Ternary Mo-B-C thin films deposited at low temperature have been investigated. Low carbon content films are nanocomposites of MoB2 − x and a-BCx tissue phase. High carbon content films are amorphous nanocomposites of Mo-rich and Mo-poor phases. H decreases (29–22 GPa) with C content, while resistivity increases (175–395 μΩ cm). Films show high coefficient of friction (0.8–1.1) in non-lubricated sliding