A lot of different characters could make up this category, but above all else, we’re talking about anime companions. These are our favorite animal sidekicks, other-worldly creatures or allies in the fight to protect the kingdom.
Throughout anime, mascot characters, animal companions and even spirit guides help make for some of the most lighthearted, wholesome and emotional arcs in the medium.
Presenting the fan-voted companion creature of the decade:
Happy (Fairy Tail)
Complete with a name that fits his personality to a T, Natsu’s most loyal and trusted friend is a bright blue Exceed with an affinity for fish. Happy hatched from an egg that Natsu found in the forest, and the two have been inseparable ever since. And he stole our hearts this decade.
His signature green backpack and “Aye Sir!” catchphrase are iconic parts of the series. Although he’s a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to fighting, Happy will never abandon his fellow guild members. Just like the mark on his back proves, he’s a tried-and-true member of Fairy Tail.
Watch Fairy Tail on Funimation!
Runners-up (sorted alphabetically)
Chopper (One Piece)
The Straw Hats’ resident doctor is arguably one of the most iconic and beloved characters in One Piece. A kind reindeer that ate the Human-Human Fruit after being bullied for looking different, Chopper can transform into various forms of human-reindeer hybrid at will.
Although he’s very self-conscious and can’t take a compliment to save his life, Chopper is very dedicated to his work, and doesn’t hesitate to save someone in need. Plus his hat game is on point! Chopper has the purest heart and his biggest dream is being able to cure any illness. He’s generally distrusting of humans, but would do just about anything for his fellow crew members.
Watch One Piece on Funimation!
Dimple (Mob Psycho 100)
It’s hard to say whether or not Dimple really can be considered a companion to Mob at first, especially considering his traitorous past.
He’s first introduced as one of Mob’s more powerful opponents, taking the form of a cult leader intent on being recognized as an all-mighty deity. Once defeated by Mob, Dimple instead seems to be indebted to the high schooler and follows him around, occasionally warning him about trouble or stepping in to fight on Mob’s behalf.
His growing will and desire to protect Mob has certainly earned him a spot on this list as a companion!
Watch Mob Psycho 100 on Funimation!
Hawk (The Seven Deadly Sins)
Sir Hawk, Captain of the Order of Scraps Disposal, is one of Melodias’ most trusted companions. Responsible for keeping the Boar’s Head clean, this loyal pig companion often gets annoyed by the Wrath Sin’s various shenanigans.
Hawk is one of the first characters introduced in The Seven Deadly Sins. As the story progresses, he not only establishes himself as a prideful source of comedic relief, but also proves to be an extremely loyal partner to the Sins. His impressive sense of smell extends to over a mile away, which comes in handy multiple times throughout the group’s journey. Add that on top of his Transpork ability – allowing him to temporarily gain abilities based on whatever he eats – and he’s clearly shown how valuable he is to the team.
Pikachu (Pokémon)
How could you have a favorite companion creature list and not include Pikachu? The answer is, you can’t! And sure, Pikachu has been around for over 20 years at this point, but they had a number of shining moments in the 2010s as they joined Ash Ketchum on his quests through the Unova, Kalos and Alola regions!
Oh, and then there’s the fact that Ash was actually crowned champion in Alola! The journey of Ash and Pikachu continues anew, but we’ll never forget just how great of a decade it was for the duo.
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