Top 10 Friends Who Fall in Love in Animated Shows
#10: Starfire & Robin “Teen Titans” franchise (2003-06)
In most, if not all, of the “Teen Titans” media out there, Robin and Starfire meet under less than ideal circumstances. That’s probably what brings them so close in the first place. Hey, it’s not every day you kiss someone within moments of meeting them! In the 2003 “Teen Titans”, Starfire and Robin develop feelings for each other early on, but don’t actually admit them to each other until the series finale movie. “Teen Titans Go!” however, mixes up their dynamic quite a bit. The reboot sees Robin head-over-heels for Starfire, and not trying to be discreet about it either!
#9: Peter Parker & Gwen Stacy “The Spectacular Spider-Man” (2008-09)
Top 10 Times Peter Griffin Got What He Deserved on Family Guy
These are two of the few BFFs on this list who didn’t actually end up together. A healthy dose of realism is nice every once in a while--even if we are only talking about cartoons. Things don’t always work out, and that’s certainly the case here for Peter and Gwen. While they do admit their feelings for one another, they're each dating other people at the time. Peter breaks up with Liz but it’s not as cut and dry with Gwen and Harry. Harry’s pretty toxic with the way he handles things here but, long story short, Gwen stays with him out of compassion. Maybe Peter and Gwen aren’t ‘swinging’ to new heights in this one, but they’ll always be friends!
#8: Sprig Plantar & Ivy Sundew “Amphibia” (2019- )
When Anne first meets Ivy, Sprig introduces her as his "childhood acquaintance and occasional sparring partner.” They’ve clearly been best friends for a long time and we, like Anne, easily pick up on the chemistry between them. We have to commend “Amphibia” for its wonderful pacing with this relationship, because Ivy and Sprig inevitably getting together isn’t dangled over our heads like some other couples on this list. Even though it seems like they might stay friends, Sprig realizes his feelings pretty quickly, and Ivy must realize the same, because she asks him out not long after. Here’s a pair that definitely ‘hopped’ to it. Get it? ‘Cause they’re frogs? Yeah, you got it.
#7: Star Butterfly & Marco Diaz “Star vs. the Forces of Evil” (2015-19)
This is probably one of the longest-running cartoon will-they-won't-they situations. Considering they live under the same roof, it’s pretty much a given that Star and Marco grow close, and before long, they’re best friends. There’s a lot of back and forth between who has a crush on who at what time--plus, third, fourth, and even fifth parties who enter the mix! By the end, though, the Starco ship finally sets sail. Even with the inopportune romantic feelings, Star and Marco are always there for one another, which is what makes them such a strong couple. The evidence is in the power of their love merging two whole worlds together in the series finale! Things definitely get ‘a little weird’ and ‘a little wild!’
#6: Steven Universe & Connie Maheswaran “Steven Universe” franchise (2013-20)
Top 10 Steven Universe Characters
Steven and Connie first meet on the beach, although they had previously noticed each other at a parade about a year before the series’ beginning. Steven returns a bracelet she’d lost there, and incidentally becomes Connie’s first friend. Their friendship develops naturally into mutual crushes and eventually into a real relationship. They’re able to fuse into ‘Stevonnie’ without even trying, which is definitely an indication of just how strong their bond is, considering that fusions are usually reserved for gems alone. After overcoming their hurdles, and despite going down different paths, the end of “Steven Universe Future” sees Connie and Steven officially dating. If there’s one gem that won’t shatter, it’s this relationship!
#5: Adora & Catra “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” (2018-20)
Adora and Catra start off as childhood friends in The Horde. Flash forward to suppressed feelings of jealousy, outside manipulation, and general misunderstandings, and Catra becomes Adora’s enemy. Their love for each other is apparent, though, even through this quarrel, and by the final season, things slowly get resolved. It’s not until the very last episode, however, that we get a love confession. It’s this very confession that gives Adora the strength to continue fighting and ultimately liberate Etheria. That kiss took all of five seasons, but hey, it was definitely worth the wait!
#4: Danny Fenton & Sam Manson “Danny Phantom” (2004-07)
These two don't get together officially until the very last episode. Still, there are more than a few hints throughout the series that they're crushing on each other--and also, several fake-out make-outs. We can’t help feeling a little bad for Tucker, here. As is often the case in trio friendships, Tucker’s left third-wheeling once it’s clear Sam and Danny have feelings for each other. Especially when they spend so much time in denial. In the meantime, Sam is shown to be jealous when Danny develops feelings for Valerie--and generally dislikes Paulina. The roles are reversed when Sam starts going out with “Gregor.” Guess there’s a reason Danny goes green-eyed as a ghost!
#3: Isabella Garcia-Shapiro & Phineas Flynn “Phineas and Ferb” (2007-15)
Top 10 Cutest Phineas & Isabella Moments on Phineas and Ferb
Isabella's crush on Phineas is evident from the very beginning, but seems so rarely ever reciprocated. In an aged-up episode, however, it's revealed that Phineas started to feel the same way once they got into high school, right around the same time that Isabella gave up. While their whole group is tight-knit enough, it's pretty clear that, aside from Ferb, Phineas considers Isabella his closest friend. Between the several kisses and meaningful moments, we knew these two were in it for the long haul. There’s nothing cuter than childhood friends getting together later on... Well, except maybe Meep. He’s pretty cute.
#2: Aang & Katara “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
Top 10 Katara & Aang Moments on Avatar: The Last Airbender
Aang's crush on Katara is pretty obvious right out the gate, but they get to know each other on purely platonic terms. Through their time training and fighting, they grow closer, and Katara eventually returns Aang’s feelings. It takes until the series finale for the pair to become official, though. Later they’re shown to get married and start a family. This isn’t the only note-worthy romance in the Avatar franchise. “The Legend of Korra” sees Korra and Asami--despite being trapped in a love triangle with Mako for much of the series--ultimately forming a bond of their own. While their romance isn't explored in the show, their story continues in a series of comics, where they share their first kiss and discuss their feelings for each other. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Jonesy Garcia & Nikki Wong, “6teen” (2004-10) Here’s a Couple Who Shows Us Dating Your BFF Isn’t Always Easy April O'Neil & Casey Jones, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2003-10) Dude, They, Like, Totally Get Married! Carrie & Devin, “Total Drama Presents: The Ridonculous Race” (2015) Apparently, Competition Brings Out the Love in People Fred Jones & Daphne Blake, “Scooby-Doo” franchise (1969- ) A Couple For the Ages! Fry & Leela, “Futurama” (1999-2013) I Love You 3000--No, Like, the Year
#1: Kim Possible & Ron Stoppable “Kim Possible” (2002-07)
Top 10 Animated Kids Shows Adults Secretly Love
This has to be the longest-awaited friends-to-lovers kisses of all time. As far as cartoons go, at least! Kim and Ron start out as childhood friends, meeting in pre-K. The daring duo have each other’s backs from day one, each complimenting the other’s strength and quirks, and that stays the same up until the end of the series. There are hints throughout the show of there being hidden feelings between them. Ron himself, on prom night, admits there’s always been something there. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait very long for this pair to get together after Ron’s confession. Plus, we got an entire season showcasing their relationship afterwards! Uh, booyah!
