16 Gay Lesbian Crossovers In BFF Duos That Fans Ship Too Hard

Viewers often perceive intense romantic chemistry between characters who are scripted as strictly platonic friends in television and film. This phenomenon known as shipping allows audiences to explore LGBTQ+ dynamics within mainstream narratives that may otherwise lack representation. Many of these pairings gain such massive followings that they completely overshadow the actual canonical romances presented in the story. The intense bond between best friends frequently blurs the lines between platonic affection and true love for invested fans. Writers sometimes acknowledge these ships with subtle nods that further fuel the enthusiasm of the dedicated fanbase.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

Dean Winchester and the angel Castiel share a profound bond that transcends typical friendship boundaries. Fans frequently interpret their intense loyalty and willingness to die for each other as signs of a deeper romantic connection. The series features countless moments where the two characters prioritize each other above all else in the narrative. Viewers spent years hoping the show would confirm the romantic nature of their relationship before the finale aired. The chemistry between the actors helped turn this duo into one of the most popular ships in television history.

‘Supergirl’ (2015–2021)

Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor maintain a friendship filled with emotional intimacy and dramatic tension. The fandom quickly noticed the lingering looks and soft interactions that occurred whenever the two women shared the screen. Lena often expresses a devotion to Kara that fans feel exceeds the expectations of a standard best friend dynamic. Writers seemingly leaned into this chemistry by giving the pair storylines that paralleled romantic tropes found elsewhere in the show. This pairing became a defining element of the series for many viewers who desired a queer romance.

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson display a partnership that serves as the undisputed emotional core of the series. Their codependency is frequently pointed out by other characters who mistakenly identify them as a couple. The modern adaptation plays with this dynamic by including humorous misunderstandings regarding their relationship status. Fans argue that the emotional intimacy they share is far stronger than their connections with any female love interests. This interpretation became a driving force for the fandom throughout the entire run of the show.

‘Rizzoli & Isles’ (2010–2016)

Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles work together as a detective and medical examiner with opposing personalities that complement each other perfectly. The show focuses heavily on their domestic closeness and the fact that they are the most important people in the lives of one another. Scenes often feature them lounging in bed together or discussing their dates with men while displaying undeniable chemistry. The lesbian subtext was so prominent that it became a running joke among the cast and creative team. Many viewers watched exclusively to see if the two women would eventually become a couple.

‘Merlin’ (2008–2012)

The relationship between Merlin and Prince Arthur is the central focus of this fantasy retelling of the Arthurian legends. Merlin hides his magic but devotes his entire existence to protecting Arthur and ensuring his success as a future king. The master and servant dynamic evolves into a partnership of equals defined by destiny and mutual devotion. Fans read the constant bickering and self-sacrifice as a tragic love story rather than a simple friendship. The intense emotional climax of the series only solidified the belief that they were soulmates.

‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ (1995–2001)

Xena and her bard companion Gabrielle travel the ancient world together while forging an unbreakable connection. What starts as a mentorship grows into a partnership where they raise a child and defy death for one another. The show is widely considered a pioneer for lesbian subtext in syndicated television during the nineties. Writers gradually increased the romantic undertones until the love between the two women became undeniable to most viewers. This duo remains one of the most iconic examples of friends who are virtually indistinguishable from lovers.

‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014)

Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes share a history that dates back to their childhoods in Brooklyn before the war. Steve refuses to give up on Bucky even when his friend is brainwashed into becoming a deadly assassin. The entire plot of the film revolves around the length Steve will go to save the man he loves most. Audiences interpreted the line about being with each other until the end of the line as a romantic vow. This relationship became a massive cultural phenomenon within the Marvel fandom.

‘Once Upon a Time’ (2011–2018)

Emma Swan and Regina Mills start as adversaries before slowly building a relationship based on co-parenting their son Henry. Their journey from enemies to tentative allies and finally best friends is filled with emotional weight and chemistry. The two women constantly save each other and share magical connections that seem to rival canonical true love pairings. Fans gravitated toward the idea that their combined magic represented a perfect romantic union. The pairing dominated fanfiction communities despite the characters pursuing men in the show.

‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015)

Finn and Poe Dameron share an immediate spark when they escape the First Order together in a stolen TIE fighter. Poe gives Finn his name and later his jacket in a sequence of events that fans read as a meet-cute. The actors displayed a natural rapport that made their scenes feel more charged than their interactions with other leads. Oscar Isaac specifically played his character with romantic intentions toward Finn during the filming of the trilogy. This ship quickly became the most popular fan theory for the new trilogy’s romantic resolution.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge share a kiss in the very first episode that sets the tone for their intense friendship. While the moment was initially a cheerleading stunt the two girls continue to prioritize each other throughout the series. They frequently refer to themselves as a power couple and work together to solve the mysteries of their town. The show often places them in situations that highlight their physical closeness and emotional reliance. Fans enjoy the dynamic of the good girl and the rich socialite finding solace in one another.

‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017)

Stiles Stilinski and Derek Hale have an antagonistic relationship that gradually transforms into a reliable alliance. Their constant banter and physical proximity in scenes led viewers to see romantic potential between the human and the werewolf. Derek often relies on Stiles for grounding while Stiles looks to Derek for protection and strength. The showrunner acknowledged the popularity of the pairing even though it never became canon. This ship remains one of the most prolific pairings on fanfiction archives.

‘Good Omens’ (2019–2023)

Aziraphale and Crowley are an angel and a demon who have spent six thousand years enjoying life on Earth together. They form an arrangement to aid one another that eventually looks very much like a marriage to outside observers. The narrative frames their bond as the most important thing in the universe superseding the sides of Heaven and Hell. Although the second season confirms their romantic feelings fans were shipping them intensely based on the subtext of the first season. Their relationship is the heart of the story and drives the entire plot forward.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

Rachel Berry and Quinn Fabray begin as high school rivals fighting over boys and status. Their relationship softens over time as they support each other through major life events and heartbreaks. Fans noticed the way Quinn often looked at Rachel with a softness she rarely showed to her boyfriends. The narrative included several scenes that hinted at a fascination and deep care between the two girls. Viewers felt that a romance between the head cheerleader and the theater outcast would have been a perfect storyline.

‘Star Trek’ (1966–1969)

James T Kirk and Spock formed the archetype for slash fiction and fan shipping decades ago. The logical Vulcan and the emotional human captain balance each other in a way that suggests two halves of a whole. Their devotion is tested repeatedly as they risk their careers and lives to save one another during their voyages. Spock is often shown displaying emotion only when Kirk is in danger or presumed dead. This duo established the foundation for how fandoms interpret male friendship in media today.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse that is undeniably framed as a courtship. The series creator explicitly described their relationship as a love story despite the horror elements. They understand each other in a way no one else can which creates a terrifying but intimate bond. The imagery used in the show frequently invokes romantic and sexual symbolism when the two men are together. Fans were captivated by the complexity of their connection and the tragic inevitability of their romance.

‘Wednesday’ (2022)

Wednesday Addams and Enid Sinclair represent the classic grumpy and sunshine dynamic that audiences adore. Their roommate situation forces them to navigate their contrasting personalities until they become fiercely protective of one another. Viewers quickly latched onto the idea that their desperate hug in the finale was the most romantic moment of the season. The subtext between the two young women sparked immediate interest in a potential romance for future episodes. Fans continue to create content imagining a relationship evolution beyond their current friendship.

Please share your favorite non-canon ship from this list in the comments.