Entertainment Weekly has released its definitive ranking of the 30 most memorable duos in cinema history, placing Paul Newman and Robert Redford at the very top of the list for their roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The American media outlet evaluated pairs ranging from fictional animated characters and classic comedy acts to legendary romantic leads and outlaw partners.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Take Top Honors
Paul Newman and Robert Redford secured the number-one spot for their 1969 portrayal of the iconic outlaws. According to Entertainment Weekly, the actors displayed a natural chemistry that made their characters appear as though they had shared a lifetime of adventures before the film even began. Newman’s charming, playful demeanor balanced Redford’s quieter, more lethal presence, creating an enduring cinematic partnership.
The Rest of the Top Five Icons
The upper echelon of the ranking features four other celebrated pairs who shaped film history across different genres:
- Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers: Ranking near the top, the legendary dancing duo appeared in 10 films together, with Entertainment Weekly highlighting their unmatched charisma in musical classics like Top Hat and Swing Time.
- Thelma and Louise: Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon earned recognition for their roles in Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking road movie, transforming a weekend getaway into a defining portrait of female friendship on screen.
- Han Solo and Chewbacca: Representing the Star Wars saga, Harrison Ford and the Wookiee warrior were cited for establishing the ultimate cinematic bromance despite speaking entirely different languages.
- Bonnie and Clyde: Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway rounded out the top five, praised for bringing intense sex appeal and mythic status to their portrayals of real-life depression-era outlaws.
A Broad Definition of Cinematic Duos
The complete 30-entry roster reflects a wide interpretation of what constitutes a partnership on screen. The curation blends fictional characters, recurring actor pairings, comedic double acts, and sworn adversaries. Notable inclusions span genres and decades:
- Joe, Jerry, and Sugar Kane in Some Like It Hot (noting the list’s single inclusion of a technical trio at number six)
- Laurel and Hardy
- Frodo and Sam in The Lord of the Rings trilogy
- Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett in Bad Boys
- Bob Wallace and Phil Davis in White Christmas
- Nick and Nora Charles in The Thin Man series
- Marty McFly and Doc Brown in Back to the Future
- Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall
- Morticia and Gomez Addams in The Addams Family
- Shrek and Donkey
- Jake and Elwood Blues in The Blues Brothers
- Cheech & Chong
- Dorothy and Toto in The Wizard of Oz
- Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction
- Craig and Smokey in Friday
- Laurie Strode and Michael Myers in Halloween
- Celie and Nettie in The Color Purple
- Wallace and Gromit
- Batman and Robin
- Abbott and Costello
- Cher and Dionne in Clueless
- Lee and Carter in Rush Hour
- Tenoch and Julio in Y tu mamá también
- Blanche and Baby Jane in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
- Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in the Cornetto trilogy