In the midst of battling rogues of the week and saving the world, at its core the Arrowverse is about friendship. The characters’ love and respect for one another is usually the key to saving the day. As a matter of fact, it was Oliver’s friendship with Barry that created the franchise.
In the eight years since Arrow premiered, the universe has evolved to encompass six series. Though they all have very distinct styles, they are bonded by the relationships between the characters. Everyone needs a BFF, and these are the Arrowverse’s 10 best friendships.
MICK AND SNART
Once they met in juvenile detention, Mick Rory and Leonard Snart knew their partnership was meant to be. They became two of Central City’s most wanted criminals, bringing them into conflict with The Flash. Barry and Leonard developed a grudging respect for one another, leading to Snart accepting Rip Hunter’s invitation to join the Legends.
As devoted as the pair were to each other, they often found themselves butting heads on the Waverider, since Mick wasn’t quite ready to completely change his ways yet. There were double crosses and fights, but their friendship endured until Snart’s tragic sacrifice.
KARA AND WINN
When we first met Winn Schott he was just the geeky CatCo IT guy who had a crush on his friend Kara Danvers. Once she revealed she had superpowers, he quickly jumped in to support her. It didn’t take long for him to realize she would only see him as a friend, and they became even closer.
Over the years, Winn has helped Kara defeat countless villains, while Kara talked Winn through his issues and fears when his dangerous father Toyman returned. Though he has a life in the future now, his recent return visit showed that their friendship is still just as strong.
JEFFERSON AND GAMBI
Jefferson Pierce’s metahuman abilities appeared shortly after his father died. To honor Alvin Pierce and to atone for his part in the experimentation on Freeland’s children, ASA agent Peter Gambi raised Jefferson as his own. When Jefferson became Black Lightning, Gambi was there to support him.
When Freeland was overrun by gangs and corruption, Gambi was the first one to suggest Black Lightning come out of retirement. Though past secrets have threatened their family, Gambi’s unwavering belief and Jefferson’s love for his father figure have kept them connected through it all.
STEIN AND JAX
When someone shares your DNA and you have a telepathic link, "friends" doesn’t seem like a strong enough word. The relationship between Martin Stein and Jefferson “Jax” Jackson was like no other in the franchise. Their connection through the Firestorm matrix meant they were never able to hide anything from one another.
Their differing life experiences led to fun banter and misunderstandings. When Martin was fatally wounded during a mission, he didn’t hesitate to sever their connection so Jax could survive. Their exits are among those that we’re still mourning.
CISCO AND CAITLIN
Before Barry became The Flash, he already had a team. Cisco Ramon and Dr. Caitlin Snow were introduced on Arrow as the crew from STAR Labs who took care of Barry while he was in his coma. The tragedy of the particle accelerator explosion created a bond that can’t ever be broken.
As they each developed metahuman powers, the pair relied on one another to keep their secrets and help them through the adjustment. When Cisco had a vibe he would attack Killer Frost, he refused to believe it, because there was no way he would ever hurt Caitlin. There’s no drama here, just trust and unwavering loyalty.
BARRY AND CISCO
Barry Allen was always the awkward kid who had trouble making friends. Iris was the only one he could be himself with. Then he woke up in STAR Labs and met Cisco Ramon, who turned out to be the BFF kindred spirit he waited his whole life to meet.
The duo quickly bonded over their love of nerdy movies and TV shows, as well as their scientific genius. Cisco became Barry’s tech adviser, creating his various suits, and his confidant, talking Barry through his self doubts as a hero. Though Flashpoint fractured their friendship, the years of respect they’d built helped mend it. Now they’re stronger than ever.
RAY AND NATE
There have never been two people who were more destined to be friends than Ray Palmer and Nate Heywood. From the moment Nate joined the Legends, they had an instant connection. Ray went so far as to sacrifice his soul to the demon Neron to save Ray’s life.
Having someone they could rely on to support them and not judge them helped each man grow into a more mature, confident hero. When Ray fell in love with Damien Darhk’s daughter Nora, Nate had his back. We’re still upset that Brandon Routh’s departure has robbed us of Ray and Nate’s fun times.
KARA AND KATE
Kara loves her sister and her friends, but they will never truly understand what it’s like to be her. Living up to Superman’s legacy, while trying to be her own person creates an impossible amount of pressure. When she met Kate Kane in Gotham City, they immediately bonded over having powerful cousins who have made huge impacts on the world.
As a new hero, Kate is still trying to find her way. Having a friend like Kara who recently traveled this road and can help guide her is just what Kate needed. Their friendship will anchor the future of the Arrowverse.
BARRY AND OLIVER
Long before he met Oliver Queen, Barry was already obsessed with the Hood. Unfortunately, you know what they say about meeting your heroes. They did eventually come to an understanding, with Oliver mentoring Barry as he learned how to be a hero.
Oliver has always considered Barry a better man than him and has repeatedly chosen Barry’s life over his own. When they switched bodies in Elseworlds, they developed an even clearer understanding of each other. Though he may not talk about it constantly, Oliver’s loss will affect Barry deeply for the rest of his days.
OLIVER AND DIGGLE
Without John Diggle, Oliver would have likely continued on his original path of indiscriminately killing the people on his list. Working with Diggle made Oliver realize that he needed to save Star City’s citizens, not punish them. He transformed Oliver from the Hood to the Green Arrow.
There were several times throughout their partnership where Dig was the one who kept Oliver’s humanity alive. While Felicity had Oliver’s heart, John took care of his soul. John’s influence is what made Oliver open to working with other heroes. Their friendship is the foundation of the Arrowverse.