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Top 50 Cartoon Characters

Modern and Classic Cartoon Characters

By Nancy Basile, About.com Guide

Cartoon characters are as endearing to adults as children. Many times we can relate to them. Most of the time we just love to laugh at their antics and misfortune. Following is the list of top 50 cartoon characters of all time, judged for their influence, their popularity and their hilarity.

10. Rocky and Bullwinkle

Rocky and BullwinklePricegrabber.com
Stan and Ollie. Hope and Crosby. Martin and Lewis. In the animated world, Rocky and Bullwinkle are the comedy team who saves the day. Rocky's unending optimism coupled with Bullwinkle's lucky mishaps save their pelts every time.

9. Wile E. Coyote

Wile E. CoyoteJustin Sullivan / Getty Images
Poor Wile E. Coyote. We don't want him to catch the Road Runner, but we sure feel bad for him. His ACME contraptions never work properly. You've got to admire his tenacity!

8. Popeye

PopeyePricegrabber.com
No one has ever done so much for spinach as Popeye. His bulging forearms, squinty eyes and staccato chuckle are recognized by many generations.

7. The Grinch

The GrinchCartoon Network
Dr. Seuss created many book characters who made the leap to TV, but none as easily and successfully as The Grinch. Another holiday favorite, his turn from selfish to selfless promotes the true meaning of Christmas.

6. Fred Flintstone

The FlintstonesTurner Broadcasting
Fred Flintstone is the forerunner to Homer Simpson and Peter Griffin. He was the first portly animated husband who had a hot wife, not enough brains for his schemes and a bad temper. Yet, he loved his family.

5. Charlie Brown

Charlie BrownPricegrabber.com
Introduced on TV in It's Christmas, Charlie Brown, this comic strip staple became a holiday tradition. The kid who never kicks the football, whose dog is more popular than he is and who has a crush on the red-headed girl steals our hearts every year.

4. Bart Simpson

Bart Simpson©1999 20TH CENTURY FOX FILM CORP.
The next favorite character from The Simpsons is Bart. We all knew a kid like Bart, and sometimes wished we were like him.

3. Mickey Mouse

Mickey MouseKevin Winter / Getty Images
Mickey Mouse represents Disney in all its forms. He started life in black and white Steamboat Willie. Mickey Mouse isn't just a cartoon character; he's an icon.

2. Homer Simpson

Homer SimpsonTwentieth Century Fox
Homer Simpson is known throughout the world. Having been on TV for over 20 seasons, this patriarch is not the father who knows best, but he certainly tries.

1. Bugs Bunny

Bugs BunnyTurner Broadcasting
"What's up, doc?" Bugs Bunny is, perhaps, the most recognizable and famous cartoon character. Looney Tunes were first created as lead-ins to feature films. It was only later the cartoons became a Saturday morning staple. Generations later, Bugs Bunny is still tops.

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