Cartoons and animated films have been a source of entertainment for many years. They come in all shapes and sizes, with different tones and moods, yet they all share the same purpose: to make us laugh. With that in mind we set out to compile a list of some of the most popular cartoon characters – those who are loved by generations young and old alike. We hope you enjoy reading about them as much as we enjoyed researching them!
#1 Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse is the most iconic cartoon character of all time, one with which even those who do not watch cartoons are familiar. He made his first appearance in 1928 and was created by Walt Disney. For most of us, if we think about cartoons at all, the first thing that comes to mind is usually a mouse in red pants and yellow shoes, with big white eyes.
We can probably attribute Mickey’s high popularity ratings to the fact that he has remained mostly unchanged over the years. He is still presented as a very optimistic character who does not get discouraged by life’s hurdles and continues trying until he succeeds. And succeed does he ever: Mickey is one of the most famous and richest cartoon characters in the world.
#2 Bugs Bunny
Bugs Bunny is a Warner Bros character who first appeared in 1940. He was created by Tex Avery. Bugs is an animated rabbit who is known for his fast talking and wisecracking, as well as his love of carrots (which he always has a stash of).
He is one of the most popular cartoon characters and has starred in many films over the years. In fact, he is considered the second most iconic cartoon character ever, behind Mickey Mouse.
#3 Donald Duck
Donald Duck made his debut in 1934 as a supporting character in The Wise Little Hen. He was created by Walt Disney and is an animated white duck with a yellow-orange bill, legs, and feet. He is best known for his short temper and his distinctive quacking voice.
Donald is one of the most popular Disney characters and has starred in many films over the years. He has also been featured in comics, video games, and TV series.
#4 Tom and Jerry
Tom and Jerry is a classic cat and mouse cartoon that has been around since 1940. The characters were created by Joseph Barbera and William Hanna. The series follows the never-ending chase between the cunning Tom, who is trying to catch Jerry, and the clever Jerry, who always seems to outsmart Tom.
Tom and Jerry is one of the most popular cartoon characters ever. It has won 7 Academy Awards during its long history, including 6 for Best Short Subject (Cartoons). The characters have also starred in 14 films which were very successful at the box office.
#5 Popeye
Popeye debuted in 1929, in an animated film called Popeye the Sailor. He was created by Elzie Crisler Segar. Popeye is an animated sailor who is strong and muscular, thanks to his addiction to spinach (which makes him “spinach-strong”).
Popeye is one of the most popular cartoon characters of all time. He has starred in many films over the years, and his spinach-eating habit has made him a cultural icon.
#6 Snoopy
Snoopy is a character from the comic strip Peanuts, which was created by Charles Schulz. He made his first appearance in October 1950. Snoopy is an animated beagle who is best known for his love of ice skating and sleeping (he often has wild dreams).
Snoopy is one of the most popular cartoon characters in history. He has starred in many TV specials and films, and his comic strip is still read by millions of people every day.
#7 The Flintstones
The Flintstones is an animated TV series that first aired in 1960. It was created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. The show is set in the Stone Age and features the antics of Fred Flintstone, his wife Wilma, their best friend Barney Rubble, and their pet Dino.
The Flintstones is one of the most popular cartoon characters ever. It was a huge success and became the first animated prime-time show. The show had a lot of merchandise (including comic books, toys, food products, and video games), which made it even more popular.
#8 Garfield
Garfield is a comic strip created by Jim Davis. It first appeared in 1978. The strip follows the life of Garfield, a lazy orange cat, and his owner Jon Arbuckle.
Garfield is one of the most popular cartoon characters ever. He has starred in many TV specials and films, and his comic strip is still read by millions of people. Garfield is also a popular internet meme, and the Guinness World Records website has named him as the world’s most widely syndicated comic strip character.
#9 The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an animated TV series that first aired in 1989. It was created by Matt Groening. The show is set in the fictional town of Springfield and follows the lives of the Simpson family (Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie).
The Simpsons is one of the most popular cartoon characters ever. It has won dozens of awards, including 31 Primetime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. The Simpsons has also been translated into many different languages and aired in over 100 countries.
#10 Betty Boop
Betty Boop appeared in the cartoon Dizzy Dishes, which was released by Max Fleischer Studios in 1930. She is a cute and sassy character who made her debut as a caricature of singer Helen Kane. Betty was later redesigned and given a dog called Pudgy (her boyfriend).
Betty Boop is one of the most popular cartoon characters in history. She has been featured in many films and merchandises, and she has also inspired many singers (including Beyonce!)
