By Alyssa Gawaran , Yosra Iagha , and Amanda Minchin
Updated
Cartoon characters have entertained fans for decades, though a few like Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, and even Homer Simpson stand tall above the rest.
Summary
- Cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse are iconic, defining pop culture for generations through their classic antics and charm.
- From the adventures of Ash Ketchum and Pikachu to the mischievous antics of Tom and Jerry, animated characters continue to capture hearts.
- With witty humor and memorable catchphrases, characters like Fred Flintstone and SpongeBob SquarePants have become beloved symbols of American TV.
Animation is a rich medium. Cartoons are a staple for visual entertainment, one that easily surpasses the long history of their studios. Some of the most recognizable characters and personalities have come from this realm, as storytellers have been telling series aimed at kids but also more adult-oriented stories with the art form.
Cartoon characters are celebrities in their own right. From their insatiable personalities to their merchandise, these beloved animated cartoon characters have made names for themselves in popular culture, entertainment, and beyond. At their height, audiences want to both watch them and be them. While classic characters often embodied simple designs with easily identifiable personalities, many modern-day cartoon characters have evolved with more complex character dynamics, animation styles, and storylines. With that in mind, here are the best cartoon characters of all time, ranked.
Updated May 19, 2024: This article has been updated with additional content and even more information about the best cartoon characters of all time.
35 Courage the Cowardly Dog
Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999–2002)
Courage the Cowardly Dog follows a cowardly dog who lives in the middle of Nowhere, Kansas, with his humans, Eustace and Muriel Bagge. In spite of his reservations, Courage is constantly saving his humans from all sorts of terrible fates, from alien abductions to insidious illnesses. Though he may not always be successful, he'll always reluctantly come to save the day.
The Bravest Coward You'll Ever see
While 100% marketed to children, Courage the Cowardly Dog definitely had some deep, dark, and terrifying undertones. The ominousness and often genuinely unsettling nature of his adventures makes him all the more fun to root for. His incredibly animated expressions, impeccable voice provided by Marty Grabstein, and his ability to overcome even the most terrifying of foes made him — and the accompanying show — an incredible watch. Courage's wholesomeness, paired with Eustace's insistent efforts to get rid of him, made audiences root for him, feel for him, and become his biggest fans. Stream Courage the Cowardly Dog on Max.
34 Woody Woodpecker
Woody Woodpecker and Related Series (1940–Present)
Woody Woodpecker is a cartoon character who was created in 1940 by cartoonist Walter Lantz. Loosely based on a real-life woodpecker, Woody is an energetic, manic cartoon character whose off-the-wall personality is best encapsulated with his signature laugh. He first appeared as a supporting character in an Andy Panda cartoon, Knock Knock, but would eventually branch off into his own series of shorts due to his popularity.
A Surprisingly Beloved Universal Mascot
Woody is the kind of adventurous troublemaker you can never have enough of. Wherever he is, whether on the beach, on a train, in a supermarket, or even at his house, Woody is always the life of the party. His special signature laugh is the sweetest, most grating nostalgia that's just barely outmatched by his penchant for getting into some real trouble.
The character's laugh would even be repurposed in a smash-hit song, "The Woody Woodpecker Song", which made its animated debut in Wet Blanket Policy. The song's impressive quality netted it an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, with the accompanying short being the first and only animated short to earn such a nomination. A live-action film featuring the character, simply titled Woody Woodpecker, was released in 2017. Another film, Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp, was released on Netflix in 2024. Stream Woody Woodpecker and Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp on Netflix.
Woody Woodpecker
PG
Animation
Comedy
Family
- Release Date
- October 5, 2017
- Director
- Alex Zamm
- Cast
- Timothy Omundson , Thaila Ayala , Eric Bauza , Graham Verchere , Jordana Largy , Scott McNeil
- Tagline
- Get ready for a lesson about the bird and the bees.
33 Phineas and Ferb
Phineas and Ferb (2007–Present)
Phineas and Ferb is a show that came out on Disney Channel in 2007. Inspired by The Simpsons and Rocko's Modern Life, the series followed a pair of stepbrothers with some pretty grand ideas about how to spend their summer vacations. Meanwhile, their sister, Candace, is constantly at their heels, ready to tattle on their every misdeed. There's also their pet platypus, Perry, who is busy saving the world from the incompetent Dr. Doofenshmirtz as a covert government agent.
One of Disney's Modern Favorites
A favorite of kids not bogged down by summer school, the show recently received an animated revival that kept the characters alive for a new generation, one that will hopefully have just as many guest appearances as the former.
The titular brothers might be some of the most iconic cartoon characters of their generation. The stepbrother's schemes are nothing if not intricate. They got involved in some of the most over-the-top antics fans have ever seen, featuring mostly impossible construction projects on an epic scale. Inevitably, Perry's and the boy's plots would intersect just in time to save them from their mother's scorn, to the despair of their tattling sister. These two define a child's dream summer on-screen, winning numerous awards for their stellar storytelling and catchy musical numbers. Stream Phineas and Ferb on Disney+.
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32 Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty (2013–Present)
The widespread reach of the sci-fi sitcom Rick and Morty has propelled the titular characters into the highest realms of pop culture and launched a marketing storm since it came out in 2013. Anything and everything is possible in this fourth wall-shattering universe of sci-fi and geekdom lore.
Originally envisioned as a grotesque parody of Back to the Future, the titular duo of Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith embark on adventures of all sorts all across the galaxy. While cracking jokes and poking fun at genre tropes, the series occasionally ventures into darker territory that accompanies explorations of personal trauma, depression, and existential concepts.
Adult Swim's Incredible Commercial Success
While the entire family is hilarious, the highlights of the show are easily the two title characters. Both Rick (a crazy scientist) and Morty (his grandson) have become an unlikely cartoon duo for the ages, as they travel through universes in the name of science and tomfoolery. Though recent controversies have led to major changes, including recasting the voice behind both characters, the series itself has survived and thrived since. The duo's compelling relationship on-screen even snagged several Emmys in the Outstanding Animated Program category. Stream Rick and Morty on Hulu and Max.
31 Finn and Jake
Adventure Time (2010–2018)
Adventure Time came out in 2010 and ran for 10 incredible seasons. Across nearly 300 episodes, we follow a boy named Finn the Human, and his best friend, Jake the Dog, as they take on new quests in a colorful post-apocalyptic fantasy world. In the mystical Land of Ooo, the duo will find themselves going on wacky adventures while gradually uncovering the mysteries behind Ooo's history, Finn's strange origins, and looming threats hiding in the shadows.
A Flagship Pairing for Cartoon Network
The iconic duo of Finn the Human (voiced by Jeremy Shada) and Jake the Dog (voiced by John DiMaggio) are as quirky as they are heartwarming. Along with Regular Show, the duo and their accompanying series have been credited with starting a new creative renaissance on Cartoon Network that lasted throughout the 2010s, with their enduring popularity dominating pop culture throughout the decade. The sheer mass of Adventure Time merchandise that features both characters is more than enough to highlight their impact on the animated world, even to this day. A spin-off series airing on Max, Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake, was renewed for a second season. Stream Adventure Time on Max.
30 Peter and Stewie Griffin
Family Guy (1999–Present)
Family Guy is an adult comedy show that has been on the air since 1999. While far from being the longest-running animated sitcom (though it comes close), the charm of this show has not been lost. The series focuses on the Griffins, an average middle-class family helmed by Peter Griffin, the family patriarch. Along with Lois, Peter's wife, and their three children (Meg, Chris, and Stewie Griffin), they live in the middle of Quahog, Rhode Island. Whether intentionally or not, the Griffins find themselves in a plethora of domestic squabbles and globetrotting adventures.
A Terrific Comedy Pairing
While Family Guy is chock-full of unique characters, ranging from the Griffin's neighbors to the many eclectic residents of Quahog, Peter Griffin and Stewie take this comedy to a whole new level. Both Peter, the dumb as rocks, sitcom dad, and Stewie, the evil genius baby, are voiced by the talented Seth McFarlane.
The juxtaposition of intelligence and age between the two, as registered by Stewie's many quips about the adult figures around him, makes for some dynamite comedy. Even if they're not bouncing off of each other's personalities, they often steal the show whenever they're the focus of Family Guy's best episodes. It's a testament to the show's enduring popularity on the internet, either through genuine enjoyment or ironic memes. Stream Family Guy on Hulu.
29 The Jetson Family
The Jetsons (1962–1987)
Famous families are a common theme in entertainment. If you think about famous animated families, however, it's really hard to leave out The Jetsons. A family living their lives in the far future, they starred in their own animated sitcom that aired alongside another Hanna-Barbera classic, The Flintstones. Premiering in 1962, the series perfectly coincided with the ongoing Space Race, and was also one of the first animated series aired in color. Despite running for only three seasons, The Jetsons made their mark in animated character history and appeared in a couple of animated specials long after the series ended.
Another Iconic Hanna-Barbera Series
A precursor to future live-action comedies like The Brady Bunch, this family serves as a time capsule for what the 60s thought the future might look like, perfectly capturing a charming form of retrofuturism with plenty of laughs to boot. From the affable George Jetson and the fashionable Jane Jetson to their two children, Judy and Elroy, this futuristic family would help showcase the fun of utopian science fiction. The family dog, Astro, would even share some similarities to Hanna-Barbera's other famous talking dog, Scooby-Doo, several years before the latter's official television debut. Stream The Jetsons on Max.
28 Hank Hill
King of the Hill (1997–2010)
This wouldn't be a list without Hank Hill on it. Hank Hill of King of the Hill is a Texas-bred everyman. A seller of propane and propane accessories, this mild-mannered Southerner has a trigger full of Dadisms and jokes ready and waiting. He's at the helm of the Hill family, which includes his flighty but well-meaning wife, Peggy; Peggy's niece, Luanne; and his sole son, Bobby. He also regularly winds down with his neighbors and his on-again, off-again rival, Kahn Souphanousinphone.
Hank Hill Is an Understated Icon
The humor in this show is understated, for sure, mimicking that of the main character. Don't get things square, though — Hank can put up with the best of them. His voice, perfectly played by Mike Judge, is downright iconic, and his classic catchphrases are some of the most well-known in the history of animated sitcoms.
But what makes Hank an especially exceptional character is his set of morals. While Hank's conservative views frequently come into play throughout the series, Hank himself is a character whose individual values and beliefs supersede his political alignments. He's less of a stand-in and more of an actual person, making him a genuinely engaging character that changes and grows throughout the series. Stream King of the Hill on Hulu.
27 Sterling Archer
Archer (2009–2023)
Perhaps as far from understated as they come, Sterling Archer from Archer is an obvious offshoot of film spies like James Bond. He's combat handy, full of dumb luck and gin, and has a penchant for one-night stands, with his accompanying show carrying these faults to the nth extreme. The only difference between Codename duch*ess and his hard-boiled counterparts is that the agency he works for is run by his controlling mother, who was played by the late Jessica Walter.
A Superb and Salacious Super Spy
While there is an influx of ridiculous and fun characters in this series, Archer is the one who stands out as the face of the organization (and, therefore, the show). Despite his crude sense of humor and brash attitude, his effectiveness in his many operations is unparalleled — even if he wasn't necessarily sober for most of them. Better yet, as the series progresses, Archer's callous exterior is slowly chipped away to give him some more positive personality traits, with the ever-changing landscape he resides in forcing him to mature into a more well-rounded person. Across every season of Archer, the title character has been both a laugh riot and a thoroughly compelling lead. Stream Archer on Hulu.
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26 The Powerpuff Girls
The Powerpuff Girls (1998–2005)
The Powerpuff Girls are the cutest little superheroes out there. Bubbles is the sweet and quiet one, Buttercup is a bit more rough around the edges, and Blossom is in control as the leader of the team, under the watchful eye of their father figure, Professor Utonium. In their accompanying series, they defend the city of Townsville from colorful threats, while also dealing with the daily troubles that come with being a kindergartner.
Craig McCracken's Best Series
The aesthetic of these test-tube sisters impressed fans clamoring for young, female superheroes. The Powerpuff Girls are full of fun and heartfelt family dynamics as the adopted children of their creator, all while setting the stage for series creator Craig McCracken's illustrious career in animation. They would even be the subject of the first-ever theatrical production by Cartoon Network Studios in The Powerpuff Girls Movie, even if it didn't perform that well at the box office. While there have been a few attempts at bringing the Powerpuff Girls to live-action, they will always be better as cartoon heroes. Stream The Powerpuff Girls on Max.
25 The Belcher Family
Bob's Burgers (2011–Present)
The character ensemble in Bob's Burgers has made the rounds in popular culture ever since its inception in 2011. The series centers around a family-run business that's always a step or two away from closing its doors. Set in a rough-around-the-edges boardwalk town, the Belcher family's quirkiness fits right in. From the over-the-top Linda, to the conniving Louise, the awkward Tina, the insufferable but well-meaning Jean, and burger-artist extraordinaire Bob, each character is well fleshed out within this family unit.
A Relatable But Hilarious Family
Cartoons like Bob's Burgers offers a fantastic bridge between audiences through families like the Belchers. They're as relatable as they are ridiculous for those who've either worked in a family-run business or flipped burgers on the side. The show is absolutely hilarious and showcases characters that resonate with adults and young adults alike, making a noticeable shift towards more sentimental storytelling as the years have gone by.
Credit must also be given to the "memeability" of these characters, their charming character designs, their limited but expressive animation, and their incredible voice acting. Without the talents of H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, and Kristen Schaal, there's a good chance this lovable cast of characters wouldn't have stuck around for as long as they have. Stream Bob's Burgers on Hulu.
24 Bender
Futurama (1999–Present)
Futurama's Bender has about as many lives as the show itself. Having switched from Fox in 2003 to Comedy Central and Hulu off and on in the years to come, Futurama is the adult comedy that keeps on giving. The show centers around Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery person who accidentally gets cryogenically frozen, only to wake up decades later in a strange new world of flying cars and robots.
Bender is just one of the many "helpful" robots Fry meets, but he sure as heck is a memorable one. Bender is a Bending Industrial Robot who works for Fry's current employer, Planet Express. Together, the two often team up to make their deliveries on time.
A Comedic Standout
Bender's nonchalant and, at times, hostile attitude towards his duties often gets them in trouble. Known about as much for his crassness as his drinking, Bender is an unlikely ally who can get them into about as many situations as he can get them out of. He's easily one of the most recognizable and beloved members of Futurama's colorful cast, one made even more memorable by the many episodes that focus on his antics and endless stream of irreverent catchphrases. Stream Futurama on Hulu.
23 Betty Boop
Betty Boop Film Series (1930–2018)
Old-school cartoon characters like Betty Boop seem unable to age. She has also been the star of multiple projects since her debut in 1930, quickly rocketing into pop culture due to her innocent-looking design that endured throughout the decades. Thought to have initially been inspired by Helen Kane, new evidence has been posed to suggest her infamous pitch and “Boop-oop-a-doop” lyrics are reminiscent of Esther "Baby Esther" Jones.
A Charming Icon of the 1930s
Boop is one of the most charming cartoon characters ever created, both in personality and looks. The latter was even partially groundbreaking at the time of its release when compared to other female cartoons at the time. It's a miracle her Jazz-time looks made it through the Hayes Code days relatively unscathed.
The vintage and slightly mischievous look Boop embodied remains perpetually iconic to this day. Her appearance has since been replicated in modern-day cartoons like Drawn Together, which saw the character Toot acting as a parody of Betty Boop, and The Cuphead Show, which paid tribute to the many cartoons developed by Max Fleischer altogether. Her image has appeared on everything from t-shirts to backpacks across every corner of the globe. Stream the many Betty Boop shorts on Tubi.
22 Yakko, Wakko, and Dot Warner
Animaniacs (1993–1998; 2020–2023)
The Animaniacs is the second animated series produced by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Animation (the first being Tiny Toon Adventures). In keeping with the Warner Bros. theme, the series follows the wacky adventures of the Warner Brothers (Wakko and Yakko) and the Warner Sister, Dot, as they run around the titular movie lot. Each episode featured short segments featuring original characters, from Elmyra and Slappy Squirrel to Pinky and the Brain, as well as segments featuring the titular trio.
Enjoyable for Kids and Adults Alike
This threesome, however, ruled the show with their insightful, fourth-wall-smashing dialogue and time travel. They were as enjoyable for kids as they were for adults, often lampooning contemporary media at the time while slipping more than a handful of mature jokes past the censors. They were educational as well as entertaining, with iconic songs like "Yakko's World" and "The Presidents" being catchy staples of classrooms and home viewings alike. Even the brief revival that endured throughout the early 2020s managed to rekindle a bit of what made these characters so memorable to begin with. Stream Animaniacs on Hulu.
Animaniacs (2020)
Animation
Comedy
- Release Date
- November 20, 2020
- Cast
- Rob Paulsen , Jess Harnell , Tress MacNeille , Maurice LaMarche
- Studio
- Hulu
21 Dora the Explorer
Dora the Explorer (2000–2019)
Dora the Explorer had the daunting task of having to help young kids solve problems and find their way, all while teaching them the ABC's of Spanish language learning. This interactive show had the iconic Dora as its face, all while she went on low-stakes adventures that covered a variety of educational subjects. Kids adored the curious Dora and her animal friends like Boots and Tico, who often shared in her adventures.
Still Popular Today
Her cousin even starred in a spin-off series called Go, Diego, Go that further propelled the characters to stardom. Dora, however, has been and will always be the main star. Dora the Explorer has become so popular that a live-action movie adaptation of the show was even released in 2019 called Dora and the Lost City of Gold. Stream the Dora the Explorer franchise on Paramount+.
20 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Franchise (1987–Present)
The group known as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are iconic in the world of cartoons and animation. These four crime-fighting turtles live in the sewers of New York, have impeccable martial arts skills, and love pizza. Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo got their start in a much darker comic series before making the jump to Saturday Morning animation and feature film adaptations.
A New Series for Every Generation
Since then, the Turtles have starred in quite a few animated series over the years, each of which has reimagined the youthful ninjas for new generations. Whether you love the original 1987 series, the edgier and serialized 2003 series, or the newest feature-length film, Mutant Mayhem, these reptilian martial artists have etched out a comfortable niche for themselves across decades of media. They have also starred in multiple live-action and animated movie franchises as well, with the latest series, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, set for release sometime in 2024. Stream the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise on Paramount+.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Animation
Action
Adventure
- Release Date
- August 4, 2023
- Cast
- Paul Rudd , Giancarlo Esposito , Rose Byrne , Jackie Chan , Seth Rogen , John Cena , Natasia Demetriou , Maya Rudolph , Ice Cube
- Studio
- Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Point Grey Pictures, Image Comics
19 Popeye the Sailor Man
Popeye Films & Cartoons (1939–2018)
Popeye is as universal as he is iconic. From his disproportionate musculature to his corn cob pipe, one good eye, and penchant for spinach, Popeye has graced the world with his presence since his comic appearance all the way back in 1929. His tell-tale hiccuping laugh and brazen appearance were created by Elzie Crisler Segar. This sailor hangs around with his lady love, Olive Oil, his ward Swee'Pea, and his hungry friend Wimpy. Robin Williams also brought the classic cartoon character to life in the live-action Popeye adaptation from 1980.
Still the Same Sailor All These Years Later
That being said, Popeye may not be a cartoon character that can ride on overreaching storylines and character development, let alone continuity. In fact, he seems to have the same habits and mannerisms throughout his entire existence. In a way, it allowed him to become universal: no matter where you go, no matter how far back you look in the character's history, he's still the classic sailor you'd come to expect. It's still hard to mistake his distinguished laugh or penchant for healthy eating, with both reappearing in references and direct parodies in other media for decades. Stream the Popeye shorts on Tubi.
18 Casper the Friendly Ghost
Various Casper Animated Series (1959–2012)
Casper the Friendly Ghost has had a surprisingly long-lasting work history. From the original theatrical shorts to the fantastic live-action films featuring the adorable ghost, Casper challenges the belief that ghosts and the paranormal are things to be feared. He was an adorable white apparition who made a plethora of television appearances, though his more mischievous uncles fit the stereotypical bill for poltergeists.
A Supernatural Symbol
Casper has touched many generations of young people who fell in love with him from 1945 to today in both live-action films and animated forms. For a time, he was also one of the flagship characters for the now-defunct Harvey Comics publication, who were also responsible for bringing characters like Richie Rich and Little Audrey to life. Though his presence in pop culture may have diminished over the years, even after a brief crossover with Ghostbusters, it's also worth noting that he was also the first fully computer-generated character to have a lead role in a feature-length film, beating Toy Story by just a few months in 1995. Buy or Rent Casper (1995) on Apple TV.
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17 Garfield
Garfield and Friends and Related Series (1980–2020)
Animals have always been popular and always charming characters for animators, with Garfield being an excellent example. One of the most famous cartoon cats around, with his sly smile and mischievous look, Garfield is one of the first faces to come to mind when fans think about popular cartoon characters, let alone animated animals. His penchant for eating large portions of Italian cuisine and great distaste for Mondays make him highly relatable, even when he's doing the most malicious of kitty cat things.
Garfield Was Everywhere
Garfield and Friends came out in 1988 after the character's debut in his comic strips, with a few other animated programs and live-action films debuting in the coming years. You could argue that the character's popularity is partially attributed to this, as Garfield's branding was famously — or infamously, depending on who you ask — plastered over just about everything you can imagine. Thankfully, his animated outings continue to entertain audiences of all generations, even if it's for reasons you may not expect. Garfield will return to the big screen once more in a new animated movie, voiced by Chris Pratt this time around, which is set for release on May 24, 2024. Stream Garfield and Friends on Peaco*ck.
The Garfield Movie
Animation
Adventure
Comedy
- Release Date
- May 24, 2024
- Cast
- Hannah Waddingham , Nicholas Hoult , Chris Pratt , Samuel L. Jackson , Brett Goldstein , Ving Rhames
- Studio
- Alcon Entertainment, Columbia Pictures, Paws
- Tagline
- He gets bigger.
16 Tweety and Sylvester
Looney Tunes (1930–Present)
Tweety and his nemesis Sylvester are both famous Looney Tunes that also had their own show. The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries, a series produced by Warner Bros., appeared in a lot of modern childhoods. The series featured Sylvester and Tweety, along with their owner Granny and bulldog Hector, as they took on the role of cartoony sleuths. As the animated detectives solved mysteries, Sylvester also tries to hunt down and devour Tweety, but Hector always saved the day.
The series won two Annie Awards, specifically granted to June Foray for her performance as Granny, and was one of the most dynamic and funny cartoons to watch at the time. Their origins, however, stretch back to the golden age of American Animation. Tweety first appeared in the short animation A Tale of Two Kitties in 1942. Sylvester appeared on the scene three years later in Life with Feathers.
A Classic Pairing Never Goes Out of Style
The acclaimed Friz Freleng helped bring these two characters to life, the same mind who had a hand in creating other famous Looney Tunes like Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig. While the dynamic shared between the two is nothing new nowadays, it's the extra touches to each of their personalities that make their enduring rivalry all the more entertaining. Whether it's Sylvester's iconic lisp-laden catchphrases or Tweety's laid-back disposition, the duo perfected a formula that still works to this very day. Stream Looney Tunes on Max.