24 Best Animated Cartoon Characters of All Time: A Comprehensive List with Names

Animated cartoon icons like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Dora have been global favorites for years, including for me. These cartoon characters bring joy and help pass the time effortlessly. What’s remarkable about them is not just their entertainment value, but also the valuable lessons they impart.

For instance, Tom and Jerry exemplify loyalty and friendship, teaching us profound lessons. It’s a sentiment many of us share. Interestingly, the journey of cartoons dates back to 1908, marking the inception of this beloved form of entertainment.

Today, cartoons have transcended age barriers, captivating both adults and children alike. They serve as a means to unwind and ease minds, even amidst busy schedules. Over time, cartoon series and their characters have evolved, adapting to changing tastes and preferences.

Regardless of age or generation, everyone harbors nostalgia for cartoons that shaped their formative years. Amidst the myriad of characters, some classics endure, remaining beloved by audiences to this day. In our list, we’ll share the most renowned characters, ones that have left an indelible mark on the heart and mind.

Animated Cartoon Characters Names – Our Favorite List

If you’re an avid lover of cartoons and fictional characters, you’re probably familiar with many of the cute and famous characters mentioned in this article. However, this article isn’t solely focused on these adorable characters. Here, we aim to provide you with a brief introduction to a variety of cartoon characters.

1. Shaggy
2. Donald Duck
3. Peter Griffin
4. Buzz Lightyear
5. Patrick Star
6. Daffy Duck
7. Bart Simpson
8. Ren and Stimpy
9. Pink Panther
10. Eric Cartman
11. Wile E. Coyote
12. Mighty Mouse
13. Archie
14. Papa Smurf
15. Sylvester the Cat
16. Olive Oyl
17. Tom & Jerry
18. Daria
19. Angelica Pickles
20. Minnie Mouse
21. Smurfette
22. Tweety Bird
23. Daisy Duck
24. Hello Kitty

Animated Toon Characters Male (Guys/Boys)

Shaggy

Shaggy Rogers is one of the main toon characters in the series and is known for his laid-back personality, insatiable appetite, and cowardly tendencies. He is depicted as tall, lean, and perpetually hungry, often seen carrying snacks or munching on food. Shaggy is the owner and best friend of Scooby-Doo, a talking Great Dane, with whom he shares a deep bond and goes on adventures solving mysteries. The audience adores him for his good and carefree nature.

Interesting facts about Shaggy

• Shaggy’s full name is Norville Rogers, but he is commonly referred to by his nickname, Shaggy, due to his shaggy hair.
• He is voiced by various actors in different iterations of the series, including Casey Kasem, Matthew Lillard, and Will Forte.
• Shaggy is often depicted as the comic relief in “Scooby-Doo,” with his clumsy antics and humorous reactions.

Papa Smurf

Papa Smurf is indeed one of the main characters in the Smurfs comic strip. He is commonly recognized as one of the characters without hair but sporting a beard.

While most Smurfs are believed to be around one hundred years old, Papa Smurf stands out as the oldest at 546 years old. Despite his advanced age, he remains highly active and serves as the leader of all Smurfs.

Interesting facts about Papa Smurf

• Papa Smurf is the wise and paternal leader of the Smurfs, a community of small, blue creatures.
• He is depicted as elderly, with a long white beard, red clothing, and a red Phrygian cap.
• Papa Smurf is known for his wisdom, kindness, and caring nature, often serving as a mentor and father figure to the other Smurfs.

Donald Duck

Donald Duck indeed endeared himself to viewers with his witty attitude and insatiable ability to find amusement, making him one of the most iconic animated cartoon characters from the Disney world.

Donald Duck made his debut in Walt Disney’s film “The Wise Little Hen” in 1934. From then on, the character quickly rose to celebrity status in his own right. In a world filled with cheerful Disney characters such as Daisy Duck and Daffy Duck, Donald Duck’s refreshingly real personality shines through.

Interesting facts about Donald Duck

• Donald Duck is known for his semi-intelligible speech, often characterized by a distinctive.
• The comical voice was provided by voice actor Clarence “Ducky” Nash and later Tony Anselmo.
• He is romantically involved with Daisy Duck.

Daffy Duck

Daffy Duck is a well-known animated character from the Looney Tunes universe created by Warner Bros. He is an anthropomorphic black duck known for his zany personality and often chaotic antics. Like Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, he also has prominent lips that make him unique.

Interesting facts about Daffy Duck

• Daffy Duck made his first appearance in the 1937 cartoon “Porky’s Duck Hunt.” 
• He is depicted as a black duck with an orange beak and feet.
• Daffy is known for his over-the-top personality, which can range from egotistical and self-centered to paranoid and neurotic.

Bart Simpson

Bart Simpson is Homer Simpson’s son and one of the most popular American characters. Bart is mischievous and often rebellious, frequently getting into trouble at home and elsewhere. While he may occasionally clash with Homer, they share a complex and sometimes contentious father-son relationship, rather than being arch-nemeses.

Interesting facts about Bart Simpson

• Bart is the mischievous eldest child of the Simpson family.
• He is depicted as a yellow-skinned boy with spiky hair, wearing a red shirt and blue shorts.
• Bart is often seen as a troublemaker at school and in the town of Springfield.

Elmer J. Fudd

Elmer J. Fudd is an animated character from the Looney Tunes series. He is known for his distinctive speech pattern and is the archenemy of Bugs Bunny. Fudd’s catchphrase is “Shhh. Many people recognized this cartoon character as a villain.

Interesting facts about Elmer J. Fudd

• Elmer J. Fudd is depicted as a hapless hunter.
• He is known for his distinctive appearance, with a bald head, large nose, and signature hunting attire.
• Elmer speaks with a distinct stutter and often mispronounces words, such as replacing “r’s” with “w’s,” such as saying “I’m hunting wabbits.”

Pink Panther

The character created to accompany the opening credits of the 1963 film featuring Peter Sellers, “The Pink Panther,” became so popular that it soon had its cartoon series.

“The Pink Panther” made its theatrical debut in the film of the same name in 1964 and won the Oscar for Best Short Cartoon. Subsequently, a TV series premiered in 1969. The Pink Panther is best recognized for its pink appearance. It remains one of the most iconic characters among pink cartoon characters.

Interesting facts about Pink Panther

• The Pink Panther is known for his suave and sophisticated demeanor.
• He can outwit his adversaries through cleverness and agility.
• the Pink Panther’s expressive animation and physical comedy made him a beloved and iconic character in animation.

Eric Cartman

Eric Cartman and his foul-mouthed friends have been hurling insults at each other since “South Park” debuted on Comedy Central in 1997.

Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the show is the second-longest-running animated television series, with “The Simpsons” being the only other show to have been produced for a longer period.

Interesting facts about Eric Cartman

• Eric Cartman is known for his manipulative, selfish, and often sociopathic behavior.
• Cartman is depicted as overweight, with a distinctive voice, and wearing a red jacket and beanie with a yellow puffball on top.
• He is often portrayed as the main antagonist or anti-hero of the series.

Sylvester the Cat

Sylvester the Cat is a classic animated character from the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series. He is known for his black and white fur, large eyes, big nose, and signature lisp. Sylvester is often depicted as a hapless, yet determined, predator, constantly attempting to catch and eat his arch-nemesis, Tweety Bird, or other small animals, particularly mice.

Interesting facts about Sylvester the Cat

• Sylvester is a black and white tuxedo cat with a distinctive lisp.
• He is known for his comically unsuccessful attempts to catch and eat Tweety Bird, a canary.
• Sylvester is usually depicted as a hapless and determined predator, often resorting to elaborate schemes.

Tom & Jerry

Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse were created at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studios, not Warner Bros. They were first introduced to audiences in 1940. They are the most beloved animated animal characters.

In the classic animated series, Tom and Jerry engage in a perpetual cat-and-mouse chase, with each trying to outsmart and outmaneuver the other. Unlike Sylvester, Tom doesn’t necessarily have to eat Jerry; rather, their rivalry is driven more by the instinctual predator-prey dynamic between cats and mice.

Interesting facts about Tom and Jerry

• Tom is a cat, and Jerry is a mouse, and the series revolves around their comedic rivalry and chase sequences.
• Tom and Jerry’s cartoon was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
• Tom is depicted as a short-tempered and cunning cat who constantly tries to catch Jerry, often with elaborate traps and schemes.

Ren and Stimpy

Ren and Stimpy is a classic animated television series created by John Kricfalusi. It follows the adventures of Ren Höek, an emotionally unstable chihuahua, and Stimpy, a good-natured but dimwitted cat. The show is known for its surreal humor, offbeat animation style, and adult themes, making it both controversial and influential in the world of animation.

Interesting facts about Ren and Stimpy

• Ren Höek is a temperamental and short-tempered Chihuahua, while Stimpson J. Cat, often called Stimpy, is a good-natured and dimwitted cat.
• The series follows the adventures and misadventures of Ren and Stimpy.
• Ren is known for his volatile personality, often flying into fits of rage or experiencing bouts of existential angst, while Stimpy is characterized by his childlike innocence and simple-mindedness.

Patrick Star

Patrick Star is a fictional character from the animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants.” He is SpongeBob’s best friend known for his laid-back attitude and expertise in the “art of doing nothing.” Created in 1999, Patrick Star is one of the most cherished characters in the series and is often regarded as one of the best cartoon starfish. While he is a popular character, “SpongeBob SquarePants” airs on Nickelodeon, not Cartoon Network.

Interesting facts about Patrick Star

• Patrick is SpongeBob SquarePants’ best friend and neighbor, living under a rock in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom.
• He is depicted as a pink starfish with a simple-minded and often clueless personality.
• Patrick is known for his laid-back demeanor, love of napping, and fondness for junk food, particularly Krabby Patties.

Peter Griffin

Peter Griffin is an imaginary character and the main character of the American animated sitcom Family Guy. He wears round thin frame glasses. He was seen on TV with the other members part of the Griffin family in the 15-minute pilot of Family Guy. Peter has been married for a while to Lois Griffin and is the father of Meg, Chris, and Stewie.

Interesting facts about Peter Griffin

• Peter Griffin is the patriarch of the Griffin family, which also includes his wife Lois, their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie, and their anthropomorphic dog Brian.
• He is depicted as overweight, bumbling, and often dim-witted, but with a good heart and a love for his family.
• Peter works at the Pawtucket Brewery and is known for his love of beer, often spending time with his friends at the local bar, The Drunken Clam.

Buzz Lightyear

Toy Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, a creation of Pixar, stands as one of Pixar’s most iconic and beloved characters of all time. What makes Buzz Lightyear’s character so compelling is the juxtaposition between his belief that he is a genuine Space Ranger and the reality that he is just a toy. Beyond the initial premise lies a wealth of emotional depth and the potential for endless reinvention, making Buzz Lightyear a truly timeless and multifaceted character.

Interesting facts about Buzz

• Buzz Lightyear is a space ranger action figure who believes he is a real space hero, not realizing he is just a toy.
• He is known for his catchphrase, “To infinity and beyond!”
• Buzz initially believes he is a member of the elite Star Command, tasked with defending the galaxy from the evil Emperor Zurg.

Kenny McCormick

Kenneth “Kenny” McCormick, is indeed one of the main characters in South Park, alongside Eric Cartman, Stan Marsh, and Kyle Broflovski.

However, Kenny’s first appearance was in the animated short film “The Spirit of Christmas,” which was made in 1992 and circulated underground. The short gained significant attention, leading to the creation of the South Park series. Another short titled “Jesus vs. Frosty” was released in 1992, while “Jesus vs. Santa” was released in 1995. These shorts laid the foundation for the South Park franchise, with Kenny McCormick as a central character.

Interesting facts about Kenny McCormick

• Kenny is one of the main characters in “South Park.” 
• He is depicted as a young boy who wears an orange parka that covers most of his face, making it difficult to understand him when he speaks.
• Kenny comes from a poor family and lives in a small house in South Park, Colorado, with his parents and siblings.

Boris Badenov

Boris Badenov is a fictional character from the animated television series “The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.” Boris is a bumbling and inept Russian spy who, along with his partner Natasha Fatale, is constantly trying to thwart the efforts of the show’s protagonists. Boris is known for his thick Russian accent.

Interesting facts about Boris Badenov

• Boris Badenov is one of the main antagonists in the series, known for his role as a spy and saboteur working for the fictional nation of Pottsylvania.
• He is depicted as a tall, slender man with a thick Russian accent, wearing a black trench coat, fedora hat, and monocle.
• Boris is often partnered with Natasha Fatale, another Pottsylvanian spy.

Animated Toon Characters Female (Girls)

Daria

Daria Morgendorffer indeed began as a minor character on “Beavis and Butt-Head,” created by Mike Judge. However, she later received her show on MTV in 1997, titled “Daria,” which ran until 2002.

The series revolves around Daria, a sharp-witted, nerdy, and sarcastic teenage girl, as she navigates the challenges of adolescence while dealing with her dysfunctional family and the social dynamics of high school.

Interesting facts about Daria

• Daria is depicted as an intelligent, sarcastic, and introspective teenage girl who often feels alienated from her peers.
• She is known for her monotone voice, thick-rimmed glasses, and combat boots, reflecting her non-conformist attitude and disdain for social norms.
• Daria is a high school student attending Lawndale High School in the fictional town of Lawndale.

Daisy Duck

Daisy Duck, a creation of the Walt Disney Company, serves as the romantic partner of Donald Duck. She is an anthropomorphic white duck characterized by her long eyelashes and distinct tail feathers, often depicted in a manner that resembles a skirt.

Daisy is typically portrayed wearing stylish attire, including hair bows, blouses, and heels, reflecting her fashionable and feminine personality.

Interesting facts about Daisy Duck

• Daisy is depicted as Donald Duck’s girlfriend, known for her charming personality, distinct voice, and fashionable attire.
• She is often portrayed as elegant and sophisticated, with a slightly sassy and assertive demeanor.
• Daisy is characterized by her white-feathered body, purple bow, and feminine accessories such as a pink dress or hair bow.

Olive Oyl

Olive Oyl is indeed a prominent character in the Popeye comic strip, created by E. C. Segar in 1919. Olive Oyl is portrayed as a tall, thin, and ugliest character.

Olive Oyl was the primary focus, with her relationships and adventures driving many of the storylines. She remains a significant character in the Popeye universe, known for her distinctive appearance.

Interesting facts about Olive Oyl

• Olive Oyl is depicted as a tall, slender woman with large eyes and a distinctive hairstyle.
• She is known for her on-again, off-again romantic relationship with Popeye the Sailor.
• Olive is often portrayed as sweet-natured and kind-hearted, but also somewhat naive and easily swayed by flattery or promises of wealth and luxury.

Tweety Bird

Tweety Bird is an animated cartoon figure created by Warner Bros. One of the most notable appearances of Tweety Bird and Sylvester is in the Oscar-winning animated short film “Tweetie Pie” (1947). This film set the benchmark for the dynamic between Tweety Bird and Sylvester, with Sylvester constantly scheming to devour Tweety Bird, only to be outsmarted and eluded by the clever canary.

Interesting facts about Tweety

• Tweety is a small, yellow canary character with a large head and big, blue eyes.
• Tweety is quite clever and resourceful, often outsmarting his adversaries, particularly Sylvester the Cat.
• Tweety is often depicted as a pet of Granny, an elderly woman who lives in a house with Sylvester.