11. Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger
Sidekicks to: Harry Potter
When you're a teenage wizard pursued by an evil warlock who killed your parents, it helps to have friends like these. Without Hermione's brains, Harry would never know which herb or incantation to use. And Ron? Well, he and the Weasley clan have provided Harry with the one thing he needs the most — family. Also, Ron and Hermione are totally going to hook up — that is, if they survive J.K. Rowling's seventh volume of the series. —Gilbert Cruz
12. Donkey
Sidekick to: Shrek
Donkey has more than his share of unattractive qualities. He talks too much, is (unsurprisingly) stubborn, and has the annoying habit of breaking out into song. But when you're a green ogre, there's a lot to be said about someone willing to accept you at face value (especially when that face is butt-ugly). Donkey is the friend who loves Shrek enough to make the monster love himself. For that, we heart him — even though he can sometimes be an ass. —Gilbert Cruz
13. Robin Quivers
Sidekick to: Howard Stern
A supportive and ego-boosting sidekick in the vein of (who else?) Ed McMahon, Robin has stood by Howard's side for 25-plus years. Through the King of All Media's various firings and fines — not to mention visits from countless strippers and other entertainers so sketchy you're glad it's radio — it is Robin who has remained a fixture in his court. Her calming voice, horsey laugh, and comforting presence are a welcome balance to Howard's neurotic, rage-filled id. —Michael Endelman
14. Sancho Panza
Sidekick to: Don Quixote de la Mancha
Quixote may be the star of Miguel de Cervantes' deeply ironic, surprisingly modern satire of macho heroism, but Sancho is the earthy Everyman. Grubby, even criminal, tasks come easily to the unabashedly ungallant Sancho. He also serves as the voice of truth — those fearsome giants are only windmills, and the Quixote's shiny helmet is a barber's basin. Ultimately, Sancho's most important duty may be to rescue his master from his worst foe: himself. —Ben Spier
15. Andrew Ridgeley
Sidekick to: George Michael
One of pop culture's great punchlines, Ridgeley seemed to contribute so little to Wham! that ''Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go'' might as well have been his request to George Michael while ''working'' in the studio. But the guitarist who helped launch Michael's solo career is having the last laugh: Thanks to a co-writing credit on ''Careless Whisper,'' Ridgeley may well earn more during an afternoon nap than you do in a month. Who's the punchline now? —Clark Collis
