Imagine what life would be without humor, wit, or sarcasm. Thankfully, we have cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny, Patrick Star, and the hilariously silent duo Tom and Jerry that ensure we never have to live in that world. While there are constantly major upgrades in cartoons and animations, some iconic characters have stood the test of time. They have maintained cultural relevance, distinct personalities, and enduring legacies, becoming an important part of pop culture with their quirks, catchphrases, and memes.
From clever comebacks to ridiculous antics, these iconic characters have entertained several generations, each offering a unique sense of humor that cuts across age groups. Whether it’s the classic cat-and-mouse chaos of Tom and Jerry or Patrick’s “deep” one-liners, these cartoon characters are indeed as funny as they are iconic. It is no wonder they have stood the test of time.
1. Tom and Jerry in ‘Tom and Jerry’
Image Credit: Warner Bros.
Slapstick humor remains one of the greatest types of comedy, and Tom and Jerry will go down as one comedy duo that has used it almost perfectly. Created in 1940 by the dynamic duo William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the American classic cartoon series Tom and Jerry has entertained audiences for several generations. From 1940 to 1958, about 114 Tom and Jerry shorts were created. From Tom’s relentless attempts to catch Jerry to their endless silent yet expressive storytelling, Tom and Jerry centers on the enmity between the titular characters. Though Tom and Jerry let their actions do the talking, some supporting and minor characters on the show speak. The legendary Mel Blanc, along with artists like Juna Foray, John Winfield Stephenson, Don Brown, and many others, have lent their voices over the years.
While many cartoons today rely on dialogue for their humor, Tom and Jerry’s limited dialogue ensured that any room, in any country, could erupt with laughter the moment the chaotic duo hit the screen. Beyond that, they’re just as relevant today as they were decades ago, thanks to their distinctive and iconic animation style. When they first debuted, they were ahead of the curve, and now, they can still go toe-to-toe with the best in the game. But at the heart of their enduring popularity is the rivalry that drives their story. Tom and Jerry’s relationship is relentless, complicated, and downright dangerous, but it’s also full of heart. That layered dynamic helped set them apart when they first appeared on screens, and it’s exactly why we’re still watching today.
2. SpongeBob SquarePants in ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’
Image Credit: Nickelodeon
For starters, SpongeBob SquarePants’ whimsical appearance won’t let him go unnoticed. From his yellow box-like figure to his wide eyes and gap-tooth, the lovable and quirky character is one of the most popular animated characters ever. Known for his silly, childlike attitude and distinctive voice, SpongeBob lives in a pineapple under the sea in the Underwater City of Bikini Bottom.
Created in 1999 by Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon, the animated sitcom follows the adventures of SpongeBob SquarePants (voiced by Tom Kenny) and his aquatic friends in Bikini Bottom, where he regularly gets into absurd and humorous scenarios. SpongeBob SquarePants is popular among both children and adults for his infectious laugh and likable personality. His exaggerated facial expressions, nonsensical logic, and unexpected one-liners not only appeal to kids. Together with other quirky characters like Patrick and Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob has stayed relevant for more than two decades now, turning the simplest situations into over-the-top, hilarious adventures
3. Bugs Bunny in ‘Looney Tunes’
Image Credit: Cartoon Network
The famous and classic cartoon character Bugs Bunny, who’s notably witty and sarcastic, has been entertaining audiences for over eight decades. The cartoon character, created in 1940 by Warner Bros., is a gray-white rabbit with a Brooklyn accent. Bugs is popular among both children and adults – the original wise guy of animated characters and has been featured in over 160 films, steadily pulling pranks and outsmarting everyone as he pleases.
Over time, various voice artists who have brought these iconic lines to life include Mel Blanc, Ben Hardaway, Larry Hausner, and Jeff Bergman. Bugs’ portrayal as a trickster made him Warner Bros.’s official mascot and an American cultural icon during the golden age of American animation. The carrot-chewing rabbit’s catchphrase, “What’s up Doc?” remains memorable among both children and adults. So whether he’s outsmarting his foes or delivering his signature smirk, Bugs’s humor never goes out of style.
4. Homer Simpson in ‘The Simpsons’
Image Credit: Fox
The donut-loving dad from The Simpsons has made viewers laugh for several decades thanks to his clumsy ways. Homer Jay Simpson is a lovable character and is often the source of humor in the show. He is known for his distinctive voice and epic catchphrases. You can take away everything from Homer, but not his donuts and beer- relatable, right?
Homer embodies the typical American working-class stereotypes. He works as a safety inspector at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant while juggling the demands of his family. Homer is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential television characters of all time, thanks to his relatable penchant for questionable decisions and an almost impressive ability to avoid responsibility. He tops the list of the top 100 characters of the past twenty years by Entertainment Weekly in 2010. Dan Castellaneta voiced Homer Jay Simpson and has received four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Voice-over Performance and a special achievement Annie Award for the role. What’s more, Homer and the entire Simpson family were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000.
5. Daffy Duck in ‘Looney Tunes’
Image Credit: Cartoon Network
Another classical cartoon character is the black duck with yellow duck bills and palmate feet, Daffy Duck. Daffy portrays the character of a confident, arrogant villain who thinks he can never lose, even though he has no shot at winning. Daffy’s excessive greed and jealousy have cemented his status as a cartoon legend. Some of the funniest moments of the Looney Tunes come from Daffy’s antics.
The quack-tastic foil to Bugs Bunny has been mischievously winning since his debut in 1937, thanks to Warner Bros. Cartoons and creatives like Tex Avery and Bob Clampett. The character was initially voiced by the legendary Mel Blanc but after he passed, Jeff Bergman and Greg Burson brought Daffy’s distinctive voice to life. Known for his antics and rivalry with Bugs and Porky Pig, Daffy has starred in 139 shorts of scheming, ranting, and classic misadventures.
6. Scooby-Doo in ‘Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?’
Image Credit: ABC
The lovable and food-loving Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, has been dishing out comedic chaos since 1969. With his trademark, “Ruh-roh,” Scooby and his friends- Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred- have managed to unmask countless villains over the years. When Scooby is not in the middle of the action, he’s running from a ghost or sniffing out snacks.
With a blend of mystery and humor, Scooby-Doo is a timeless classic. The show’s predictable-yet-fun plot twists have entertained several generations. Scooby’s comedic timing and antics stay relevant by mixing nostalgia with universal humor. The lighthearted mystery show also holds the record for the most episodes of a detective show –Ruh-roh, that’s impressive.
7. Patrick Star in ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’
Image Credit: Nickelodeon Network
With a sense of humor that stems from absurdity and cluelessness, the coral-pink starfish, Patrick Star, is the best friend of, guess who? Yes! SpongeBob SquarePants. Patrick knows how to spend his time doing nothing- call him brilliantly brainless or personified laziness. Patrick’s goofiness and chaotic charm have made him a fan favorite and earned him a spot in all things SpongeBob SquarePants, including toys, t-shirts, and games.
Bill Fagerbakke, who voices Patrick, also voiced several characters on SpongeBob SquarePants. However, in the musical adaptation, actor John Fricker portrayed the beloved starfish. Patrick isn’t just an undersea creature –he has become a meme machine on the internet with his star-studded stupidity giving fans endless reasons to chuckle.
8. Mickey Mouse in ‘Mickey Mouse’
Image Credit: Disney
The face of Disney, Mickey Mouse, is one of the most iconic characters of the 20th century. Created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in Steamboat Willie. With his iconic red shorts, yellow shoes, and gloved hands, Mickey is considered the animation blueprint. Mickey’s character has stood the test of time with his trademark voice, originally performed by Walt Disney.
Mickey Mouse’s mischief and happy-go-lucky charm have made him one of the most recognizable figures in the world of animation. This playful mouse has sketched out a place in the hearts of many with his infectious joy and playful spirit, so whether he is spreading smiles or mouse-ing around, Mickey Mouse remains one of the most iconic figures in animation history.
9. Fred Flintstone in ‘The Flintstones’
Image Credit: ABC
The barrel-chested caveman Fred Flintstone has a heart as big as a brontosaurus burger and a temper that erupts like a volcano. As the pillar of his family ( quite fitting since they live in a town called Bedrock), Fred works at the Slate Rock & Gravel Company as a Bronto Crane operator. In addition to his blue-collar job, the modernized caveman likes bowling, golf, and lounging around the house. No tale about Fred would be complete without his legendary, earth-rattling catchphrase, “Y’abba-dabba-doo”. More importantly, his role in bringing adult humor to primetime animation cannot be overemphasized. Airing in the 1960s, The Flintstones was a trailblazer that packaged adult themes like work stress and marital dynamics, and societal satire within a stone-age setting. The Pioneering approach opened the door for future animated shows, which thrive across streaming platforms and cable networks today, tackling societal issues and at the same time making audiences laugh. The character is not just known for being humorous, but also for laying the foundation for a genre of culturally relevant animated shows.
Since his debut, Fred has been featured in various other cartoon spinoffs, live adaptations, video games, commercials, and music videos. Much of Fred’s enduring appeal can be credited to the voice actor, Alan Reed, who breathed life into Bedrock’s beloved caveman character. Reed perfectly captured Fred’s boisterous personality and gave the iconic character a warmth and energy that made him unforgettable.
10. Stewie Griffin in ‘Family Guy’
Image Credit: Fox
A toddler with the intellect and vocabulary of an adult, Stewie Griffin is undeniably Family Guy‘s breakout character. Over the years, the diapered fellow has evolved, but one thing remains certain – Stewie remains the fans’ favorite. Stewie is a highly precocious toddler supervillain who’s out for mischief and mayhem.
Initially, he was predominantly interested in mad schemes, matricide, and world domination. However, as the series progressed, the devious and violent aspects of Stewie’s personality were toned down to an eccentric and friendlier character, who also voices Stewie’s dad, Peter Griffin, and the family dog, Brian. The character brings a unique blend of sophistication and absurdity to the show. Stewie’s complex personality and unforgettable voice make him not just a fan favorite but also a cultural icon.
