Plasma-sprayed Cr$_2$O$_3$-based coatings containing MoO$_3$were studied to gain a better understanding of the influence of MoO$_3$composition in the coatings on their tribological behaviour. A reciprocal type tribo-tester was employed to examine friction and wear behavior of the specimens at room temperature. The physical characteristics of worn surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and chemical composition of the coating surfaces was analyzed using a X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. The results showed that friction coefficient of the MoO$_3$-added coatings were lower than those without MoO$_3$addition. However pure Cr$_2$O$_3$coating showed the lowest wear loss at the self-mated test. The larger protecting layers were observed at the worn surface of plasma spray coated specimens with MoO$_3$addition. XPS analysis of the protecting layer indicated that MoO$_3$composition was dominantly formed at the surface. MoO$_3$composition in the protecting layer appears to be more favorable in reducing the friction.