10 of the best besties in pop culture (and an honorable mention)

Here's to every bestie duo, trio, or group out there. Keep empowering and cheering for each other - the world is made better by all of your powers combined.
Photo: Batman and Robin / Warner Bros. Studios, Image Courtesy Fathom Events Press (Batman 80th Anniversary)
Photo: Batman and Robin / Warner Bros. Studios, Image Courtesy Fathom Events Press (Batman 80th Anniversary) /
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7. Lorelai and Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore are not just your ordinary mother-daughter pair - they're the ultimate definition of mother-daughter goals.

They share everything from clothes to coffee to the juiciest of gossip. Watching them is like peeping into a marathon chat session where the conversation never dulls and the laughs just keep coming. It's their quick-witted banter, full of pop culture references that could give even the best trivia teams a run for their money, that makes them so irresistibly charming. They go through life's ups and downs with a style and grace that's all their own, making us all wish we could be part of their cool little club and teaching us mothers that you can absolutely be your child's best friend and mother at the same time, something I've personally taken notes from.

But what truly sets Lorelai and Rory apart is the deep mutual respect and understanding they share.

Theirs isn't your typical TV family dynamic - it's a fresh take on what it means to be both a parent and a best friend. Whether they're tackling heartbreak, school stress, or just deciding on their next movie marathon, they do it together, with an unbreakable bond that's as inspiring as it is endearing. They show us that at the heart of every great adventure, whether it's a trip to Europe or just a quick dash to the diner, is the company we keep. Lorelai and Rory remind us that the best kind of friendship is the kind where you can be your complete and utter self, making them the iconic besties we all adore.

8. Buzz Lightyear and Woody (Toy Story)

The ultimate turnaround friendship story - Buzz Lightyear and Woody.

Imagine you're the top toy in the toy box one day, and the next, a shiny new astronaut toy lands, making you yesterday's news. That's how it all kicked off between Woody, the cowboy with a heart of gold, and Buzz, the space ranger on a mission to infinity and beyond. But here's the twist - instead of staying rivals, these two go on an adventure that turns them into the best of buds. It's like watching two opposite magnets get pulled together - you wouldn't think it'd work, but it does, and it's magical.

Their journey is like a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with moments that make you want to laugh, shout, and maybe even shed a tear or two.

Through kidnappings by a toy-torturing neighbor, getting lost together, and facing the idea of being replaced, they show us what friendship is all about. It's not just about sticking together when things are easy, but being there for each other when the going gets tough. Buzz and Woody teach us that acceptance and loyalty can turn the most unlikely pair into besties for life. Plus, they give us the ultimate friendship motto: "To infinity and beyond!"

Now, if that doesn't scream iconic bestie duo, I don't know what does.

9. Laverne and Shirley (Laverne & Shirley)

Laverne and Shirley, two best friends, working at a beer factory in Milwaukee, turning every day into an adventure filled with laughter, a few tears, and a whole lot of "Schlemiel! Schlimazel!"

These gals made us all want to grab our best friend, put on our monogrammed sweaters (because let's be honest, those were pretty cool), and find ourselves in a pickle, just so we could laugh our way out of it together. They weren't just living the dream - they were fumbling, bumbling, and tumbling through life, showing us that it's not about being perfect, but about being there for each other, no matter what.

And that's why Laverne and Shirley are the ultimate bestie goals. They took on the world with a one-of-a-kind friendship that could weather any storm (or any disastrous date, for that matter). Whether they were plotting their next big scheme or comforting each other over a pint of milk and Pepsi (gags), these two proved that life is a million times better when you've got your best friend by your side. They didn't just entertain us - they taught us the true meaning of friendship, with a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart, making them one of the most iconic duos in pop culture.