Embodiments of branched polymer lubricant additives comprise a branched polymer and, when combined with a lubricant base at a concentration from 1 wt % to 50 wt %, provide (i) a viscosity index ≧150, (ii) that is at least 10% less than a coefficient of friction of the lubricant base alone in contact with a component of a device during operation of the device at a temperature within a range of 20 to 100° C., or (iii) both (i) and (ii).