Greatest Fictional Rivalries of All Time

Every story has a protagonist and an antagonist, and it is these opposing characters who create some of the most memorable storylines, to the point where they are remembered throughout history. Some of the world’s most famous fictional characters may not have been so popular had it not been for the beef with their adversary. In their shows and movies, these characters share a natural dislike for each other and seem to attack one another at first glance. Let’s take a look at some of the greatest fictional rivalries of all time.  

1. Sherlock Holmes and Jim Moriarty Created by British author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is arguably, the greatest fictional detective as he has appeared in countless novels, comic books, TV shows, and movies for more than one hundred years. His longtime enemy, Professor Jim Moriarty, was his only intellectual equal. Throughout the books and films, the two characters played a dangerous game of cat and mouse, as was seen in many detective films. Moriarty was created with the primary purpose of defeating Holmes and vice versa. 

 2. Batman and the Joker The rivalry between Bruce Wayne, also known as Dark Knight, and Jack Napier - the Clown Prince of Crime is one of the best-known, not only in comic books. Bruce watched his parents pass away when he was just a boy, and as an adult, he became a vigilante that protects the streets of Gotham City. Over the course of the DC Comic books, he has been plagued by the Joker, who some have called his equal. Despite the Bat having some of the most enemies in comic book history, the two characters share one of the most complex relationships from their inception. 

3. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader Darth Vader, also known as Anakin Skywalker, one of the most iconic characters in the film world, would never have become who he is, were it not for his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi. Kenobi always sensed some darkness in young Anakin but trained him anyway, as it was his mentor’s last wish. Although Anakin becomes a great Jedi in several wars and his fear gets the better of him, and he turns to the dark side. Obi-Wan tries to save Anakin’s soul, but it comes to a head when one ends the other.   

4. Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner Merrie Melodies was founded in 1931, but it wasn’t until 1949 that Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner made their first appearance. Although their rivalry is slap-stick at its core, it is one of the most violent rivalries of all time. Coyote’s obsession with Roadrunner is neverending, and it was solely focused on eating that very particular Roadrunner. With the use of ACME products, from rockets to anvils, nothing is too extreme or violent for Coyote—who usually ends up on the business end of these products. His constant failures only seem to motivate Coyote to keep trying. Meanwhile, Roadrunner seems to be oblivious to Coyote’s attempts. 

5. Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge are two characters from the Archie comic book series. From their creation, they competed for the affection of the lead character, Archie Andrews. Betty first appeared in Pep Comics #22, with Veronica following a few months later in #26 in the early 1940s. Betty Cooper, the blonde, is the sweet, dependable girl next door, while Veronica Lodge, the brunette, is the exotic, edgy, and possibly dangerous. Over the years, their relationship has fluctuated from friendship to rivalry countless times, always somehow managing to end up in a love triangle with Archie, from the books to the television series.