Top 10 Funniest Bugs Bunny Cartoons
#10: “A Wild Hare” (1940)
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Before this Oscar-nominated cartoon, versions of Bugs popped up in “Porky’s Hare Hunt” and “Elmer’s Candid Camera.” “A Wild Hare” defined the character as we know him, however. Bob Givens gave Bugs a polished redesign while Mel Blanc cracked the rabbit’s Brooklyn/Bronx voice. Director Tex Avery also contributed an old Texas saying that unintentionally sparked a catchphrase: “What’s up, Doc?” It’s the dynamic between Bugs and Elmer Fudd that the cartoon nailed above all else. Fudd was firmly established as an antagonist hunter who’s gullible to the point that we almost sympathize with him. Yet, we can’t root against Bugs, a crafty trickster who’s justified in his pranking. After all, Bugs is fighting for his survival, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have fun along the way.
#9: “Baseball Bugs” (1946)
Bugs is a one-rabbit army. It’s only natural that he would be a one-rabbit baseball team as well. In this Friz Freleng cartoon scribed by Michael Maltese, Bugs goes up against the hulking Gas-House Gorillas, a play on the St. Louis Cardinals’ “Gashouse Gang.” With nobody else on his team, we get to see Bugs play every position, from pitcher to catcher… sometimes at the same time. Although Bugs can quip his way out of some confrontations, this cartoon allows him to show off his physicality as a slapstick master. At the same time, Bugs’ signature wit is on full display as he continually outsmarts the Gorillas. That’s not to say the rival players are doormats, but Bugs has Lady Liberty on his side.
#8: “Falling Hare” (1943)
We’re used to seeing Bugs in constant control. During his early years, though, Bugs occasionally found a worthy adversary. Cecil Turtle gave Bugs a run for his money in cartoons like “Tortoise Beats Hare.” Bugs would also be continually bested by a gremlin in “Falling Hare.” Produced during World War II at the height of the gremlin myth, Bugs learns that those mischievous little troublemakers aren’t merely the product of a Roald Dahl book. Being a Bob Clampett directorial outing, “Falling Hare” is loaded with unhinged energy and nonstop sight gags. Although the gremlin brings out Bugs’ rarely-seen aggressive side, it doesn’t come across as out of character. For all the blows Bugs takes, he maintains a certain level of control even when crashing down.
#7: “Haredevil Hare” (1948)
Self-preservation is typically Bugs’ goal, but it can be a global threat when pitted against Marvin the Martian. The opening of “Haredevil Hare” unearths Bugs’ cowardly side as he’s reluctantly sent to the Moon, although his heroic nature eventually shines through. In his debut, Marvin nonchalantly announces that he plans to blow up Earth, leading to one of Bugs’ funniest double takes. We also love how Bugs chastises Marvin, sounding like an angry parent taking fireworks away from a troublemaking kid. Although both come off as hilariously casual, the world is on the line. While Earth survives, the Moon is another story. The short’s only drawback is that Mel Blanc hasn’t quite found Marvin’s voice, but he’d get it down by “Hare-Way to the Stars.”
#6: “High Diving Hare” (1949)
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Where most of Bugs’ foes are pushovers, Friz Freleng wanted to create an enemy who could come off as legitimately intimidating. Enter Yosemite Sam, who shared some resemblance to Freleng’s appearance and temper. Sam’s hotheaded nature made him a splendid comedic foil in shorts like “Bugs Bunny Rides Again” and “Buccaneer Bunny.” Our favorite has to be “High Diving Hare.” The premise is simple with Sam forcing Bugs to perform in a diving act. This setup makes leeway for one brilliant gag after another as Bugs turns Sam into the spectacle. Although the punchline rarely changes, the buildup makes every joke feel unique. Even when it appears Sam has Bugs cornered, gravity and cartoon logic have other plans in one of the series’ finest endings.
#5: “Ali Baba Bunny” (1957)
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Is Daffy Duck a friend or foe to Bugs? If “Ali Baba Bunny” demonstrates anything, it’s that Bugs is the best friend that Daffy has. Meanwhile, Daffy is his own worst enemy. Stumbling upon treasure, Daffy continually throws Bugs under the bus. Daffy does a 180 whenever trouble arises, rushing to his “pal’s” aid. Bugs, being such a standup rabbit, gives Daffy a hand without ever giving two cents about the treasure. Daffy’s greed repeatedly gets the better of him, though, eventually leaving even Bugs powerless to help him. “Ali Baba Bunny” finds Bugs at his coolest, Daffy at his most selfish, and both at their purest, getting their dynamic down to a T. It’s one of the best character-based cartoons in the “Looney” library.
#4: “Long-Haired Hare” (1949)
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Bugs is a smart alec, but he rarely instigates the conflict. In “Long-Haired Hare,” Bugs peacefully relaxes with some music when he’s rudely interrupted by opera singer Giovanni Jones. Bugs is willing to let it slide, although after being antagonized three times, he turns opera against Giovanni. Crashing his performance, Bugs breaks out the hammers and dynamite, saving the best for the finale. Bugs channels Leopold Stokowski, who founded the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and preferred conducting with his hands rather than a baton. Commanding the stage, Bugs pushes Giovanni to his limits with the highest of high notes, bringing down the house. Beyond the sharp comedic timing, the cartoon contains clever commentary on modern vs. classical music with Bugs’ banjo playing things off.
#3: “The Hunting Trilogy” (1951-53)
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“Star Wars,” “The Lord of the Rings,” Chuck Jones’ “Hunting Trilogy.” These are the titles that come to mind when we think of holy trinities. The latter elevated the iconic rivalry between Bugs and Elmer by throwing Daffy into the mix. Produced over three years, “Rabbit Fire,” “Rabbit Seasoning,” and “Duck! Rabbit, Duck!” contain some of the most quotable dialogue in cartoon history. The slapstick is equally top-notch with every gunshot directed at Daffy providing an inspired spin. The duck season/rabbit season debate, in particular, is a comedy routine so legendary that it’s ingrained in society along with “Who’s on First?” or Lucy’s TV commercial. The folks at Termite Terrace weren’t just gifted animators. They were comedic geniuses, “The Hunting Trilogy” being a testament.
#2: “Rabbit of Seville” (1950)
“The Looney Tunes” could be more dialogue-heavy than some other cartoons at the time, but music and movement are the primary driving forces behind “Rabbit of Seville.” Bugs and Elmer are up to their usual shenanigans when the pursuit leads them to a performance of “The Barber of Seville.” Gioachino Rossini’s compositions provide the cartoon’s DNA, although Carl Stalling’s arrangements are the key to its success, meticulously matching the speed of comedy while throwing in a few zany twists. As humorous as the revised lyrics from Michael Maltese are, the short’s standout moment is a pantomime routine as Bugs gives Elmer a hectic head massage. From there, the action just keeps gaining momentum as we build toward the final curtain. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Bugs and Thugs” (1954) A Gangster Toon So Good It’s Criminal “Hair-Raising Hare” (1946) Bugs’ First Confrontation with Gossamer “Little Red Riding Rabbit” (1944) What Big Laughs This Cartoon Has “Rabbit Hood” (1949) If “Space Jam” Was Made In 1949, It Might’ve Starred Errol Flynn Instead of Michael Jordan “Knighty Knight Bugs” (1958) After 18 Years, Bugs Made the Grade with His First Oscar-Winning Short
#1: “What’s Opera, Doc?” (1957)
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Bugs Bunny and opera might seem like an odd pair, but the two went together in perfect harmony. “What’s Opera, Doc?” is widely considered Chuck Jones’ musical masterpiece. While the story doesn’t stray far from Bugs and Elmer’s established formula, everything is elevated to an epic scale, from Maurice Noble’s imposing layouts to Philip DeGuard’s angelic backgrounds. Then there’s the music, which Milt Franklyn arranged from Richard Wagner’s most cherished works. Funnily, Wagner’s legacy might be outshined by three words that Michael Maltese added to “Ride of the Valkyries:” “Kill the wabbit.” In an unexpected twist, Fudd succeeds in killing the wabbit (sort of), making for a tragic ending that still leaves you smiling. No wonder 1,000 animation professionals voted this the greatest cartoon of all time. What’s your favorite Bugs Bunny cartoon? Scroll down past Albuquerque to share your thoughts.
