Top 10 Iconic Cartoon Animals

Top 10 Iconic Cartoon Animals

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Only in animation can mice talk, chipmunks sing, and dogs walk on two feet. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Iconic Cartoon Animals. For this list, we’re taking a look at animals from movies, shorts and TV shows that have had the greatest impact on animation, forever cementing themselves as cartoon all-stars.

Despite being a black cat, Felix is one of the luckiest characters ever to be drawn. Breaking out in Hollywood’s silent era, this wonderful, wonderful cat became the first cartoon to achieve mainstream fame worthy of Charlie Chaplin. Felix’s popularity dwindled once talkies hit the scene, but he still managed to pull a couple of successful TV series and a reviled direct-to-video movie out of his bag of tricks. While he hasn’t had many starring roles as of late, Felix remains a household name thanks to his everlasting mark on animation history.

#9: Tom and Jerry

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In their prime, this cocky cat and mischievous mouse dominated the Academy Awards’ Animated Short category, taking home seven trophies. Their place in the record books is well deserved, as the two perfected the art of cartoon violence with ingenious slapstick and razor-sharp timing. Using the medium of animation to its full advantage, their brand of comedy comes from actions and facial expressions rather than dialogue…well, most of the time at least. There have been other cat-and-mouse duos, but none as inventive or as funny.

#8: Scooby-Doo

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With dozens of shows and animated movies under his collar, this Great Dane was a special part of everyone’s childhood. The world’s changed a lot since Scooby-Doo’s debut in 1969. Like all long-lasting characters, though, Scooby’s stayed prevalent in our popular culture without ever needing to be heavily modernized. The best incarnations of the character retain his cowardly charm while also capturing his sense of humor and fierce loyalty. Having a hefty aptitude for mystery and Scooby Snacks, he always leaves cartoon junkies hungry for more groovy fun.

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

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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 center stage – which is where he belongs.

Abiding – for the most part – by nine essential rules penned by Chuck Jones, the confrontation between this coyote and roadrunner follows a precise formula: Wile E. acquires an Acme product, it backfires, and his enemy’s beeps encourage him to relentlessly try again. You’d think their cat-and-mouse game would get old after a while, but the antics of this duo constantly take us by surprise with hilarious payoffs. Many have wondered what it would be like if the coyote actually did catch the roadrunner one day. If a formula isn’t broke, though, don’t fix it.

#4: Donald Duck

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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 easygoing role model. This is where Donald Duck comes in, 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!

It’s simply impossible not to like the silly ol’ bear named Winnie-the-Pooh. Part of Pooh’s appeal stems from his adorable, innocent, and gentle nature. What makes him a classic character, though, is the fact that he’s imperfect. This bear of very little brain can be forgetful, oblivious, and even selfish when it comes to honey, but no matter what shenanigans Pooh gets stuck in, he remains sincere and hopeful. Whenever you hit a rough chapter in life, a hug from Pooh is guaranteed to make you feel better.

You can make all the jokes you want about Mickey Mouse being a devious mascot running an evil empire. But let’s face it, animation wouldn’t be what it is today without this little mouse. His accomplishments are unparalleled, as he helped to pioneer sound cartoons and became the first toon to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Aside from that, Mickey is a consistently endearing screen presence whether he’s rescuing his girlfriend Minnie or bringing broomsticks to life. Although Mickey has been around for decades, he’ll truly never age. Before we crown the king or queen of the cartoon animal kingdom, here are some honorable mentions: - Bambi - Woody Woodpecker - Tweety Bird - Yogi Bear - Alvin and the Chipmunks - Rocky and Bullwinkle

#1: Bugs Bunny

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This rascally rabbit can get out of practically any predicament with his wits, charms, and even sex appeal, if you can believe it. If it were possible to become a cartoon, Bugs Bunny is the character we’d all want to be. But chances are, with our luck, most of us would end up being more like Daffy Duck. Like all the other great Looney Tunes, Bugs is so charismatic that he feels just as real as most live-action characters – and much more real than many! Bugs proves that toons aren’t merely drawings; they’re celebrities in their own right. Do you agree with our list? Who’s your favorite cartoon animal? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.