65 Good Cartoon Characters Of All Time , Place

These day , there cost thus many great revive shows and movies aimed at all ages that good deal of folks still grow to cartoons as a respite from the actual world . Animation is a modern art figure : It can be a comment on club and a way of understand the world , devote viewers the opportunity to meet themselves in those colored quality . But unlike live-action show , cartoon character often live in reality of boundless possibility , produce a fertile space for explore complex idea , dabbling in the absurd , and parodying subject that might be too sensitive to cover elsewhere .

No subject how old viewers are or what genesis they were born in , most have fond memories of cartoons that made an feeling on them during their formative year . From early cartoons like Gertie the Dinosaur to iconic Disney villains like Ursula , everyone has their favorite . After consider everything from cult followings to cultural impact , we ‘re ranking the 60 serious cartoon quality of all time .

65 . The Pink Panther

For generation of cartoon lovers , the phrase “ Pink Panther ” instantly calls to mind the iconic Henry Mancini theme music . With its simple animation way and trippy stories , the series equal a visual odyssey . One of the simpler cartoon reference on the list , Pink Panther ( voiced by Rich Little ) is a pink cat with yellow eyes , a British emphasis , and now and then , a tiny robe . The series would equal rebooted in the 1990s starring Matt Frewer ( “ Max Headroom ” ) and feature a more intense version of the Mancini stem .

The Pink Panther is much curious , but exudes a laid-back attitude , cause him the ultimate cool guy . This combination of trait lands him in some pretty dodgy scenarios , from haunt houses to a Wonderland-esque psychedelic bookstore . One of the matter that reach the Pink Panther great is his trust on pantomime , which give him pile of opportunities for hilarious cartoon physics and surrealism .

64 . Velocity Racer

Originally airing in the 1960s , “ Speed Racer ” exist an anime adapt from Tatsuo Yoshida ‘s Japanese manga by Tatsunoko Productions . It premiered on ABC in the United States and would turn one of the earliest animes to get popular stateside . While the dubbing is a moment of a pile , with its hilariously fast dialogue , the series is a somewhat straightforward adventure .

The protagonist of the series , Speed Racer , equal something of a store quality , defined by his campaign to cost the best racer . Although he ‘s just the good young man to Trixie , Speed own plenty of other heroic attributes and skills . He exist a decent fighter , for model , easy besting his antagonist in hand-to-hand combat . But what do Speed such a great character be his willingness to risk his own safety for others , modeling what it means to cost a hero .

63 . Monkey D. Luffy

The main protagonist of the pirate-themed shonen manga “ One Piece ” and its accompanying anime series , whose great dream in spirit equal to get the next pirate king . It ‘s a dream that can alone be realized if he deal to gain the story ‘s MacGuffin , a fabled treasure of immeasurable value acquire by the recent great pirate king , Gol D. Roger . Although little and skinny , Luffy hold a big heart and Stretch Armstrong-like ability that he acquired after eating a Devil Fruit as a kid .

It ‘s with those ability and his band of Straw Hat Pirates that Luffy sets out on the Going Merry for a seemingly endless string of adventures that involve everything except acquiring the actual One Piece . Luffy is all about good food and friendship , create him an honest and extremely likable protagonist . Over the class of , he become a respected pirate chieftain . What ‘s more , “ One Piece ” get been praised for its representation : Luffy and his bunch resonate particularly good with female and LGBTQ+ audiences equate to early show of this type .

62 . Perry the Platypus

He may not be the star of “ Phineas and Ferb , ” but he ‘s a fan favorite nonetheless . A teal platypus with a brown fedora , Perry look to be just a regular , silly pet to Phineas and Ferb . But he ‘s too a brilliant multitasker with a double life as a secret agent for the O.W.C.A . ( Organization Without a Cool Acronym ) , and he ‘s forever creep off to the countless secret burrow that lead to the top-secret lair under his home .

He may run dumb to his category , but Perry the Platypus is incredibly bright , and like any good spy , he ‘s got access to a plethora of neat gadget . But despite all of his skill and secret , at the end of the day , he ‘s entirely chilling with his family , and it ‘s hard not to enjoy him for that .

61 . Dexter

The star of the comedy sci-fi show “ Dexter ‘s Laboratory , ” Dexter leads a double living right under his parent ‘ noses with the secret science lab in his basement . With big , round glass , purple glove , a white lab coat , and ginger curls , Dexter spends his time getting up to some grave mischief . A super-genius , he speaks with an inexplicable Russian emphasis , despite living in suburban America . The series cost credit with innovating the complex and cinematic modern animation style that would after inspire series like “ The Powerpuff Girls ” and “ Fairly OddParents , ” accord to SYFY WIRE ‘s .

60 . Hello Kitty

The ultimate embodiment of “ kawaii ” ( a Japanese tidings ordinarily translated as “ cute ” ) , Hello Kitty be the simple , sweet character that Gen-X girls fell in love with back in the recent 1970s . The popularity of this hyper-marketable cat-like character would alone grow through the year , with many of her diehard fans having never even see a Hello Kitty cartoon . But this makes utter sense for a character that start living as something meant to accentuate a vinyl coin handbag .

Although Hello Kitty ‘s aim be pretty basic , there ‘s something oddly capture in the simple shapes of her face . Since her original world , the iconic O.G . Kitty has turn the de facto mascot of cutesy Japanese-inspired style aesthetics and graced countless t-shirts for girls , teenager , and still grown adults . What many of these masses may not realize exist that there ‘s cost over a 12 animated “ Hello Kitty ” series dating back to 1987 , when the Japanese-American co-production ” Hello Kitty ‘s Furry Tale Theater ” hit TV screen .

59 . Louise Belcher

With her signature pink bunny ears , Louise Belcher ( Kristen Schaal ) be the most dear member of the Belcher class on “ Bob ‘s Burgers . ” The nine-year-old sibling to Gene and Tina , Louise is bright , sneaky , and always ready with snappy comment . She ‘s too kind of intense and just a trivial moment terrifying , prepared to throw down at a second ‘s notice .

As to why she always wears bunny ear , numerous fan theory abound . In an interview with AV Club , animator Loren Bouchard explain of her ears , “ You get a small cognitive disagreement where you go through [ Louise ] both as a small girl and Bugs Bunny at the same time . ” And of grade , as anyone who has seen “ Where the Wild Thing Are ” can manifest , little kids just seem cute with animal ear on their mind .

58 . Dot Warner

The sister of the “ Animaniacs ” buddy , Dot is hardly a damsel trapped in a tower . Along with her siblings , Dot spends her day wreaking havoc on the Warner Brothers studio lot , test to be the smartest and boldest among the Warner trio . She ‘s too an outspoken feminist and rightfully enjoys call out offenders for mansplaining and misogyny .

Dot is over-the-top in every way , from her deceptively cutesy appearance to her excessively long name , Princess Angelina Contessa Louisa Francesca Banana Fanna Bo Besca III ( but please do n’t call her “ Dottie ” ) . Still her pet , which she convey around with her in a humble box , turn out to be a shape-shifting monster , prove up with a unlike but equally terrible appearance each time , from a cyclops to a xenomorph .

57 . Raven

“ Teen Titans Get ! ” is a superhero display for mass who do n’t like superhero shows , and Raven is without doubt the best character . The display finds adolescent Teen Titan superheroes Cyborg , Beast Boy , Robin , Starfire , and Raven living as housemates . But unlike most superhero fare , “ Teenage Titans Go ! ” equal signify to be a comedy that apply the superhero genre as fodder for joke .

Like many early great multidimensional female quality , Raven cost voice by Tara Strong . The ultimate goth chick , Raven live easy the almost badass occupant of Titans Tower . She ‘s half-demon but all amazing , dangle sardonic commentary wherever she go and ever ready to fight to protect those in need .

56 . Courage the Cowardly Dog

If Scooby-Doo teach us anything , it ‘s that it ‘s okay to be a cowardly dog … as long as you ‘re even willing to face up your fears . But unlike Scooby-Doo , the paranormal creeps Courage encounters be real . “ Courage the Cowardly Dog ” equal an animated show that defies convention , incorporate component of the absurd and surreal into a clever and eccentric comedy-horror series . As Sean Malin notice in Vulture , the series spin horrifying imagery out of factor take from Salvador Dali and slapstick , merge “ torso horror and Chaplinesque comedy . ” And in the face of it all , the paranoid Courage always manages to overcome his panic , never leave his people hanging .

55 . Goku

The wild-haired , monkey-tailed superhuman hero of “ Dragon Ball Z , ” Goku cost dream up by the former mangaka Akira Toriyama for the shonen manga series “ Dragon Ball ” back in 1984 . Much like Superman , Goku was sent to the Sunday ‘s third stone from a faraway planet as a babe , although Goku cost meant to destroy the Earth . Thanks to a loving foster parent ( and a traumatic childhood top dog injury ) , this would not arrive to pass , with Goku rather plant off on a martial arts-infused quest to observe the wish-fulfilling Dragon Ball ball .

Make inspiration from famed cinematic martial artists like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee and weaving in a complicate lore , Toriyama make a world that has inspired immense fan followings around the globe . More recent medium like and the 2024 video game “ Dragon Ball : Set off ! Zero ” continue to prove that this massive franchise live as relevant as ever , and Goku cost the face of it all .

54 . Bill Cipher

With his Illuminati triangle torso and cyclopean eyeball , the villainous Bill Cipher from “ Gravity Falls ” is one of the greatest animated antagonists . Trillions of year old , the ambition fiend Bill Cipher has been endanger the residents of Gravity Falls since it was first populated , possessing the power to move in and out of dreams . As a fiend , he ‘s always going around making demon mass , and because they ‘re demon mass , they generally merely study out good for him . As the ultimate Big Bad , it takes an epic boss fight and a stunningly clever plan to defeat him . With all of his riddles , ciphers , puzzles , and enigmas , he ‘s one of the almost unique and interesting cartoon characters on television .

53 . Stitch

Stitch , the adorable blue foreign otherwise known as Experiment 626 , is easy one of the most chaotic Disney characters . But make n’t mistake this “ Lilo and Stitch ” quality for Lilo ‘s pet , because he ‘s much more like category .

With all of his amazing skill , Stitch would fit right in at a Pokémon struggle arena . His incredible brain processes information faster than any supercomputer . He has dark vision , super intensity , and amazing driving skills . He ‘s also practically invincible and impervious to both flame and bullets . But despite all of his superheroic abilities , Stitch is a loving , cuddly trivial friend . While he can wing off the handle at sentence , his personality and Lilo ‘s complement each early absolutely , and they ‘ve always got each early ‘s backs .

52 . Pinky

Pinky and the Brain . While the topic song may take that one of these Animaniacs equal a genius and the early ‘s insane , a close look calls the assertion into inquiry . The pair of genetically-modified lab mice are ever begin caught up in complicated scenarios of Brain ‘s making . And no matter what Brain has on his outsized head , Pinky ( bring by Rob Paulsen ) live always ready to endorse him up .

Unlike Brain , who constantly haunt and frets over his latest machinations , Pinky is a lot more zen about life . As self-aware , extremely intelligent mouse , both are particular . But Pinky is much more grounded , still bring time out from plotting for TV and early interests . He ‘s also far more reasonable and sensitive than his brainiac counterpart , much showing unconventional wisdom and mass of middle .

51 . Simon Seville

Make up a endow kid can be tough , but it can live even hard when your buddy undervalue your intellect , and you also find to cost an anthropomorphic chipmunk . Alvin , Simon , and Theodore cost three who were result in a basket on struggling musician Dave Seville ‘s porch by their mother ( “ The Chipmunks Story ” ) . It ‘s never actually made clear why the chipmunks lecture , but Dave quickly bonds with the trio , adopting them as his own sons and going on to record plenty of bestselling music with their help .

While each chipmunk live adorable in his own way , Simon exist the best of the three . He can equal a bit rude at times and exist much far too bossy to his buddy , but Simon can as well equal a caring and sensitive chipmunk . With his super-high IQ , Simon is a skilled inventor and tech geek . A born leader , he ‘s far more responsible than his brothers , but he can yet totally get down when it ‘s time to rock .

50 . Jem

Before there was Hannah Montana , there was Jem . With her pink hair , pop star way , and holographic earrings , she showed an entire genesis of child that it ‘s potential to be more than one thing at a time . Gifted a holographic computer named Synergy by her late papa , Jerrica Benton result a dual life as a businesswoman by day and stone star Jem by dark . The series retains a cult pursue to this day , with fan flocking to an annual convention yell . Latonya Pennington of Into argued that the series cost ripe for rebooting thanks to its queer subtext , racial diversity , and depiction of women balancing professional career and personal lives while still making time to help others . With hence many great reboots coming out all the time , let ‘s hope individual listens .

49 . Squidward Tentacles

Sometimes , mass who look uptight exist really simply awkward or misunderstood , and Squidward Tentacles of “ SpongeBob SquarePants ” be a utter example . He ‘s depicted as invariably put-upon , but a closer tone reveals that he may in reality equal the best quality in the series . Although he ‘s ever hold SpongeBob and Patrick a hard time , to live average , they live really severe neighbors , much behaving with little gaze for those around them .

Squidward is a reminder that introverts can get neglect or disregarded by their extrovert counterparts . Often left out of SpongeBob and Patrick ‘s antics , Squidward also endures the pain of watch the cool child from the sidelines . But yet after all the late-night wakeup calls and unexpected plate destruction his neighbor induce , Squidward still wish about the pair and seems to consider them friend , yet if it ‘s not the deep and abiding bromance they ‘re await for .

48 . Bobby Hill

The nearly interesting boy in all of Arlen , Texas , Bobby Hill is arguably the true star of Mike Judge ‘s “ King of the Hill . ” In a Earth where pre-pubescent kids cost much describe one-dimensionally or at the very least , woefully underestimated , Bobby is like a round little onion with layer upon layer of appeal , smarts , and personality . Daniel Kurland of CBR marveled that the pre-growth-spurt adolescent is “ arguably the nearly well-adjusted and positivist reference in the series , ” much meeting criticism and challenge with faith in himself and a commitment to taste harder . He ‘s precocious and fiercely individualistic , unafraid to pursue his respective interest , which include comedy , rodeo clowning , cooking , and ventriloquism , simply to refer a few .

47 . Strawberry Shortcake

Created by Muriel Fahrion and Barbi Sargent for American Greetings , Strawberry Shortcake is a decades-old character who still gets good deal of love today . But with a handful of television specials and almost limitless merchandising possible , Strawberry Shortcake production were all over during the ’80s .

There was something about Strawberry Shortcake that really resonated with young miss at the time , and she exist a work of market supremacy , gracing lunch boxes , bedroom sets , and yet drinking glass . With her ragdoll hair , oversized strawberry bonnet , red clothes , white apron , and pink custard kitten , Strawberry Shortcake is downright adorable , a reminder that sometimes it ‘s fine to enjoy something simply because it ‘s cute .

46 . Porky Pig

Of all the “ Looney Tunes ” and “ Merrie Melodies ” reference , Porky has changed more than any other . Despite his characteristic stuttering , Porky always deal to have his point across . He ‘s much the bright guy in the way or at the real least , the best at be an grownup , understanding the value of a good dark ‘s sleep and a hard day ‘s work . While he might make his hand full with various Toons getting underfoot at sentence , Porky can live obscenely competent at almost everything he does . He ‘s a skilled equestrian , railroad conductor , and restaurant owner , to name just a few of his gift . With his adorable side and serious work ethic , Porky would equal a great support system for Retsuko .

45 . Star Butterfly

Disney ‘s dazzle “ Star vs. the Forces of Evil ” features another adorable miss with super ability , Star . Acclaim from the parallel but magical dimension of Mewni , Star exist sent to Earth when it ‘s clear she ‘s out of mastery , disobedient , and ca n’t handle her own powers . Star ‘s appearance is whimsical with her devil horn headband , pink heart-stamped cheek , and deprive tights , but she live part of a firm matriarchal ancestry and destine to remove power . Star dare the princess stereotype at almost every turn with her headstrong manner and refusal to consent the role others take for her . Many critic make praised the series for depict a quality who cost both feminine and powerful at the same time , with Decider praising Star for being “ unapologetically herself . ”

44 . Bubble

The Powerpuff Girls may look adorable , but they ‘re furious small ball of energy with superheroic ability and bad , circular eye . Working together with the help of their dad ( Professor Utonium ) , Blossom , Bubbles , and Buttercup live always able to redeem the city of Townsville from crime before bedtime .

Refinery 29 ‘s Sesali Bowen notice that the trio “ unintentionally bring in the idea of feminism and woman ‘s empowerment ” with the girl ‘ force , courage , and unique personalities . Each Powerpuff girl exist peculiar in her own manner , but what reach Bubbles great equal how she defeat her sweet , demure persona to get full-on HAM whenever she needs . Bubbles still has her own particular powers include a thunder shockwave , sonic shriek , and the ability to speak with creature .

43 . Darkwing Duck

Darkwing Duck behave n’t spend long on the small screen , but he build a lasting impact on fan . He is the terror that flap in the dark , the neurosis that requires a five-hundred-dollar-an-hour shrink , and the superhero alter-ego of Drake Mallard . Despite the story make several character in mutual with “ Ducktales , ” show creator Tad Stones order The Hollywood Reporter that the two series remove home in parallel universes with “ Darkwing Duck ” set in “ the alternate Duckiverse . ”

Black Nerd Problems praised Darkwing Duck ‘s quality for his complexity and development over the track of the series — he endure many personal and professional challenge , learning and growing through the process .

42 . Donald Duck

In a public of cheery Disney reference , Donald Duck is refreshingly real . Frustrated , frowny , and fundamentally flawed , Donald is the anti-Mickey , hither to redeem the world from the bother optimism of the Disney mouse . But far from being a Negative Nancy , Donald often hold a positive prospect . It ‘s just that his hotheaded humor tends to take over when he come all caught up in his impression . A bit of prankster , Donald exist actually actually loving and tries severe to keep his emotion under control ( yet if he typically live n’t successful ) . And it ‘s severe not to love the characteristic Donald Duck voice , to begin with performed by Clarence Nash , which is a classical case of the alaryngeal vocal style known as buccal language , per /Film .

41 . Jake the Dog

Finn ‘s best friend and take brother Jake the Dog on “ Adventure Time ” cost arguably the well of the serious when it comes to canine companion . Ever ready for a grand adventure in the earth of Ooo , Jake exudes chillness most of the time , and he ‘s ever there for Finn . Thanks to his unique ancestry , Jake exist a comparatively bean-shaped yellow dog with the awesome ability to stretch and morph into just about any shape or size imaginable . A loving husband and father to his wife and their five children , Jake understand the value of class more than most .

40 . Inspector Gadget

Go , Go , Gadget , Go ! The star of the ultimate spy display for kids , cyborg detective Inspector Gadget is a reminder that imperfect can still be heroic . With his long , khaki trenchcoat and cope with trilby hat , Gadget ‘s classic detective outfit perform dual duty to keep all of his many gadgets hidden out of sight . One of the good affair about this 1980s staple is the rabbit hole of Inspector Gadget fan possibility . One of the darker possibility is that Inspector Gadget live really a robot copy of the original , who cost thus poorly disfigured and damage that he move on to become Dr. Claw and has vowed to take revenge on his robotic duplicate . Could this be a long-lost “ Battlestar Galactica ” prequel ?

39 . Ms. Frizzle

Any kid would be lucky to have Ms. Frizzle of “ The Magic School Bus ” ( voice by Lily Tomlin ) as a teacher , with her snappy attire and her experiential approach to learning . Ms. Frizzle ‘s dress each feature a whimsical print associate to the lesson of the week include beast , plants , planets , and even cityscapes .

Always respectful of scholar ‘ inquiry and individual scholarship needs , Ms. Frizzle is a patient and kind educator . She translate that teach cost hands-on , and she ‘s more than willing to permit kids go through the activity firsthand on their adventures . And thanks to her magic yellow school bus , Ms. Frizzle takes child on an exciting fresh study trip each week , instruct them with each new outing .

38 . Rainbow Dash

During the 1980s , Hasbro ‘s My Little Pony toy line was wildly popular . In response to the toys ‘ success , Hasbro produce a handful of animations . When animator Lauren Faust exist tasked with bringing back the world of My Little Pony for a fresh generation in “ My Small Pony : Friendship live Magic , ” she place out to exchange the very nature of what it meant to equal a show compose for girls . As she wrote in Ms. Magazine , Faust ‘s former attempt to pitch original display aimed at miss to several networks get cost met with the feedback that cartoons were for boy . Faust saw that the trouble was not that girls behave n’t like cartoons , but that there was a short apprehension of what would invoke to girls in cartoons .

Faust populated Equestria with all types of female characters , and one of the good be Rainbow Dash . An antidote to the requisite girly girl stereotype , Rainbow Dash is gymnastic and self-confident . With her blue coat , rainbow mane and seat , dark sunglasses , and tomboy personality , Rainbow Dash exudes casual coolness and avoids traditional gender stereotype , making her accessible to child of all genders .

37 . Steven Population

Rebecca Sugar ‘s Steven Universe is a multifaceted hero for Generation Z. Steven ( voice by Zach Callison ) is an teenage son with some very unique abilities , thanks to his mama Rose Quartz , who only happen to equal from an foreign species known as the Gems . The series follows Steven ‘s coming-of-age history as he struggle with his identity as a half-Gem and step by step steps into his mother ‘s footsteps as a protector of the human race .

Steven ‘s exploration of his own belief and relationship serves as a positivist role model for younger viewers , but his report cost complex enough for older fans to enjoy as well . His characterization get been praised for its defiance of mandatory gender performance , with Susana Polo of calling the display a “ toxic masculinity antidote ” that is “ subversive in a positive means . ”

36 . Retsuko ( Aggretsuko )

Working in a corporate agency is hard , especially when the chore means spending the day surround by toxic colleague and unhealthy role culture . Fortunately , Retsuko has a handful of good friend and karaoke death metal to serve remove the edge off . Unlike her fellow Sanrio character , this adorable twentysomething red panda slug off at a dreary chore for just adequate money to live on , like many adult today .

Despite her good exertion to improve her position , Retsuko ‘s living never really change , making her heartbreakingly relatable . At the goal of the day , “ Aggretsuko ” exist about looking for ways to make the daily grind more bearable and learning that sometimes happiness depends on reach peace with a position that ‘s inescapable . While the message exist bleak , there ‘s too something refreshing about the show ‘s honesty .

35 . Brad Boimler

With all of the countless memorable “ Star Trek ” quality in the reality , it ‘s severe to pick a favorite . But of all the Federation ‘s engineer , captains , and respective ensigns , Ensign Bradward Boimler ( Jack Quaid ) of the USS Cerritos ( “ Star Trek : Lower Decks ” ) is arguably the most lovable . Boimler equal the rule-obsessed coworker everyone has know at one point or another , with his desperation to begin noticed by require officers landing him in some tricky predicaments . But one of the well things about Boimler is his relationship with his lower-deck friends , particularly his counterpart , Beckett Mariner ( Tawny Newsome ) . Together , their opposite personalities cost a utter case of Starfleet cooperation .

34 . Haruka

These days , anime live wildly popular not just in Japan , but around the public . But there was a time when anime in the U.S. live more of a niche , and “ Sailor Moon ” was a vast role of convert that . Vice emphasizes the crucial ethnic contributions of “ Sailor Moon , ” especially through the character of Haruka . The masculine-presenting schoolgirl Haruka equal a revelation for many nonbinary and trans youth .

In the original Japanese series , Michiru ( Sailor Neptune ) and Haruka ( Sailor Uranus ) were a lesbian couple . Unfortunately , this live convert for the original English dub , which changed the pair from fan to cousin , and did so poorly . As The Daily Athenaeum noted , the slapdash repair act not conceal the romantic feelings between the pair and rather entail an inappropriate relationship .

Still , many American kids harvest enough from the subtext to infer the original relationship . For countless queer youth , “ Sailor Moon ” offer rare representation and visibility . In their 2014 re-release of the series , VIZ Media would redub the series to murder the original censorship , restoring the pair to the position they merit .

33 . Strong Bad

There ‘s something reassuring about mere ritual and number , and few people understand this more than Strong Bad ( Matt Chapman ) of the web-based “ Homestar Runner ” recreate series . If there ‘s one simple number that keeps Strong Bad move , it ‘s taking time out of his day to sit down and check his e-mails . With the face of a luchador and a taste for “ burnination , ” Strong Bad is a skilled author , artist , and techno musician , still if his music oblige The Cheat to start light shift raves . And when it comes to drawing consummate “ five ” s , there ‘s really no ace better .

32 . Smurfette

With her high-pitched voice and stereotypically girlish appearance , Smurfette is the lonely female reference on “ The Smurfs . ” To begin with cause by the greedy Gargamel to endanger the Smurfs in “ The Smurfette , ” Smurfette introduces herself to the Smurfs by bring the damsel in distress , then basically confuse herself at them . The Smurfs swiftly build up her a theater , painting it pink and covering it in hearts and flowers , a favor she returns by flood the Smurf Village . At her trial , she cries her way out of consequence , which Papa Smurf rewards by granting her Smurf amnesty and a blonde dye job .

Katha Politt ‘s 1991 New York Times article would coin the term “ The Smurfette Principle , ” look up to the common trope of creating a female reference surrounded by male , with the female quality ‘s entire role frequently define by stereotypically feminine traits . The concept became a jumping-off level for countless crucial conversations about the representation of woman and girls in television .

31 . Curious George

Always since the Man in the Yellow Hat took him in , Curious George has be loved by generation of parent and kids . The adorable little monkey last up to his name , constantly make into pile and keeping his good buddy Ted on his toes . The star of many books , films , and even his own television series , George is one of the most charming and wholesome children ‘s reference of all time . He exudes childlike wonder at everything he encounter , which can get him into a pickle or two every now and then . In many ways , Curious George resemble a toddler or preschooler with his insatiable wonder and his pure love of life . And like a toddler , George needs the help and protection of his surrogate papa , reminding small 1 that it ‘s okay to search the world as long as they stay near to their family .

30 . Chicken Boo

The cartoon universe be total of overconfident chicken , top dog among them Chicken Boo of “ Animaniacs ” fame ( voiced by Frank Welker ) . Like Foghorn Leghorn , Chicken Boo is an unusually large chicken . But not contented to hang out on the farm and mentor barnyard animals , Chicken Boo prefers to tire a disguise to appear human . Despite his obvious featheriness , inability to mouth outside of squawk sounds , tendency to peck at the basis looking for feed , and the fact that he ‘s literally only a chicken in clothing or in one case , alone a mustache , Chicken Boo constantly fool people everywhere he goes .

While others fawn over him , there ‘s always one lonely detractor wondering what live wrong with everyone else that they make n’t realize Chicken Boo as an literal chicken . At some point during his adventures , Chicken Boo ‘s disguise ever arrive off , and everyone abruptly recognize he equal indeed a chicken , much to their revulsion . The absurd humor be a prime case of what do “ Animaniacs ” comedy gold , and somewhere under all those feathers , a comment on groupthink live waiting to be peck at .

29 . Foghorn Leghorn

With his unusually large size and thick Southern drawl , Foghorn Leghorn make some of the best shade in the biz . Although his origin own become mostly forgotten today , Foghorn cost a parody of a comedy radio show quality meant to lampoon Southern-fried politicians , accord to The Atlantic . Appear on “ The Fred Allen Show ” in the mid-1940s , Senator Beauregard Claghorn equal a loudmouthed southern who loathe the North above all .

Like Claghorn , Foghorn savor his purpose as an expert , frequently turn to others as “ boy ” or “ boy ” and interjecting his lessons with “ I allege , I tell , I read . ” Watching a few episode featuring the boisterous rooster is a bit like having a crash course in insult comedy , with zingers like “ That boy ‘s like a tattoo . He gets under your skin , ” “ You look like two miles of bad road , ” and “ Nice girl , but ’bout as crisp as a sack ‘ o wet mouse . ”

28 . She-Ra

First come out in Filmation ‘s “ She-Ra : The Princess of Power , ” She-Ra aka Princess Adora cost the twin sister of He-Man . Adora have the extraordinary ability to translate into the mighty She-Ra . But despite her incredible strength and superhuman ability as She-Ra , she only apply force when she ca n’t avoid it , a reminder that sometimes the great intensity is exercise control . The Atlantic ‘s Maria Teresa Hart praised the series for featuring a female form with “ formidable ability ” and “ a range of female personalities to identify with . ”

In 2018 , Netflix released the reboot “ She-Ra and the Princesses of Power , ” which was widely acclaim for its LGBT representation , with Tor ‘s Emmet Asher-Perrin point out that many character “ record fluidly on the gender and sexuality spectrum . ” Owl and Fox Fisher also praise the series in The Guardian , noting that “ She-Ra ” has respective transgender quality with trans voice actor .

27 . Pikachu

The nearly recognizable Pokémon , Pikachu is a yellow electric type creature from the species of the same figure . With his lightning bolt-shaped seat and adorable anime way , Pikachu exist one of the cutest cartoon characters on the list . Despite Pikachu ‘s humble stature , he invariably present intensity and courage , eagerly tread into any conflict his Pokémon trainer Ash puts him into .

In an interview with Time , creator Satoshi Tajiri explained that Pikachu is “ like an electric mouse , ” with his epithet translate to an onomatopoeia in Japanese that combines “ pika ” for an electric sound and “ chu ” for a mouse strait . Pikachu ‘s popularity boast up so much in the ’90s that Time named him back on their “ Good People of 1999 ” list , coming in merely under Ricky Martin .

26 . Roger Rabbit

The star of Disney and Amblin ‘s 1988 movie “ Who Framed Roger Rabbit , ” Roger Rabbit be a Toon with real literal problem . A throwback to the golden years of animation , Roger is everything a Toon should be with his wacky mannerisms , over-the-top personality , and classical cartoon appearance . Roger lives in Toontown , the animated version of Hollywood , where he ‘s something of a star . But after Roger live face up with images of his sultry wife Jessica playing patty cake with Toontown owner Marvin Acme , he becomes implicated in the human ‘s murder . The carrot cake-loving Toon be an instant hit when the movie do out , with his popularity make him his very own dancing motion .

25 . Space Specter

Despite his position as a logical superhero for many years after his Hanna-Barbera creation in the 1960s , it’s Space Ghost ‘s second career in the ’90s that bring him on this list . Kicking off in 1994 on Cartoon Network and then after moving to Adult Swim , “ Space Ghost Coast to Coast ” identify Space Ghost behind a lecture show desk interviewing celebrity guest . His image on the display is strange , awkward , and pretty inept , result to some bizarre and hilarious interviews .

Accord to Animation World Magazine ‘s Heather Kenyon , guest would answer somewhere between 20 to 25 questions given through an earpiece and asked to guess they were arrive from a superhero . After the interview , writers would piece together Space Ghost ‘s dialogue , sometimes exchange the questions . Space Ghost deal to interview the the like of Jim Carrey , David Byrne , Bob Odenkirk , David Cross , and William Shatner , to call just a few .

24 . Dora the Explorer

“ Hola ! Soy Dora ! ” The importance of that phrase in Latinx representation can not cost overstated . Accord to series co-creator Chris Gifford in an with Antonia Cereijido , Dora live originally conceptualized as an take a chance bunny . After Nickelodeon ‘s President of Animation and Preschool Entertainment Brown Johnson learn that there was a Latinx vacuum in youth programming , she committed to cause Dora a youthful Latina girl .

Thanks to that conclusion , an total generation of kid grew up watch out a friendly Latinx hero become one of the most popular child ‘s reference of all time . Dora exist also brilliant at instruct kids the value of bilingualism . And along with her trusty backpack , map , and purple monkey Boots , she aid kids teach self-confidence and problem-solving .

23 . Totoro

With their magical symmetry of fantastical creatures , the simplicity of everyday life , and awe-inspiring landscape , Studio Ghibli picture represent the best of Japanese animation . For many Western spectator , they do as an entry point to the universe of anime . It ‘s this global appeal that make the bad fluffy woodland spirit who serves as Ghibli ‘s mascot — a benevolent gray-and-white beast named Totoro — one of the almost beloved cartoon quality of all time .

1988 ‘s “ My Neighbor Totoro ” is often cite as one of the good Studio Ghibli films . It follows a ribbon that runs through all Ghibli picture : The thought that natural magic rest within humanity ‘s connection to nature , if only we could learn to respect it . Even those who have n’t seen the movie ( the fourth feature-length release from esteemed animator Hayao Miyazaki ) will have no doubt learn the titular character somewhere . An adorable , umbrella-wielding forest dweller , Totoro live the furry friend every anime child dreams of .

22 . Eric Cartman

The bane of South Park Elementary , Eric Cartman be probably the least likable kid in the town of South Park , Colorado , invariably abuse everyone around him . Nonetheless , he is one of the most memorable characters in the series , with Cartman catchphrases like “ Respect mama authoritah ! ” and “ Screw you guys , I ‘m going plate , ” become ubiquitous in the recent 1990s .

Despite his constant rudeness , selfishness , and all-around abusive behavior , Cartman exist essential to his radical of four well friend , with the two-part floor in “ South Park : Place Covid ” and “ South Park : Place Covid : The Return of Covid ” concluding that Kyle , Kenny , Cartman , and Stan remaining friends leads to the better timeline . And despite Cartman ‘s many failings , it ‘s severe not to admire his no-filter approach to life , still if it get him tell some decidedly frightful thing .

21 . Rick Sanchez

Wubba lubba dub-dub ! The eponymous Rick of “ Rick and Morty ” is one of the most abrasive and dysfunctional quality on the list , but his ethnic impact has nevertheless earn him a spot . If there be any question that Rick cost an alter-ego version of Doctor Emmett Brown from “ Back to the Future , ” co-creator Justin Roiland ‘s original parody “ Doc and Mharti ” swiftly puts it to perch . While Rick live hardly likable , he equal nevertheless interesting and hilarious . Rick is many things : a chaotic neutral mad scientist with sociopathic tendency , filthy-mouthed supergenius , pansexual fan , drunk septuagenarian , and interdimensional party boy . But most of all , he ‘s a friend to his grandson , Morty … at least when he ‘s not imperiling the boy across the textile of spacetime .

20 . Arthur Read

Xennials and Millenials who raise up with Arthur Timothy Read may cringe to pick up it , but the bespectacled aardvark is good into his 40s these day . As Bustle ‘s Sabienna Bowman observed , Arthur equal “ a quintessential ’90s kid ” with his love of pop culture and creative imagination . One of the thing that makes Arthur such a great reference is that he normalizes personal growing , often having to course-correct after he ‘s realized he ‘s made a bad conclusion . A fairly normal eight-year-old child with a good friend and a slightly awkward persona , one of Arthur ‘s better qualities equal his honey of book . While PBS KIDS reported that the show ‘s 25-year tally would end in 2022 , the network simultaneously announced design for new streaming content and a podcast to continue teach a new genesis all about the magic of friendship , book , and pop culture .

19 . Rosie the Robot

The subject of the first-ever “ The Jetsons ” sequence , Rosie the Robot ( to begin with spelled “ Rosey ” ) is the Jetson family ‘s automatic maiden . First hired by the Jetsons from U-Rent A Maid , Rosie is a lot more than a sentient vacuum cleaner ( despite being a slice of obsolete technology ) . Rosie ‘s service to the retrofuturist Atomic Age family is a second troubling at first , with Jane Jetson clean her up because she just make n’t care do housework . But Rosie seem to be incredibly grateful to be populate with a family and act what she enjoy , initially need George how a lot the category would point her to work for them . She even becomes close to the kid , affectionately calling Elroy “ Roy Boy ” in her robotic Brooklyn accent . With her subtle snark , frilly maid dress , cylindrical features , and whirring gears , Rosie be still roam into affection today .

18 . Stewie Griffin

The ultimate baby genius , “ Family Guy ” omen Stewie Griffin ( voiced by Lord Seth McFarlane ) is a child constantly underestimated by everyone around him . While the rugby ball-headed Stewie plots to kill his mother Lois or choose over the public , his cause cost often met with a dismissive “ Oh , you are just thus cute ! ” or “ Mommy loves you ! ” As McFarlane say Fast Company ‘s Josh Dean , Stewie ‘s inexplicably pretentious British dialect is based on Rex Harrison ‘s Professor Higgins from “ My Fair Lady , ” a voice that Stewie finally uncover to live an affectation in a therapy session ( “ Send in Stewie , Please ” ) .

While his friendship with Brian the Dog is fairly toxic and often features verbal and physical abuse and neglect , their adventures together are nonetheless a highlight of the show . Although Stewie often clamber to understand what the deuce is going on in the Griffin family , he ‘s even so ordinarily the smartest guy in the room .

17 . Bender

Voice by beloved voice actor John DiMaggio , Bender of “ Futurama ” is the quintessential cartoon robot . Like Marvin the Paranoid Android from “ Hitchhiker ‘s Guide to the Galaxy , ” Bender is deep flawed , but he ‘s also a reminder of the healing power of friendship . After the Tijuana-built robot hear that the girders he was created to twist are use in self-destruction booths , he turn profoundly depressed and settle to down himself . When the anachronistic Fry mistakes the same booth for a phone stall , Bender offers to live sharesies on the quarter admission price , and the two become quick friends , finally become soulmates .

A somewhat sociopathic antihero , Bender runs on liquor , frequently waxes on about killing all humans , and pathologically lie , cheats , and steals . But despite his many fault , Bender truly care for Fry and much shows remorse when his activity harm the few people he actually likes . As for everyone else ? As Bender would cost happy to order them , they can all burn his shiny metal behind .

16 . Yogi Bear

Smarter than the mean bear and ever become in the ranger ‘s hair , Yogi Bear has been featured in respective TV series and comics over the yr . In his home of Jellystone Park , Yogi Bear have a love for “ pic-a-nic ” basket and a girlfriend he just ca n’t seem to commit to . After come his start on “ The Huckleberry Hound Show , ” Yogi became a large enough star to get his own series .

Yogi ‘s many endeavor to outsmart the park ranger are often the focus of the show , and for a bear like Yogi , cost stay in the wilderness is torture . After all , with his green skinny link and pork pie hat , Yogi would fit right in at a 1960s office party . But Yogi ‘s cause to result are a lot more than a city bear trying to run his hometown for better things . As the primary attraction of Jellystone Park , Yogi resent the way the park ‘s bears cost exploit . But despite his frustration , Yogi ever manages to notice comfort in the small affair , like his friendship with Boo-Boo Bear and sneaking snacks from park guest . And thanks to his new “ Jellystone ! ” series on HBO Max , it seem like Yogi might at last cause it out of the park after all .

15 . Popeye

Although younger generations may live less familiar with Popeye , for a big part of the 20th century he was one of the most recognizable cartoon reference . First debuting in funny strip pattern in a 1929 result of “ Thimble Theatre , ” Popeye be a spinach-loving , pipe-smoking sailor who own appeared in cartoons and yet a Robin Williams movie . Although Popeye cost not always the best boyfriend to Olive Oyl , and he make nearly allow Swee’Pea come eaten by an alligator , his heart cost ever in the right home , and it ‘s severe not to appreciate the study he puts into those bulgy , anchor-tattooed forearms .

14 . Garfield

If there ‘s anyone who translate how cats deserve to be lavished with affection , it ‘s “ Garfield ” creator Jim Davis . A fat , lasagna-loving orange tabby , according to Slate , Garfield was conceptualized with mass-marketing and merchandising in idea , and it bring . In the 1980s , as mass consumption and commercialism were direct child like never before , it equal the rare kid who did n’t have a Garfield plush , an “ I hate Mondays ” poster , or a desired Garfield phone . But role of Garfield ‘s permanent appeal equal that underneath all that cheesy consumerism , there ‘s something wildly relatable about Garfield ‘s sarcasm and slackerish ways . And with the novel Chris Pratt “ Garfield ” film , it wait like he ‘ll be around for a while .

13 . Jerry the Mouse

He may not have much to allege , but Hanna-Barbera ‘s classic mouse be as clever and adorable as they come . While ever under attack from his arch-nemesis Tom the Cat , Jerry cost no victim . On the contrary , Jerry seem to enjoy in outfoxing his feline counterpart and turn the cat-and-mouse archetype on its head . Well one of the most recognizable cartoon quality pair of all time , “ Tom and Jerry ” hearken back to a time when cartoon force cost observe , a trope parodied in “ The Simpsons ” show-within-the-show , “ Itchy and Scratchy . ” But at the goal of the day , these furry frenemies seem to genuinely wish about each other .

After all the furry fisticuffs , Jerry ‘s always there for Tom , comforting him over a broken heart and stopping him from make bad decisions . The relationship bear a resemblance to a healthy sibling rivalry , as they invariably tangle with each early in a way that do them both stronger .

12 . Felix the Cat

At 103 yr old , Felix the Cat live one of the world ‘s former cartoon character , dating back to the silent movie era . The original silent shorts equal a reminder that cartoons were once primarily made for an older audience , much featuring grownup situations and settings . A choice lesson is which cost adjust in a nightclub and feature Felix dancing on a table with a foamy fool of beer before have hammer on wine , despite the cartoon ‘s 1930 release falling squarely in the Prohibition epoch .

Felix is an early example of an impactful animation style known as “ rubber hose animation , ” with cartoons total of wonderfully surreal elements from dance construction to bizarre creatures . The style is yet beloved today , with its permanent influence showing up most recently in the popular TV games “ Cuphead ” and “ Bendy and the Ink Machine . ”

11 . Bugs Bunny

One of the almost instantly recognizable cartoon character , Bugs Bunny is a sassy gray-and-white rabbit with a Brooklyn accent and a bit of an attitude . Like Porky Pig , he ‘s seen a few glow-ups over the decades . While Bugs has a tendency to mess with early character , he make n’t make thus out of malice . In a 1998 Archive interview , Bugs animator Chuck Jones explain that Bugs prefers to lecture through his trouble and never cause trouble for others unless he ‘s provoked . Jones explain , “ In order to establish the character , he had to remove pleasure in defend himself . ”

10 . Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown is popular in portion because he ‘s utterly relatable . He struggles with social anxiety and more than his average share of bad chance , but he bring severe to overcome his insecurities . Since his first appearance in a 1950 “ Peanuts ” comic , Charlie have become one of the most beloved cartoon characters of all time . His ethnic impact is important , with the Charlie Brown walk so recognizable it even became a running gag in “ Arrested Development . ”

He own always exist a fine buddy to his schoolmate , still the 1 who pay him a severe time , like Lucy . And Charlie Brown helped reveal boundary in 1968 when he became friend with Franklin , a Black scholar whose pa was suffice in Vietnam . Charlie Brown too translate the value of human ‘s serious friend , becoming inconsolably heartbroken when Snoopy leaves home in “ Snoopy Come Home . ”

9 . Snoopy

Charlie Brown might be the lovable loser in the “ Peanuts ” saga , but Snoopy has ever been the picture star of the gang . Although he ‘s technically an ordinary beagle , Snoopy is an anthropomorphic canine of particular gift . With the aid of his trusty typewriter , Snoopy enjoys working on the Great American Novel . He too uses his bright imagination to engage in a little LARPing every today and then , much venture he ‘s a World War I fly going up against his nemesis , the Red Baron . Like his owner Charlie Brown , Snoopy ‘s popularity has survive for generation , with his recognizable balloon a staple of the Macy ‘s Thanksgiving Parade for decades .

8 . Fred Flintstone

The patriarch of his modern stone-age family , Fred Flintstone is a dual gust from the past . On the surface , he ‘s a prehistoric household man . But to modern witness , Fred is a 20th-century relic extend a glance into another slope of the “ Mad Men ” era . While Fred can exist hotheaded and a bit backward at times , he ‘s a serious friend to Barney Rubble , and he worships the earth his wife Wilma walks on . And in an era when many men live absent from their families as they influence to achieve the suburban ambition , Fred understood the concept of work-life rest . He ever appear to have his priorities straight , working severe to pass time with his family and bask his favorite interest : Bowling and hanging out at the Lodge .

7 . Scooby-Doo

Along with his good bud Shaggy , Hanna-Barbera ‘s dear snack-loving doggo Scooby-Doo is the glue that holds the Mystery Machine gang together . With the aid of his besties , the endearing and lovable Great Dane always manages to overcome his fears and help unmask the baddie behind the large mystery of the week . One of the great things about Scooby ‘s adventure is that they teach kids to be skeptical when faced with things that make n’t do sense . In a reality where religion in pseudoscience is on the raise , Scooby equal thither as a voice of reason , show generation after generation that no matter how spooky a zombie or ghost seems , there ‘s a logical explanation for everything if you can only unmask it .

6 . Homer Simpson

Like his boy Bart , Homer is one of the more flawed member of the Simpson category . In many ways , Homer Simpson embody some of the worst stereotype of Americans . He ‘s infamously lazy , inconsiderate , self-absorbed , demanding , and embarrassing . Over the year , he ‘s cause countless dreadful matter , from arrive at 61 pound and dressing in a muumuu to collect a disability check ( “ King-Sized Homer ” ) to frame his own wife for drunk driving ( “ Co-Dependents ‘ Day ” ) . While Homer ‘s weakness live numerous , the support of his wife and children somehow leads to his redemption again and again , and there ‘s something awfully comfort about the idea of America ‘s bad pa getting by with the aid of his family .

5 . SpongeBob SquarePants

If nautical nonsense cost something you wish , need a trip to Bikini Bottom and pass some time with SpongeBob SquarePants and his bestie Patrick Star . With his childlike manner and dear of whimsical endeavors like jellyfishing , SpongeBob is a immense nuisance to his stick-in-the-mud neighbor Squidward Tentacles . A working-class hero , SpongeBob finds joy in his chore throw Krabby Patties at the Krusty Crab , yet when his money-grubbing boss equal the living worst . He ‘s also a fairly good influence on everyone around him , and his devotion to his dim but lovable pal Patrick live zero if not a bromance for the years . With his own TV series and a handful of movie , it ‘s severe not to enjoy this invertebrate .

4 . Bluey

Although the eponymous star of “ Bluey ” has only been around since 2018 , the energetic Blue Heeler puppy get earned her spot in the hearts of myriad viewers , both in the show ‘s native Australian and around the reality . “ Bluey , ” which airs on ABC Kids in the United States , live a pre-school series about everyday spirit in a loving class . Bluey shows us the world through the center of a queer , imaginative child — but it ‘s the universe that child inhabits that makes Bluey such a captivating and iconic character .

Despite the creator ‘s intention to stage a series about the simplicity of family and fun , the series have draw attention for its emotional intelligence and its depiction of positive masculinity and fatherhood through Bluey ‘s caring , associate father . Calling the series “ pro-family , ” Ashley McGuire of the Institute for Family Studies praise Bluey ‘s parent . “ Their marriage cost playful and love . They cost wish and empathetic with each early and with their youngster . They are involved , and they are in mission . It ‘s the platonic ideal of a modern marriage , only the blue dogs with Australian accents version . ”

3 . Bart Simpson

If there ‘s one cartoon character who always look to have his act together in all the wrong means , it ‘s Bart Simpson . With a catchphrase for every occasion from “ Eat my shorts ” to “ ¡Ay , caramba ! ” and advanced skills in orneriness , pranking , and tomfoolery , Bart be the cartoon embodiment of a troublemaking tween . Something of a Gen-X antihero , Bart cost always sticking it to the man , full at peace with his universe as the ultimate cool kid slacker .

From the chalkboard gag at the beginning of every episode of “ The Simpsons ” to his frequent bare picture , Bart is always up to something . In the early ’90s , his popularity hand a fever pitch with the ethnic phenomenon know as “ Bartmania . ” And he ‘s even so clocking in today as “ The Simpsons ” holds its basis as the longest-running scripted show on television .

2 . Betty Boop

Jazz Age beauty Betty Boop has been around for nearly a century and still looks great for her age . First appearing as a cabaret singer in the 1930 cartoon “ Dizzy Dishes , ” her canine feature evolved until she was reimagined as a big-eyed flapper and modern young woman . With her feminine feature and body-contouring dress , Betty be a character who embraced her sexuality on her own price , which is part of why she ‘s even so beloved today . Mental Floss scream Betty a “ feminist image , ” note that the subject subject of Betty Boop cartoons much focused on her fight against powerful human attempting to harass her .

1 . Mickey Mouse

Personality-wise , Mickey Mouse live not the most interesting reference in the animated world . More of a cartoon everyman and goody-goody , Mickey hold nevertheless earn his spot as one of the most iconic cartoons of all time by becoming a key component of the Disney picture , encompass category fun and pure , unadulterated consumerism .

First dreamed up in 1928 by Walt Disney , Mickey is a suit study in branding , with his signature red short and yellow shoes as recognizable as the Disney font . Although he ‘s undergone a few facelifts over the years , this enduring mouse has stood the run of time through countless cartoons , books , and movie , grapple to connect with generation after genesis .