Top 10 Cartoon Dads from TV

He may actually be the most normal and stable cartoon dad in the bunch – but normal is a relative term. The long-suffering owner of Bob’s Burgers, Mr. Belcher does his best, or at the very least makes an effort when it comes to running his family. He gets very little respect from his kids and clients, but can always count on some comfort from his loyal and loving wife, Linda.

Over 500-years-young, Papa Smurf is always there to lend a helping hand or dispense much-needed advice to the Smurf population. To ensure his blue friends live in peace, big Papa often uses a little touch of magic. But, even with the daunting task of running a town full of bumbling Smurfs, this wise elder doesn’t begrudge his role as patriarch – and that makes him one of the most devoted cartoon dads.

Certainly one of the coolest cartoon dads, Nigel is a globetrotting wildlife documentarian who brought his family along for the adventure. Completely oblivious only in the way dads can be, Nigel doesn’t seem to realize that his daughter has the ability to converse with animals. Nonetheless, he proves to be a caring and attentive father when the occasion arises, and a charming oddball even in the face of danger.

Perhaps not the likeliest person to win Father-of-the-Year, Stan is highly focused on his career with the CIA. With two kids who don’t particularly respect him, and an adopted alien who has nothing but contempt for him, Stan is a good old fashion Republican patriarch who sees his family as an occasional annoyance. Impulsive, manly and radical as they come, Stan Smith is the embodiment of the American Dream. Sorta.

Well-meaning but sometimes ignorant, Randy Marsh is a relatively devoted father to Stan and Shelly. While his drinking occasionally gets him into trouble, Randy’s PhD in geology means he’s often asked to solve situations he knows nothing about, like stopping a volcanic eruption or burrowing through legions of hippies. But, whether he’s teaching Stan about puberty or taking an active interest in his hobbies, Randy still finds time to bond with his son.

Clean-cut, straight-laced and with an unnatural predilection for propane, Hank is a caring father – if an ineffectual disciplinarian. Out-of-touch with his teenage offspring and the world in general, Hank’s just trying to reconcile his good old-fashioned values with an increasingly modern society. Though he may not see eye-to-eye with his sensitive son, Hank is still a patient and devoted father – and less of a loudmouth than other cartoon dads.

His world may have flying cars and household robots, but that doesn’t solve George Jetson’s problems with fatherhood and bringing home the bacon. With a son who’s up to all kinds of mischief and a teenage daughter who’s attracting the attention of all kinds of boys, George’s patience is often pushed to a breaking point. But when all’s said and done, he’s still a loving cartoon dad.

As stupid as he is reckless, the patriarch of the Griffin clan puts his family in harm’s way at an almost daily rate. Barely kept in check by his forgiving wife, and often outthought by his own dog, Peter has no attention span to speak of, and is pretty brutal in his treatment of his daughter, Meg. But even for all his faults, Peter still manages to connect with his kids. Just don’t ask him for advice.

Setting a precedent for cartoon dads everywhere, Fred was a bumbling husband and clueless father before it was cool. Though he’s loud, easily aggravated and always trying to make a quick buck, Fred is also friendly and will do anything for his kin. By working a fulltime job to provide for his loving family, while also trying to keep his wife happy, Fred is prehistory’s finest example of a devoted dad.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Professor Utonium “The Powerpuff Girls” (1998-2005)
- Drake Mallard “Darkwing Duck” (1991-92)
- Ned Flanders “The Simpsons” (1989-)

Homer is equal parts awkward idiot and dedicated dad. He may be a heavy drinker, a voracious glutton and an all-round lazy lout, but the head of the Simpson family is always there for his kids and ready to help any way he can – even if he ain’t the brightest crayon in the box. Though he often strangles his son, and sometimes ignores his daughter’s skills, Homer is definitely the most famous cartoon dad ever.

Do you agree with our list? Who’s your favorite cartoon dad? For more epic Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.