Some of history’s most memorable moments have iconic trios at the helm. These famous triple acts across various fields — whether dynamic characters on screen, legendary bands, or memorable partnerships — have left an indelible mark on our culture. They shape perspective through their performances and entertain entire genres with their talent and work, making these triads unforgettable.In this curated list, we celebrate 30 of the best trios that have brought laughter, inspiration, and awe. Through their collaboration and synergy, they showcase the magic that happens when three individuals come together to create something remarkable.This post may includeaffiliate links.
Some of history’s most memorable moments have iconic trios at the helm. These famous triple acts across various fields — whether dynamic characters on screen, legendary bands, or memorable partnerships — have left an indelible mark on our culture. They shape perspective through their performances and entertain entire genres with their talent and work, making these triads unforgettable.
In this curated list, we celebrate 30 of the best trios that have brought laughter, inspiration, and awe. Through their collaboration and synergy, they showcase the magic that happens when three individuals come together to create something remarkable.
This post may includeaffiliate links.
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The trio of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley of Hogwarts is the beloved magic-wielding threesome of literature and film. Their friendship and adventures are central to the Harry Potter series. Despite their differences, this trio inspired a generation.Through their battles with dark forces and the unlocking of magical mysteries, they made themes of friendship and courage relatable worldwide. A lesser-knownfactis that J.K. Rowling admits she may have mistakenly paired Hermione with Ron instead of Harry (Variety, 2014) (2).While Rowling said the “mistake” was born of personal reasons, this alternative storyline would have skewed the plot and dynamic altogether, highlighting themes of romance instead of the friendship themes that the series primarily focused on.
The original Pokémon anime series features the brave Ash Ketchum, Tomboyish Misty, and the romantic Brock as Poke trainers and guardians. Ash has been the face of the Pokémon anime series since its premiere, but he also shares the spotlight with other key characters.Ash’s determination, Misty’s fiery spirit, and Brock’s wisdom create a balanced and engaging narrative that helped propel the Pokémon series to global popular culture fame.Brock initially cares for the newly hatched Togepi in an episode breakdown of Episode 50, “Who Gets to Keep Togepi?” on Bulbapedia. However, it chooses Misty as its guardian, highlighting the group’s evolving relationships (3).
Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb are the brother trio known as the Bee Gees. They are celebrated in music for their harmonious vocals and songwriting abilities.They peaked during the disco era with hot hits like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever,” and sold millions of records. They have a distinctive sound that has sustained generations.The trio’s album, “Bee Gees' 1st,” was released on July 14, 1967. Although it was their third studio album, it marked their debut in the UK music scene (4). Their preceding two albums were only available in Australia and New Zealand.
The hyper girls Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup are the super-powered trio sisters of The Powerpuff Girls. They debuted in 1998, bringing their Powerpuff powers and cuteness to the limelight — Blossom with her intelligence, Bubbles with her sweetness, and Buttercup with her toughness.Their portrayal challenged traditional gender roles in animation, empowering young female viewers. According to an article in Philstar Life, the series was initially titled “Whoopass Stew!” before being renamed to attract a wider audience (5).
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore Seville are brother chipmunks known as Alvin and the Chipmunks. They’re an iconic animated trio who straddled between music and cartoons thanks to their high-pitched harmonies and misadventures.The three brothers had distinct personalities that set Alvin apart with his mischievousness, Simon with his smarts, and Theodore with his innocence. Since the animation premiered in 1958, they have significantly bridged the worlds of animation and music with chart-topping songs and multiple television series through the decades.According to Mental Floss, their signature high-pitched sound, made into comical musical renders, was a product of creator Ross Bagdasarian Sr.’s experimentation with sped-up audio recordings (6).
In J.R.R. Tolkien’sThe Lord of the Rings series, the author highlights how different races unite for a common cause and battle. The Three Hunters, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, are central figures who proved that point when a human, elf prince, and dwarf warrior (respectively) found strength in their diverse backgrounds.This trio embodies themes of unity and camaraderie, which have influenced modern fantasy narratives and promoted collaboration amidst differences.During the filming of their pursuit scenes in ”The Two Towers,” the actors Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), and Brett Beattie (Gimli’s size double) were all nursing injuries, yet like true professionals, they continued to perform, showcasing their dedication to authentically portraying this enduring trio (Polygon, 2021) (7).
If you’re an anime fan, Naruto is likely in your rotation. Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno form what is known as Team 7 in the famous anime with Kakashi Hatake as their mentor.They have a complex dynamic that complements: Naruto’s unwavering optimism, Sasuke’s proficiency and intensity, and Sakura’s intelligence. They brave missions as a legendary trio and embark on a journey of friendship, rivalry, and personal growth.
Millennials had Totally Spies! on their televisions while growing up and followed the missions of teenage spies Alex, Sam, and Clover. They were an iconic trio and protagonists of the animated series who tried to balance high school life with their high-adrenalin missions, blending action and humor.Some sources say the series was initially conceived as a boys’ action show but was reoriented to appeal to a broader audience. This pivot made the show’s portrayal of strong, independent female leads more culturally impactful.
When you dreamed of having fairy godparents, you probably didn’t picture them as quirky as Timmy Turner’s. In The Fairly OddParents’ hilariously goofy animation, Cosmo and Wanda bring Timmy’s wild wishes to life in the most unexpected ways.The two godmothers’ differences balance out Timmy’s impulsiveness, creating comedic adventures that captivate young audiences. The trio tackles themes of friendship and responsibility, impacting children’s imagination and animation. The laughs draw us in, and the tug of balance keeps us glued to the show.
Pixar is known for creating characters that endear themselves to the public. Two best friends, Dory and Marlin, and Marlin’s son Nemo are examples of such characters that draw in their fans.Marlin is an overprotective clownfish dad who embarks on an ocean-wide mission to find his curious son, Nemo, with the help of Dory, a blue tang fish with short-term memory loss. Their journey is a hilarious tale that highlights family, friendship, and perseverance themes.Creator and director Andrew Stanton originally envisioned Dory as a male fish. However, according to Entertainment Weekly, Stanton accidentally heard Ellen DeGeneres’s voice from an old episode of her sitcom while he was writing and developing the character (11). Soon after, DeGeneres auditioned for the role, and the forgetful female character of Dory came to life, along with their captivating trio.
Anyone who grew up playing Nintendo’s Super Mario in the ’80s remembers the beloved characters of the game. Mario and Luigi are the heroic plumber brothers who face off against Bowser, the formidable Koopa King.Their dynamic merged gaming and pop culture, inspiring numerous adaptations and merchandise and making The Mario Brothers one of the most successful video games ever. While the game was not straightforward, the spin-off narratives were more creative.Chris Plante wrote in Polygon that in the 1990 animated series, The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3, Princess Peach and Bowser ran for president of the Mushroom Kingdom, showcasing the versatility of the gaming characters’ narratives (10).
The central protagonists of Grand Theft Auto V are Michael De Santa, Trevor Philips, and Franklin Clinton. Each brings a unique perspective to the game’s narrative: Michael, a retired bank robber, seeks an everyday life; Trevor, his volatile former partner, thrives on chaos; and Franklin, an ambitious young hustler, aims for upward mobility.
Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey are the stars of the Shrek franchise, celebrated for their unconventional charm and deep friendship. Shrek is rough around the edges, Fiona holds a unique duality as a princess and ogre, and Donkey has a funny, endearing loyalty.The script goes against traditional fairy tales, offering a fresh take that resonates with more liberal audiences. Their dynamic has greatly influenced pop culture, sparking numerous parodies and discussions around inner beauty and acceptance and inspiring many Halloween costumes.Did you know that Donkey’s character was modeled after a real miniature donkey named Perry, who resides in Barron Park, Palo Alto, California? (Fun Trivia) (9).
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Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard formed the iconic funnyman The Three Stooges. Their slapstick comedy, which ran from the 1930s to the 1950s, became the basis of other physical comedy acts and animation that later followed.The Three Stooges produced over 200 short films and slots, leaving an indelible mark on comedy entertainment and productions. Interestingly, the three weren’t merely acting out roles.In fact, their website reveals that Moe and Curly were brothers, while Larry was their close friend, accounting for the chemistry and authenticity of their comedic collaboration and timing (15).
Before they launched solo careers, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams were known as the group Destiny’s Child. Together, they had award-winning albums that cemented them as one of the best-selling girl groups ever.Undeniably, their trio was a harmonious match that played on their vocal ranges, style, and strength. The three belt-out girl-power anthems, like “Survivor” and “Independent Women,” put women empowerment at the forefront of R&B and pop music in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Before becoming the R&B sensation, the group was a Girl’s Tyme quartet (Discover Walks, 2022) (14).The group had more than three members at various points, but these three were the last ones standing. They had initially wanted to change their name to Destiny to reference the bible, but due to a naming conflict with another band, they became Destiny’s Child.
In 1984, the film Ghostbusters introduced Doctors Peter Venkman, Raymond “Ray” Stantz, and Egon Spengler. They are the founding members of the Ghostbusters, a group of scientists specializing in paranormal investigation and removing ghost-related disturbances.They worked as a team, blending scientific expertise and comedy in a cross-genre entertainment format. Dan Aykroyd, who portrayed Ray Stantz, was also one of the concept’s creators. He drew inspiration from his family’s experience and history in paranormal research.
According to People, the Jonas father, Kevin Jonas Sr., was a pastor who managed the brothers’ early careers and weighed in on their rise to fame (12).This kept the boys in line and focused, leading Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas to enjoy sustaining popularity. The Jonas Brothers led the American pop-rock scene in the mid-2000s with their catchy tunes, multiple chart-topping albums, various Disney cameos, and wholesome images.
The triad of witches Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson from Disney’s Hocus Pocus in 1993 showed 17th-century witches resurrected in modern-day Salem. Actresses Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy played the iconic witches in this supernatural comedy.They quickly became cult favorites because of their wicked dynamic. According to Disney Wiki, Sarah Jessica Parker actually discovered during filming that her 10th great-grandmother, Esther Elwell, was accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials (16). This made the role a very personal one for her to portray.
In the 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Ferris Bueller, Cameron Frye, and Sloane Peterson skip school to embrace life’s spontaneity in Chicago. Their tale of youthful rebellion and freedom resonated with audiences bent on going against the norm.In its ’80s-style campy feel, the flick became a reference for teen comedies. In the parade scene where Ferris performs “Twist and Shout,” the production was filmed during an actual parade. The many onlookers were unaware they were in the middle of a movie shoot, adding to the scene’s authenticity.
When the cinematic version of The Three Musketeers hit cinemas in 1993, Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel came to life through actors Kiefer Sutherland, Oliver Platt, and Charlie Sheen.They played Athos, Porthos, and Aramis; the three wise men were known for their loyalty, bravery, and camaraderie. The book and movie were famous for the line “All for one, and one for all,” celebrating strength in unity.The book was said to be based on real musketeers that Dumas found in 17th-century records, adding a sense of historical accuracy to the show and the characters’ enduring legacy.
The Power of Three
Pop culture and entertainment are full of impactful trios that make a statement. Aside from those listed above, there are other trios worth mentioning, like Janet Wood, Jack Tripper, and Chrissy Snow of Threes Company; the fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather in Sleeping Beauty; the three kings aligned with the faith of many Christians worldwide, Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar; and many more beautiful examples of the power of three.
They say all good (or bad) things come in threes. Others say that’s bogus superstition, but according to Cambridge University, threes are part of human nature since our brains have evolved to prefer working with patterns as an essential survival skill (17).
We often form recognizable patterns to make sense of our surrounding landscape. Patterns can be the shapes of animals, objects, plants, or even people. Three is the smallest recognizable pattern, which makes it easy to remember.
Stories follow suit as well. We lean towards stories of three because we recognize the pattern of three in events or information, allowing us to make sense of information, predict dynamics, and identify the roles of participants.
Traditional folk tales often feature sequences of threes — whether parts of a story or stars in a plot. And we are hardwired to find comfort in that pattern, even in the stories we tell ourselves. In addition, a plot based on “threes” also creates suspense more effectively than events and characters occurring in twos or fours.
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