Top 100 Greatest Cartoon Characters Of All Time

“G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” (1983-86)
Mystery is key when it comes to this famous member of the G.I. Joes. Snake Eyes’ skills as an infantryman go hand-in-hand with his reputation for skilled close-quarters combat. His real name and backstory are purposely obscured within much of his appearances within “Joe” media, although Snake Eyes’ legacy as a character will probably always be tethered to his Cobra counterpart, Storm Shadow. Ninjas, after all, were a pretty big deal back in the 1980s. This martial arts master remains one of the most iconic practitioners of this ancient art.

“Wacky Races” (1968-69)
One of the best aspects of classic cartoons is that one doesn’t particularly need to understand older references to find the humor. Dick Dastardly’s vocal cadence and mannerisms are largely in service to impersonating British comedy actor, Terry-Thomas. That said, Dastardly’s caddish behavior in cartoons such as “Wacky Races” and its spin-off, “Dastardly and Muttley[a] in Their Flying Machines,” is nothing if not fun and quaintly humorous. This pair of bad guys almost always received their comeuppance at the end of each nefarious scheme. That’s part of the reason why fans continued to tune in every week.

“Looney Tunes” franchise (1930-)
The universe of “Looney Tunes” is one with a laundry list of memorable catchphrases and sayings. Foghorn Leghorn is NOT a rooster of few words. He’s another character whose stylistic origins are considered rather arcane and obscured today. Leghorn’s trademarked stutter and vocal dialect are largely derived from comedian Fred Allen’s comedy radio show from the 1940s. His utterances of “that’s a joke, son!” or “ah say, ah say,” are funny because of how it's being said, rather than the actual words. Elsewhere, Foghorn Leghorn’s overall bluster and know-it-all attitude make him a “Looney Tunes” icon that continues to be celebrated today.

“Dora the Explorer” (2000-19)
The history of animation is littered with well-intentioned but sadly forgotten attempts of balancing entertainment with education. Dora Márquez, thankfully, does NOT fall into that category. This is despite early drafts and depictions of the character actually emerging from the animal kingdom (a bunny, specifically) rather than the intrepid explorer she’s known as today. Dora and her cousin Diego have helped generations of kids explore the world around them, exposing cultures and customs along the way. Additionally, children who watched “Dora the Explorer” were also introduced to a little Spanish at an early age, which is a win-win if you ask us.

“Sonic the Hedgehog” (1993-94)
Every good gaming company needs a mascot, right? Sega found a great one when it came time to introduce Sonic the Hedgehog to the masses. Sonic’s nemesis, Dr. Robotnik, actually started his life on the drawing board as another potential company mascot. Eventually, however, his identity was molded to fit the antagonist mold needed opposite our favorite motoring mammal. Dr. Robotnik tended to mirror Mega Man’s foe Dr. Wily when it came time to jump over to animation, perhaps with a little bit of Gannon for good measure. The Doctor featured here has world domination on the brain, and an army of robots ready to do his bidding. It was pretty much all many ‘90s kids required to have a good time.

“The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius” (2002-06)
Isn’t it funny how long it can sometimes take for an idea to finally find its way into production? Jimmy Neutron’s history dates back to the 1980s, but it wasn’t until the late nineties when a test pilot was shot, and the Boy Genius we know today began to take shape. The Nickelodeon series, “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius,” pretty much parallels the 2001 film. We follow Jimmy’s adventures as a super-smart kid with a penchant for uniquely imaginative inventions. These same inventions usually foul up some way or another, cue music and wackiness ensue!

“Æon Flux” (1991-95)
If you thought that this list was only gonna be about kid stuff, then think again. “Æon Flux” was part of MTV’s “Liquid Television” block of forward-thinking animation that aired back in the nineties. The show and its titular character were unrepentant in terms of both violence and sexuality. This was a show that didn’t so much want to expose Æon Flux the character as much as it wanted to discuss Æon Flux the idea. Her secret agent missions often went awry, with Flux suffering grisly deaths during those early seasons. Still, the character’s leather-clad look and blurred approach to morality made Æon Flux impossible to resist.

“Rocko’s Modern Life” (1993-96)
Can you remember the first time you watched a cartoon where the humor went straight over your head? “Rocko’s Modern Life” was one of those shows that just might’ve raised the eyebrows of parents back in the nineties. This was due to the show’s frequent insertion of satire and jokes intended for adults. Of course, that didn’t mean that kids also didn’t love watching Rocko Rama’s adventures from week to week. This lovable wallaby possesses a moral compass that’s often juxtaposed against the chaos of his situations. As a result, fans genuinely wanted to check in on Rocko, Spunky, Filburt, and Heffer Wolfe, even if just to see what they would get into next.

“Ben 10” (2005-08)
The fluidity of animation history means that every generation gets its share of icons. Characters such as Ben Tennyson remain incredibly nostalgic for kids who grew up in the 2000s. And why not? “Ben 10” was an awesome show with an awesome premise: a boy that can turn into various, freakishly cool aliens! Beyond this, however, Tennyson’s personality is easily identifiable. He’s a flawed hero that doesn’t always do the right thing at the right time, but is determined to see things through to the end, while also growing from the experience.

“The Amazing World of Gumball” (2011-)
We absolutely love the fact that “The Amazing World of Gumball” incorporated so many different styles of animation throughout its history. We’re also glad that we were able to follow the adventures of one Gumball Watterson, a brightly colored cat with a wickedly sarcastic sense of humor. Episodes of the show never shied away from touching upon serious social issues, with Gumball as a character often going through important arcs of actions, mistakes, and understanding. This allowed audiences to grow alongside Gumball and also proved that there was a place for smartly written scripts within the world of youth-focused animation.

“Looney Tunes” franchise (1930-)
We may not admittedly know for sure that there’s life on Mars, but we do hope that, if there is, it looks like Marvin the Martian. The diminutive size of this “Looney Tunes” character is balanced against Marvin’s all-consuming quest for galactic domination. He also arrives armed with a bevy of classically memorable catchphrases. Everything from “kaboom” to “lovely” to his very simple phrasing of “oh goodie!!” is delivered with deadpan seriousness. Marvin the Martian frequently keeps his composure, although when it’s time for him to get serious, he tells us so but admitting that he’s feeling “very angry.”

“Strawberry Shortcake” franchise (1980-)

“Underdog” (1964-67)

“American Dad!” (2005-)

“Regular Show” (2010-17)

“Kim Possible” (2002-07)
Never underestimate the power of quality voice acting. Christy Carlson Romano was the right age to portray the character of Kim Possible back in 2002. The maturity of the actress’ real-life voice allowed a connection to be established with the show’s audience, as viewers grew alongside Romano and Possible. Of course, it also helps that this animated series did a great job of expanding upon the “secret identity” trope behind the stories of so many crime fighters. Kim Possible’s daily issues are of both the internal and external variety, while her status as a down-to-earth, not-so-secret agent sort of hero helped keep “Kim Possible” easily approachable for just about anybody.

“Danger Mouse” (1981-92)

“The Smurfs” (1981-89)

“Todd McFarlane’s Spawn” (1997-99)

“Gargoyles” (1994-97)

“ThunderCats” (1985-89)
It’s no secret that many cartoon franchises from the 1980s went hand in hand with… well, we’ll let Yogurt do the talking. That said, we’re glad that shows such as “ThunderCats” also made sure to develop enough character lore to keep us kids interested in the story. Lion-O’s status as a literal man-child was an interesting one for ‘85. It makes his hero’s journey all the more relatable to a young audience. Elsewhere, there’s Lion-O’s weaponry, which is terminally cool. The Sword of Omens gives the ThunderCat leader strength, mobility, and future sight. It’s style and substance all wrapped up into one conveniently bad-ass package.

“The Venture Bros.” (2003-18)

“Johnny Bravo” (1997-2004)

“Danny Phantom” (2004-07)

“The Proud Family” (2001-05)

“She-Ra: Princess of Power” (1985-87)
It would’ve been considered low-hanging fruit to have made Princess Adora a reductive love interest of Prince Adam, a.k.a. He-Man. Instead, the decision to make Adora the latter’s twin sister enabled the newly dubbed She-Ra: Princess of Power to stand on her own two feet. This badass warrior leads her own series, although She-Ra would also occasionally join her sibling in battles against the villainous Skeletor. Adora’s capability as a character helped give her footing equal to that of He-Man, a role model for kids and a great example of gender equality during an era where this wasn’t always the norm.

“The Transformers” (1984-87)

“Big Mouth” (2017-)

“King of the Hill” (1997-)

“Hey Arnold!” (1996-2004)

“Ed, Edd n Eddy” (1999-2009)
It was sort of a no-brainer that we wound up including Ed, Edd, and Eddy from their fan-favorite Cartoon Network show. They’re sort of a package deal, right? A trio of Edwards with their own unique personalities. It’s Eddy’s eternal quest for cash that usually leads the group down the path of hijinks, but it’s all in good fun at the end of the day. Meanwhile, Ed and Edd (with two D’s) serve as the kinder counterbalance to Eddy’s get-rich-quick schemes. It’s all about watching these three get into their adventures as a team, while also wondering exactly how they’re going to get out of it by the end of the episode.

“Doug” (1991-94; 1996-99)

“Recess” (1997-2001)

“Invader Zim” (2001-02; 2006)

“Steven Universe” (2013-19)

“Betty Boop” franchise (1930-)
She’s the OG cutie cartoon queen, a dame that made generations of kids feel confused and funny about what they were watching. Betty Boop is one of those old-school animated legends that’s managed to transcend the years, thanks to her timelessly sketched form. Boop’s figure has been the subject of both conversation and censorship over the years, a flapper girl with a heart of gold. Her sweet demeanor, high-pitched voice and adorable face have enabled Betty Boop to adorn everything from clothing to magazine covers, even as her actual adventures from the animated world fade into memory. One thing’s for sure, though: Betty Boop the cartoon legend will NEVER die.

“The Wild Thornberrys” (1998-2004)

“The Smurfs” (1981-89)

“The Ren & Stimpy Show” (1991-96)

“The Fairly OddParents” (2001-17)

“Bluey” (2018-)
What can we possibly add to the conversation concerning “Bluey” cultural dominance over our kids? It’s a GREAT thing, and we absolutely agree with the world: this is a wonderful show. The title character gets the stand-out credit for our list, but Bluey’s world is chock full of memorable characters that have received lists of their own. The oldest Heeler child possesses a boundless and unfettered imagination, as well as an innate sense of what’s wrong and right. Episodes of “Bluey” don’t always focus on their title character, but we the audience rest well knowing that the Heeler family have made themselves a permanent fixture within all of our homes.

“Courage the Cowardly Dog” (1999-2002)

“Inspector Gadget” (1983-85)

“The Legend of Korra” (2012-14)

“Looney Tunes” franchise (1930-)

“Popeye the Sailor” franchise (1933-)
There’s still a lot we can learn from vintage characters like Popeye the Sailor. Sure, there was a lot of repetition to be had with the old “Bluto beats up Popeye. Popeye eats spinach. Popeye wins” plot lines, but if we can look between those lines, the cartoon’s longevity makes more sense. Popeye never starts a fight with Bluto, and he’s not unstoppable. Instead, it’s usually via some help that he’s able to acquire a can of the green stuff. However, Popeye continues to fight for both Olive Oyl and Swee'Pea, regardless of whether spinach seems to be at hand. These lessons of standing up to tormentors and supporting your family didn’t go unnoticed by those who watched “Popeye” in reruns.

“The Boondocks” (2005-14)

“Superman: The Animated Series” (1996-2000)

“The Jetsons” (1962-63)

“Rugrats” (1991-2004)

“Beavis and Butt-Head” (1993-2011; 2022-23)
Sweeping accusations of Generation X being largely apathetic become difficult to ignore when one deep dives into the cultural popularity of “Beavis and Butt-Head.” The show was notably censored and criticized during its initial run for all of the frequently violent and antisocial behavior demonstrated by its leads. Who are we kidding, though? We tuned into “Beavis and Butt-Head” primarily for the music video commentary, which often proved funnier and more outlandish than the show itself. We still recite various observations from these idiotic headbangers about bands like Grim Reaper, Accept, and Morbid Angel. If that’s wrong, well then we don’t want to be right!

“Scooby-Doo” franchise (1969-)

“DuckTales” (1987-90)

“Animaniacs” (1993-98)

“Adventure Time” (2010-18)

“The Magic School Bus” (1994-97)
Sure, it may be true that we often see things through nostalgia-colored glasses, but there’s also no denying the positive impacts “The Magic School Bus” had upon a generation of nineties kids. Valerie Frizzle was just one of the characters from this lovably educational show, a schoolteacher who’s always down to take her students upon some sort of magic adventure. Lily Tomlin’s voice acting helped bring Valerie Frizzle to life as a motherly role model who prioritized discovery and inquisitiveness in her class. Sometimes, it’s just nice to go back and watch stuff that’s sincere and sweet, without a hint of irony or satire. And “The Magic School Bus” definitely ticks those creative boxes.

“Felix the Cat” franchise (1919-)

“Dexter’s Laboratory” (1996-2003)

“Casper the Friendly Ghost” franchise (1945-)

“Looney Tunes” franchise (1930-)

“Invincible” (2021-)
This adaptation of the Image Comics series is another cartoon that’s definitely not for kids, but rather a hyper-violent commentary upon superhero (and villain) archetypes. Mark Grayson is the product of both alien and human DNA, a youngster who inherits the superpowers of his dad, Omni-Man. It’s perhaps Mark Grayson’s youth that ties into his character of Invincible’s penchant for emotionally driven outbursts. This allows for “Invincible” to more easily connect with its audience, as Grayson processes feelings of anger, rage, and abandonment after Omni-Man’s homicidal rampage. It’s the sort of narrative-driven heavy lifting that’s allowed shows like “Invincible” to push the comic book/animation medium to new heights.

“Phineas and Ferb” (2007-)

“Teen Titans” (2003-06)

“Mickey Mouse” franchise (1928-)

“Mighty Mouse” franchise (1942-)

“The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends” (1959-64)
The humor present within “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends” feels a lot smarter and more subversive when we watch back the show today. It’s the smart dialogue and witty quips of Rocket J. Squirrel and Bullwinkle J. Moose that have helped the cartoon pair thrive, while so many of their vintage brethren have faded. This was a show dominated by long-form, serialized storytelling, and anarchic, “anything goes” hijinks. Oh, and let’s not forget about the bits of societal commentary and jokes that likely flew over the heads of young audiences. The pacing was super quick, too, with nary a moment wasted. There’s always some sort of gag going on whenever Rocky and Bullwinkle are around, and we love them for it.

“Alvin and the Chipmunks” franchise (1961-)

“X-Men” (1992-97)

“The Yogi Bear Show” (1961-62)

“Looney Tunes” franchise (1930-)

“Gravity Falls” (2012-16)
There’s a lot to love within the fan-favorite show “Gravity Falls” and its cast of memorable characters. Grunkle Stan was definitely a stand-out, but we gotta go with Mabel Pines for our list. She’s an irrepressible ball of optimistic energy that helps give “Gravity Falls” its heart and soul. Mabel often serves as a source of inspiration for her twin brother Dipper, since she can usually be counted upon as a rock of emotional support. Her adventures with various monsters and mysteries are made all the more interesting via her intrepid bravery in the face of uncertainty, and we can’t think of anybody else we’d rather have on our team.

“BoJack Horseman” (2014-20)

“Peanuts” franchise (1965-)

“The Simpsons” (1989)

“Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95)

“Rick and Morty” (2013-)
We could honestly be here all day if we were to try and narrow down all of our favorite Ricks from the Central Finite Curve. We’ll be opting for Rick C-137 for simplicity’s sake here since it's this Rick-est Rick Sanchez that’s helped make “Rick and Morty” the phenomenon it is today. Sanchez’s nihilistic and amoral nature is counterbalanced by his charisma, intelligence, and dedication to extravagance. What can we say? We’d like to party with Rick, even though we doubt we’d survive the outcome. At the same time, however, there have been flashes of vulnerability to this flawed genius, such as the flashbacks to his “tragic backstory” and his quest for revenge against Rick Prime.

“Futurama” (1999-2003; 2008-13; 2023-)

“Looney Tunes” franchise (1930-)

“Samurai Jack” (2001-04; 2017)

“Mickey Mouse” franchise (1928-)

“Winnie the Pooh” franchise (1966-)
The year 2025 marked a special centennial anniversary for Winnie the Pooh, who first appeared in London’s “Evening News” back in 1925. We’re oh so glad that this lovable bear from the Hundred Acre Wood has lasted this long, continuing to bring so much love to children around the world. Pooh Bear teaches friendship, devotion, bravery, and a lot more, while also possessing a personality that’s relatable and down to earth. Because who can’t identify with wanting to relax, cozy up, and eat some honey straight from the pot, right?

“Arthur” (1996-2022)
It’s probably by design that the surname of “Arthur’s” title character is “Read.” After all, this Public Broadcasting program has intentionally sought to both entertain and educate kids along the way. Arthur is another character that can easily be swapped out for his audience, a protagonist who usually has the best of intentions, even if he makes some mistakes along the way. Arthur always wants to know how things work and why things are. This curiosity has helped foster the imaginations of the show’s viewing audience for generations. We hope it keeps doing it for generations to come.

“Bob’s Burgers” (2011-)
The strong and realistic family dynamic between the Belchers makes it difficult to narrow down a favorite for this list. The patriarch, Bob, certainly deserves some singling out, since the show is named after him. Still, we gotta go with Tina for this one, since the eldest Belcher child is a constant source for both heartfelt, feel-good moments as well as hearty laughs. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about Tina’s boy-crazy erotic fan fiction, her obsession with butts, or those iconic, anxiety-driven outbursts. Tina is a treasure, and we wouldn’t want her any other way.

“Garfield and Friends” (1988-94)
It isn’t every day that a comic strip can come to life in quite the same way as “Garfield and Friends.” This lazy, lasagna-loving feline appeals to idleness in us all, with Garfield preferring to sleep the day away, if at all possible. His wicked sense of humor and frequently funny comebacks to his owner John and the family dog Odie have also provided us with some classic moments. There have also been some surprisingly poignant scenes such as in the classic Christmas special when Garfield spends some quality time with John’s grandma. All in all, Garfield may be sarcastic, but we all know this cat has a good heart, deep down.

“Star Wars” franchise (1977-)
Every great Jedi Knight must first serve as a padawan, and it’s here where we first meet the animated version of Ahsoka Tano in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” She studies under Anakin Skywalker during the conflict, learning much under his tutelage. However, both Skywalker and Tano share a similarly unbreakable spirit, one that’s frequently impulsive and headstrong. Yet, whereas Skywalker eventually falls to the dark side, Ahsoka is able to temper her emotional side to become a formidable Jedi, although she does leave the order before attaining the rank of Master.

“Tom and Jerry” franchise (1940-)
The phrase “it was a different time” is one that often gets brought up when old, uncensored airings of “Tom and Jerry” are posted online. This doesn’t necessarily come down to the exaggerated violence shared between Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse, although that has always been a talking point. Despite the presence of stereotypes like “Mammy Two Shoes,” the legacy of Tom and Jerry today is more closely connected with the physical comedy of their antagonistic relationship. There are also those memorable moments when the pair make peace, such as with the iconic Christmas short. Either way, it’s great stuff.

“South Park” (1997-)
Eric Theodore Cartman is the “South Park” character you love to hate. It’s actually any wonder the other kids spend any time with Cartman at all since he’s largely selfish and even outright hateful to characters like Kyle. That said, Cartman has also sat at the crux of “South Park’s” most memorable moments. Like the time Eric made Scott Tenorman eat his parents. Or when he bought his own theme park and named it “Cartmanland.” Or when he entered the Special Olympics. It’s a veritable laundry list and treasure trove of awful that we can’t help but revisit again and again.

“The Transformers” (1984-87)
There are admittedly a LOT of iconic characters from “The Transformers” out there, but it’s the leader of the Autobots that’s served as the face of the franchise since its inception. Optimus Prime is basically everything you’d want in a leader. He’s caring, but stern and willing to make difficult decisions for the greater good. He’s supportive of his team, and leads by example. There’s nothing Optimus would request of an Autobot that he wouldn’t do himself. There’s also nothing Prime won’t do to protect those under his care, including paying the ultimate price in 1986’s “Transformers: The Movie.” When Optimus Prime says to “transform and roll out,” we listen. And we’ll follow this Autobot anywhere.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” franchise (1987-)
We don’t think it’s unfair to label the singling out of one’s personal favorite Ninja Turtle as something of a rite of passage. Developing personalities often seek out characters that reflect those growing internal interests, and we definitely remember choosing sides. For some, the strength and leadership skills of Leonardo lured them into the TMNT fold. For others, it’s the fun-loving innocence of Michelangelo that connects us to the Turtles when we’re kids. This nunchaku-wielding student of Master Splinter can always be relied upon to lighten up the mood. Michelangelo’s party-dude status balances out Donatello’s intelligence and Raphael’s attitude to bring balance to this teenage fighting team.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
There’s a lot to admire within Aang, the central protagonist of “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” For starters, he’s largely a pacifist, preferring to exhaust every option before resorting to a physical confrontation. Aang is also friendly to a fault, loyal to his friends, and willing to go the extra mile to keep those he loves safe. “Avatar: The Last Airbender” was always a show that brought with it plenty of heady moral lessons and emotional, even philosophical weight. Aang’s journey as a hero is often central to that weight, a powerful story that’s still fun to rewatch, years later.

“Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95)
It’s one of the most devastatingly awesome examples of kismet to ever occur for an animated series. We’re speaking, naturally, of Mark Hamill’s casting as the voice of the Joker for “Batman: The Animated Series.” Hamill’s voice acting on the show has become so influential to the character that he is the voice many fans hear in their heads when envisioning the Clown Prince of Crime. “Batman: The Animated Series” also brought to life Dr. Harleen Quinzel as the Joker’s on-again/off-again partner-in-crime, Harley Quinn. This show helped endear the characters to a whole new generation of Batman fans.

“The Powerpuff Girls” (1998-2005)
It seems sort of unfair to separate this trio of pint-sized superheroes, so we decided to celebrate Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup together in one entry. The Powerpuff Girls all have different personalities, but usually come together to get the job done. Blossom’s leadership skills sound the charge, while Bubbles and Buttercup balance out emotional availability and physical toughness, respectively. The girls may have barely been out of kindergarten, but the Powerpuff Girls still served as role models for young audiences who also watched while they were in school. Because whoever said kids couldn’t save the world?!

“The Flintstones” (1960-66)
Catchphrases come and go, but “Yabba Dabba Doo” seems to have survived the ebb and flow of time. One could even say that about Fred Flintstone and his family, as well, since we’re actually not sure whether or not modern kids connect the dots when it comes to their vitamins or boxes of Fruity Pebbles. Regardless, Fred Flintstone’s irascible but lovable demeanor persists, an obvious pastiche of tropes borrowed from “The Honeymooners,” but done so with enduring charm. Fred always seems to have a scheme up his sleeve, but he usually comes around and learns his lesson by the end of each episode. Kind of like when he finally shared his Pebbles with Barney Rubble.

“Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-)
Isn’t it interesting how characters change over the years? Stewie Griffin from “Family Guy” was certainly unique during the show’s early seasons, but the writers wisely decided to lessen Stewie’s violent schemes for world domination. Now, the character is more layered, but no less edgy or envelope-pushing than before. He just isn’t always trying to murder Lois anymore. We’d say that we probably see the events of each “Family Guy” episode through Stewie’s eyes more than somebody like Peter’s, which is sort of weird because he’s a toddler. At the same time, the youngest Griffin’s ability to do or say almost anything means he’s never out of surprises.

“Scooby-Doo” franchise (1969-)
We honestly feel kind of weird writing out “Scoobert” as this crime-solving canine’s first name. He’ll always just be “Scooby” to us, and probably most of you, too. This Great Dane and Mystery Incorporated have been uncovering nefarious schemes and saving the day for decades now. Not bad considering Scooby communicates primarily with a dialect only Fred, Velma, Daphne, and Shaggy can make out one hundred percent of the time. Oh, and you’ll also notice that we didn’t mention Scrappy-Doo there, and that’s by design. Because nobody likes Scrappy-Doo. Nobody.

“SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
Absurdity is the name of the game when it comes to SpongeBob SquarePants. This denizen of Bikini Bottom is an unflappable protagonist with the ultimate bright outlook on life. He and all the rest of the sea creatures in King Poseidon’s dominion get into adventure after adventure, usually with a side of satire for good measure. Yup, “SpongeBob SquarePants” is the sort of show that might have parents looking at each other, mouthing, “Did they just say that?” while their kids are blissfully vegging out. Then again, that’s definitely by design, and SpongeBob rarely gets to the point where it’s mean-spirited or anything… just silly and farcical.

“Peanuts” franchise (1965-)
Rarely can a certain franchise spark nostalgia for something you didn’t personally experience in the first place. Charlie Brown and the “Peanuts” franchise embodies a very specific place in the heart, that universal center of goodness and honesty for simple storytelling. Charlie Brown possesses a self-deprecating sense of humor, a dry wit, and the ability to make remarkably composed commentary about the life experience. He’s ultimately a child who speaks with the wisdom of a man, yet he’s able to be approached by just about anyone. Charles Schulz certainly broke the mold when it came to all of the “Peanuts” gang, really, but Charlie Brown and Snoopy really take the cake.

“Looney Tunes” franchise (1930-)
It’s nearly impossible to discuss the “Looney Tunes” franchise without mentioning the King of All Hares, Bugs Bunny, and the myriad catchphrases he’s had over the years. He’s a smart aleck, but never a maroon. He’s the face of the “Looney Tunes” brand that always seems to know what to say and how to say it. Bugs, Daffy, Taz, Elmer Fudd and more have certainly undergone their fair share of stylistic and personality changes over the years. If the “Space Jam” franchise has taught us anything, it’s that those childhood memories can go a long way, and we’ll always remember the joy Bugs and the entire “Looney Tunes” cast has brought us over the decades.

“The Simpsons” (1989-)
Will “The Simpsons” ever end? It’s unclear, but probably not anytime soon. But fans would ask: why would you want it to? It’s difficult for those who weren’t there to describe “Simpsons” mania back when the show first caught fire. Bart Simpson was soon a household name, but we’d counter that Homer’s character arc has been more fascinating to watch over the years. Granted, this family patriarch generally retains his lovable doofus status, but episodes such as the one where Homer reconnects with his mom were truly heart wrenching affairs. So, yeah, “The Simpsons” is making history with each new season, but we say bring it on!

“Mickey Mouse” franchise (1928-)
Somebody has to be number one, and it’s probably the most obvious (and best) option. Mickey Mouse and the Disney brand have grown beyond mere nostalgia or icon status to become something almost universal when it comes to the experience of being a kid. Mickey and his friends are always down for an adventure, almost always teaching us a thing or two about how to be kind to our peers. He’s a humble, fun-loving mouse that believes honesty is the best policy, forthrightness is your friend and loyalty is super-important, even in the face of tough times. A classic just never goes out of style.


What is it about cartoons that make you the most wistful for the good old days? Let us know in the comments!

[b]EE-on https://youtu.be/7z8pkBod2kY?t=47
[c]i don't think they say this ever
[d]https://youtu.be/ONoBfMRFyJo?si=NBuZJRJNo8iKMT3p&t=4736
[e]Demona = duh-MOH-nuh https://youtu.be/w2BOGV9gkso?t=35
[f]HOH-eck but so fast it sounds like hork https://youtu.be/hZR6F9uhX1s?si=Rve8f7YrAQneLwwV&t=310 @ 00:04 https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8iomf4