The 25 Most Famous Cartoon Animals of All Time

When you think of the most famous cartoon animals of all time, what’s the first character that comes to mind? Whether its Mickey and his lovable personality or Scooby with his insatiable appetite, these timeless cartoon animals have a place in most people’s childhoods.

Mickey Mouse

Created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, Mickey Mouse is arguably the most famous cartoon animal of all time. This longtime icon and mascot of Disney is featured in countless shows, movies, theme parks, and novelty items across the globe.

Donald Duck

Also a famous cartoon animal from the Walt Disney Company, Donald Duck is the quick-tempered and devoted pal of Mickey Mouse. This cartoon duck is one of the most famous Disney characters.

Scooby Doo

Silly, cowardly, and always hungry, Scooby Doo is the famous Great Dane you know and love from many shows and movies. This animated pooch is Shaggy’s best friend and is known for his crime-solving abilities and hilarious antics.

Snoopy

This famous black and white dog is originally a comic-strip character that came to life through cartoon shows and movies. His best human friend is Charlie, and together, they have unstoppable imaginations.

Goofy

The dimwitted, clumsy, and turtleneck-wearing Goofy is a favorite cartoon character in the Disney universe. His eccentric and clever personality bring laughs to every adventure with his pals Mickey and Donald.

Brian Griffin

Featured as one of the main characters in the hit show Family Guy, Brian Griffin is a highly intelligent, cynical, and sophisticated cartoon dog. While the character of Brian is not for children, he still well-known throughout the world.

Clifford

The adventures of Clifford the Big Red Dog began as a children’s book series and moved into television and movies. This fire engine red and supersized dog goes on plentiful adventures with his sidekick and pal Elizabeth.

Tom and Jerry

Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse make up the lovable duo of Tom and Jerry. These anti-heroes are generally on the good side, but can be villainous and cruel at times as they both find ways to outsmart one another.

Pink Panther

comic — Due to its popularity, the Pink Panther eventually got its own TV series.
©Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons - Original

The Pink Panther was originally an animated character that debuted in the opening and closing scenes of the Pink Panther movie from the 1960s. Over, the years, this bright pink animal was brought to life through comics, shows, and movies.

Huckleberry Hound

The fictional cartoon character of Huckleberry Hound is a hound dog with a Southern drawl who hilariously attempts different jobs throughout history, such as a Roman gladiator or rocket scientist.

Winnie the Pooh

Winnie or Pooh is the main character of the Winnie the Pooh books and shows. He is a fun-loving, soft-spoken teddy bear who lives in the Hundred Acre Wood with his friends.

Tigger

amusement park — While Tigger’s actions often lead to trouble, his intentions are good, and he learns his lesson.
©CC BY-SA 3.0 - Original / License

Filled with extreme energy and positivity, Tigger is another lovable character from Winnie the Pooh. He is well-meaning and good-natured but tends to be mischievous and chaotic.

Spongebob Squarepants

Songebob Squarepants — This odd and energetic show stars Spongebob, a sponge with a big personality.
©CC BY 3.0 - Original / License

Spongebob Squarepants is the main protagonist of the Television series of the same name. This childish and goofy sponge lives in the sea with his pals Sandy, the squirrel, and Patrick, the starfish.

Pluto

This animated dog is Mickey’s pet and lovable pal. Though Pluto doesn’t say much, he goes on many adventures and always finds a way to get into mischief and fun.

Simba

Simba, along with Timon and Pumba, are some of the most well-known characters from The

Lion

King.

©CC BY-SA 4.0 - Original / License

Featured in The Lion King, Simba is one of the franchise’s main and most well-loved characters. Viewers see him as a curious cub who blossoms into a highly respected pack member.

Minnie Mouse

Minnie is Mickey’s love interest and is often portrayed as cute, musical, and flirtatious. Whenever she’s present, viewers will get a musical number and fun adventures with her friend Daisy Duck.

Bugs Bunny

This anthropomorphic rabbit has a flippant and quick-witted personality. Created by Warner Brothers as part of Looney Tunes, Bugs Bunny has been warming hearts since 1940.

Daffy Duck

What’s Bugs Bunny without Daffy Duck? This Looney Tunes character is often at odds with his hare rival. His intense jealousy and need to steal back the spotlight, makes for some hilarious stories between duck and bunny.

Tweety Bird

The sweet and innocent Tweety Bird often hides behind Granny or runs to the Bulldog for protection from the mischievous Sylvester the cat, but this yellow bird always manages to trick or humiliate his foe in the end.

Garfield

Garfield the cat is the protagonist of the comic strip and animated series by the same name. This lazy, fat tabby loves lasagna and sleeping and hates Mondays and exercising.

Sylvester

Sylvester J. Pussycat is the fictional character from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons. While determined to catch Tweety, Sylvester often loses and learns important lessons.

Yogi Bear

Often speaking in rhyme and overestimating his own intelligence, Yogi Bear is a famous and amusing cartoon character from comics, shows, and films. He made his debut in 1958 with his hilarious escapades in Jellystone Park.

Peppa Pig

The Peppa Pig animated show is British and first aired in 2004. It features a Pepper, a female piglet, and her loving family. The show is broadcast in over 180 countries and is wildly popular among preschoolers.

Baloo

The caring and laid-back Baloo is a lovable character from The Jungle Book. His motto is to take care of the bare necessities and forget about the stress of life.

Piglet

Featured in Winnie the Pooh, Piglet is one of the most popular characters from the franchise. He is Pooh’s constant companion and insecure little friend. While timid, he must overcome his fears to help his friends.

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About the Author

Niccoy Walker

Niccoy is a professional writer for A-Z Animals, and her primary focus is on birds, travel, and interesting facts of all kinds. Niccoy has been writing and researching about travel, nature, wildlife, and business for several years and holds a business degree from Metropolitan State University in Denver. A resident of Florida, Niccoy enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and spending time at the beach.

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