20 Most Iconic Trios in Movies, Music, TV and More

This popular trio from a galaxy far, far away represents the ultimate team-up of bravery, intelligence and skill. Luke, the wide-eyed Jedi in training, brings hope and light to the galaxy, while Leia, the fearless princess-turned-general, shows strength and leadership. Then there's Han Solo, the roguish smuggler with a heart of gold, providing just the right amount of charm and swagger.

What makes them stand out are their complementary personalities: Luke's idealism, Leia's strategic mind and Han’s street smarts. Together, they take on the Empire, face the galaxy's greatest villains and lead the Rebel Alliance to victory.

Starting as young students at Hogwarts, this famous trio grows into one of the most formidable forces against the Dark Lord Voldemort.

While Harry may be the "chosen one," he would never have survived without the help of his two best friends. Hermione's quick thinking and Ron's steadfast friendship complement Harry's heroism, making them the ultimate dream team.

From their first movie as 11-year-olds to their final showdown in "Deathly Hallows," their friendship and teamwork stand as the backbone of the series.

Who could forget the Sanderson Sisters from Disney's "Hocus Pocus"? Winifred, Sarah and Mary are a famous trio of witches who terrorize a small town after being resurrected on Halloween night. Their wicked charm, musical numbers and hilarious bickering have made them cult icons.

The Sanderson Sisters have become an iconic trio that's impossible to forget. Their popularity continues to grow, with sequels and Walt Disney World parties keeping them alive in the minds of fans everywhere.

The Powerpuff Girls are another iconic trio that packs a punch, literally! Created by Professor Utonium, these three superhero sisters fight plenty of crime before bedtime.

Each girl has her own personality: Blossom is the smart and determined leader, Bubbles is sweet and innocent, and Buttercup is the tough fighter with a no-nonsense attitude.

What makes The Powerpuff Girls so memorable is their balance between action and heart. They may have superpowers, but they also deal with the normal struggles of being kids. The combination of great animation, humor and action has made them a lasting favorite for fans of all ages.

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Raymond Stantz and Dr. Egon Spengler took the world by storm in the 1984 movie "Ghostbusters." With their proton packs and witty banter, these scientists-turned-ghost-hunters captured ghosts (and audiences' hearts) with ease.

Their mix of comedy and action made them instant icons, and they remain a go-to Halloween costume every year. Whether they're dealing with Slimer or the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, these characters — played by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis — have stood the test of time.

As the main team in the original Pokémon animated series, these three travel the world together. Ash wants to be the all-time greatest Pokémon master, Misty is the strong-willed water-type trainer and Brock brings his knowledge as a Pokémon breeder to the team.

Their antics and teamwork made them a hit with audiences, and their journey has inspired countless fans to follow their dreams, whether that's catching them all on your GameBoy or just being the best at what you do.

Together, these three warriors fought alongside the Fellowship of the Ring to save Middle Earth from the forces of evil. Aragorn, the rightful king, brings his leadership and strength, while Legolas, the elven archer, offers his unmatched agility and precision. Gimli, the dwarf, brings humor and brute strength to the team.

Despite their differences — both cultural and physical — the trio's bond grows throughout their journey, making them fan-favorites in the world of fantasy.

The Three Stooges are the gold standard for slapstick comedy. From the first time Moe, Larry and Curly poked, slapped and bonked each other on the head, they became a cultural phenomenon.

While Moe was the "leader," each Stooge had their own distinct personality and style, making them relatable to audiences of all kinds. From physical humor to verbal absurdity, this original trio paved the way for the funny trio dynamics we still see today.

This "Star Trek" trio doesn't just explore space; they explore the boundaries of human experience, ethics and friendship at the same time.

Kirk, the daring and charismatic captain, leads with bold decisions, while Spock, the logical half-Vulcan science officer, provides calm reasoning. Meanwhile, Dr. McCoy, with his sharp wit and deep humanity, keeps things grounded (even in the far reaches of space).

Spock's cold logic often clashes with McCoy's passionate, emotional responses, leaving Kirk to mediate between the two extremes. Together, they make decisions that shape the course of their voyages on the USS Enterprise. Fans love their banter as much as their teamwork, and they've become role models for the power of diverse thinking in solving complex problems.

Nirvana wasn’t just a band; it was a revolution in the music industry and pop culture at large. Fronted by Kurt Cobain, with Krist Novoselic on bass and Dave Grohl on drums, this trio single-handedly changed the face of rock music in the early 1990s. Their breakthrough album "Nevermind" brought alternative music into the mainstream like nothing had before.

Their raw sound — coupled with Cobain's emotionally charged lyrics — resonated with fans worldwide, and they remain one of the most influential rock bands in history. Though their time together was tragically cut short by Cobain's death, their music continues to inspire new generations of fans and musicians alike.

Speaking of musical trios, you can't overlook Destiny's Child. They dominated the charts in the late 1990s and early 2000s with hits like "Survivor" and "Say My Name." What set them apart was not just their great talent, but their ability to harmonize both vocally and as a team.

With Beyoncé at the helm, Destiny’s Child became a cultural force that empowered women and influenced the sound of pop and R&B. Though the group eventually disbanded and Beyoncé eclipsed their initial popularity with her solo career, their music continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Unlike some of the other trios on this list, this one isn't about saving the world or fighting evil. Instead, they’re about escaping the mundane and embracing life.

Ferris, the mastermind behind the ultimate high school skip day, brings his neurotic best friend Cameron and his confident girlfriend Sloane along for the ride. Their chemistry is electric, as Ferris' carefree attitude balances out Cameron's anxiety, while Sloane adds a calm, collected energy.

What makes this group so relatable is their mix of youthful rebellion and existential questioning. It's not just a day off; it's a reflection of freedom, friendship and seizing the moment: a theme that has resonated with audiences for generations.

The Bee Gees (short for the Brothers Gibb) are not only one of the most successful musical acts of all time, but also one of the most iconic trios in pop culture. These three brothers started out as folk-pop artists in the '60s, but their career exploded in the '70s. Their falsetto voices and danceable songs became synonymous with the disco era.

Hits like "Stayin' Alive," "Night Fever," and "Tragedy" can still fill dance floors to this day. The group's ability to evolve over time, from their early ballads to the dance hits that defined a generation, speaks to their unmatched creativity.

The Three Amigos took the Wild West by storm in the 1986 film "The Three Amigos." Played by Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short, these three bumbling actors are mistaken for real-life heroes when they’re called upon to save a small Mexican village from a ruthless bandit.

What makes this trio iconic isn't just their penchant for hilarious misunderstandings, but the way they ultimately rise to the challenge, proving that friendship and teamwork can overcome even the most dangerous obstacles.

Charlie's Angels may have worked for a mysterious boss they never met, but they always got the job done with style and finesse. This trio of private detectives first captured audiences' attention in the 1970s television series and their legacy has only grown with time.

From their original TV run to the big screen reboots, the Angels have become symbols of empowerment. They blend brains, brawn and beauty to take down criminals and solve mysteries.

The characters from the 1996 movie "The First Wives Club" are unforgettable in the rom com sphere. While they’re not superheroes or crime-fighters, these women are still a force to be reckoned with.

Played by Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton, these three friends band together to get revenge on their cheating ex-husbands. Their story of friendship and empowerment has made them one of the most beloved trios in modern cinema.

Few trios in literature have reached the fame of The Three Musketeers. Created by Alexandre Dumas, Athos, Porthos and Aramis are the ultimate swashbuckling famous trio, fighting for honor, friendship and France.

Even though D'Artagnan eventually joins their ranks, they remain an iconic trio in their own right. If you've ever heard the phrase "all for one, and one for all," you've heard the battle cry of these iconic heroes.

These three high-pitched, mischievous chipmunks have been entertaining audiences since 1958. Whether they're belting out Christmas songs or getting into trouble, this iconic trio always brings the fun.

Alvin and the Chipmunks have appeared in movies, TV shows and even hit the charts with their catchy tunes.

We can't leave out The Three Tenors. A rarity among real-life trios, the opera superstars — Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti and José Carreras — took the world by storm in the 1990s.

Their powerful performances and undeniable chemistry made opera more accessible to mainstream audiences. Although they performed individually before coming together, it was as a trio that they reached new heights. Great talent often works best in threes!

When it comes to girl power, few groups can match Sam, Clover and Alex, secret agents living in Beverly Hills, balancing saving the world with high school drama.

Their high-flying adventures, complete with futuristic gadgets and high-fashion looks, make them one of the most stylish trios in entertainment. And let’s not forget, these girls weren't just about style; they were smart, capable and often outwitted some truly wild villains.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.