Best Animated Characters of All Time

Cool animated characters make the storytelling lifelike. Be it cartoons, films, or games, the best animated characters, through expressive movement and expressions, bring life to the storytelling. They evoke strong emotion and make the game immersive. This blog drives you through an analysis of the 15 famous animated characters who’ve captured the hearts of people worldwide.

Cool animated characters add storytelling and immersion to life in games, films, and cartoons. Be it Mickey’s can-do spirit and cheerful optimism, the slapstick battles of Tom and Jerry, or Bugs Bunny’s quick wit, sly charm, and cool trickster, they all add meaning and immersion to the storytelling, making them timeless.

The best animated characters bring a multitude of benefits to films, video games, and cartoons, including simplifying complex narratives and adding emotional connection and depth to the story. A game animation company users these animated characters to craft immersive and memorable storytelling and engaging experiences across various media.

Animated characters, through expressive movements and facial expressions, evoke strong emotions in the audience and get them deeply invested in the story or gameplay. Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, and Tom and Jerry are among those frequently cited as top contenders; however, this blog is going to uncover the top 15 cool animated characters you should explore.

Top 15 Animated Characters of All Time

There are many types of animation, and so are the animated characters. Here’s a complete analysis of the top 15 cool animated characters of all time, including Mickey Mouse, Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny, and more:

1. Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse is one of the most iconic and memorable characters of the 20th century. This character represents all the traits that Walt Disney wished to portray through his character. Mickey embodies happiness, charm, and fun, which makes him one of the most popular characters in the world of animation.

When was Mickey Mouse created?

Mickey Mouse was created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. The very character first appeared in Steamboat Willie.

Fun Facts

• Instantly recognizable by his gloves and big, round ears.
• Originally voiced by Walt Disney himself.
• Mickey Mouse was the first animated character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2. Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry are the classic cartoon duo in which Tom is a scheming house cat, and Jerry is the clever little mouse, often outwitting him. The endless slapstick chase scenes of Tom & Jerry have entertained people from different generations. Their physical comedy and rivalry narrate everything without much dialogue. 

When was Tom and Jerry created? 

Created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for MGM, Tom & Jerry debuted in 1940.

Fun Facts

• While Tom’s full name is “Thomas Cat,” Jerry’s full name is “Gerald Jinx Mouse, ”though this is less commonly mentioned than Tom’s full name. 
• They won 7 Academy Awards for animated short film. 
• The show’s original episodes rarely used dialogue; slapstick action drove the comedy.

3. Bugs Bunny

The animated character, Bugs Bunny, is the wisecracking, carrot-munching rabbit who outsmarts everyone, especially Elmer Fudd. Bugs tends to be the ultimate trickster, witty and unbothered, and always remains in control. His “What’s up, Doc?” is a part of cartoon history. The character allures the audience with immersive storytelling.

When was Bugs Bunny created?

Bugs Bunny officially debuted in 1940 in A Wild Hare.

Fun Facts

• His catchphrase “What’s up, Doc?” became iconic.
• He’s starred in more films than any other cartoon character.
• Bugs has even received an honorary Oscar!

4. Miles Morales

Miles Morales is a modern Spider-Man from Brooklyn who efficiently balances high school life with saving the multiverse. What makes it iconic is that Miles brings fresh representation and relatability to Spider-Man, and is loved for his style, courage, and electric personality. With his outstanding traits, the very character pleases his audience. 

When was Miles Morales created?

Miles Morales first appeared in Ultimate Fallout #4 in 2011 (Marvel Comics).

Fun Facts

• Miles Morales is the first Black and Puerto Rican Spider-Man.
• Became globally popular through Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018).
• Known for his unique suit and electric “Venom Strike.”

5. Daffy Duck

One of the top 15 cool animated characters is Daffy Duck, who is the zany, loud-mouthed rival to Bugs Bunny. The character is selfish, dramatic, and endlessly entertaining. His unpredictable antics and self-centered schemes set him apart and make him one of Looney Tunes’ funniest characters.

When was Daffy Duck created?

First appeared in 1937 in Porky’s Duck Hunt.

Fun Facts

• Known for his zany personality and lisp.
• He’s Bugs Bunny’s eternal rival and partner in Looney Tunes.
• Originally designed to contrast with the calm characters of the time.

6. Donald Duck

Donald Duck is Disney’s short-tempered but lovable duck in a sailor shirt and cap, who is often caught up in misadventures. What makes this character famous is his hilarious rants and comic frustration, making him instantly relatable and fun to watch.

When was Donald Duck created?

Donald Duck debuted in 1934 in The Wise Little Hen.

Fun Facts

• Famous for his semi-intelligible speech.
• Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• His temper tantrums make him lovable and relatable.

7. Thumper

Thumper is Bambi’s best bunny buddy, who is well-known among audiences for his big feet and warm heart. Thumper’s playful spirit and memorable lines (“If you can’t say somethin’ nice…”) have charmed Disney fans for generations, making him widely popular among them.

When was Thumper created?

Thumper first appeared in Disney’s Bambi (1942).

Fun Facts

• Known for thumping his foot.
• He’s Bambi’s loyal, cheerful rabbit friend.
• His motto: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.”

8. Katie Mitchell

One of the best-known animated characters ever is Katie Mitchell, who is the creative, awkward teen protagonist of The Mitchells vs. The Machines. A variety of attributes make her unparalleled among the audience around the world. She represents modern quirky kids, passionate, awkward, and fiercely creative, capable of fighting robots with her offbeat family.

When was Katie Mitchell created?

Katie Mitchell was introduced and became widely popular with the release of The Mitchells vs. The Machines in 2021 on Netflix. 

Fun Facts

• Celebrated for representing modern, relatable family dynamics.
• The movie became a hit for its humor and heartfelt storytelling.

9. Remy

Remy, another one of the 15 best animated characters, is the culinary genius male rat who is the protagonist of the animated film Ratatouille. In the film, he aspires to be a chef. Remy’s story of passion and perseverance, in this film, showcases that anyone, even a rat, can chase big dreams with passion.

When was Remy created?

It starred in Pixar’s Ratatouille (2007).

Fun Facts

• A rat with an extraordinary sense of taste and smell.
• Inspired audiences with the motto: “Anyone can cook!”
• Voiced by comedian Patton Oswalt.

10. Elsa

Elsa is a fictional character appearing in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated fantasy film Frozen and later media of the Frozen franchise, which includes its sequel Frozen II. The character is voiced mainly by Idina Menzel, with Eva Bella as a young child and Spencer Ganus as a teenager.

Elsa’s anthem “Let It Go” makes her a global phenomenon; she’s strong, flawed, and empowering for a new generation, making her popular among audiences worldwide.

When was Elsa created?

The animated character Elsa debuted in Disney’s Frozen in 2013.

Fun Facts

• Inspired millions with her message of self-acceptance.
• One of Disney’s most popular modern princesses.

11. Homer J Simpson

Homer Jay Simpson is the clumsy, donut-loving main protagonist of the American animated television series The Simpsons is a part of the titular family and works as a nuclear safety inspector. Homer is the ultimate sitcom father, who is lazy but loving, hilarious in his failures, and weirdly relatable, making him one of the best-known characters ever made.

When was Homer J. Simpson created?

Homer J. Simpson first appeared in The Tracey Ullman Show shorts (1987) before The Simpsons series launched in 1989.

Fun Facts

• Famous for his catchphrase “D’oh!”
• Represents the bumbling but lovable everyman dad.
• Voiced by Dan Castellaneta.

12. Mirabel

Mirabel Madrigal is a fictional animated character who appears in the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film, Encanto. She is the only ordinary member of the magical Madrigal family in Encanto. Mirabel’s story resonates deeply, as she proves you don’t need superpowers to hold a family together, making it a popular choice among audiences from across the world.

When was Mirabel created?

Created in 2021, Mirabel is the main character in Disney’s Encanto.

Fun Facts

• The only member of her magical family without powers.
• Represents themes of family acceptance and finding your own worth.
• Voiced by Stephanie Beatriz.

13. Eric Cartman

Eric Theodore Cartman, who is commonly referred to as just Cartman, is a fictional character in the adult animated sitcom South Park. He’s created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, voiced by Parker, and is one of the series’ four key characters, alongside Kyle Broflovski, Stan Marsh, and Kenny McCormick.

It’s an unapologetically outrageous kid from South Park. Cartman’s over-the-top selfishness and shocking schemes push boundaries, making him a symbol of South Park’s dark humor.

When was Eric Cartman created?

Eric Cartman is a part of South Park, which premiered in 1997.

Fun Facts

• Known for his outrageous, often controversial behavior.
• One of the most recognizable animated anti-heroes.
• Voiced by show co-creator Trey Parker.

14. Roger Rabbit

Roger Rabbit is an animated, fictional, anthropomorphic cartoon rabbit. He’s the zany cartoon star of Who Framed Roger Rabbit who happens to live in a world blending live action and animation. Appearing first in the 1981 novel “Who Censored Roger Rabbit?” by Gary K. Wolf, the character became widely popular, attributed to his role as the nominal deuteragonist in the 1988 film “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” 

In this film, Roger Rabbit is portrayed as a frantic, over-anxious, and accident-prone animated character who is framed for the murder of Marvin Acme. Roger’s manic energy and slapstick humor dragged audiences’ interest in classic animation in the late ’80s, making it popular.   

When was Roger Rabbit created?

First appeared in the literature, Who Censored Roger Rabbit? (1981), and then in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988). 

Fun Facts

• Famous for blending animation and live action.
• His design pays homage to classic cartoon styles.
• Voiced by Charles Fleischer.

15. Emily (Corpse Bride)

Emily is the nominal deuteragonist in Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride. She is a reanimated corpse who was a talented and wealthy lady in her lifetime. Many attributes set Emily apart, including her haunting beauty and bittersweet story, making her an unforgettable figure in gothic animation.

When was Emily created?

Emily is the Corpse Bride from Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, which appeared in 2005.

Fun Facts

• Known for Tim Burton’s stop-motion animation style.
• A beautifully tragic character with a gothic charm.
• Voiced by Helena Bonham Carter.

Conclusion

There are many; however, the cool animated characters include Mickey Mouse, Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny, Mirabel, Roger Rabbit, and many more. They’re all top-notch characters of all time, thereby popular among the audience across the world for immersive storytelling and exceptional experiences.

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WRITTEN BY Pradeepsingh Rajpurohit

Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit is a 3D Artist with more than 5 years of experience in 2D & 3D gaming/console gaming/AR/VR gaming and design. Requirement understanding, assets creation, provides solutions in terms of visuals to make the game experience smooth and engaging.