Anime trios are some of the medium's most diverse and complex dynamics. In particular, shonen trios are rich with hilarious banter and intriguing rivalries between the characters that drive the story forward in a conducive and engaging way.
There are plenty of iconic trios found throughout anime, but none are more famous than a series' leading trio. Duos are entertaining too, but the more, the merrier in this case. These outstanding trios have fought some of the genre's most evil villains, stuck together through brutal training arcs, and cheered each other on during the most pivotal battles in their series.
10 Deku, Bakugo, & Todoroki Work Well When They Put Their Differences Aside (My Hero Academia)
When they first met, Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki got along like cats and dogs. Deku and Bakugo had a long, complicated history together, while Bakugo viewed Todoroki as his competition. Deku and Todoroki were initially set up to become rivals, too, but they worked out their differences after the U.A. Sports Festival.
However, they've all grown closer throughout My Hero Academia, even if Bakugo is too stubborn to admit it. After Bakugo and Todoroki had to re-test for their pro-hero licenses, their relationship got a bit better. The trio grew even closer after Todoroki invited them to study with him under Endeavor. When they put their differences aside, they're an unbeatable trio.
9 Yato, Yukine, & Hiyori Have A Unique Dynamic (Noragami)
Yato, Yukine, and Hiyori have one of shonen's most unique trio dynamics solely because of Noragami's supernatural premise. Yato is an irrelevant god who, despite not having a single shrine in his honor, sets out to become one of the most famous gods.
Yukine is his shinki, while Hiyori is an ordinary high schooler who got caught up in their antics because Yato owes her the massive favor of fully restoring her soul back to her body. Yato and Yukine have a heartwarming friendship as a god and his sidekick. Yukine initially seemed to have feelings for Hiyori, but they're just close friends. Interestingly, Yato and Hiyori eventually developed feelings for each other.
8 Maka, Death The Kid, & Black☆Star Are A Killer Trio (Soul Eater)
Soul Eater's protagonist, Maka, is often outshined by some of the series' side characters, especially Death the Kid and Black☆Star. However, she cannot go forgotten because the series wouldn't have such a killer trio leading the way without her. They're all meisters who study at the Death Weapon Meister Academy, and they've taken down several of the most dangerous opponents in the show.
Maka is the voice of reason in the group and is never afraid to speak her mind, while Black☆Star is significantly more impulsive and notoriously arrogant. Meanwhile, Death The Kid's eye-catching design and trademark obsession with symmetry make him one of anime's most memorable characters. All personality quirks aside, these three are an outstanding trio who deserve as much praise as their contemporaries from other series.
7 Luffy, Zoro, & Sanji Are The Backbone Of The Straw Hat Pirates (One Piece)
Even though Luffy is the Straw Hat Pirates' captain, Zoro and Sanji are every bit as important to keeping the crew afloat. Throughout One Piece, this trio has kept the audience laughing and cheering them on as they act out their daily antics and take down the series' most despicable foes.
They're all goofy, excitable guys who don't take life too seriously. They always encourage each other to follow their dreams and have an unbreakable bond because of how much they've endured together.
6 Tanjiro, Zenitsu, & Inosuke Are The Best Boys Of The Demon Slayer Corps
Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke have been through a lot together throughout Demon Slayer. Even though they butted heads at first, they learned how to get along and are each other's closest allies. These three will always have each other's backs as they hunt down Muzan and take down the most vicious demons.
Tanjiro is the calm, compassionate voice of reason to balance out Zenitsu's hilariously neurotic personality and Inosuke's boorishly short temper. With their nichirin swords in hand, this trio has achieved a few Hashira-level accomplishments, cementing them as the Demon Slayer Corps' best boys.
5 Eren, Mikasa, & Armin Have Become One Of Shonen's Most Iconic Trios (Attack On Titan)
Eren, Mikasa, and Armin joined the Survey Corps after the Titans wreaked havoc on their hometown. Mainly led by Eren's goal of eradicating all the Titans and Armin's dream of visiting the sea beyond the walls, this trio has become one of shonen anime's most iconic after Attack On Titan started airing back in 2013.
They've all known each other since childhood and have a found family dynamic since they stuck together after the Titans ravaged Shiganshina. They were left to pick up the pieces together, and though they may disagree at times, there's no denying that they have a lovely dynamic.
4 Naruto, Sasuke, & Sakura Are The Blueprint Of Shonen Trios
Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno are the blueprint for all shonen trios. While their dynamic certainly has its flaws, there's no denying that Team 7 became a phenomenon. Naruto and Sasuke have an iconic rivalry that's hard to beat, while Sakura is the hot-headed voice of reason for the gang.
They're all adept ninjas, but Sakura was the brains to balance Naruto and Sasuke's brawn. They've been together since their time at the Ninja Academy, and even though none of them wanted to be on a team together at first, they were shocked by how well they worked together.
3 Gintoki, Kagura, & Shinpachi Are A Lovable Trio (Gintama)
While Gintama isn't the most popular shonen series these days, the dynamic between Gintoki, Kagura, and Shinpachi is timelessly praiseworthy. Gintoki is one of shonen's most lovable heroes, while Kagura is one of anime's most well-written female characters. Shinpachi balances out the antics of the other two, but he tends to get dragged into them anyway.
The trio works at Yorozuya, picking up whatever odd jobs they can find. When they aren't working, they're taking down the aliens who invaded the planet and proving their strengths while doing it. Gintoki might look lazy, but he's a master samurai. Similarly, Kagura might have a goofy personality and ridiculous personality quirks, but she's one of the strongest characters in the series.
2 Denji, Power, & Aki Are One Of The Greatest New Generation Shonen Trios (Chainsaw Man)
Denji, Power, and Aki are the tritagonists of Chainsaw Man. They're one of the greatest new generation shonen trios because of their unique dynamic, lovable personalities, and hilarious interactions throughout the story. Denji is a simple teenage boy who yearns for the essentials like food, shelter, and the warmth of another human being.
Power is a blood fiend with eccentric personality quirks and an impressively high IQ ranging from 500 to 1,000. Their combined antics are stressful for everyone around them, especially Aki. He's the most "normal" of the three and, though he wouldn't admit it, cares about them a lot. He became a Devil Hunter to avenge his family but temporarily cast that aspiration aside because he wanted to protect Denji and Power.
1 Yuji, Nobara, & Megumi Are A Shonen Trio Unlike Any Other (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Jujutsu Kaisen's leading trio Yuji, Nobara, and Megumi, have a dynamic unlike any other in shonen anime. Though they play on similar tropes as their predecessors, this trio is just another example of how the series constantly reinvents the wheel for what's expected from the genre.
Yuji is a lovable protagonist who never let the world's cruelness consume him, despite the odds stacking against him. Megumi is the classic dark and mysterious type who could have easily been Yuji's rival, but instead, they're just good friends with the same goal of protecting humanity. Nobara is the standout female lead that fans have been waiting for, and her friendship with Yuji is hilarious, yet endearing. They tend to get on Megumi's nerves, but nothing can ever get between these three.