Could
you name fifty famous cartoon characters off the top of your head? I
didn’t think I could … until I got started. I’d wager if you are over
30 years old, you would recognize and know every single one of
these characters. For real, every single one. In writing this post I
came to realize the sheer volume of cartoon characters that have
permanently infiltrated my brain. Famous cartoon characters and mascots
seem to have one thing in common: they are incredibly sticky. Like it
or not, they invade your head space, and never leave.
If
you are like me, some of these characters you grew up with as a kid,
others you will have gotten to know and love as an adult. The one’s
that made it on this list did so because of their enduring greatness to
last beyond mere fad and pull up a permanent place both in popular
culture and in our minds. In no particular order, let’s get this
started! And naturally, all characters are copyright of their
respective owners. Don’t steal them m’kay?

• Mickey Mouse
  
  
  Joyful, vulnerable, lovable. Mickey came into our hearts and minds
  decades ago and still reigns supreme. He’s like the Jesus of cartoon
  characters.
  
• Eric Theodore Cartman
  
  
  Eric showed up in the 90’s and will forever leave us laughing … and emotionally scarred.
  
• Homer Simpson
  
  
  Homer made us all feel A-OK about being overweight, gluttonous and idiotic. Thanks buddy.
  
• Popeye
  
  
  Popeye showed us that all you need is a heart of gold and you’ll be just fine. A pair of killer pipes don’t hurt either.
  
• Joe Camel
  
  
  Hey smoking is cool! Right? Er … well, it used to be. Thanks Joe.
  
  
  ART FROM YOUR DNA
  
• Garfield
  
  
  Mischievous, scheming and adorable. Garfield has had us grinning for years and years.
  
• Charlie Brown
  
  
  Yet another vulnerable and lovable icon. Charlie made being neurotic totally cool.
  
• Alvin
  
  
  Furry, friendly and gifted at turning a catchy tune.
  
• Tweety Bird
  
  
  Feathery, friendly and gifted at the art of escape!
  
• Tom & Jerry
  
  
  Polar opposites providing some great laughs during their constant fighting.
  
• Toucan Sam
  
  
  One of the original cereal icons, Toucan Sam has gone on to grace much more than a cereal box.
  
• Archie
  
  
  You can’t stand in a supermarket checkout line without seeing Archie getting into trouble with the girls.
  
• Fat Albert
  
  
  In 1967, Bill Cosby introduced us to Fat Albert and his friends. They’ve been making us laugh ever since.
  
• Linus van Pelt
  
  
  Brother of Lucy, Friend and unusally smart sidekick to Charlie Brown.
  Showed us we all need our comfort “thing” in some way, shape or form.
  
• Bart Simpson
  
  
  Enough said.
  
• 
  
  ART FROM YOUR DNA
  
  
  
  Mighty Mouse
  
  
  Rocked up in the 1940’s and was one of the original cartoon super
  stars. Mighty made many things possible for many characters who followed
  in his footsteps.
  
• Lucy van Pelt
  
  
  Bossy, crabby and bad tempered. For all her bad vibes, Lucy had a
  romantic side that would emerge regarding a certain boy called
  Schroeder.
  
• Capt’n Crunch
  
  
  Introduced in 1963, the Captain has thrived for decades amidst growing competition for our cereal dollars.
  
• Fred Flintstone
  
  
  We can credit Fred for many things. One of which was laying the foundation for a guy like Homer to be created.
  
• Porky Pig
  
  
  Awww.
  
• Shaggy
  
  
  Flared pants, scruffy facial hair, crazy voice. We love you Shaggy.
  
• Richie Rich
  
  
  Another supermarket superstar, Richie let us tag along for the ride as he lived the life we all wished we could.
  
• Casper
  
  
  Was he a little boy before he was a ghost? We’ll never know but he sure was a nice fella.
  
• Pink Panther
  
  
  In 1963, the title sequence to the Pink Panther movie was so popular
  that the character was given his own animated series of shorts. The rest
  is history!
  
• Ren & Stimpy
  
  
  Nonsensical, absurd, controversial. Ren & Stimpy made us cackle and cringe all at once.
  
• Spiderman
  
  
  Created by legendary writer Stan Lee, Spiderman hit the scene in the early 60s … and never left.
  
• Jughead
  
  
  Jughead (real name Forsythe Pendleton Jones III!) . Best friend to
  Archie and a fast runner which helps him get away from Ethel!
  
• Mr. Kool Aid
  
  
  Also known as Kool Aid Man came to life in 1954. He’s been representing colored sugar water ever since.
  
• Betty Boop
  
  
  Betty was the original cartoon sex kitten. She arrived in the 1930s and was turning heads long before most of us were born.
  
• Road Runner
  
  
  Always smarter and faster than one…
  
• Wile E. Coyote
  
  
  The eptitomy of persistence. If you look up “tenacious” in the
  dictionary, there should be a picture of Wile E. Coyote. This guy NEVER
  gives up.
  
• Jolly Green Giant
  
  
  How do you sell more peas and corn? In the 1920’s, they decided that creating a huge, friendly green guy might do the trick.
  
• Bugs Bunny
  
  
  Super intelligent, cool and calm. Bugs always seems to know what’s up … (doc).
  
• Olive Oyl
  
  
  
  
  
  
  In 1919, it was “Popeye who?” Olive Oyl was the star of the show.
• Daffy Duck
  In the late 1930’s, Daffy came along and established himself as a
  hilarious and lovable screwball. We’ve been laughing with and at him
  ever since.
  
• Scooby Doo
  
  
  Shaggy’s pet and best friend, Shaggy is probably the world’s most famous Great Dane.
  
• Donald Duck
  
  
  He wears a hat and a shirt but no pants. Donald is another character
  born in the 1930’s that has stood the test of time with flying colors.
  
• Elmer Fudd
  
  
  Elmer is a lovable dope with an unmistakable voice. His mission in
  life? Shoot Bugs Bunny dead. It’s been seventy years and he’s still
  trying.
  
• Wonder Woman
  
  
  December 1941 is when Wonder Woman showed up. And ever since, she’s been a powerhouse of feminine super power.
  
• 
  
  ART FROM YOUR DNA
  
  
  
  Hello Kitty
  
  
  A one billion dollar per year industry is Hello Kitty. Born in 1974, this cat knows how to sell.
  
• Papa Smurf
  
  
  The oldest and wisest of all the Smurfs. Papa Smurf is the rock the
  other Smurfs all turn too whenever there’s a problem. We applaud you for
  a job well done Papa Smurf.
  
• Batman
  
  
  Another legend from the late 30’s, Batman is one of those epic characters that has graced almost every medium known to man.
  
• Superman
  
  
  Arguably the most famous of all cartoon superheros, Superman was
  created in the early 30’s and left an lasting impression on mainstream
  and popular culture in more ways than we’ll ever know.
  
• Snap, Crackle & Pop
  
  These three fellas have been getting us to by Rice Crispies for
  decades and have done a pretty darn good job of it. I don’t think
  they’ll be out of work any time soon.
  
• Smurfette
  
  
  Ah the beautiful and lucky Smurfette. Blonde hair, white high heels
  and the only girl in town makes her the love interest of practically
  every Smurf around!
  
• Kenny McCormick
  
  
  No one has died on screen more times than Kenny. This guy is forever
  etched in our minds for his bright orange parka, muffled speech and
  numerous disgusting deaths he has suffered at the hands of his creators.
  
• Goofy
  
  
  Another Disney legend and one of Mickey’s best friends, Goofy was born
  in 1932 and is yet another cartoon icon who has stood the test of
  time.
  
• Calvin & Hobbes
  
  
  30 million books sold can’t be wrong. The adventures of young Calvin and his tiger Hobbes keep us reading and loving them.
  
• Winnie the Pooh
  
  
  Also known as Pooh Bear, Winnie came first came to us in 1926. His
  travels and friends grace the minds of almost every kid. Thanks Winnie.
  
• Yogi Bear
  
  
  Our favorite rhyming bear, Yogi has been shamelessly self-promting and
  overestimating his intelligence since the 50’s with his sidekick Boo
  Boo.
  

Consider this Part 1 of the Most Famous Cartoon
Characters and Mascots. Got a character you want to see in Part 2?
Tell me in the comments!
50 Most Famous Cartoon Characters & Mascots

Could you name fifty famous cartoon characters off
the top of your head? I didn’t think I could … until I got started. I’d
wager if you are over 30 years old, you would recognize and know every single one
of these characters. For real, every single one. In writing this post
I came to realize the sheer volume of cartoon characters that have
permanently infiltrated my brain. Famous cartoon characters and mascots
seem to have one thing in common: they are incredibly sticky. Like it
or not, they invade your head space, and never leave.
If
you are like me, some of these characters you grew up with as a kid,
others you will have gotten to know and love as an adult. The one’s
that made it on this list did so because of their enduring greatness to
last beyond mere fad and pull up a permanent place both in popular
culture and in our minds. In no particular order, let’s get this
started! And naturally, all characters are copyright of their
respective owners. Don’t steal them m’kay?

• Mickey Mouse
  
  
  Joyful, vulnerable, lovable. Mickey came into our hearts and minds
  decades ago and still reigns supreme. He’s like the Jesus of cartoon
  characters.
  
• Eric Theodore Cartman
  
  
  Eric showed up in the 90’s and will forever leave us laughing … and emotionally scarred.
  
• Homer Simpson
  
  
  Homer made us all feel A-OK about being overweight, gluttonous and idiotic. Thanks buddy.
  
• Popeye
  
  
  Popeye showed us that all you need is a heart of gold and you’ll be just fine. A pair of killer pipes don’t hurt either.
  
• Joe Camel
  
  
  Hey smoking is cool! Right? Er … well, it used to be. Thanks Joe.
  
  
  ART FROM YOUR DNA
  
• Garfield
  
  
  Mischievous, scheming and adorable. Garfield has had us grinning for years and years.
  
• Charlie Brown
  
  
  Yet another vulnerable and lovable icon. Charlie made being neurotic totally cool.
  
• Alvin
  
  
  Furry, friendly and gifted at turning a catchy tune.
  
• Tweety Bird
  
  
  Feathery, friendly and gifted at the art of escape!
  
• Tom & Jerry
  
  
  Polar opposites providing some great laughs during their constant fighting.
  
• Toucan Sam
  
  
  One of the original cereal icons, Toucan Sam has gone on to grace much more than a cereal box.
  
• Archie
  
  
  You can’t stand in a supermarket checkout line without seeing Archie getting into trouble with the girls.
  
• Fat Albert
  
  
  In 1967, Bill Cosby introduced us to Fat Albert and his friends. They’ve been making us laugh ever since.
  
• Linus van Pelt
  
  
  Brother of Lucy, Friend and unusally smart sidekick to Charlie Brown.
  Showed us we all need our comfort “thing” in some way, shape or form.
  
• Bart Simpson
  
  
  Enough said.
  
• 
  
  ART FROM YOUR DNA
  
  
  
  Mighty Mouse
  
  
  Rocked up in the 1940’s and was one of the original cartoon super
  stars. Mighty made many things possible for many characters who followed
  in his footsteps.
  
• Lucy van Pelt
  
  
  Bossy, crabby and bad tempered. For all her bad vibes, Lucy had a
  romantic side that would emerge regarding a certain boy called
  Schroeder.
  
• Capt’n Crunch
  
  
  Introduced in 1963, the Captain has thrived for decades amidst growing competition for our cereal dollars.
  
• Fred Flintstone
  
  
  We can credit Fred for many things. One of which was laying the foundation for a guy like Homer to be created.
  
• Porky Pig
  
  
  Awww.
  
• Shaggy
  
  
  Flared pants, scruffy facial hair, crazy voice. We love you Shaggy.
  
• Richie Rich
  
  
  Another supermarket superstar, Richie let us tag along for the ride as he lived the life we all wished we could.
  
• Casper
  
  
  Was he a little boy before he was a ghost? We’ll never know but he sure was a nice fella.
  
• Pink Panther
  
  
  In 1963, the title sequence to the Pink Panther movie was so popular
  that the character was given his own animated series of shorts. The rest
  is history!
  
• Ren & Stimpy
  
  
  Nonsensical, absurd, controversial. Ren & Stimpy made us cackle and cringe all at once.
  
• Spiderman
  
  
  Created by legendary writer Stan Lee, Spiderman hit the scene in the early 60s … and never left.
  
• Jughead
  
  
  Jughead (real name Forsythe Pendleton Jones III!) . Best friend to
  Archie and a fast runner which helps him get away from Ethel!
  
• Mr. Kool Aid
  
  
  Also known as Kool Aid Man came to life in 1954. He’s been representing colored sugar water ever since.
  
• Betty Boop
  
  
  Betty was the original cartoon sex kitten. She arrived in the 1930s and was turning heads long before most of us were born.
  
• Road Runner
  
  
  Always smarter and faster than one…
  
• Wile E. Coyote
  
  
  The eptitomy of persistence. If you look up “tenacious” in the
  dictionary, there should be a picture of Wile E. Coyote. This guy NEVER
  gives up.
  
• Jolly Green Giant
  
  
  How do you sell more peas and corn? In the 1920’s, they decided that creating a huge, friendly green guy might do the trick.
  
• Bugs Bunny
  
  
  Super intelligent, cool and calm. Bugs always seems to know what’s up … (doc).
  
• Olive Oyl
  
  
  In 1919, it was “Popeye who?” Olive Oyl was the star of the show.
  
• Daffy Duck
  In the late 1930’s, Daffy came along and established himself as a
  hilarious and lovable screwball. We’ve been laughing with and at him
  ever since.
  
• Scooby Doo
  
  
  Shaggy’s pet and best friend, Shaggy is probably the world’s most famous Great Dane.
  
• Donald Duck
  
  
  He wears a hat and a shirt but no pants. Donald is another character
  born in the 1930’s that has stood the test of time with flying colors.
  
• Elmer Fudd
  
  
  Elmer is a lovable dope with an unmistakable voice. His mission in
  life? Shoot Bugs Bunny dead. It’s been seventy years and he’s still
  trying.
  
• Wonder Woman
  
  
  December 1941 is when Wonder Woman showed up. And ever since, she’s been a powerhouse of feminine super power.
  
• 
  
  ART FROM YOUR DNA
  
  
  
  Hello Kitty
  
  
  A one billion dollar per year industry is Hello Kitty. Born in 1974, this cat knows how to sell.
  
• Papa Smurf
  
  
  The oldest and wisest of all the Smurfs. Papa Smurf is the rock the
  other Smurfs all turn too whenever there’s a problem. We applaud you for
  a job well done Papa Smurf.
  
• Batman
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Another legend from the late 30’s, Batman is one of those epic characters that has graced almost every medium known to man.
• Superman
  
  
  Arguably the most famous of all cartoon superheros, Superman was
  created in the early 30’s and left an lasting impression on mainstream
  and popular culture in more ways than we’ll ever know.
  
• Snap, Crackle & Pop
  
  These three fellas have been getting us to by Rice Crispies for
  decades and have done a pretty darn good job of it. I don’t think
  they’ll be out of work any time soon.
  
• Smurfette
  
  
  Ah the beautiful and lucky Smurfette. Blonde hair, white high heels
  and the only girl in town makes her the love interest of practically
  every Smurf around!
  
• Kenny McCormick
  
  
  No one has died on screen more times than Kenny. This guy is forever
  etched in our minds for his bright orange parka, muffled speech and
  numerous disgusting deaths he has suffered at the hands of his creators.
  
• Goofy
  
  
  Another Disney legend and one of Mickey’s best friends, Goofy was born
  in 1932 and is yet another cartoon icon who has stood the test of
  time.
  
• Calvin & Hobbes
  
  
  30 million books sold can’t be wrong. The adventures of young Calvin and his tiger Hobbes keep us reading and loving them.
  
• Winnie the Pooh
  
  
  Also known as Pooh Bear, Winnie came first came to us in 1926. His
  travels and friends grace the minds of almost every kid. Thanks Winnie.
  
• Yogi Bear
  
  
  Our favorite rhyming bear, Yogi has been shamelessly self-promting and
  overestimating his intelligence since the 50’s with his sidekick Boo
  Boo.
  

Consider this Part 1 of the Most Famous Cartoon
Characters and Mascots. Got a character you want to see in Part 2?
Tell me in the comments!