StrawPoll

The Most Famous Cartoon Character in the World, Ranked

Choose the cartoon character you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 07:05
Cartoons have always served as a mirror to society, reflecting its humor, challenges, and dreams through animated characters that become cultural icons over time. Deciding which character stands out the most can provide insight into global entertainment trends and popular values. This list aims to gather opinions and see which animated stars have truly captured the hearts of viewers around the world. By participating in this ranking, users contribute to a broader understanding of cartoon popularity and influence. Everyone's vote matters, helping to shape a dynamic, ongoing conversation about which characters resonate the most with audiences. As you cast your votes and adjust the standings, you actively participate in shaping a global perspective on iconic animated figures.

Who Is the Most Famous Cartoon Character in the World?

  1. 1
    44
    votes
    Mickey Mouse
    Post of Albania · Public domain

    Mickey Mouse

    Walt Disney
    Created by Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse is one of the most recognizable cartoon characters in the world. He has been the face of Disney for almost a century and has appeared in countless movies, TV shows, and other media.
    Mickey Mouse is an iconic cartoon character known for his cheerful and adventurous personality. He is a anthropomorphic mouse with large round ears and typically wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves. Mickey Mouse is often seen with his girlfriend Minnie Mouse and his pet dog Pluto. He is the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company and has become one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in popular culture worldwide.
    • First Appearance: 1928
    • Species: Mouse
    • Gender: Male
    • Signature Colors: Red, Yellow, and Black
    • Famous Catchphrase: Oh boy!
    Mickey Mouse in other rankings
  3. 2
    27
    votes
    Bugs Bunny
    MSGT Jose Lopez Jr., USAF photographer · Public domain

    Bugs Bunny

    Bugs Bunny is one of the most popular cartoon characters ever created. He is known for his witty one-liners, mischievous personality, and his rivalry with Elmer Fudd.
    Bugs Bunny is a beloved cartoon character known for his wit, humor, and mischievous personality. He is a gray anthropomorphic rabbit who made his debut in the 1940 short film 'A Wild Hare.' Bugs Bunny was recognized as one of the most popular and iconic characters in the golden age of American animation.
    • First Appearance: A Wild Hare (1940)
    • Species: Rabbit
    • Fur Color: Gray
    • Personality: Witty, mischievous
    • Catchphrase: What's up, Doc?
    Bugs Bunny in other rankings
  4. 3
    29
    votes

    SpongeBob SquarePants

    Stephen Hillenburg
    SpongeBob SquarePants is a beloved cartoon character that has been entertaining audiences for over two decades. He is known for his quirky personality, infectious laugh, and his love of all things underwater.
    SpongeBob SquarePants is an animated television series that follows the adventures of a yellow sponge named SpongeBob SquarePants, who lives underwater in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom.
    • Genre: Animated Comedy
    • First Aired: May 1, 1999
    • Target Audience: Children and Adults
    • Episode Count: over 250 episodes
    • Main Characters: SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles, Mr. Krabs
    SpongeBob SquarePants in other rankings
  5. 4
    15
    votes
    Homer Simpson
    Chongkian · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Homer Simpson

    Homer Simpson is one of the most iconic cartoon characters of all time. He is known for his love of beer, his catchphrase "D'oh!", and his hilarious antics on the long-running TV show "The Simpsons".
    Homer Simpson in other rankings
  6. 5
    17
    votes

    Pikachu

    Pikachu is the most famous character from the popular Japanese franchise "Pokemon". He is known for his cute appearance, his ability to shoot lightning bolts, and his friendship with Ash Ketchum.
    Pikachu is a fictional character that has become the mascot of the Pokémon franchise. It is an electric-type species of Pokémon known for its yellow fur, large ears with black tips, rosy cheeks, and a small mouth. Pikachu is small, cute, and has the ability to generate electricity through electric sacs in its cheeks.
    • Species: Electric Mouse Pokémon
    • Height: 0.4 meters
    • Weight: 6.0 kilograms
    • Type: Electric
    • Abilities: Static / Lightning Rod (Hidden)
  7. 6
    10
    votes
    Tom and Jerry
    Zarateman · CC0

    Tom and Jerry

    Tom and Jerry are two of the most famous cartoon characters in the world. They are known for their hilarious antics, their endless chase scenes, and their timeless appeal.
    Tom and Jerry is a beloved animated cartoon series that revolves around the comedic rivalry between a house cat named Tom and a clever mouse named Jerry. The cartoons are known for their slapstick humor and the constant chases and chaotic battles between the two characters.
    • Genre: Comedy
    • Format: Animated television series
    • Release Date: 1940
    • Running Time: Usually around 7 minutes
    • Number of Episodes: 164 theatrical shorts
    Tom and Jerry in other rankings
  8. 7
    18
    votes

    Scooby-Doo

    Scooby-Doo is a beloved cartoon character that has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. He is known for his goofy personality, his love of snacks, and his ability to solve mysteries with his friends.
    Scooby-Doo is an iconic animated series that revolves around the adventures of a group of teenagers and their talking dog, Scooby-Doo. They solve mysteries involving ghosts, monsters, and other supernatural beings. The show combines elements of comedy, suspense, and the supernatural, making it beloved by audiences of all ages.
    • Original Release Date: September 13, 1969
    • Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Animation
    • Episodes: Over 400 episodes (as of 2021)
    • Running Time: 22 minutes per episode
    • Setting: Varies, but typically involves haunted locations or mysterious settings
  9. 8
    6
    votes

    Garfield

    Garfield is a beloved cartoon character that has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years. He is known for his love of lasagna, his sarcastic sense of humor, and his lazy personality.
    Garfield is a popular comic strip that revolves around the life of a sarcastic and lazy orange cat named Garfield. Created by Jim Davis, the strip has gained immense popularity since its debut in 1978. Garfield's humor is largely based on his fondness for food, disdain for Mondays, and constant annoyance with his clueless owner, Jon Arbuckle.
    • Debut Year: 1978
    • Main Character: Garfield (a cat)
    • Secondary Characters: Jon Arbuckle (Garfield's owner), Odie (a dimwitted dog)
    • Humor Style: Sarcastic, wit, and observational humor
    • Themes: Food, laziness, Mondays, pets, and relationships
  10. 9
    17
    votes
    Donald Duck
    Post of Azerbaijan · Public domain

    Donald Duck

    Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks
    Donald Duck is one of the most popular cartoon characters ever created. He is known for his signature speech impediment, his short temper, and his comedic antics in the Disney universe.
    Donald Duck is a widely recognized and beloved Disney character known for his distinct voice and comical personality. He is an anthropomorphic white duck with a sailor suit and a red bow tie. Donald Duck made his debut in the animated short film 'The Wise Little Hen' on June 9, 1934. He was created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. Donald Duck has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and comics over the years, becoming one of Disney's most iconic and enduring characters.
    • Species: Duck
    • Gender: Male
    • First Appearance: The Wise Little Hen (1934)
    • Voiced By: Clarence Nash (1934–1985), Tony Anselmo (1985–present)
    • Occupation: Various roles, including sailor, adventurer, and comedic troublemaker
    Donald Duck in other rankings
  11. 10
    5
    votes

    Doraemon

    Doraemon is a beloved Japanese cartoon character that has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. He is known for his robotic appearance, his ability to pull out futuristic gadgets, and his friendship with Nobita.
    Doraemon is a beloved anime in Japan that has captured the hearts of both children and adults alike. It follows the story of a robotic cat named Doraemon, who travels back in time from the 22nd century to help a young boy named Nobita Nobi. Together, they navigate everyday challenges and adventures, using Doraemon's futuristic gadgets and inventions.
    • Genre: Science fiction, Comedy
    • Original Run: April 2, 1979 – March 25, 2005
    • Episodes: 1,787 (excluding specials)
    • Manga Volumes: 45 (1787 chapters)
    • Theme Song: Doraemon no Uta (Doraemon's Theme)

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous cartoon character in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or cartoon is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1589 views
  • 174 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each cartoon once every 24 hours. The rank of each cartoon is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous cartoon character in the world

Cartoon characters are a beloved part of popular culture all over the world. From the earliest days of animation to the present day, these characters have captured our hearts and imaginations. But who is the most famous cartoon character in the world? It's a question that has been debated among fans for years. Some argue that it's the classic characters like Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, or Tom and Jerry, while others point to more recent characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, or Elsa from Frozen. Regardless of who you believe holds the title, there's no denying that cartoon characters have become an indelible part of our cultural landscape.

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