10 On-Screen Characters To Watch When All Your Real Friends Are Busy
And What They Can Teach Us About the Power of Friendship
Sometimes, life gets lonely. In those moments when no one’s texting me back, I reach for the next best thing — my fictional besties. They are my top list of on-screen best friend characters whose sage advice, pep talks, and unwavering ride-or-die-ness give me all of the feels. Sometimes, living a bit vicariously through fictional friendships alone on my couch in my PJs with cheese is exactly what the doctor ordered. Here are the on-screen best friends I turn to most:
Peik Lin Goh — Crazy Rich Asians
Peik Lin is the life of every party. Thanks to the trunk of her Audi, she’s always wardrobe-ready for any event, anytime. Peik Lin is not afraid to tell Rachel how disgusting her outfits are and that’s why I love her. Brutal honesty, shameless selfie-ing. Peik Lin reminds me to seize the day, and never for one second let myself be anything other than as fabulous as humanly possible.
Terry Pratchard — I May Destroy You
Terry loves with her whole heart. Anyone who swears that your birth is her birth and your death is her death is a keeper. Sure, you might have to run audition lines with her here and there, but that seems a small price to pay for such a loyal ride-or-die. Has she made mistakes? Sure, because she’s human — and one of the best-written best friend characters on television. Terry’s actions remind me that friendship isn’t a series of tests, the results of which need haunt us indefinitely. True friendship is best practiced in the present moment. Commitments to repair and reconnection can mend any misstep.
Areida — Ella Enchanted
When I want to remember how good it feels to stand up for what I believe in, I call on Areida. She’s firmly against ogreside and the giant land-grab. She’s exactly who she is and doesn’t cave to “cool girl” taunting. Even if I’m enchanted by a fairy and forced to obey ridiculous demands that turn me into a total monster, I know Areida will entertain my eventual apology. A reminder that sometimes we have no idea what’s really going on underneath the surface for our friends, and a true BFF will always give you a chance to mend fences.
Lillian — Bridesmaids
Any gal who loves a good magazine and wine party is my kind of lady. Lillian will do anything for a deal. She loves Paris. She will eat questionable meat with you. She will shit in the street if it comes down to it. Lillian reminds me that even as my IRL friends and I grow and change, if the love remains, nothing can tear us apart. Also, the fact that Lillian finds connection with both Annie and Helen is a wonderful reminder that there’s room for all different kinds of friends in our lives.
Lily Moscovitz — the Princess Diaries
Another fearless protestor, Lily is who I turn to when I want to get a little riled up. Lily’s fearless in her commitment to calling out the bullshit around her. She doesn’t let Mia off the hook for acting differently, and then she totally 180s when Mia’s ready to accept that she is changing, evolving, and ready to be the Princess she was born to be. A friend that is willing to abandon her preconceived notions about you when you come clean about your true identity is a secret weapon in any self-esteem arsenal.
Lane Kim — Gilmore Girls
When I need a healthy dose of rockstar energy, I hang out with Lane. Lane is an inspiration to anyone considering following their intuition instead of their parents’ roadmap. Lane reminds me about how cathartic pursuing a passion can be. She also reminds me that no matter where life takes me — to a stuffy prep school or all around the world chasing my journalistic ambitions — a true friend never loses touch.
Ann Perkins — Parks and Recreation
Who doesn’t want to be friends with Ann Perkins? First of all, she’s a nurse. Second, Ann loves and accepts Leslie for exactly who she is — unreasonable waffle addiction and all. Ann is patient, loving, kind, and incredibly supportive. Ann’s commitment to Leslie and vice versa reminds me about how beautiful it can be to praise and celebrate our friends. Lifting each other up is one of our most powerful human super powers.
Eve — Serendipity
Any friend who sticks with you, even when you trick her into joining you on a mad quest across the country in search of a man you met once for a few hours — there’s a keeper. Eve reminds me to always lead with my kindest foot forward and be willing to follow my friends down their rabbit holes when they need me.
Leah — Juno
Leah and Juno’s weird English language manipulations are my everything. Leah’s also immediately on-board with helping Juno do whatever she feels is best with her body, no matter what. Leah’s actions remind me about how good it feels to feel supported in a crisis by a kind, non-judgmental soul.
Luna — Harry Potter
Everyone talks about Hermione. No one talks about Luna. While Luna may not necessarily be Harry’s number 1 or number 2 BFF, she is undoubtedly a key member of his core gang. Luna’s the witchiest witch of the bunch. Obsessed with the obscure and esoteric aspects of the occult, she’s fearless in terms of how deep she’s willing to traverse her own feelings and the feelings of those she cares about most. Luna reminds me that oftentimes our darkest days hold the keys to our greatest gifts, and going searching for those keys doesn’t have to be scary — especially when we search in community.
