Salva Mubarak Senior Features Writer

The bond between siblings is something that is equally complex and simple at the same time. One moment you’d be battling for something as innocuous as a chance to control the remote, and the other you’d be standing up to anyone who would dare to wrong your sibling. They’re your worst enemy, your best friend, and your partner-in-crime, all rolled into one. This special bond has been celebrated time and again on-screen, with some of our favourite characters displaying why we cannot live without our brothers and/or sisters.

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, we decided to take a look at some of our favourite on-screen siblings and figure out the important life lessons they’ve taught us. So, without further ado, here are some of the most iconic on-screen siblings and what we can learn from them…

Ayesha and Kabir from Dil Dhadakne Do

The Mehra kids might have gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to well-adjusted parents, but the two have each other’s back, no matter what. This is exactly what the two taught us, to always be there for each other, no questions asked. Whether it’s presenting a united front in the face of parental oppression or jumping into the ocean to make sure the police don’t catch and arrest your little brother (or something to that effect), learn from Ayesha and Kabir and always look out for your sibling.

Ross and Monica from Friends

The Geller siblings are competitive AF and are not the most easy-going of the lot, but they’re super loyal and know the value of friendship. But that’s not the teaching we’ve taken away from their iconic characters. If there’s one thing that Ross and Monica have in common, it’s that they’re unapologetically themselves and are not afraid to own it. Be like the Geller siblings and own your quirks, whether it’s a dorky dance you and your sibling came up with when you were kids or your worrying obsession with competitive reality shows.

David and Alexis from Schitt’s Creek

When it comes to on-screen siblings and their heartwarming bonds, David and Alexis might not be the first ones that come to mind. The two are as different as chalk and cheese but their relationship evolves beautifully over the seasons. They might compete for who gets the motel bed that’s further away from a potential serial killer’s reach, but are also always there to give each other a reality check when needed.

Amit and Aditi from Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na

©Aamir Khan Productions

Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na is one of the rare Bollywood movies that get modern relationship dynamics absolutely right, whether it’s friendship between two people who are opposite to each other in all aspects or realistic brother-sister relationships. Amit and Aditi fight like cats and dogs, regardless of whether they have company or not, but they share poignant moments with each other that makes their relationship so rooted in reality that it will make you miss your sibling. One of the most important things they taught us is that sometimes we drift apart from each other, especially as we grow older, and acknowledging the distance between you and your sibling is the first step towards building a bridge back to each other.

Elsa and Anna from Frozen

Aside from songs that get stuck in your head and would refuse to leave for days, the Frozen movies have taught us many important lessons, including the importance of expressing your emotions and how you don’t need to be in a relationship to be happy. But perhaps the most important, and enduring, lesson from Frozen comes from the beautiful relationship between sisters Elsa and Anna. The biggest takeaway from the first movie was that you can overcome all your biggest fears, when it comes to protecting and looking after your sibling.

Claire and Michelle from Modern Family

Like most real life siblings, the two rarely see eye to eye but when it comes to ganging up to discuss (read: gossip) about the family or their partners, you know they’d be there for each other. One of the most important life lessons they’ve taught us is that however overbearing or annoying your sibling might seem, they’re sometimes the only ones who truly understand where you’re coming from because they’ve lived the same life.

Daenerys and Viserys Targaryens from Game of Thrones

Surprise to see possibly one of the worst brothers on-screen on this list? You know what they say, life lessons can be gleaned from the most unlikeliest of sources. Full disclosure, we’re not fully sure they say this or not, but it fits here so we’d just go ahead, please and thank you. The Targaryen siblings teach us that sometimes it’s OK to not have the best of relationships with your siblings. Real life is not like the movies, or written by expert writers, and people are complicated. Just because they’re your sibling doesn’t mean they always have your best interests at heart. Putting yourself forward for once does not make you a villain.