We have a soft spot for number twos, in the bathroom and beyond. Specifically, we’re paying homage to our favourite sidekicks over the years, often underrated and misunderstood compared to their more publicly celebrated number ones. Hey, we smell a metaphor!
Donkey from Shrek
The most noble of steeds. Donkey is the perfect embodiment of the annoying younger brother, but endearingly so. He teaches our number one, Shrek, how to love. And what’s more important than that? He’s truly our favourite kind of ass. Ok fine, second favourite.
Hermione Granger from Harry Potter
Let’s not ignore the fact that Harry would have literally died without Hermione. Multiple times, in each movie. She’s the brains behind the whole operation. And the bravery. And the heart. And the hair. Seriously, what can’t this sidekick do?
George Costanza from Seinfeld
Ok, so maybe he’s not the best sidekick. To be honest, we weren’t even sure if we should put him on this list. But of all the sidekicks, he’s arguably the shmuckiest of sidekicks. He provides a reference point for Jerry – a means by which Jerry can compare himself. However bad Jerry has it, George likely has it worse. Which means he offers Jerry with plenty of material for his stand-up. His character is also based on co-creator, Larry David. See for yourself.
Scooby Doo from, well, Scooby Doo
The lovable canine sidekick is a common theme. You’ve got Toto, Snoopy, Bruiser and Lassie. But there’s something about Scooby. Maybe it’s the way he’s personified? Has an affinity for both snacks and crime? Or that he’s the perfect representation of a Great Dane: nervous, hungry and adorkable.
Scrappy Doo from Scooby Doo
The sidekick to the sidekick, turned villain. It’s like sidekick inception. I don’t have much else to comment on this character. This is really a ploy so I can talk about Linda Cardellini for a sec. Linda as Velma in the Scooby Doo franchise is a slice of heaven. And the badass, book-smart crime fighter we all needed. Ok, she gets her own section.
Velma from Scooby Doo
Although I wouldn’t necessarily classify her as a sidekick, she is truly the backbone of the whole Mystery Inc operation and deserves due praise. Her glasses, her orange turtlenecks, her sarcasm, intelligence and honesty – she’s iconic in both cartoon and live action versions.
Kimmy Gibbler from Full House
D.J.’s best pal and eccentric sidekick. The family may have disliked her, but I personally adore her. She doesn’t care what anyone thinks (although sometimes to her detriment). She could tear Danny Tanner a new one and nobody would bat an eyelid. She was always quick with her rebuttals (hehe, butt), questioned authority and was there for D.J. when she needed her. Fiercely loyal, she’s the fourth Tanner sister. Smelly feet and all.
Dory from Finding Nemo
Let’s be honest, they simply wouldn’t have found Nemo without Dory. She’s the one who spoke to the whale. The one who communicated with the school of fish. The one who was brave enough to battle the jellyfish. And the one who remembered the address: P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. As a born and bred Sydney-sider, the movie has a special place in my heart. Or rather, my DVD cabinet.
Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street
We couldn’t make a list of sidekicks without mentioning these two. A duo where both are the sidekicks and both are the hero. The best kind of dynamic.
Where would our heroes be without their sidekicks? Likely swimming around in circles, still searching for The Sword of Gryffindor or with far too many Scooby Snacks than they can eat. All praise the sidekicks, for without our number twos, we’d be very lost (and frankly a little clogged up).