22 of the Best Funny Cartoon Characters

Funny cartoon characters are a big part of every child’s life. Of course, they’re a big part of every adult’s life too. These iconic cartoon characters transcend time and impact multiple generations. It helps that they never age and look exactly the same for decades. Indeed, the first animated cartoon characters appeared on the big screen in the late 1920s. They have since become a staple of movies and television series. 

There are various types of funny cartoon characters. For instance, many iconic cartoon characters appeal to a younger audience but are still popular with grown-ups. On the other hand, adult animated sitcoms feature some of the funniest cartoon characters of all time. These legendary cartoon characters continue to gain popularity because they’re still so funny after all these years. 

22 of the Best Funny Cartoon Characters

1. Bart Simpson

The cartoon legend Bart Simpson is one of the main characters in the iconic animated sitcom The Simpsons. The series debuted in the late 80s and became a cultural phenomenon. Bart was arguably the breakout star, and Bartamania ran rampant across the globe. He stirred up controversy with his poor grades, rebellious attitude, and love for getting in trouble. He also talked back to his parents and teachers. Regardless, Bart Simpson is a beloved funny cartoon character and cultural icon. 

2. Bugs Bunny

In the 1930s, Bugs Bunny exploded in popularity and became one of the most popular cartoon characters in animation history. The iconic wise-cracking rabbit starred in several popular Warner Bros. animated series, including Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies, Bugs became a household name due to his glib, sarcastic, and hilarious personality. Undoubtedly, he’s one of the funniest cartoon characters. 

3. Eric Cartman

Eric Cartman will go down in history as one of the greatest cartoon characters of all time. Cartman is one of the four main characters in the critically acclaimed adult animated series South Park. Cartman is harsh, psychotic, and offensive. Indeed, he often crosses the line with his controversial comments and behavior. However, he’s also an evil genius with many wild schemes, although his plans invariably backfire. Co-creator Trey Parker provides the voice for the iconic and funny cartoon character Cartman. 

4. Daria Morgendorffer

In a crazy world, Daria Morgendorffer is somehow the sanest person. Daria’s a plain and simple-looking teenager that’s brilliant and full of sarcasm. The funny character first appeared in the cult classic Beavis & Butt-Head. Daria never backed down and often put the two rude characters in their place. Daria became so popular she starred in the critically acclaimed series Daria. Daria is easily one of history’s best cartoon characters. 

5. Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse is the cartoon character that started it all. He made his debut in the late 1920s and became an instant hit. Initially, Walt Disney provided Mickey’s iconic voice. Eventually, a legendary cast of characters soon joined the hilarious mouse. Mickey quickly became Disney’s funniest and most recognizable character. He paved the way for the animation industry.

6. Stewie Griffin

The critically acclaimed series Family Guy debuted in 1999 to rave reviews from fans and critics. The characters all became instantly popular, but the psychotic baby Stewie Griffin stole the spotlight. Not surprisingly, Stewie was the breakout star of the series. He’s now one of the most popular cartoon characters in TV history. Undoubtedly, Stewie’s a cartoon cultural icon. 

7. SpongeBob SquarePants

The animated series SpongeBob SquarePants debuted in May of 1999 to universal praise. The series follows the iconic SpongeBob as he hangs out with his friends in Bikini Bottom. The series is a huge hit and an instant success. Indeed, SpongeBob quickly became a massively popular cartoon character with kids and adults. Pretty much everyone loves Spongebob. 

8. Angelica Pickles

Angelica Pickles is one of the main characters in the popular cartoon series Rugrats. Angelica’s a typical three-year-old that’s spoiled and usually gets her way. She’s the older cousin of Tommy and Dil Pickles. Angelica enjoys terrorizing and scaring her younger cousins. Regardless, she’s one of the series’ most popular characters. Fans and critics consider Angelica one of the funniest and best cartoon characters of all time. 

9. Homer Simpson

Few cartoon characters compare with the iconic Homer Simpson. He’s one of the main characters in the beloved animated series The Simpsons. Homer’s one of the funniest and greatest dads in television history. He famously loves to eat and drink beer excessively. Homer has his fair share of flaws. For instance, he has a short fuse, tends to be lazy, and lacks intelligence. However, Homer’s also a sweet and tender character that’s a romantic husband and a loving father. 

10. Rick Sanchez

The groundbreaking animated sitcom Rick and Morty is one of the best new cartoons of the last ten years. The popular series revolves around the mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty as they travel through space and time. Rick’s highly intelligent and knows everything about the multiple universes. At the same time, he’s rude, crude, and wrong a lot. Regardless, Rick is one of the best cartoon characters in history. 

11. Johnny Bravo

Johnny Bravo is one of the most iconic cartoon characters of all time. In 1997, the egotistical, arrogant womanizer with big muscles and an Elvis Presley-sounding voice took the world by storm. The popular adult animated series Johnny Bravo revolves around Johnny as he tries to pick up women and go on dates. Of course, it always turns into a disaster. The series helped launch the career of Seth MacFarlane, who created Family Guy.

12. BoJack Horseman

In 2014, the critically acclaimed animated series BoJack Horseman debuted. It revolves around a former 90s TV star, Bojack Horseman, who tries to regain his past glory as he struggles with depression and substance abuse. At times, he’s a kind and gentle soul. However, he’s also selfish, destructive, and hurts everyone close to him. Critics praised the series and considered it one of the best shows of the decade. Therefore, BoJack is one of the best cartoon characters of the last decade. 

13. Peter Griffin

The beloved animated series Family Guy revolves around Peter Griffin and his family living in Quahog. Peter spends his days drinking with his best friend and pet dog, Brian. Peter’s not always the best father, husband, or friend. He’s rude, dim-witted, and cruel. Regardless, he’s one of the most memorable animated characters in cartoon history.

14. Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown is easily one of the most recognizable cartoon characters. He debuted in the 1950s as one of the main characters of the Peanuts comic strip. Charlie is pessimistic, a pushover, and expects the worst to happen. Of course, he’s just like the average cynical person and tries his best to have a positive attitude. Charlie has already cemented his place in history as one of the best cartoon characters. 

15. Fred Flintstone

In the early 1960s, Fred Flintstone debuted in the American animated television series The Flintstones. The series revolves around the Flintstone family and their best friends, the Rubbles, living in a prehistoric world. Fred and the critically acclaimed series were an instant hit and remain popular to this day. Indeed, Fred Flintstone is a highly influential character that helped change animation. 

16. Donald Duck

Mickey Mouse would be nothing without his best friend, Donald Duck. Unlike Mickey, Donald is ill-tempered, mischievous, and arrogant. He often appears alongside his best friends Mickey and Goofy. Indeed, Donald is one of Disney’s most popular and recognizable characters. He debuted in the 1930s and exploded in popularity. Later, he starred in numerous solo series and educational videos. 

17. Squidward Tentacles

Squidward Tentacles is one of the most popular cartoon characters in the beloved series SpongeBob Squarepants. Despite having “squid” in his name, he’s actually an octopus. Well, he’s an ill-tempered, grouchy octopus, to be specific. Honestly, it’s not easy to live between SpongeBob and his best friend, Patrick Star. Fans and critics consider Squidward one of the best cartoon characters in history. Actor Roger Bumpass voices Squidward in the iconic series. 

18. Sheriff Woody Pride

The pull-string cowboy Sheriff Woody Pride is one of cinema’s most famous cartoon characters. He’s the main character in the critically acclaimed Toy Story franchise. In 1995, Woody debuted to rave reviews and quickly became one of Disney’s biggest stars. Critics praise Woody’s quirky sense of humor, noble personality, and Tom Hanks’s performance. 

19. Tom Cat Sr. and Jerry Mouse

There isn’t a person in the world that hasn’t watched a Tom and Jerry cartoon. Of course, the two rivals have been battling each other and entertaining audiences for decades. William Hanna and Joseph Barbera created the iconic enemies in the 1940s. They became incredibly popular and even overtook Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse at the box office. 

20. Daffy Duck

Daffy Duck debuted in Warner Bros. animated series Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies in the late 1930s. Daffy quickly became one of the most famous cartoon characters in history. Of course, Daffy and Bugs Bunny are good friends with a love-hate relationship. Indeed, Daffy’s uptight yet goofy personality contrasts with Bugs’ laidback and carefree attitude. 

21. Patrick Star

The beloved starfish Patrick Star is SpongeBob’s best friend in the iconic animated cartoon SpongeBob Squarepants. Patrick’s the breakout star of the series and one of the most famous cartoon characters. He’s not the brightest starfish in the ocean, but he’s a hilarious cartoon character. Patrick became such a popular character that he even got his own series, The Patrick Star Show. 

22. Buzz Lightyear

The Toy Story franchise introduced Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear to the world in 1995. Buzz became one of Disney’s most famous cartoon characters. Indeed, Buzz is right up there with Mickey and Donald. Buzz is also one of the funniest fictional characters in the franchise. Tim Allen voiced Buzz in the Toy Story series, while Chris Evans voices him in the movie Lightyear.