations of kids (and let's be honest, adults too) about acceptance, understanding, and the beauty of diverse friendships. Whether it's Ernie's impromptu serenades to his rubber ducky or Bert's passionate lectures about the importance of a well-organized paper clip collection, their adventures and misadventures remind us that life's a little brighter when you have a bestie by your side to share it with.
Bert and Ernie aren't just a part of pop culture - they're the heartwarming example of friendship that we all need, proving that no matter what, the best of friends will always find their way back to each other.
6. Joey and Chandler (Friends)
Imagine the coolest, funniest, and most heartwarming bromance ever seen on TV, and you've got these two.
Their friendship is like a cozy blanket on a rainy day - full of laughs, silly antics, and moments that make you go, "Aww!" Whether they're arguing over a chair or hugging it out after a fight, their bond is stronger than a cup of Central Perk's finest coffee. These two are the ultimate roommate and bestie goals, turning everyday life into an endless series of unforgettable adventures and hilarious mishaps.
What makes Joey and Chandler so iconic isn't just the jokes or the fact that they know each other better than they know themselves - it's their unwavering support and loyalty through thick and thin.
From job losses to breakups, they've got each other's backs, always. Remember when Joey bought Chandler an absurdly huge entertainment unit, or when Chandler secretly paid for Joey's acting classes? Moments like these show that underneath all the laughter, there's a deep friendship that's all about lifting each other up. They've given us some of the most memorable moments in TV history, teaching us that no matter what, true friends are always there for you (cue the theme song).
RIP, Matthew Perry.