In the enchanting world of animation, mice converse, chipmunks serenade, and dogs stride on two legs. Tune in to WatchMojo.com as we reveal our Top 10 Iconic Cartoon Animals. This list of the Top 10 Iconic Cartoon Animals celebrates the most influential animal characters from films, shorts, and TV shows, those who have made a lasting impression on animation and secured their place as beloved cartoon legends.
#10: Felix the Cat
Though a black cat by design, Felix stands as one of the luckiest characters ever created. Emerging during Hollywood's silent film era, this remarkable cat rose to prominence, becoming the first cartoon character to achieve a level of fame comparable to Charlie Chaplin. Felix’s popularity waned with the advent of talkies, yet he still managed to pull off a couple of successful TV series and a widely criticized direct-to-video film. Despite not having many leading roles in recent times, Felix remains a well-known name, thanks to his enduring impact on animation history.
#9: Tom and Jerry
At the height of their fame, this bold cat and playful mouse ruled the Academy Awards’ Animated Short category, earning seven trophies. Their spot in the annals of history is well earned, as they mastered the art of cartoon violence with creative slapstick and impeccable timing. Exploiting the medium of animation to its fullest, their humour predominantly stemmed from actions and facial expressions rather than dialogue—most of the time, anyway. While there have been other cat-and-mouse duos, none have matched their inventiveness or humour.
#8: Scooby-Doo
With a myriad of shows and animated movies to his name, this Great Dane has been a cherished part of countless childhoods. Since his debut in 1969, much has changed, yet Scooby-Doo has remained a staple in popular culture without significant modernization. The most beloved versions of Scooby preserve his endearing cowardice, humour, and unwavering loyalty. His knack for solving mysteries and love for Scooby Snacks keep cartoon enthusiasts craving more of his groovy adventures.
#7: Snoopy
While his owner might occasionally wish for a more normal dog, Snoopy is everybody’s ideal pet. Rarely far from his best pal Woodstock, this beagle can pretty much do anything he puts his mind to, whether it’s riding a motorcycle or turning his doghouse into a WWI fighter plane. The cool, silent type, Snoopy is everything Charlie Brown wishes he could be. Nevertheless, the two share a loving bond that can’t be broken. With a happy-go-lucky personality as infectiously joyful as his dance, this dog should be welcome in anyone’s house.
Though a black cat by design, Felix stands as one of the luckiest characters ever created. Emerging during Hollywood's silent film era, this remarkable cat rose to prominence, becoming the first cartoon character to achieve a level of fame comparable to Charlie Chaplin. Felix’s popularity waned with the advent of talkies, yet he still managed to pull off a couple of successful TV series and a widely criticized direct-to-video film. Despite not having many leading roles in recent times, Felix remains a well-known name, thanks to his enduring impact on animation history.
#9: Tom and Jerry
At the height of their fame, this bold cat and playful mouse ruled the Academy Awards’ Animated Short category, earning seven trophies. Their spot in the annals of history is well earned, as they mastered the art of cartoon violence with creative slapstick and impeccable timing. Exploiting the medium of animation to its fullest, their humour predominantly stemmed from actions and facial expressions rather than dialogue—most of the time, anyway. While there have been other cat-and-mouse duos, none have matched their inventiveness or humour.
#8: Scooby-Doo
With a myriad of shows and animated movies to his name, this Great Dane has been a cherished part of countless childhoods. Since his debut in 1969, much has changed, yet Scooby-Doo has remained a staple in popular culture without significant modernization. The most beloved versions of Scooby preserve his endearing cowardice, humour, and unwavering loyalty. His knack for solving mysteries and love for Scooby Snacks keep cartoon enthusiasts craving more of his groovy adventures.
#7: Snoopy
While his owner might occasionally wish for a more normal dog, Snoopy is everybody’s ideal pet. Rarely far from his best pal Woodstock, this beagle can pretty much do anything he puts his mind to, whether it’s riding a motorcycle or turning his doghouse into a WWI fighter plane. The cool, silent type, Snoopy is everything Charlie Brown wishes he could be. Nevertheless, the two share a loving bond that can’t be broken. With a happy-go-lucky personality as infectiously joyful as his dance, this dog should be welcome in anyone’s house.
#6: Garfield
The character of Garfield speaks to anybody who’s ever had a fat, lazy cat or anybody who likes spending their days eating, sleeping, and watching the tube. Everyone shares Garfield’s cynical feelings towards Mondays, primarily because we have to wait another week until his next appearance in the Sunday Funnies. The flabby feline has very slightly slimmed down since his initial appearance in comic strips, but still preserves his round physique on a diet of lasagna. While his TV adventures range from laidback to off-the-wall, hilarious sarcasm typically ensues whenever Garfield is at centre stage – which is where he belongs.
#5: Wile E. Coyote and The Road Runner
Following the nine essential rules laid down by Chuck Jones, the showdown between this coyote and roadrunner adheres to a strict formula: Wile E. procures an Acme product, it inevitably backfires, and the roadrunner’s taunting beeps spur him on to try again with unflagging determination. One might think their endless game of cat and mouse would grow tiresome, yet their antics continuously deliver unexpected and hilarious outcomes. Many have speculated about what would happen if the coyote ever did catch the roadrunner. But as the saying goes, if it isn't broken, don't fix it.
#4: Donald Duck
A majority of the main characters under the Walt Disney brand name are required to have a strong moral compass and positive outlook on life. Any animator knows, however, that you can derive a lot more comedy from a temperamental loose cannon than an easy-going role model. This is where Donald Duck is the perfect example, constantly picking fights, having zero patience, and screaming in near-indecipherable speech, but still possessing a good heart. Donald’s aggression is what makes him so identifiable to audiences and, in a strange way, even lovable. No wonder he’s appeared in more films than any other Disney character!
#3: Winnie-the-Pooh
It's impossible not to adore the lovable bear known as Winnie-the-Pooh. His charm lies in his endearing innocence and gentle demeanour. What truly makes him a timeless character, however, is his imperfection. This bear of very little brain can be forgetful, clueless, and even selfish when it involves honey, but no matter what predicaments he finds himself in, Pooh remains sincere and optimistic. In life's tough moments, a hug from Pooh is sure to lift your spirits.
The character of Garfield speaks to anybody who’s ever had a fat, lazy cat or anybody who likes spending their days eating, sleeping, and watching the tube. Everyone shares Garfield’s cynical feelings towards Mondays, primarily because we have to wait another week until his next appearance in the Sunday Funnies. The flabby feline has very slightly slimmed down since his initial appearance in comic strips, but still preserves his round physique on a diet of lasagna. While his TV adventures range from laidback to off-the-wall, hilarious sarcasm typically ensues whenever Garfield is at centre stage – which is where he belongs.
#5: Wile E. Coyote and The Road Runner
Following the nine essential rules laid down by Chuck Jones, the showdown between this coyote and roadrunner adheres to a strict formula: Wile E. procures an Acme product, it inevitably backfires, and the roadrunner’s taunting beeps spur him on to try again with unflagging determination. One might think their endless game of cat and mouse would grow tiresome, yet their antics continuously deliver unexpected and hilarious outcomes. Many have speculated about what would happen if the coyote ever did catch the roadrunner. But as the saying goes, if it isn't broken, don't fix it.
#4: Donald Duck
A majority of the main characters under the Walt Disney brand name are required to have a strong moral compass and positive outlook on life. Any animator knows, however, that you can derive a lot more comedy from a temperamental loose cannon than an easy-going role model. This is where Donald Duck is the perfect example, constantly picking fights, having zero patience, and screaming in near-indecipherable speech, but still possessing a good heart. Donald’s aggression is what makes him so identifiable to audiences and, in a strange way, even lovable. No wonder he’s appeared in more films than any other Disney character!
#3: Winnie-the-Pooh
It's impossible not to adore the lovable bear known as Winnie-the-Pooh. His charm lies in his endearing innocence and gentle demeanour. What truly makes him a timeless character, however, is his imperfection. This bear of very little brain can be forgetful, clueless, and even selfish when it involves honey, but no matter what predicaments he finds himself in, Pooh remains sincere and optimistic. In life's tough moments, a hug from Pooh is sure to lift your spirits.
#2: Mickey Mouse
You can joke all you want about Mickey Mouse being a cunning mascot of a vast empire, but the truth is, animation wouldn't be what it is today without this iconic mouse. His achievements are unparalleled, from pioneering sound cartoons to becoming the first cartoon character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beyond that, Mickey consistently charms audiences, whether he's rescuing his girlfriend Minnie or animating broomsticks. Though Mickey has been around for decades, he remains timeless.
#1: Bugs Bunny
This mischievous rabbit can escape nearly any situation using his wit, charm, and even a touch of sex appeal. If we could become cartoons, Bugs Bunny is the character we'd all aspire to be. Yet, with our luck, most of us would probably end up more like Daffy Duck. Like all the iconic Looney Tunes, Bugs is so charismatic that he feels as real as live-action characters – often even more so! Bugs proves that cartoons aren't just drawings; they're bona fide celebrities
You can joke all you want about Mickey Mouse being a cunning mascot of a vast empire, but the truth is, animation wouldn't be what it is today without this iconic mouse. His achievements are unparalleled, from pioneering sound cartoons to becoming the first cartoon character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beyond that, Mickey consistently charms audiences, whether he's rescuing his girlfriend Minnie or animating broomsticks. Though Mickey has been around for decades, he remains timeless.
#1: Bugs Bunny
This mischievous rabbit can escape nearly any situation using his wit, charm, and even a touch of sex appeal. If we could become cartoons, Bugs Bunny is the character we'd all aspire to be. Yet, with our luck, most of us would probably end up more like Daffy Duck. Like all the iconic Looney Tunes, Bugs is so charismatic that he feels as real as live-action characters – often even more so! Bugs proves that cartoons aren't just drawings; they're bona fide celebrities
And of course, it wouldn’t be a GDM publication with some honourable mentions:
- Bambi
- Woody Woodpecker
- Tweety Bird
- Yogi Bear
- Alvin and the Chipmunks
- Rocky and Bullwinkle
- The Pink Panther
