13 Greatest Trios in Literature, Film, and Television

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The number three has long held a special place in storytelling. Whether it’s fairy tales, myths, or modern blockbusters, trios often dominate. Why? Because three creates a perfect balance—simple enough to follow yet dynamic enough to explore complex relationships.

The Power of Three

Three is a universally significant number. Across cultures and traditions, it appears in meaningful ways:

  • Plato’s Three Parts of Man: Mind, body, and soul.
  • The Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • The Three Wise Monkeys: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

These are just a few examples of how three resonates universally. But let’s narrow it down to creativity—especially writing. You have:

  • The Rule of Three: Things presented in threes are more engaging and memorable.
  • The 3×3 Method: A brainstorming tool that breaks ideas into sets of three for clarity and balance.
  • The Three-Act Structure: The backbone of most narratives, divided into setup, confrontation, and resolution.

And let’s not forget story elements like love triangles, three wishes, and casts of three. For now, let’s dive deeper into that last one.

Greatest Trios

Whatever the medium, you often see a core group of three characters in storytelling. Each character usually represents a distinct trait or perspective, rounding out the narrative.

Here are some of the most popular trios, taken from literature, film, and television:

1. Harry, Ron, and Hermione

From: Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling

These three are, perhaps, the best example in modern fiction. Harry is the brave leader, Hermione is the brains, and Ron is the heart that keeps it all grounded.

Many fans have watched or read them grow as they battle trolls, basilisks, and Voldemort himself. It’s a friendship that has inspired many still living today.

2. The Three Musketeers

From: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

Athos, Porthos, and Aramis embody the themes of chivalry, loyalty, and adventure. Their battle cry, “All for one and one for all!”, remains one of the most iconic lines in literature. You’ll never find an adaptation that removes it from their story.

3. The Powerpuff Girls

From: The Powerpuff Girls

Created by Professor Utonium, these pint-sized heroes defend Townsville from quirky villains. And that’s while dealing with the challenges of childhood and sibling dynamics combined. There’s a reason why they’re part of Cartoon Network’s golden era.

4. Ash, Misty, and Brock

From: Pokémon

Few trios in animation have left as lasting an impression as Ash, Misty, and Brock from Pokémon. Through the years, they’ve inspired plenty of kids to go on adventures, chase their dreams, and value teamwork.

It helps that their friendship feels real. There may be squabbles here and there, but their loyalty and shared goals keep the bond strong.

5. The Three Stooges

From: The Three Stooges

Curly, Larry, and Moe may lack subtlety and wit, but their particular brand of slapstick has endured for decades. Even now, years after their peak, people still recognize who they are.

6. Kirk, Spock, and McCoy

From: Star Trek

In a spaceship full of iconic characters, these three stand out. Spock is the logician, McCoy is the moral compass, and Kirk mediates between the two. They’re a big part of why the Enterprise can boldly go where no man has gone before.

7. Charlie’s Angels

From: Charlie’s Angels

The Angels are a team of badass women working under the leadership of a mysterious boss. It’s a concept that’s taken hold in Hollywood, with many actresses taking on the titular role.

8. The Sanderson Sisters

From: Hocus Pocus

A trio of witches get resurrected and spend one wild Halloween trying to reclaim their power. But instead of a horror story, things end up halfway through comedy and chaos.

Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You” remains a favorite among movie lovers.

9. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore

From: Alvin and the Chipmunks

This trio of anthropomorphic chipmunks are singers originating from the 1960s. Despite being a virtual band, they’ve garnered awards, sold millions of albums, and even went on tour. Their singing, however, is either the most adorable or annoying.

10. The Plastics

From: Mean Girls

Regina’s the manipulative queen bee; Gretchen’s the insecure gossip; and Karen’s the naive dimwit. Together, they form the Plastics—the clique that reigns over North Shore High.

Though viewed through the lens of comedy, these three are a commentary on high school cliques and the need to conform.

11. Frodo, Sam, and Gollum

From: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Frodo and Sam are on a perilous journey that could save Middle-Earth. Their quest and friendship are tested as Gollum manipulates their trust.

Frodo’s innocence is slowly overwhelmed by Gollum’s corruption. Thankfully, Sam’s loyalty never flags and he’s able to get Frodo where he needs to be.

12. Bella, Edward, and Jacob

From: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Bella, Edward, and Jacob’s love triangle has captivated many a teenager. The angst, sexual tension, and feeling of alienation simply make it the perfect teenage read. It’s directly helped to make vampires popular in fiction again.

It is worth mentioning, however, that Bella and Edward’s relationship has received quite the backlash. Many claim it normalizes and idealizes an emotionally and physically abusive relationship with impressionable teens. So read with caution.

13. The Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man

From: The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

In her quest to return home, Dorothy encounters three companions: the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. Each believes they lack a crucial quality—courage, intelligence, and heart.

As their journey unfolds, they discover these qualities have been within them all along. The entire story’s a favorite lesson about inner strength and the power of self-belief.

Which trios do you love? Share your thoughts below!

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