You Can’t Handle the Cuteness: Top 8 Animal Sidekicks in Anime

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Summary

  • Luna from Sailor Moon is the ultimate guide, mentor, and companion, often offering wisdom and guidance for Usagi.
  • Pikachu from Pokemon is a pop culture superstar known for loyalty and fierce thunderbolt attacks in battles.
  • Jiji from Kiki’s Delivery Service represents Kiki’s self-discovery and adulthood.

Sidekick animals are a common feature in popular Japanese animation series, such as Sailor Moon and numerous works from Studio Ghibli. These creatures, whether large or small, often fulfill various functions, serving not only as companions but also as guides, sources of humor, moral compasses, or plot devices.

At times, these animal companions can serve as hidden strengths or embody elements crucial to both the storyline’s progression and a character’s personal growth. With hundreds of animal sidekicks in anime across multiple decades, it can be challenging to pick out the standouts. To help narrow down the choices, here are some exceptional examples: Top Animal Sidekicks in Anime.

8. Jiji

Kiki’s Laconic Kitty Is The Perfect Companion

Studio Ghibli films are distinct due to several notable elements: vibrant female leads, beautiful Joe Hisaishi soundtracks, idyllic rural settings, and animal friends. Among these, one of the most celebrated is Jiji, the chatty black cat who shares adventures with Kiki in Kiki’s Delivery Service. Jiji, being talkative and assertive, often serves as a more pessimistic counterpoint to Kiki’s warm personality. He adds witty remarks or even sharp comments when the situation calls for it.

Additionally, he reflects Kiki’s bond with magic, which mirrors her self-understanding. As she relinquishes her magical abilities in the movie’s third act, one consequence is her inability to converse with Jiji. However, by the film’s conclusion, Kiki displays a reduced reliance on him, symbolizing her growth and maturity. Rest assured, he has moved on by then, having formed a bond with another cat and sired a brood of kittens.

7. Bond Forger

Every Dog Has His Day

One standout anime sensation from recent times is “Spy x Family,” an intriguing blend of Cold War espionage thriller, school-centric slapstick, and everyday life humor. The story revolves around a skilled spy who is tasked with forming and maintaining a bogus family for a high-stakes operation, unaware that his adopted daughter possesses telepathic abilities, and his wife is an assassin. Adding to the intrigue, their pet dog, Bond, has the uncanny ability to foresee events.

Observing Bond Forger, I find him to be an ordinary dog in many aspects – a faithful, gentle companion who relishes playtime with Anya and indulging in treats during his leisure moments. However, his unique talents prove indispensable beyond mere instances, such as escaping Yor’s less-than-ideal culinary mishaps. His keen senses also allow him to sense potential danger and alert his family when their safety is at stake. Despite his imposing size, he doesn’t shy away from confronting adversaries but equally cherishes treat time and snuggling with Anya.

6. Ein

See You Space Corgi

Among the finest anime ever produced, Cowboy Bebop showcases one of the most exceptional animal companions – a brilliant Welsh Corgi named Ein. With his irresistibly fluffy physique and extraordinary, genius-like intelligence, Ein steals hearts from the very first episode, “Stray Dog Strut.” In this installment, Spike and Jet pursue a petty criminal who unwittingly possesses a confidential case. As the investigation unfolds, it is revealed that the real cargo is none other than Ein himself.

After rescuing the charming dog, the team on the Bebop finds themselves interacting with a creature that blends irresistible cuteness with heightened intelligence (an outcome of scientific research). Ein frequently delivers some of the series’ funniest scenes, and this intelligent pup becomes an integral part of the crew. The strong emotional connection between him and Ed is so profound that he decides to accompany them when they depart from the Bebop towards the end of the second-to-last episode.

5. Happy

By Name And By Nature

Delighted lives the small, cat character from Fairy Tail, easily identifiable to fans much like Totoro is for Studio Ghibli enthusiasts. He’s known for his naughty and playful nature, but also boasts magical powers that make him an essential ally to Natsu Dragneel and the entire Fairy Tail guild. With a plethora of personality traits, he’s shown through his catchphrase, “Aye, Sir!” and his readiness to aid in any predicament, no matter how complex.

Underneath his playful and lighthearted demeanor lies a deep devotion to Natsu and his friends, especially fellow Exceed Carla. Happy is quick to step up when danger looms, demonstrating bravery and loyalty. He embodies the spirit of friendship, cooperation, and resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges, earning him a place among the most remarkable animal companions in contemporary anime.

4. Tony Tony Chopper

Reindeer, Doctor, Mascot, And Icon

In the world of One Piece, it’s Tony Tony Chopper who plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and harmony of the Straw Hat Pirates. This blue-nosed reindeer was granted extraordinary powers when he consumed the Human-Human Fruit, enabling him to switch between his cute, diminutive reindeer form and the powerful muscular shape known as Monster Point. Despite his beastly prowess, Chopper primarily serves as the emotional core of the Straw Hats, demonstrating this through his compassionate goals such as curing diseases and alleviating pain.

Characteristically eccentric, Chopper embodies the vibrant, offbeat style that has propelled One Piece to popularity. He harbors an intense fondness for cotton candy, often finds himself mistaken for a raccoon (a misunderstanding he vehemently dislikes), and even boasts his own theme song. Despite his youthful demeanor within the Straw Hat crew, Chopper demonstrates unwavering loyalty and vigilance when necessary. To rephrase Shakespeare: “Though small in stature, he is mighty.

3. Doraemon

A Robot Cat From The Future And National Mascot

In Japan, where Doraemon originates, it’s almost impossible not to encounter him during your travels – whether it’s through merchandise, television shows, or other forms of media. His role as a cultural ambassador, bridging Japanese culture with the rest of the world, gives him an importance that transcends his status as a cartoon character, making him feel more like a respected head of state. Among anime’s animal sidekicks, Doraemon is highly revered due to his long-standing presence since his debut in a 1969 manga, where he has been performing good deeds consistently.

In the tales of this manga, both the original comic and its animated versions, which have produced numerous spin-offs and movies, he was initially sent back in time with the purpose of assisting young, distressed Nobita Nobi, a 10-year-old boy. This was to ensure that his future descendants would live better lives. The futuristic cat, along with his signature four-dimensional pocket, serve as emblems of technology’s optimistic side, demonstrating how it can aid those less fortunate and not just improve their lives but also the lives of those close to them.

2. Pikachu

The Face Of The Pokemon Series

Pikachu serves a role similar to Mickey Mouse for Pokemon. This electric mouse-like character, who accompanies Ash Ketchum, has become more than just a symbol of the franchise; he’s also a highly recognizable figure in popular culture. The bond between Ash and Pikachu is iconic, particularly within anime circles. Pikachu embodies playfulness, loyalty, and tenacity when facing off against other species.

Behind its adorable appearance and memorable “Pika! Pika!” sound, lies a Pokemon with Electric-type prowess capable of unleashing powerful thunderbolt attacks to swiftly overpower adversaries. Pikachu is a notable figure among animated animal sidekicks in the realm of anime companions. Not only is it the most recognized character within the Pokemon games and anime, but it has also graced various other media platforms, such as the spin-off film Detective Pikachu.

1. Luna

The Superstar Of Animal Sidekicks

In many people’s opinion, Luna stands out as an exceptional animal sidekick in anime series, paving the way for similar characters following her introduction. She serves as a devoted companion to Usagi in the popular show “Sailor Moon,” yet her impact extends far beyond this role. Her fateful rescue by Usagi in the original anime initiates the entire narrative, and her unique ability to communicate allows her to offer guidance, wisdom, and even the occasional reprimand when she perceives Usagi as slacking off or feeling self-pity.

In my observation, Luna – a petite black feline with a crescent moon marking on her brow – stands out as an unforgettable figure in the Sailor Moon universe. She’s not merely a decorative element; she plays a crucial role in assisting the Sailor Scouts. As a mentor, guide, and loyal companion, she hands over Usagi’s transformation brooch and the Moon Stick. Her charm as a cute character adds to the essence of the world of Sailor Moon, making it what it is today without her presence.

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2025-02-22 08:04