11 most dysfunctional sci-fi siblings (and why we love them)
Sibling rivalry: It’s an oldie, but a goodie.
The classic trope has popped up in sci-fi lore plenty of times, and there are several brother-and-sister relationships out there that make for great drama (The Walking Dead) and pure ickiness (we're looking at you, Game of Thrones).
When used correctly, it’s a great storytelling tool. It gives you a ton of built-in backstory and shared experiences to mine. Plus, there aren’t many bonds stronger than blood. It always sets up the great question: How far will someone go for family?
So as we wait with bated breath to see how things will play out with beloved duo Daryl and Merle in the final three episodes of the The Walking Dead, here are 11 of our favorite dysfunctional sci-fi siblings.
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Here are 11 of our favorite dysfuctional siblings from sci-fi history.
Daryl and Merle, Walking Dead
One of the latest examples lighting up the airwaves, fans just can’t get enough of Daryl and Merle. Why? Because we all love a good redemption story, and Daryl has grown from loner to leader over the past three seasons. His brother Merle is a lot rougher around the edges, but you just love to hate (and sometimes root for) him.
Luke and Leia, Star Wars
Sure, they get a long pretty well, but this relationship delved into dysfunctional the moment the two siblings locked lips in George Lucas’ epic tale of good vs. evil. Sure, Leia ended up with Han Solo in the end, but it was a pretty weird journey to get there.
Peter and Nathan Petrelli, Heroes
From its stellar first season, to the absolute mess that was the next few years, there was one thing that made Heroes bearable: Peter and Nathan. The brothers have great chemistry (plus future-Peter tried to assassinate Nathan, which makes for some solid dysfunction), and these two could’ve been one of the best duos ever if the show hadn’t gone insane.
Thor and Loki, The Avengers
This relationship was a driving force for two of Marvel’s Phase One movies, but no matter how many times Loki tries to kill his hammer-weilding bro, Thor will never completely give up on Loki. They have a bond stronger than good and evil, which makes for great drama.
Data and Lore, Star Trek: The Next Generation
It turns out everyone’s favorite android Data had a semi-evil twin “brother,” Lore, who showed a much larger scope of emotion. He was also manipulative as could be, though Data eventually got the better of him and his sneaky bro was permanently disabled.
Sam and Dean Winchester, Supernatural
These two have been to hell and back (a few times) for each other. Though they fight and bicker like teenagers, and betray one another’s trust at least a few times per season, these two would still die for each other at a moment’s notice. Their relationship is the heart of the series, and is the reason fans have stuck around for nearly a decade.
Cersei and Jaime Lannister, Game of Thrones
These two are brother and sister, yeah. Oh, and they’re also lovers (eww). This is only one of many convoluted relationships in this dense HBO fantasy series, though it’s easily one of the weirdest (and greatest).
Rodney McKay and Jeannie Miller, Stargate Atlantis
There aren’t many sci-fi siblings more adorable than McKay and his sister Jeannie, who is actually played by actor David Hewlett’s real-life sister Kate. Since they’re actual siblings, their on-screen chemistry is hilariously awesome and dysfunctional. McKay is always annoying, but when his sister is around he ramps it up to 11 (in a good way).
Buffy and Dawn Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Though they got along pretty well by the end, the Summers sisters were at each other’s throats (figuratively) for many of the early seasons after Dawn was introduced. Considering the world-saving stakes hanging over the series by the time Dawn showed up, she was a nice addition to add some of that high school charm back to the proceedings. Plus, it was pretty great to see the Vampire Slayer bicker over who gets the bathroom first.
Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, Austin Powers
Sure, this one is a little slapstick, but Austin Powers’ relationship with his evil twin brother (both played by Mike Myers) is comedy gold. They’re both dummies, but their James Bond riff relationship was one of the best things about the long-running series.
Charles Xavier and Juggernaut, X-Men
These two step-brothers typically end up on opposite sides of the battle lines in classic X-Men lore, but their relationship is always a fun one to see written. Not many people can get under Professor X’s skin like Juggernaut.
