Otaku who've watched their fair share of anime know that almost all protagonists have a best friend they always confide with. It’s thanks to these best buddies that protagonists get dragged into crazy situations, or even get grounded when they think all hope seems lost.

RELATED: Amazing Anime That Should Have Ended After Season 1

However, when talking about sidekicks, there are only a few that meet the criteria of being the most loyal. After all, only the best sidekicks stick with their best buddies through thick and thin, especially when the stakes are so high they go through the roof.

10 Shikamaru – Naruto

Shikamaru of Naruto

Despite Naruto Uzumaki’s proclamations of eventually becoming the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village, the Naruto protagonist has had his fair share of trials and hardships. Before his distinguished status today, Naruto spent much of his childhood as an outcast - something that might have molded him negatively had it not been for the presence of a couple of his fellow Konoha 11, particularly Shikamaru Nara.

At first glance, Shikamaru makes it awfully clear that almost everything is a drag. Despite this, Shikamaru is easily one of the smartest shinobi of his generation, being more of a tactician than a frontliner. While Shikamaru doesn’t spend every day with Naruto, he’s almost always a grounding force whenever Naruto feels extremely emotional or out of control. Shikamaru got Naruto back to his senses after Jiraiya’s death, and this relationship grew up to a point where Shikamaru is now serving as the chief adviser to Hokage Naruto.

9 Puck – Berserk

Puck of Berserk

While the world of Berserk almost has no room for smiles considering its sheer brutality, Guts has Puck to rely on when it comes to the occasional comic relief. Guts meets Puck after saving him from a group of thugs using him for target practice, particularly due to Puck’s nature as a small elf. And despite Guts’ rejection, Puck’s curiosity about his savior made him decide to accompany him throughout his journey in Berserk.

Granted, Guts practically just kept Puck for the healing properties of his fairy dust. However, Puck does provide a breath of fresh air to the rather miserable and dark atmosphere of Guts’ journey. He serves as a great antithesis to Guts’ silent and brooding character, as Puck’s empathy towards the world around them may consistently help Guts be more open to the idea of hope in the world.

8 Pikachu – Pokemon

Pikachu and Ash of Pokemon

Who better than to represent the perpetual sidekick than Pikachu from Pokemon? Aside from his status as the official Pokemon mascot, Pikachu has remained a loyal companion to Ash throughout his many adventures - maintaining a spot on his team despite the existence of a couple of hundred other Pokemon across many generations.

However, their connection isn’t just a result of Pikachu being the go-to representative of all things Pokemon. Their bond is deep to the extent that either of them is more than willing to do anything for the other. Aside from that iconic scene where Ash tanks Mewtwo’s attack to save Pikachu, the duo consistently chooses each other as partners for all the things they do together. And before Ash’s win as Pokemon Champion, Pikachu has been consistently there with him.

7 Genos – One Punch Man

Genos of One Punch Man

While more disciple than a sidekick, Genos from One Punch Man remains the ever-reliable confidant to protagonist Saitama - and the first person to always get involved with his superhero shenanigans. Similar to other sidekicks, Genos of One Punch Man is practically the antithesis to Saitama’s rather nonchalant self. Genos takes being a hero seriously, and constantly asks Saitama for lessons to improve himself.

RELATED: Steins;Gate: Things The Anime Does Better Than The Visual Novel

Granted, Genos couldn’t hold a candle to Saitama’s sheer strength, the latter’s miserable luck would have Genos be more popular than him in hero polls. This is much to Genos’s annoyance, of course, as he wholeheartedly believes Saitama deserves just as much recognition for being a hero. Genos has this unique blend of respect, loyalty, and friendship that makes him a desirable friend to have in times of need.

6 Seras Victoria – Hellsing

Seras Victoria of Hellsing

Unlike other female companions that tend to be damsels in distress, Seras Victoria of Hellsing is everything but. While she’s still getting acquainted with her status as a newly-awakened vampire, Seras is no pushover when it comes to where it counts. As a newly-graduated cop, Seras amplifies her marksmanship with the sheer superhuman prowess of a vampire in order to stop evildoers from having their way.

The rather comical and deathly cute nature of Seras is a welcome change to the brooding but violent nature of Alucard. Her presence in the franchise makes it a much more interesting ride, as her newly-awakened status illustrates her constant struggle between her former humanity and the new state she’s currently in.

5 Armin Arlert – Attack On Titan

Armin Arlert of Attack on Titan

While Armin Arlert of Attack On Titan doesn’t have the same stature as that of a soldier, his wit and strategic genius made him a worthwhile member of the Survey Corps. Although not as strong as Attack On Titan protagonists Mikasa or Eren, Armin has his heart towards tactics - often being able to come up with plans on the fly to ensure his comrades survive even the harshest of Titan attacks.

However, where Armin truly shines is in his friendship, as he has this unique brand of optimism that radiates hope to everyone. Armin consistently helps his childhood friends Eren and Mikasa become grounded whenever they become overwhelmed, always reminding them of what counts and what they can do to maximize the opportunities around them.

4 Kazuma Kuwabara – Yu Yu Hakusho

Kuwabara of Yu Yu Hakusho

Despite his status as a “mere” human, Kazuma Kuwabara of Yu Yu Hakusho proved the resilience of humanity can compare to the likes of his more overpowered companions. And unlike brooding Hiei and elegant Kurama, Kuwabara has this innate outspokenness that rivals that of protagonist Yusuke Urameshi’s playful arrogance. Albeit starting as a rival, Kuwabara’s slow involvement in Yusuke’s affairs as a Spirit Detective will eventually have him as one of the most faithful companions of the protagonist.

RELATED: Steins;Gate: Things The Visual Novel Does Better Than The Anime

Like any good sidekick, Kuwabara is always there to supplement Yusuke’s abilities with his own. Whereas Yusuke focuses on fighting an arc’s big bad, Kuwabara ensures all the lackeys are put into place. And whenever Yusuke gets way in over his head, Kuwabara is always there to put him back in line and towards the right direction.

3 Joey Wheeler – Yu-Gi-Oh!

Joey Wheeler of YuGiOh

Aside from his distinct charm (dare one say, accent), wit, and humor, Joey Wheeler has proven to be one of the most skilled duelists throughout the original Yu-Gi-Oh! series. While he begins the story as one of Yugi Muto’s bullies, he eventually ends up becoming his best friend and confidant. While his dueling skills aren’t on par with the Pharaoh’s, Joey’s iconic luck and his ace monsters like the Flame Swordsman, Jinzo, and the Red-Eyes Black Dragon always have his back in every Yu-Gi-Oh! match.

Joey Wheeler remains a testament of the power of friendship and potential - as while he lacks the final push to defeat the likes of Seto Kaiba and his Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Joey consistently shows he’s not one to back down. His sheer persistence and courage remind both Yugi and the Pharaoh that sometimes daring to dream makes anyone halfway to success already.

2 Riza Hawkeye – Fullmetal Alchemist

Riza Hawkeye of Fullmetal Alchemist

A firearms specialist like Riza Hawkeye seems out of place in a world of super-powerful alchemists, but this Fullmetal Alchemist character has enough bullets and marksmanship to stand toe-to-toe against the likes of deadly homunculi. While others may argue that Alphonse Elric is the better sidekick to his brother Edward, Riza’s loyalty to Colonel Roy Mustang is something else to behold entirely.

Aside from the fact that they’re not siblings unlike the Elric brothers, Riza and Roy have known each other since he was an apprentice alchemist. Much was the trials they experienced together that Roy gave Riza the authority to shoot him in the back should he go too far. Despite this “authority” sometimes transforming Riza into a babysitter, Riza’s belief in Roy’s path of righteousness makes her one of the most admirable sidekicks to ever grace anime.

1 Krillin – Dragon Ball

Krillin of Dragon Ball

Despite spending much of his years being the center of jokes throughout the Dragon Ball series, any anime fan can’t deny the loyalty Krillin has towards Goku and the rest of the Z-Warriors. Since their times as students of Master Roshi in the original Dragon Ball series, Krillin has stuck with Goku throughout his many achievements, failures, and shenanigans. As such, Krillin has become the ever-reliable uncle and companion to the likes of Gohan and Goten and even one of the first to put his life on the line whenever threats come to Earth.

And while Dragon Ball Z has practically demoted the Z-Warriors back to the sidelines, Krillin has been elevated to become the emotional center of the team. After all, Frieza killing Krillin became Goku’s driving force to finally ascend into a Super Saiyan.

MORE: Best RPGs With Anime Visuals