Rivalry is a major fuel for many stories, and anime is no exception. Anime has produced countless tales of rivalries that transcend competition, evolving into profound friendships. From Naruto to My Hero Academia, the portrayal of rivals who also happen to be friends is a recurring theme that almost never fails.
Introducing this complex kind of relationship into a story adds depth and layers that would be missing in a situation having just a rivalry or just friendship. The mild or sometimes extreme antagonism between two people who feel deep care or respect for each other only makes the relationship more interesting for those involved and for viewers as well. These relationships, filled with complexity and growth, offer valuable lessons in empathy and perseverance and highlight the transformative impact that characters can have on each other. Here are ten anime rivals who are also close friends.
10 Tiger & Bunny: Kotetsu & Barnaby
Kotetsu and Barnaby's relationship is a testament to how rivals can become genuine friends. Initially, they were forced into a partnership that neither of them desired. Their differing priorities and poor teamwork led to clashes and irritation. Barnaby, concerned with points and ratings, found Kotetsu's interference bothersome.
However, as time passed, they grew to understand and appreciate each other. They formed a strong bond as a successful superhero team, rising in the ranks and overcoming challenges together. Their friendship deepened to the point where Barnaby became deeply hurt at the thought of Kotetsu resigning.
9 My Hero Academia: Deku & Bakugo
Bakugo, with his powerful Quirk, used to see Deku as weak and bully him, giving him the derogatory nickname "Deku," which means useless. But despite the animosity, Deku still considered Bakugo a friend and called him "Kacchan." Their dynamics started to change when Deku rushed to Bakugo's aid and showed incredible bravery, which caught Bakugo off guard.
This act led to All Might making Deku his successor, making Bakugo resent Deku even more, and intensifying their rivalry. Their relationship has been through a lot, but over time they have grown more caring toward each other and have become allies on their journey as heroes. Bakugo has even apologized to Deku and called him by his real name.
8 Bloom Into You: Touko & Sayaka
Touko and Sayaka are best friends who have a competitive dynamic, particularly when it comes to their academics. Sayaka is hardworking and dedicated, always striving to do her best. But Touko's exceptional abilities often place her at the top. Despite this, Touko credits Sayaka as the driving force behind her own success, as the competition pushes her to stay on top.
They have a strong bond and support each other in their personal struggles. Despite the unrequited love Sayaka feels for Touko, their friendship remains intact. Sayaka's confession of love was met with Touko’s rejection, but she didn’t let it disrupt their bond. They match each other in maturity, common interests, and mutual friends, which further strengthens their connection and sets them apart from other pairings in the shoujo medium.
7 Ace Of The Diamond: Eijun Sawamura & Satoru Furuya
From the beginning, Eijun and Furuya have competed for the position of the team's ace pitcher, creating a healthy rivalry between them. Eijun is hotheaded and passionate, while Furuya is stoic and introverted, known for his powerful pitches and unwavering dedication to the game. They push each other to be better and always check and comment on each other's faults.
Although they mostly keep it hidden, Eijun and Furuya have a deep respect for each other's abilities. They recognize each other's strengths and desire the qualities that the other possesses. As the story progresses, they become friendlier toward each other and even exchange advice on improving their pitching techniques. Despite the occasional bout of envy and resentment, they genuinely appreciate each other.
6 Black Clover: Asta & Yuno
As foster brothers, Asta and Yuno grew up in the Hage Village, and both set their sights on becoming the Wizard King. Despite having contrasting personalities, they have deep respect and admiration for each other. They push each other to improve and act as key motivators in their journey to become the strongest Magic Knights.
While Asta is cheerful and hyperactive, often expressing his thoughts loudly and boldly, Yuno is mostly calm and emotionless, rarely speaking unless necessary. But their differences only fuel their friendly competition. Though they make hostile remarks towards each other, it's never from a purely negative place.
5 Moriarty the Patriot: Sherlock Holmes & William James Moriarty
Sherlock Holmes and William James Moriarty share a complex relationship that encompasses both rivalry and friendship. On a formal level, Sherlock is the detective determined to catch the mastermind criminal Moriarty. But beyond professionalism, they understand each other and respect their intellect and abilities.
They match each other as detectives and criminal masterminds, and though their relationship is competitive, they wouldn’t want it any other way. The cat-and-mouse game they play creates undeniable excitement and intrigue, and a relationship where Moriarty expresses the desire to spend more time together, and Sherlock admits to feeling the same way, seeing Moriarty not as a mere puzzle to solve but as someone he deeply cares for.
4 Dragon Ball Z: Goku & Vegeta
As Saiyans, Goku, and Vegeta have a shared competitive spirit and are constantly inspiring each other to become even more powerful. Goku, as friendly and optimistic as he is, recognizes Vegeta's abilities as a fighter and respects him as a worthy rival. Despite their differences in personality and conflicting desires to surpass one another, they motivate and inspire each other to grow stronger.
They eventually form a bond of friendship. Vegeta grows and becomes more than just a rival to Goku. He changes from being totally ruthless to a person whose reason for fighting is to protect his family and the Earth. At the center of their friendship lies Goku's unwavering belief in the good within Vegeta.
3 Kaguya-sama: Love Is War: Kaguya & Shirogane
Although they both have feelings for each other, Kaguya and Shirogane both have levels of pride to match, preventing them from openly confessing. Kaguya, driven by her desire to win, engages in mind games to corner Miyuki into confessing, while Miyuki devises his own strategies.
Despite their competitive nature, they also share a deep respect and admiration for each other's abilities. Miyuki was initially drawn to Kaguya's beauty and was captivated by her kindness when she saved a student from drowning. As their relationship progresses, they both become more open about their feelings.
2 Naruto: Naruto & Sasuke
From the start, Naruto and Sasuke’s rivalry drives much of the story, as Naruto's relentless pursuit to become Hokage contrasts with Sasuke's desire for revenge against his brother. Despite their many differences in personality and approach, they see themselves in each other and understand their unique struggles.
Because Naruto was shunned by the village in his childhood, he empathizes with Sasuke's pain and isolation, and Sasuke recognizes Naruto's unwavering determination and strength. Naruto and Sasuke constantly try to outdo one another and push each other to improve their skills and power. However, their friendship also shines through, especially during their most challenging moments, when they show that sometimes a rival is the best savior one could ask for.
1 Hunter × Hunter: Gon & Killua
From their initial meeting during the Hunter Exam, Gon and Killua form a bond that, despite their different backgrounds and personalities, persists over time. Gon doesn’t judge Killua for his past but instead humanizes him and truly sees his pain and struggle. They quickly develop an attachment based on respect and a shared sense of adventure.
Their rivalry is evident in their constant competition to improve and surpass each other. They challenge each other in their training and battles and always strive to outdo what the other has done. This rivalry fuels their growth and motivates them to push their limits. However, their rivalry never overshadows their friendship.