19 Most popular sidekicks we see in movies

Behind every great hero is a great sidekick. Sure, the main character steals the spotlight, but it is the unsung sidekick who serves as the backbone of the story. They're the magic behind the fun, the laughs, and the heartfelt moments in the movies we adore so much. Whether it is a friend in need, a true-blue support, or a partner in crime, these characters make the journey worthwhile. Here's a roundup of the 19 most iconic sidekicks in the history of cinema, who prove that sometimes, playing second fiddle can be way more thrilling than playing the lead.

1) Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes

In all adaptations of the famous detective novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Dr John Watson is a symbol of unwavering loyalty and moral support to Sherlock Holmes. He serves as the perfect foil to Holmes' unpredictable nature, introducing a calming rationality and emotional depth to balance their dynamic. Sherlock Holmes' brilliance as a detective is undeniable, but it is Watson who makes his adventures truly unforgettable.

2) Olaf in Frozen

We know “some people are worth melting for” and Olaf is definitely one of them. This goofy, adorable snowman is not just a sidekick to Ana and Elsa, he's one of the major reasons why the Frozen saga is so unforgettable. With his ever-positive attitude, infectious enthusiasm, and perfectly timed awkwardness, Olaf is the heartwarming ray of sunshine that brightens up the chilly town of Arendelle. Besides adding comic relief to the narrative, he is also the kind of friend who’ll be there for you, through thick and thin.

3) Ron Weasley in Harry Potter

He might not always be casting the right spells or have it together when it comes to fighting spiders, but what is Harry Potter without Ron Weasley? Time and time again, he’s proven to be one of the most loyal and selfless friends anyone could ever have. It’s his clumsy, awkward personality that makes him so lovable among the fans. Ron is the steady hand, the reliable presence, and the downright hilarious guy who holds the friend group together.

4) Piglet in Winnie the Pooh

As a sidekick, Piglet from Winnie the Pooh is undoubtedly one of the sweetest and most endearing characters you'll find. He is a loyal friend who accompanies Pooh on all his adventures, even when his heart is racing with fear or he's scared out of his wits. Piglet may be small, a bit shy, and often caught up in worrying about every little thing, but it's these very qualities that make him so charming and one-of-a-kind.

5) Chewbacca in Star Wars

This character may not have heavy dialogues, but it is his dedication and fierce protectiveness toward his friends that speak volumes. Chewbacca, also lovingly known as Chewie, is Han Solo’s right-hand, the Millennium Falcon’s co-pilot, and a tough guy with a heart of gold in the Star Wars series. From taking down stormtroopers to fixing things with his unparalleled mechanical expertise, Chewbacca is the backbone of the crew.

6) Donkey in Shrek

If movie sidekicks had a Hall of Fame, Donkey from Shrek wouldn’t just be the first inductee, he’d also be the loudest, funniest, and most likely to celebrate with a song and dance. With Eddie Murphy’s legendary voice acting, Donkey is the lively, fun-loving force that refuses to let Shrek sulk in peace. From the moment he stumbles upon the big green ogre, he sticks to him like a shadow, ignoring every sign to back off. Truth be told? Shrek needed that more than he realized.

7) Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean

The blacksmith-turned-pirate, Will Turner, is one of the most significant characters in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. While Jack’s rogue charm is undeniable, Will’s steadfast integrity perfectly contrasts his unpredictable chaos. He’s the guy who dives into danger without a second thought, battling cursed pirates, challenging Davy Jones, and even driving a blade through his own heart to claim the Flying Dutchman’s helm. From Elizabeth's knight in shining armour to a fierce pirate in weathered leather, Will’s character arc is nothing short of impressive.

8) Dory in Finding Nemo

With her cheerful nature and tendency to forget things, Dory in Finding Nemo adds a refreshing energy that lightens the mood, balancing Marlin’s intense and sometimes overthinking personality. She’s faithful and caring, always there to lend a hand (or fin), even if she can't remember what it was for in the first place. Easily one of the cutest sidekicks, Dory reminds us that the best companions aren’t always the ones with all the answers, but those who bring joy and warmth to the journey. No wonder she got her own movie with Finding Dory (2016).

9) Detective Somerset in Seven

Detective Somerset from Seven isn't your usual cheery, light-hearted sidekick; he's the calm, experienced veteran guiding the impetuous Detective Mills through a chilling and twisted case. Somerset plays an active role in solving the case, providing crucial perspectives and bearing the mental strain of the investigation, which makes him far more than just a secondary character. Ultimately, his role as a mentor, with his poignant grasp of life's harsh truths, defines him as one of the most memorable supporting characters in cinematic history.

10) Timon in The Lion King

Timon, the spirited meerkat from The Lion King, is the epitome of a ride-or-die companion, sticking with you no matter what. Timon, alongside Pumbaa, is the one who teaches Simba to embrace the stress-free joys of "Hakuna Matata" and his bond with him perfectly counterbalances the film’s emotional highs and lows, reminding us that humour and a memorable song can bring lightness to even the most intense scenes. With his quick-witted humour and occasional flashes of insight, Timon is undeniably one of Disney’s most cherished sidekicks.

11) Red in The Shawshank Redemption

When it comes to iconic sidekicks, Ellis Boyd Redding, better known as Red, from The Shawshank Redemption is a must-mention. When Andy Dufresne arrives at Shawshank, Red is the first to notice him and offer a guiding hand, building a friendship rooted in trust, loyalty, and a shared sense of hope. He may not have been the mastermind behind the great escape, but Red is the emotional rock on which Andy’s journey rests. Without him, Andy’s path would have been much lonelier and likely far less successful.

12) Thing in The Addams Family

Ever seen a hand single-handedly steal the spotlight? Despite being nothing more than a disembodied arm, Thing from The Addams Family remains one of cinema’s most beloved and charismatic sidekicks. As an essential member of the Addams household, he proves that best friends don’t always need words, just unwavering support and a helping hand (quite literally). Whether he’s darting around on his fingertips, handing off letters with ghostly precision, or giving Gomez a much-needed pat, this tiny hand wins our hearts with its outsized personality.

13) Arthur in Inception

Though Arthur in Inception is initially Dom Cobb’s right-hand man, he emerges as a force to be reckoned with in the latter half of the movie. His attention to detail, ability to remain calm under stress, and problem-solving tactics make him indispensable to the story. He is grounded and knows how to follow instructions to such an extent that the audience is shocked by his integrity. As a result, he stands out in Nolan’s unpredictable narrative.

14) Pascal in Tangled

Rapunzel may have the enchanted locks, Flynn Rider the charm, but Pascal? He’s got the sass, the unwavering commitment of a true friend, and a knack for deadly side-eyes. This tiny, ever-changing chameleon in Tangled isn’t just a pet; he’s Rapunzel’s number-one sidekick, cheerleader, and emotional rock all in one. Without a single word, Pascal leaves a lasting impression in the film with his expressions, which are pure comedic gold. He's a living example that sometimes, it’s the silent ones who make the biggest impact.

15) Baloo in The Jungle Book

The charismatic bear in The Jungle Book movie is probably one of the most well-known and beloved characters of all time. Despite being a sidekick, through his altruistic love and capacity for empathy, he emerges as an ideal friend not just for Mowgli, but for us as well. Otherwise carefree and quite humorous, his presence brings calm to the forest, and his funny repartee is marked by unusual wit and clarity of thought.

16) Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Frodo may carry the One Ring and the weight of saving Middle-earth, but it’s Sam who’s the real hero behind the scenes, the one who keeps him going when the journey gets impossible. Sam isn’t just a gardener, he’s the unsung soul who holds the story together when all seems lost. His epic speech in The Two Towers about hope still gives us goosebumps. While Frodo was marked by destiny and prophecy, Sam’s strength was a quiet force that came from the purest part of him, his heart.

17) Wong in Doctor Strange

Wong in Doctor Strange is more than just a sidekick. He piques the audience's interest with his one-of-a-kind comedy. His presence in the movie is vital for maintaining calm amidst the storm. He is wise, loyal, and intelligent. His in-depth knowledge of the mystic arts makes him a force to be reckoned with. His pragmatic attitude, coupled with his dry humour, leads to scenes that have become audience favourites.

18) Snowy in The Adventures of Tintin

Probably the most popular man-animal dynamic finds its expression in Tintin’s friendship with Snowy, his faithful terrier in all his adventures. Despite being a sidekick, Snowy consistently upstages Tintin and Captain Haddock with his courage and comedic antics. Full of mischief Snowy provides relief during times of emotional duress. Though non-verbal, Snowy is never behind the other characters in terms of expressing his feelings and audiences are always in anticipation of what awaits them. Snowy is undoubtedly an indispensable character and one of the most popular sidekicks in the comic town.

19) Chuck in Shutter Island

Chuck, Teddy’s partner in Shutter Island, is a multi-layered character whose personality is more than what meets the eye. At once calm, he appears mysterious, yet through his verbal intelligence, he comes to the forefront and articulates, most succinctly, the emotional distress and psychological horror experienced by the main character. Initially seen as a good friend to Teddy, he later reveals himself as his psychiatrist. His ability to shock the audience allows him to steal the limelight. He is integral in building suspense and leading to a cathartic release of emotions.