10 Most Iconic Animated TV Characters Everyone Knows
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Since all the way back in the late 1930s, the medium of animation has been one of the most fascinating sides of television. There have been plenty of iconic animated shows throughout history, but a show can only be as iconic as its characters. Indeed, there are several animated characters from TV shows so well-known that even those who have never seen their show of origin know about them.
From characters from classic cartoons, like Fred Flinstone, to characters from much more modern cult classics, like Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, the medium’s most popular characters are a testament to the legendary effect of televisual animation on pop culture. Whether it’s because their design is distinct, their personality is irresistibly fun, or their actor’s voice performance is fantastic, these characters are staples of animation that pretty much everyone is familiar with. For fairness’ sake, only characters who originated on television will be counted.
10
Dexter — ‘Dexter’s Laboratory’ (1996–2003)
His career hasn’t been without its ups and downs, but, overall, Genndy Tartakovsky is undeniably one of the biggest legends in the history of animation. His very first show was Dexter’s Laboratory, which he created, wrote for, and often directed. One of Cartoon Network’s oldest and most acclaimed shows, it’s one of the best 1990s cartoons. Its protagonist, Dexter, is a boy genius with a secret lab in his bedroom.
The character’s unique silhouette, iconic voice (provided by Christine Cavanaugh), and many catchphrases left an indelible cultural legacy that helped Cartoon Network’s boom in popularity near the end of the ’90s. The show as a whole has aged like fine wine, and the titular character is just as fun today as he was back then.
9
Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith — ‘Rick and Morty’ (2013–)
There are very few animated shows currently on the air quite as popular or beloved as Rick and Morty. Incredibly above-average as far as the intelligence and depth of its writing goes, this sci-fi sitcom has provided some of the most creative storylines, vibrant animation, and memorable episodes of 21st-century animated television. Its two lead characters, the mad scientist Rick and his anxious grandson, Morty, are two of the poster boys of contemporary televisual animation. The pair were originally both voiced by Justin Roiland, but since his firing, it’s been Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden, respectively, voicing them.
Rick and Morty is one of IMDb users’ favorite comedy shows, and, indeed, just as often as it’s hugely inventive and fresh, the series is absolutely hilarious. The best part about the whole thing is that both its intelligence and its sense of humor tend to come very naturally from the characters. Rick and Morty have explosive personalities and an awful lot of chemistry, and though the show isn’t nearly as old as most of the most iconic animated series in history, it’s such a pillar of today’s pop culture that we’ve gotten to a point where Rick and Morty are both instantly recognizable by anyone familiar with the modern media landscape.
8
The Powerpuff Girls — ‘The Powerpuff Girls’ (1998–2004)
Produced by Hanna-Barbera for Cartoon Network, The Powerpuff Girls is another one of the network’s most successful ’90s shows. Its lead characters are the smart and composed Blossom, the endlessly kind Bubbles, and the tough Buttercup. Voiced by Catherine Cavadini, Tara Strong, and Elizabeth Daily, respectively, these three superheroes made of sugar, spice, and everything nice are enshrined deep in the nostalgic memory of every ’90s kid.
Thanks to their cute designs, the voice cast’s exceptional work, and the trio’s distinct archetypal personalities, the Powerpuff Girls are some of the most beloved cartoon characters ever. The show’s 2016 revival may not have been nearly as successful as the original, but the classic made sure that its cultural impact was impossible to spoil.
7
Johnny Bravo — ‘Johnny Bravo’ (1997–2004)
The show that helped catapult the careers of animators as legendary as Seth MacFarlane and Butch Hartman, Johnny Bravo‘s success and quality may have never reached the heights of some of its Cartoon Network contemporaries, but it sure has remained every bit as iconic. The show has obtained a cult following purely through its charming animation, witty sense of humor, and memorable main character.
Johnny, voiced with panache by Jeff Bennett doing an often quite amusing Elvis Presley impersonation, has an instantly recognizable design and a toolbox full of iconic catchphrases. Thanks to the iconicity of the show and Johnny’s parodic portrayal of the macho man archetype, Johnny Bravo has become a staple of modern meme culture.
6
Peppa Pig — ‘Peppa Pig’ (2004–)
Seeing as it’s such a big part of today’s pop culture, it isn’t hard to believe that Peppa Pig has been on the air for as long as it has. It almost feels like it’s always been around. Although its value for children has been brought into question in the past, it’s undeniable that it’s by far one of the most successful children’s shows currently running—and it even has the seal of approval of Quentin Tarantino of all people.
Love or hate Peppa, its titular protagonist (who’s been voiced by several different actresses throughout the series’ run) is undeniably instantly recognizable. Whether it’s meme culture making fun of how rude she is to her family and friends, or kids and families—even those who have never seen it—clearly being familiar with her endearing design and fiery personality, one would be hard-pressed to find someone who has never heard Peppa Pig’s name.
5
Peter Griffin — ‘Family Guy’ (1999–)
Even if it was just while scrolling TikTok, everyone with access to a phone or a TV has come across at least one clip of Family Guy at least once in their lives. Arguably the Seth MacFarlane creation that has had the biggest cultural impact, it’s a sitcom that’s definitely had its ups and downs, but has remained absolutely iconic throughout. It’s also an animated sitcom that’s most definitely not for kids, as proven by just about any scene featuring its protagonist, Peter Griffin (voiced by MacFarlane).
Every element is there for an absolutely timeless character. Peter’s design and silhouette are unmistakable, the voice MacFarlane does for him is always a blast, and his boisterous personality always provides the basis of some hilariously ridiculous situations. Family Guy is by no means a perfect show, but it’s undeniable that its lead character is a staple of modern pop culture.
4
Fred Flintstone — ‘The Flintstones’ (1960–1966)
One of the most beloved classic cartoons of all time, The Flintstones needs no introduction. Neither does its main character, Fred Flintstone (originally voiced by Alan Reed), a family man whose personality was inspired by that of older sitcom protagonists, like Ralph Kramden from The Honeymooners and Chester A. Riley of The Life of Riley.
These pastiche influences, along with Fred’s iconic design and equally iconic catchphrase, “yabba dabba doo!”, make this loveable caveman an icon of 1960s TV culture. The whole Flintstone family is instantly recognizable, including Wilma (the other part of one of animated television’s best couples), but if there’s one character from the show who absolutely everyone should know, it’s undoubtedly Fred.
3
Scooby-Doo — ‘Scooby Doo, Where Are You!’ (1969–1978)
It might be easier to find a needle in a haystack than to find someone who has never even heard of Scooby-Doo. The talking mystery-solving dog has been a part of many incredible Scooby movies over the years, but there’s no beating his roots: television. From the character’s first (and arguably best) appearance in Scooby Doo, Where Are You!, to more modern outings like Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!, to wild crossover appearances in shows as unexpected as Supernatural, he’s a character who everyone knows and loves.
The character’s unique way of speaking and distinct voice (provided by many actors over the years), timeless design, many catchphrases, and endearing personality have all contributed to him remaining so deeply ingrained in modern pop culture. Even those who have never seen one of Scooby’s adventures are aware of their existence.
2
SpongeBob SquarePants — ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999–)
Created by Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants soon became an international phenomenon of almost unparalleled proportions, at least as far as animated children’s television went. Although the franchise as a whole has lost a lot of its magic over time (particularly after Hillenburg’s passing in 2018), the original cartoon remains one of the most beloved of all time. Its protagonist, the cheerful titular SpongeBob, is an icon of animation.
SpongeBob is an embodiment of everything that makes his show so charming. His sense of humor, unique design, enjoyably exaggerated personality, and endlessly quotable phrases are all well-known by anyone even just slightly familiar with animated television. The character is a brand in and of itself, and this kind of transcendental impact is something remarkably rare.
1
Homer Simpson — ‘The Simpsons’ (1989–)
There’s a very, very strong argument to be made that Homer Simpson from The Simpsons is the face of animated television. There had been many hugely popular animated characters before him, and there have been many after, but nothing matches the iconicity of the protagonist of the longest-running mainstream animated series to date. Lazy and unintelligent, but with a heart of gold, Homer is a caricature of the working-class American stereotype that somehow hasn’t gotten old in 26 years.
The Simpsons hasn’t been as great as it used to be in years, but Homer has remained constantly enjoyable throughout pretty much the whole thing. Everyone knows this comedy character, whether it’s because of his design, his voice (by Dan Castellaneta), his archetypal personality, or his relationships with each of his almost-just-as-iconic family members. When one thinks of TV animation, one thinks of Homer Simpson.
The Simpsons
- Release Date
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December 17, 1989
- Network
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FOX
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Homer Simpson / Abe Simpson / Barney Gumble / Krusty (voice)
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Julie Kavner
Marge Simpson / Patty Bouvier / Selma Bouvier (voice)
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