Favorite Onscreen Siblings

It can be tough to portray any close relationship, but I think playing a sibling is one of the trickiest. Siblings love each other, but they may not always like each other. You’ve got to portray years of fighting and struggling, teasing and laughing. It’s a deeply layered, complex relationship and here are some of my favorites that I’ve seen on screen.

Will and Ashley - Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

I know Will and Ashley are cousins, but they are adorable. Will is so protective of Ashley and she’s the only one genuinely happy to have him move in. He teaches her the drums and how to rap, and is always making her laugh and watching her back.

Ashley is closer to him than she is with her own siblings, and they have more in common. They have a lot of fun together and it’s so funny to watch Will goof around with Ashley.

Isabelle and Alec - Shadowhunters

Isabelle is so funny with Alec. He’s such a stiff, fussy person and she just wants him to let loose and be happy. She tries to get him to be honest with himself, even if he can’t open up to others. They balance each other out. They are family and they protect the legacy their ancestors have left for them.

Monica and Ross - Friends

I’m going to be honest, Ross is not my favorite. But his whiny moping is more brotherly than pathetic during his interactions with Monica. Even though he’s older than her, he seems like such a little brother. Monica is so tough and quirky. She’s had to put up with a lot, especially when it comes to her parent’s favoritism towards Ross.

Monica and Ross have all these funny little moments that make Friends even better, between their tattling on each other to unearthing old grudges and memories, to busting out their favorite dance routine.

Barney and James - How I Met Your Mother

Barney spends most of his time switching back and forth between being a creative womanizer and a hilarious child, but I love when we get to know his family. James is just as smooth talking and it’s so funny to see them be each other’s wingman.

Rebekah and Elijah - The Originals

These tw o have been siblings for a thousand years. That’s a lot of drama piled up over time, especially when the rest of their family gets a little too bored. Rebekah and Elijah are both temperamental, both want some peace and quiet and someone to share that with. But until then, they have each other, so at least at the end of the day they can have another thousand year old creature who makes them feel less monitors and alone.

Katara and Sakka - Avatar

Katara is this amazingly powerful bender and Sakka is her older brother who promised to look out for her. He uses his organization skills, training regime, and scavenging techniques to keep them alive…and get the Avatar across the world. Sakka may not be as powerful as Katara, but you never feel like they are unequal. They take care of each other, even while driving the other crazy.

Kara and Alex - Supergirl

Last but not least, the alien and her adoptive sister. Kara dropped into Alex’s life and not only did Alex not get the picture perfect all American little sister she always wanted, but she got an alien who struggled to understand that not everyone can lift a car over their head.

But Kara learns and Alex adjusts and they become best friends and roommates. They teach and support each other. They help the other learn new skills and have new adventures. And at the end of the day they know what’s important…pizza and ice cream.

I just like siblings. Maybe it’s because I have so many, maybe because they can be like super best friends. That relationship can be so interesting and endearing, and I appreciate seeing it well done in my favorite shows…even the moments no sibling is proud of but can definitely relate to.