Be it a partner in crime to execute the mischief you’ve planned up your sleeves or a shoulder to lean on when you need comfort, the joys of having a sibling is unparalleled. Whether it is cartoons or animated movies, the entertainment media has always emphasized the importance of family.
The power of siblings cannot be negated and there are many films and shows that have made the premise all about siblings. More often than not, it is not the moral lessons that make good content unforgettable, but the bonds they display that leave an indelible mark.
And in India, we have a festival that celebrates the siblings’ bond. It is called Raksha Bandhan which is traditionally celebrated between where both brother and sister are involved. But we feel this festival should be celebrated by one and all. The idea of protecting your brother or sister from the evil forces should not be gender-confined. So, we’ve listed seven sibling duos from the animated world that have proved their relationships to be memorable and iconic. All the pairs enlisted are brother-brother and sister-sister, in an attempt to make the beautiful festival all-inclusive.
Here’s our compilation of seven dynamic duos/siblings that will make you reconnect with your brothers and sisters now:
1) Elric Brothers (Fullmetal Alchemist)
These two are probably what will come to mind for most anime fans when sibling duos are concerned. So here they are, Edward and Alphonse Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist and its Brotherhood version. These two have gone through very daunting and difficult ordeals in their childhood, perhaps even more than any other pair we’ve listed here.
Alphonse lost his whole body while Edward lost an arm and leg while both of them were trying to resurrect their dead mother. Despite the nightmares they experienced at such a young age, they still went on to be two of the most accomplished alchemists in a fictional industrial age Germany. There’s no doubt that these two needed to be here as they can even bend matter to their will and weaponize anything.
2) Lilo and Nani (Lilo and Stitch)
Nani took responsibility for her little sister after the tragic death of their parents. The movie Lilo and Stitch gives a wonderful depiction of what it can be like to raise a young sibling when one is still young themselves and trying to figure out life. Lilo and Nani often don’t see eye-to-eye and argue about almost everything. But Nani understands that Lilo is very young and is going through a difficult time with the loss of their parents.
These sisters, with the help of Stitch, are able to accept each other’s love and grow. They are absolutely two of the best siblings.
3) Rin and Yukio (Blue Exorcist)
It doesn’t matter if you are humans, gods or demons, there will always be some jealousy and suppressed emotions involved between all. Rin and Yukio from Blue Exorcist are only half-human; they’re 50 per cent demons, which makes their emotional tension more complicated. Yukio is the kinder and younger among the two of them and also upholds his duty of protecting his brother quite religiously.
Rin is the direct son of Satan. You can guess what his behavior is based on his parentage alone. These two are basically Yin and Yang, where Yukio equalizes Rin’s hotheadedness with a calm and happy disposition which is crucial whenever the two are facing demonic threats.
4) Hiro and Tadashi (Big Hero 6)
The movie Big Hero 6 is all about family and reaching your dreams. Tadashi is the older brother in this film who does his best to raise his little brother, Hiro, and help him see a better way in life.
He encourages his young prodigy brother to attend the institute of technology and to follow his dreams. Unfortunately, tragedy hits when Tadashi is killed in an explosion but his ‘presence’ lingers with Hiro, who is determined to make his older brother proud.
5) Gohan and Goten (Dragon Ball Z)
Thanks to Goku’s sons, Gohan and his younger brother Goten, you can do a “fusion dance” with your little sibling without much embarrassment. That’s one of the perks of having a sibling on the same wavelength (and power level) as you are; you get to invent cool new moves and trends together.
Dragon Ball Z’s Gohan and Goten are the ultimate Super Saiyan duo. Individually they are worthy descendants to Goku. And together (in their fusion mode), they prove to be an excellent substitute for their father in terms of power. Although their fusion only occurs in a game called Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2, these two are the most powerful brothers in the universe and a treat to watch together.
6) Lucien and Wayne Cramp (Cramp Twins)
Wayne started picking on his brother even before they were born and continued to do that for pretty much his entire life. Their personalities were poles apart. Lucien was calm, composed, and smart; his brother was violent, rude, and insensitive.
Despite the cartoon having other antagonists, Wayne still topped the list. You’d rarely miss an episode where he’s done some bit of mischief, most of which were directed to his brother.
Being an environmentalist, Lucien would always resort to the tranquillity of the swamp where he found peace. Of course, the two brothers teamed up from time to time but that was only when necessary, like when they had to escape from their grandmother.
7) Elsa and Anna (Frozen)
One of Disney’s most successful movies, Frozen, showcases the journey of two sisters, Elsa and Anna. As most viewers can testify, these two siblings have won the world over with their unique personalities, catchy songs, and their unwavering love for each other.
Fans can witness their childhood bond and how their relationship as sisters goes through the good times and the bad. They will stop at nothing to keep each other safe and that makes them one of the best siblings in Disney flicks! So do watch their journey in Frozen and Frozen 2.
~ Happy Raksha Bandhan
