Top 5 Wednesday: Bromances

Hosted by the Top 5 Wednesday Goodreads Group

Another week, another Top 5 Wednesday! This week’s topic is your top five bromances. For this topic, a bromance is defined as a platonic relationship between two characters who identify as male. And honestly, I can’t just stick with books on this one. Because a couple of the reigning Kings of Bromance are from TV shows. And another is from a movie series. And one is actually three male-identifying characters. So, we’re branching out this week. Anyway, let’s quit with the lollygagging and get on with the five friendships I think are just bromantic.

1. Jem Carstairs and Will Herondale from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare: Yes, I am a hardcore shipper of Herongraystairs and firmly believe there were some romantic feelings between these two, but the fact remains that it *technically* never happened in canon, so it counts. These two are the perfect example of what parabatai should be. They love each other more than themselves and would literally die for each other. They ship each other with the girl they both love. They do some of the ugliest things for each other, just so the other won’t half to. They have inside jokes. They are each other’s perfect counterpart and I love them both so much.
2. Cory Matthews and Shawn Hunter from Boy Meets World: The show made endless jokes about how in love with each other these two were. They helped each other and got into trouble together. They schemed and they joked. Everyone knew they were a package deal. They even stood together at Cory’s wedding (yes, Topanga allowed this)! Even years later as grown-ass adults they remain the same with each other. I love them and hope they never change.
3. Rhysand, Cassian, and Azriel from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas: These three grew up together, practically born as a team. They’ve seen each other at their lowest and do anything to raise each other up. They joke and banter, always knowing just how to lighten the mood for each other. They also know when not to press or when to give space. They have centuries’ worth of drinking stories and inside jokes. They genuinely consider each other brothers and it’s beautiful to see all they really are to each other.
4. John “J.D.” Dorian and Christopher “Turk” from Scrubs: I mean, these guys literally have an entire song about their bromance (“Guy Love” from the musical episode— check it out!). Besties from med school, these two losers are a part of so many shenanigans. They always turn to each other first, even when they have women in their lives. They’re each other’s rock and indulge each other’s fantasies. Even though their relationship sometimes borders on unhealthy, I wouldn’t have them any other way.
5. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars prequel trilogy: In Attack of the Clones, Anakin is the little brother Obi-Wan never wanted. In Revenge of the Sith, he’s the partner-in-crime he always needed. They have signals and codes, able to communicate without words. They have amazing and hilarious banter. They know they can rely on each other, even when others doubt (until the end when everything goes to shit and Anakin tries to kill Obi-Wan, but we won’t count that). They are brothers-in-arms and I miss them so much.

What are your top five fictional bromances? Let me know in the comments!