40 Most Popular Trios in Anime

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Pop culture commentator Yasin Muhammad shares some iconic anime trios
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If you watch a lot of anime, you may have noticed that a lot of your favorite characters are a part of a trio. This is a common trope for a reason; it creates a sense of balance and tension between the characters. We interviewed a pop culture commentator to compile a list of some of the most popular anime trios of all time—whether they’re friends, enemies, or something in between. Let’s dive in!

Top Anime Trios

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An illustration of popular trios from different anime.

Pop culture commentator Yasin Muhammad says some of the most popular anime trios include Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura from Naruto and Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara from Jujutsu Kaisen. Other iconic trios include Ash, Misty, and Brock from Pokémon and Aang, Katara, and Sokka from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

1

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura (Naruto)

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  1. According to Muhammad, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura are one of the most popular trios in anime.[1] At first, they have a unique dynamic. Naruto has a crush on Sakura, but she thinks he’s annoying; Naruto envies Sasuke; and Sasuke is indifferent toward the other two. Though they spend time apart in Naruto Shippuden, they reunite to save the world, so that’s pretty iconic if you ask us.[2]
    • Have any Naruto hot takes? Take our quiz to find out how many common hot takes you agree with!

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Yasin Muhammad is a pop culture commentator who specializes in creating content about anime, cosplay, fandoms, and entertainment. He has over 1 million followers across social media platforms.

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2

Ash, Misty, and Brock (Pokémon)

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  1. If you played or watched Pokémon growing up, you already knew we had to include Ash, Brock, and Misty on our list! Though Misty and Brock are no longer main characters in the show, they’ve always been great friends to Ash, sticking by his side through many adventures. Ash may have new companions, but it’s hard to replace this original trio.[3]
3

Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo (Dragon Ball)

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  1. It’s hard to narrow down which characters make up the best trio in Dragon Ball, but we had to go with Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo. Though they’ve fought against each other, they went on to become powerful allies who work together to protect the Earth. They also balance each other out, as Goku is optimistic while the others are stoic and cynical.[4]
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4

Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke (Demon Slayer)

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  1. Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu aren’t always the most conventional trio, as they constantly annoy and bicker with each other (plus, Inosuke tried to fight the other two when they first met). But despite getting on each other’s nerves, they trust each other deeply and constantly rely on each other in dangerous situations.[5]
5

Aang, Katara, and Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

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  1. Avatar: The Last Airbender is so popular that even people who don’t normally watch anime have seen it. And part of its popularity is thanks to this trio. Katara and Sokka are siblings, so they bicker a lot, and Aang usually serves as the peacemaker between them. They work well together, and even though they’re later joined by other friends, this trio is the one that started it all.[6]
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6

Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki (My Hero Academia)

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  1. These three may have started out as rivals, but they grew into a powerful trio as the show went on. They have contrasting personalities, and they actually thrive on competing against each other. But despite it all, they have a deep respect for each other and drive each other to be their very best.[7]
7

Sanji, Luffy, and Zoro (One Piece)

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  1. The Straw Hat Pirates all have unique relationships with each other, but one of the most iconic trios is that of Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro. They have a friendly rivalry, but ultimately, they’re all extremely loyal to each other. They’re also the strongest characters who often team up to fight major enemies.[8]
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8

Spike, Jet, and Faye (Cowboy Bebop)

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  1. Spike, Jet, and Faye are all space bounty hunters with distinct personalities. Spike is laidback, Jet is more serious, and Faye is bold and overconfident. They all play off of each other well and work together to navigate dangerous situations while seeking their bounty.[9]
9

Loid, Yor, and Anya Forger (Spy x Family)

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  1. While most popular anime trios are friends (or frenemies), Loud, Yor, and Anya are a family… or at least they’re pretending to be. As a secret agent, Loud has created a fake family to get closer to his target. But despite this, their family dynamic feels very natural, and being together makes them happy.[10]
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10

Jessie, James, and Meowth (Pokémon)

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  1. Team Rocket may be villains, but that doesn’t mean they’re not an iconic trio. They mainly act as comic relief, as their plans to steal Ash’s Pokémon never work in their favor, but you can’t help but love how dramatic they are. And even though they’re bad guys, they actually have a strong friendship.[11]
11

Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara (Jujutsu Kaisen)

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  1. According to Muhammad, Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara are a great trio “where each one of the three characters is strong in their own sense, and they only get stronger by working together.”[12] Yuji and Nobara’s chaotic energy is balanced out by Megumi’s more serious personality, making them a well-rounded group.
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12

Eren, Mikasa, and Armin (Attack on Titan)

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  1. It’s rare that an anime trio is already friends when the show starts, but that’s the case with Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. They were childhood friends who survived the fall of the Wall together, and their bond is only strengthened by their shared trauma.[13]
13

Maka, Black Star, and Death the Kid (Soul Eater)

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  1. Maka, Black Star, and Death the Kid are classmates, but their relationship goes beyond that. As is pretty common in trios, Death the Kid and Black Star have a bit of a rivalry, but these three always succeed when they do battle together. They trust each other and know they have each other’s backs.[14]
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14

Ichigo, Rukia, and Renji (Bleach)

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  1. There are lots of different group dynamics in Bleach, but one of the most notable is the trio between Ichigo, Ruki, and Renji. Rukia serves as a mentor to the soul reapers Ichigo and Renji, and together, they fight against demons.[15]
15

Korra, Mako, and Bolin (The Legend of Korra)

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  1. The Avatar spinoff also has a great trio. Like many great anime trios, there’s a bit of tension when these three first meet, but they come together to form a great Pro Bending team, the Fire Ferrets.[16] Though they have their arguments, they always remain loyal to each other.
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16

Natsu, Lucy, and Happy (Fairy Tail)

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  1. Every friendship is better with a cat. Natsu is a fiery, reckless Dragon Slayer mage, Lucy is on a journey to become a celestial wizard, and Happy… well, he’s there for comedic relief. As with most trios, they balance each other out, and they’re not afraid to cut loose and have a good time. They’re a pretty wholesome group.[17]
17

Daichi, Sugawara, and Asahi (Haikyuu!!)

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  1. Daichi, Sugawara, and Asahi are one of the most notable trios from all sports anime. Since they’re teammates, it’s pretty clear that they work well together. They complement each other, have a strong friendship, and work together to revive the team.[18]
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18

Light, L, and Ryuk (Death Note)

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  1. Anime trios usually work together rather than against each other, but these three are so iconic we had to include them. When Light discovers Ryuk’s Death Note and begins killing people with it, L, a detective, is determined to stop him. The two start a gripping cat-and-mouse game, with Ryuk at the center.[19]
19

Denji, Power, and Aki (Chainsaw Man)

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  1. Consisting of a devil, a human, and a half-devil half-human, this trio is already interesting enough as is. But what makes them even more iconic is their dysfunctional, sibling-like dynamic. They constantly butt heads and rarely get along, but despite it, they come together as a strong team.[20]
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20

Kaminari, Bakugo, and Kirishima (My Hero Academia)

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  1. Bakugo isn’t just a part of one trio; he’s also good friends with Kaminari and Kirishima, especially in the earlier seasons of the show. Bakugo was a bit rough around the edges to say the least, but Kirishima and Kaminari still supported him and saw him as a leader. Kirishima even saved Bakugo, which led Bakugo to respect his friends more.[21]
21

Emma, Norman, and Ray (The Promised Neverland)

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  1. Emma, Norman, and Ray are orphans, but at least they have each other. They’re the three most intelligent children in their orphanage, which helps them survive and figure out what’s really going on. Emma is the leader, Ray is cunning, and Norman is strategic, so they work well as a team.[22]
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22

Rei, Shinji, and Asuka (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

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  1. This trio features two girls and one guy, which is pretty rare for anime trios. Though their relationship isn’t as developed as others, they complement each other well and bond over their shared trauma. They may be dysfunctional, but that’s what makes them so great.[23]
23

Winry Rockbell, Edward Elric, and Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

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  1. Edward and Alphonse are already an iconic duo, but the group gets even better when you add their childhood friend, Winry, to the mix. Her friendship inspires them, and in turn, they inspire her to get better at her craft and heal from her trauma. Plus, Edward and Winry eventually marry, which seals the deal and solidifies them as a trio.[24]
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24

Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Kagura (Gintama)

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  1. If you’re in search of a funny trio, look no further than Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Kagura. These three constantly take on jobs that land them in bizarre situations, which are made even funnier by their banter. They may like to joke around, but beneath it all, their friendship is strong.[25]
25

Guts, Griffith, and Casca (Berserk)

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  1. This group has a complex dynamic. When Guts joins the Band of the Hawk, Griffith loves Guts, and Casca loves Griffith and hates Guts. Though there’s some tension early on, their relationship grows throughout the years, and their interactions are one of the best things about the anime.[26]
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26

Gon, Killua, and Leorio (Hunter x Hunter)

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  1. These three meet while taking the Hunter Exam and quickly develop a strong bond. They team up to pass the exam and continue working together afterward. Though they all have different goals, they come together to learn about the world of the Hunters and themselves.[27]
27

Frieren, Fern, and Stark (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)

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  1. These three have a layered relationship, as Frieren is an elf who is much older than Fern and Stark. She even knew Fern’s adopted father and agreed to take care of Fern after his death.[28] But despite their differences in age and maturity, they all get along and help keep each other grounded. Fern and Stark also both help Frieren learn about friendship and human relationships.
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28

Conan, Ran, and Kogoro (Detective Conan)

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  1. Some iconic trios are based on lies, and when they’re as iconic as this one, that’s okay. Conan Edogawa looks like a little kid, but he’s actually a teenager who was aged down after being poisoned. Now, he lives with his friend, Ran, and her father, Kogoro, without revealing his identity. Despite all the secrets, the three of them work well together to solve cases.[29]
29

Lupin, Jigen, and Goemon (Lupin III)

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  1. Lupin III may be from the ‘60s, but this trio has stood the test of time. Jigen and Goemon initially tried to take Lupin down, but then he managed to convince them to join him. They all went on to use their unique skills to support each other and develop a true friendship.[30]
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30

Komi, Tadano, and Najimi (Komi Can’t Communicate)

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  1. Komi, Tadano, and Najimi are a pretty realistic and relatable trio. They’re a group of high school students who become friends despite their differences; Komi is shy, Najimi is outgoing, and Tadano is selfless and perceptive. They’re a great reminder of how important it is to have a core group of friends to rely on.[31]
31

Subaru, Emilia, and Puck (Re:Zero)

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  1. When Subaru is reincarnated into a fantasy world, he quickly teams up with Emilia, a half-elf, and Puck, a cat who serves as her protector. Together, they survive dangerous challenges and work to help Emilia become the next ruler of the kingdom.[32]
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32

Senku, Taiju, and Yuzuriha (Dr. Stone)

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  1. Senku, Taiju, and Yuzuriha’s relationship began when they were high school students, but their dynamic got even more interesting when they were all turned to stone and awoke thousands of years later. They each know what they’re capable of and what their limits are, so they work together to save everyone that was destroyed by Tsukasa.[33]
33

Saitama, Genos, and King (One Punch Man)

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  1. This trio shows that heroes know how to have fun. Saitama can knock out his opponents with one punch, Genos is a cyborg who wants to be stronger, and King is believed to be a hero but actually has no powers at all. Despite their differences, they bond and form a friendship in which they enjoy shopping, eating, and playing video games together.[34]
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34

Madoka, Homura, and Sayaka (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

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  1. Madoka Magica isn’t your average magical girl anime, and Madoka, Homura, and Sayaka aren’t your average magical girls. Together, this trio faces witches, who are actually former magical girls. Madoka’s experiences with her friends are significant, leading her to rewrite history at the end of the series.[35]
35

Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine (Noragami)

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  1. Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine aren’t your average trio. Yato is a god, Hiyori’s soul can leave her body, and Yukine is a spirit that lives inside a weapon. Yukine and Yato tend to butt heads, but Hiyori balances them out, and they all work quite well together despite their differences.[36]
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36

Mugen, Jin, and Fu (Samurai Champloo)

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  1. Samurai Champloo is a classic samurai anime following the trio of Mugen, Jin, and Fu as they travel together. They all have very different personalities, values, and goals, which makes it hard to believe they’d work as a trio. Even though they have their arguments, they try to make the best of their situation, which results in many laughs for the viewer.[37]
37

Vash, Meryl, and Milly (Trigun)

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  1. Meryl and Milly really help Vash develop as a character. After being a loner for the majority of his life, he manages to form deep connections with both of them, which at one time seemed impossible. Vash is bright and cheerful, while the others help keep him down-to-earth.
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38

Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Kurama (Yu Yu Hakusho)

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  1. You can’t investigate demons alone! When Yusuke is brought back to life and becomes a Spirit Detective, he finds some unexpected allies: his former rival Kuwabara and a fox demon named Kurama. The three are unlikely friends, but they fight together to protect humanity from spirits and demons.[38]
39

Laois Touden, Chilchuck Tims, and Marcille Donato (Delicious in Dungeon)

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  1. This group is actually a quartet, but when their fourth member, Laois Touden’s sister, is consumed by a dragon, the other three work together to save her. It’s clear that these three are incredibly loyal and will do anything to help each other, even when they have bad or dangerous ideas.[39]
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40

Nanoha, Fate, and Hayate (Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A’s)

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  1. Nanoha, Fate, and Hayate initially began as rivals. In fact, Nanoha spent most of the first season fighting against Fate. When they finally start working together, they then have to do the same with Hayate. But they eventually form a loyal team and even become roommates, so it all worked out in the end.

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References

  1. ↑ Yasin Muhammad. Pop Culture Commentator. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://screenrant.com/greatest-anime-trios-ever-ranked/
  3. ↑ https://screenrant.com/greatest-anime-trios-ever-ranked/
  4. ↑ https://www.animesoulking.com/2023/03/26/anime-trios/
  5. ↑ https://screenrant.com/greatest-anime-trios-ever-ranked/
  6. ↑ https://ba-sing-se.fandom.com/nl/wiki/Aang's_Relationships
  7. ↑ https://screenrant.com/greatest-anime-trios-ever-ranked/
  8. ↑ https://screenrant.com/greatest-anime-trios-ever-ranked/
  9. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-anime-trios/
  1. ↑ https://recommendmeanime.com/top-anime-trios/
  2. ↑ https://thebackdash.com/anime/best-trios-of-all-time-in-anime-history/
  3. ↑ Yasin Muhammad. Pop Culture Commentator. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://screenrant.com/greatest-anime-trios-ever-ranked/
  5. ↑ https://www.animesoulking.com/2023/03/26/anime-trios/
  6. ↑ https://dribly.com/top-7-strongest-trios-in-anime-explained-2023-anime-characters-listicle/
  7. ↑ https://avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Future_Industries_Fire_Ferrets
  8. ↑ https://quotetheanime.com/character-type/best-trios-in-anime/
  9. ↑ https://www.thegamer.com/best-anime-trios/
  10. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-anime-trios/
  11. ↑ https://screenrant.com/greatest-anime-trios-ever-ranked/
  12. ↑ https://quotetheanime.com/character-type/best-trios-in-anime/
  13. ↑ https://recommendmeanime.com/top-anime-trios/
  14. ↑ https://screenrant.com/greatest-anime-trios-ever-ranked/
  15. ↑ https://quotetheanime.com/character-type/best-trios-in-anime/
  16. ↑ https://gamerant.com/anime-trios-better-than-yuji-megumi-nobara/
  17. ↑ https://quotetheanime.com/character-type/best-trios-in-anime/
  18. ↑ https://dribly.com/top-7-strongest-trios-in-anime-explained-2023-anime-characters-listicle/
  19. ↑ https://frieren.fandom.com/wiki/Fern
  20. ↑ https://www.detectiveconanworld.com/wiki/Detective_Conan
  21. ↑ https://thebackdash.com/anime/best-trios-of-all-time-in-anime-history/
  22. ↑ https://komisan.fandom.com/wiki/Komi_Shouko/Relationships
  23. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-anime-trios/
  24. ↑ https://dr-stone.fandom.com/wiki/Dr._Stone_Wiki
  25. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-anime-trios/
  26. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-anime-trios/
  27. ↑ https://recommendmeanime.com/top-anime-trios/
  28. ↑ https://recommendmeanime.com/top-anime-trios/
  29. ↑ https://www.dualshockers.com/best-anime-trios/
  30. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21621494/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_ov_pl

About This Article

Yasin Muhammad
Co-authored by:
Yasin Muhammad
Pop Culture Commentator
This article was co-authored by Yasin Muhammad and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Yasin Muhammad is a content creator based in Las Vegas, Nevada. With over 5 years of experience, Yasin specializes in creating content around pop culture, fandoms, entertainment, and anime & cosplay. Yasin leverages storytelling to allow people to reconnect with wonder through pop culture, building a community of over 1 million followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram where he’s known as @yaseenthatguy. He has also partnered with both emerging brands and global names, including Mini Katana, Kanpai Foodz, Capitol Records, G Fuel, ExpressVPN, and more. This article has been viewed 3,168 times.
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