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Every tale features a hero and a villain, whether obvious or subtle. From classic novels to blockbuster movies, we all have our cherished protagonists and antagonists. Some of the most unforgettable stories thrive on the tension between opposing characters, giving rise to iconic rivalries. These conflicts often push characters to achieve extraordinary feats.
Many iconic fictional characters owe their fame to their adversaries. These characters are driven by an innate animosity, clashing at every opportunity. Their rivalries have become legendary, standing out as some of the greatest in fiction.
10. Optimus Prime vs. Megatron
In 1984, a race of colossal, shape-shifting mechanical aliens arrived on Earth as part of a toy franchise. Hailing from Cybertron, the Transformers were divided into two factions: the noble Autobots and the malevolent Decepticons. The leaders of these groups, Optimus Prime and Megatron, have been locked in a fierce rivalry that has endured for decades and spanned galaxies.
Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, defends Earth's inhabitants against Megatron and the malevolent Decepticons. These two titans have clashed endlessly across animated series, blockbuster films, comic books, and video games. Despite seemingly destroying each other in the 1986 movie, they have repeatedly returned from the brink of death. No matter the setting or universe, these two remain eternal adversaries, forever locked in a cosmic struggle.
9. Sherlock Holmes vs. Professor Moriarty
The world's greatest detective owes much of his fame to his ultimate foe. Introduced by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887, Sherlock Holmes has been featured in numerous novels, comics, TV series, and films for over a century. His inevitable clashes with Professor Jim Moriarty, his intellectual match, result in a thrilling and perilous game of cat and mouse.
Doyle’s original saga culminates in “The Adventure of the Final Problem,” where Moriarty and Holmes seemingly perish together. Due to fan demand, Holmes was resurrected years later in “The Adventure of the Empty House.” Moriarty exists as a literary foil designed to challenge Holmes, creating a rivalry so profound that only they can defeat one another. Their conflict is timeless and unyielding.
8. Bugs Bunny vs. Elmer Fudd
Since 1937, Warner Bros. character Elmer Fudd has relentlessly pursued the iconic Looney Tune, Bugs Bunny. Bugs, a clever and carrot-loving rabbit, always seems one step ahead. Fudd, with his distinctive speech pattern replacing R’s with W’s, is famous for his catchphrase, “Be vewy vewy quiet, I’m hunting wabbits.” Their relationship is defined by chaos and failed attempts, as Fudd has spent nearly 90 years trying—and failing—to outsmart Bugs. The sole exception is the 1957 Merrie Melodies short, “What’s Opera, Doc?”
In this tale, Elmer chases Bugs through a humorous take on Richard Wagner’s 19th-century operas, heavily inspired by the Ring Cycle. This short marks Elmer Fudd’s final appearance in a Chuck Jones cartoon and the only instance where he triumphs over Bugs. However, his victory is short-lived, as he quickly regrets his actions, lamenting, “I killed the wabbit!”
By the 1960s, Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd had become cultural icons. Audiences loved the dynamic where Elmer would threaten Bugs with his shotgun, only to receive a calm, “Eh, what’s up, doc?” in return. While their rivalry is more lighthearted than others, it remains one of the most recognizable in history.
7. Robin Hood vs. Sheriff of Nottingham
Few fictional characters have achieved the enduring fame of Robin Hood. Originating in 13th-14th century English folklore, he has been a staple in literature and film for centuries. Known for “robbing from the rich to give to the poor,” his heroic deeds are defined by his ongoing battle with the Sheriff of Nottingham. Their clashes have been depicted in countless adaptations, from Disney’s animated versions to the 2018 movie, cementing the Sheriff as Robin Hood’s most persistent foe.
In medieval times, sheriffs held significant power as the king’s enforcers in each county, tasked with maintaining order and enforcing the law. Outlaws were pursued ruthlessly. Scholars and literature enthusiasts have long analyzed the legend of Robin Hood, with many believing the character and his adversary were inspired by real historical figures. If accurate, Robin Hood (Robert Hode) and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Eustace of Lowdham, Sheriff of Yorkshire) achieved a rare feat: their rivalry transitioned from reality to fiction, enduring for centuries.
6. Batman vs. The Joker
The rivalry between the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime is arguably the most iconic in comic book history. Bruce Wayne, traumatized by witnessing his parents’ murder as a child, grows up to become Batman, Gotham City’s protector. He hones his body and mind to perfection, yet constantly faces his match in the Joker. The Joker, a chaotic force with no clear origin, stands as Batman’s polar opposite, creating an unstoppable clash of ideologies.
Examining their dynamic reveals one of the most intricate relationships in comics. While they are adversaries, their connection is marked by a strange interdependence. Among fictional rivalries, few are as compelling as theirs. They first crossed paths in Batman #1 in 1940, and since then, their battles have spanned every medium, each encounter escalating their deadly feud.
5. Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker)
Darth Vader, one of cinema’s most iconic villains, owes his menacing persona to his former mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Jedi Council, including Kenobi, always sensed a dark undercurrent in young Anakin Skywalker. Despite this, Kenobi trained him, honoring his own mentor’s final request. While Anakin achieved greatness as a Jedi and triumphed over the Sith during the Clone Wars, his inner fears ultimately consumed him. Obi-Wan made desperate efforts to redeem Anakin, but his descent into darkness was unavoidable.
Their climactic duel on a volcanic planet left Anakin severely maimed, losing three limbs and suffering horrific burns, completing his transformation into Darth Vader. Unaware of Vader’s survival, Kenobi concealed the existence of Skywalker’s children. The two rivals would not cross paths again until nearly two decades later. In their final confrontation, Kenobi sacrificed himself to Vader’s lightsaber, ensuring the safety of the hidden children. Vader’s enduring hatred for Kenobi fueled his existence, yet his identity was inextricably tied to his former mentor.
4. Wile E. Coyote vs. the Roadrunner
At its heart, this Merrie Melodies rivalry is a slapstick comedy, yet it stands as one of the most violent in fiction. Wile E. Coyote’s fixation on the Roadrunner is all-consuming. Warner Brothers commissioned Dr. Natalie Frank to analyze the character, revealing that Coyote’s obsession isn’t just with roadrunners in general but with one specific Roadrunner.
In reality, coyotes can hunt and catch roadrunners, lending credibility to this rivalry. Coyote’s relentless pursuit involves an arsenal of Acme products, from rockets to anvils, often backfiring spectacularly. Despite repeated failures, Coyote remains undeterred, while the Roadrunner remains blissfully unaware of the danger. The duo debuted in 1949’s “Fast and Fury-ous,” and Coyote’s quest to capture and devour the Roadrunner has continued ever since.
3. Betty vs. Veronica
Though their rivalry lacks physical conflict, it remains one of the most famous in fiction. Rooted in patriarchal tropes, Betty and Veronica vie for the attention of Archie Andrews. Betty debuted in Pep Comics #22, with Veronica following shortly after in Pep Comics #26 during the early 1940s. Betty Cooper, the blonde girl-next-door, is kind and dependable, while Veronica Lodge, the brunette, is sophisticated, daring, and unpredictable.
The duo starred in their own series, Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica, and their relationship has oscillated between friendship and rivalry over the decades. Alongside Archie, they form the most enduring love triangle in pop culture history. While not outright enemies, their rivalry is one of the most iconic in fiction.
2. Tom vs. Jerry
Tom & Jerry, the most famous cat-and-mouse pair, were created by Hanna-Barbera in 1940 and first appeared in “Puss Gets the Boot.” The series revolves around Tom, a cat, and Jerry, a mouse, who engage in relentless, often violent attempts to outwit and destroy each other. Thanks to the whimsical rules of cartoon physics, neither ever succeeds.
For over 80 years, Tom and Jerry have been a staple of animated entertainment, their names synonymous with rivalry and chaos, despite the humor they bring. Their battles are unprovoked and relentless, with little to no dialogue—just endless, comedic conflict. Though natural enemies, they’ve occasionally joined forces against a common foe. The original MGM series produced more than 100 cartoons, many of which earned Academy Awards for Best Animated Short. It appears Tom and Jerry are fated to clash forever.
1. Rocky Balboa vs. Apollo Creed
Sylvester Stallone’s 1976 classic Rocky, for which he won an Oscar, tells the story of underdog boxer Rocky Balboa’s rise to heavyweight glory. Before claiming the title, Rocky must face the reigning champion, Apollo Creed. The first film concludes with Creed narrowly winning by decision after a grueling 15-round fight, making Rocky the first to “go the distance” with him. Rocky eventually defeats Creed in the sequel, and their rivalry evolves into a deep friendship.
Tragically, Apollo dies in the ring during an exhibition match against Russian boxer Ivan Drago, leaving his son, Adonis, fatherless. This sets the stage for a new generation of films, with Rocky mentoring Adonis. Unlike most rivalries, Rocky and Apollo’s bond grows stronger than their enmity, though their fights remain iconic in sports fiction. Apollo’s famous “ding ding” line in Rocky III is one of the most memorable quotes in cinematic history.
