Short cartoon characters have always held a special place in our hearts, often serving as the comedic relief or the underdog hero in our favorite animated shows.
From classic characters like Tom and Jerry to modern favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants, short characters have proven time and time again that size doesn’t always matter.
These diminutive heroes and villains may be small in stature, but they are big on personality, often stealing the show with their wit, charm, and mischievous antics.
In this blog post, we will be celebrating 25 of the most memorable short cartoon characters in animation history, each one deserving of their place in the pantheon of animated greats.
25. Share Bear
From The Care Bear
Share Bear is one of the main characters in the popular children’s show, The Care Bears. She is a kind and caring pink bear who has a heart-shaped tummy symbol with two lollipops, representing her selfless nature.
Share Bear is known for her generous spirit, always willing to share anything she has with others, whether it’s her toys or her time. She encourages others to share as well, believing that sharing is the key to happiness and friendship.
Share Bear’s special power is the “Sharing Light,” which she uses to brighten up dark places and spread happiness and joy to those around her. She is a beloved character who teaches important values to young viewers, making her a fan favorite.
24. Mr. Spacely
From: The Jetsons
Mr. Spacely is a prominent character from the popular animated television series, The Jetsons. He is George Jetson’s boss and the owner of Spacely Space Sprockets, a company that produces futuristic gadgets and technology.
Mr. Spacely is depicted as a short-tempered, greedy, and money-hungry boss who is always trying to find ways to increase his profits, often at the expense of his employees. He is quick to anger and can be abusive to his subordinates, including George Jetson.
Despite his negative qualities, Mr. Spacely is also portrayed as a comedic character, providing humorous moments throughout the show. His signature catchphrase, “Jetson, you’re fired!” is iconic in the world of animated television.
23. Princess Poppy
From: Trolls
Princess Poppy is a beloved character from the animated film, Trolls. She is the optimistic and cheerful leader of the Trolls, a group of small, colorful creatures who love to sing and dance.
Poppy is known for her distinctive pink hair and her ability to spread joy and happiness wherever she goes. She is always optimistic, even in the face of danger, and is determined to help her friends and save her community.
Her kindness and selflessness have made her a role model for children and a fan favorite, inspiring multiple spin-off films and merchandise.
22. Gizmo
From: Gremlins
Gizmo is the lovable and adorable creature from the classic 1980s movie, Gremlins. He is a member of the Mogwai species, a small and furry creature with large ears and big eyes.
Gizmo is the titular character’s pet and is known for his sweet and gentle nature. He is also incredibly intelligent and has a wide range of abilities, including mimicking sounds and singing.
Gizmo is sensitive to bright lights and water, which can cause him to multiply and create havoc if not properly cared for. He has become a beloved character in pop culture, with his cute and endearing appearance winning the hearts of audiences worldwide.
21. Boris Badenov
From: Rock and His Friends
Boris Badenov is a recurring character from the classic animated television series, Rocky and Bullwinkle. He is a villainous spy and the loyal henchman of his boss, the infamous Fearless Leader.
Boris is depicted as a tall, lanky, and bumbling character with a thick Russian accent. He is often seen donning a trench coat and a fedora, carrying a gun, and attempting to foil the plans of the show’s protagonists, Rocky and Bullwinkle.
Despite his attempts to be sinister, Boris is often comically inept and fails miserably in his schemes. His name has become synonymous with a stereotypical Eastern European villain in popular culture, cementing his place in animated television history.
20. Captain Caveman
From: Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels
Captain Caveman is a popular character from the animated television series, Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels. He is a prehistoric caveman who has been frozen in ice for thousands of years before being discovered by the show’s protagonists, the Teen Angels.
Captain Caveman possesses incredible strength and has a signature weapon – a club made from a stone that he carries around. He is also known for his distinctive appearance, with long hair, a beard, and a fur loincloth.
Despite his primitive nature, Captain Caveman is intelligent and always ready to help the Teen Angels solve mysteries and fight crime.
He has become a beloved character in the world of animated television, with his unique personality and abilities capturing the hearts of viewers young and old.
19. Ralph Wiggum
From: The Simpsons
Ralph Wiggum is a beloved character from the long-running animated television series, The Simpsons. He is the son of Police Chief Wiggum and is known for his innocent and naive personality.
Ralph is often seen as an outcast in his school, struggling to fit in with the other children due to his unusual behavior and bizarre statements.
He has become a fan favorite due to his comedic antics, including his hilarious one-liners, and his peculiar interests, such as his love for eating paste. Despite his oddities, Ralph is a lovable character who brings joy and laughter to fans of the show.
18. The Minions
From: Despicable Me
The Minions are a popular animated character group from the Despicable Me franchise. They are small, yellow, cylindrical creatures with big eyes and a distinct language.
The Minions’ primary goal in life is to serve the most despicable master they can find, and they have worked for some of the most notorious villains in history, including Napoleon Bonaparte and Dracula.
Despite their mischievous nature and tendency to cause chaos, the Minions are incredibly loyal to their master, and they will stop at nothing to help them achieve their goals.
Their unique language and humorous antics have made them a fan favorite, spawning multiple spin-off movies and merchandise.
17. Fifi La Fume
From: Tiny Toon Adventures
Fifi La Fume is a character from the animated television series Tiny Toon Adventures. She is a young skunk with a distinctive French accent and a love for perfumes and aromas.
Fifi is depicted as a romantic and energetic character, often infatuated with the male characters on the show, especially with the character of Johnny Pew.
Despite her charming personality, Fifi is also known for her powerful skunk spray, which she can use defensively when threatened.
She has become a fan favorite due to her cute appearance, fun personality, and unique abilities, making her one of the most memorable characters from the show.
16. Anais Watterson
From: The Amazing World of Gumball.
Anais Watterson is a character from the animated television series, The Amazing World of Gumball. She is a pink rabbit and the youngest member of the Watterson family.
Despite her small size, Anais is highly intelligent and often acts as the voice of reason in her family. She is also known for her strong moral compass, always striving to do what is right and standing up for those who cannot defend themselves.
Anais has become a fan favorite due to her unique personality, as well as her ability to hold her own against her older siblings, Gumball and Darwin.
15. Bubbles
From: The Powerpuff Girls
Bubble is a character from the popular animated television series, The Powerpuff Girls. She is the sweet and sensitive member of the superhero trio, known for her big blue eyes, blonde pigtails, and signature blue dress.
Despite her cute appearance, Bubbles is a force to be reckoned with, possessing incredible strength and the ability to fly.
She is also known for her love of animals and her kind heart, always willing to help those in need. Bubbles has become a fan favorite due to her endearing personality, as well as her ability to balance her tough superhero duties with her gentle nature.
14. Spike
From: My Little Pony Friendship is a Magic
Spike is a character from the popular animated television series, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. He is a baby dragon who acts as the assistant and close friend of Twilight Sparkle, one of the main characters of the show.
Spike is known for his wit and humor, as well as his love of gems and his ability to breathe fire. Despite being a dragon, Spike is incredibly loyal and caring towards his friends, always willing to lend a helping hand.
He has become a fan favorite due to his relatable personality and his unique dynamic with the other characters, making him a beloved member of the show’s cast.
13. Boots
From: Dora the Explorer
Boots is a character from the popular animated television series, Dora the Explorer. He is a cute and playful monkey and Dora’s best friend and companion on her adventures.
Boots is known for his bright red boots, which he wears on his feet, and his ability to communicate with other animals in the forest. He is also incredibly loyal and supportive of Dora, always eager to help her solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
Boots has become a fan favorite due to his adorable appearance and his fun-loving personality, making him a beloved member of the show’s cast and a favorite of children around the world.
12. Piglet
From: Winnie the Pooh
Piglet is a character from the beloved animated series, Winnie the Pooh. He is a small and timid pink pig and the best friend of Winnie the Pooh. Piglet is known for his kind and gentle nature, as well as his bravery when faced with danger.
Despite his small size, Piglet often acts as a source of support and encouragement for his friends, always willing to lend a helping hand.
He has become a fan favorite due to his endearing personality and his iconic catchphrase, “Oh, d-d-dear!” which has become a symbol of his lovable and relatable nature.
11. Mike
From: Monsters, Inc.
Mike Wazowski is a character from the popular animated movie, Monsters, Inc. He is a small, green, one-eyed monster who works as a “Scarer” at the Monsters, Inc. factory, alongside his best friend Sulley.
Mike is known for his quick wit, sarcastic sense of humor, and his unwavering dedication to his job. Despite his small stature, he is a confident and ambitious monster who dreams of becoming the top Scarer at the factory.
Mike has become a fan favorite due to his hilarious antics, his loyalty to his friends, and his heartwarming relationship with Sulley, making him a beloved member of the Monsters, Inc. universe.
10. Edna “E” Mode
From: The Incredibles
Edna “E” Mode is a character from the popular animated movie, The Incredibles. She is a renowned fashion designer who specializes in creating superhero costumes.
Edna is known for her unique sense of style, her strict attention to detail, and her fiery personality. Despite her small size, she is a confident and assertive character who commands respect from those around her.
Edna has become a fan favorite due to her iconic catchphrase, “No capes!”, her humorous interactions with the other characters, and her crucial role in helping the Incredibles save the day. Her distinctive style and memorable personality have made her one of the most beloved characters in the movie.
9. Widget
From: Widget the World Watcher
Widget is a character from the animated series, Widget the World Watcher. She is a small, green alien who comes to Earth to help protect the planet from environmental destruction.
Widget is known for her intelligence, her love of science, and her passion for preserving the Earth’s natural resources. She has a variety of advanced gadgets and tools at her disposal, including a flying saucer and a watch that can detect pollution and other environmental hazards.
Widget has become a fan favorite due to her positive attitude, her dedication to her cause, and her efforts to educate others about the importance of taking care of our planet.
8. Poof
From: The Fairly Odd Parents
Poof is a character from the popular animated series, The Fairly Odd Parents. He is the fairy godchild of Cosmo and Wanda and was born during the show’s sixth season.
Poof is known for his adorable appearance, with his small size, big eyes, and cute little wings. He has a variety of magical powers, including the ability to fly and create objects out of thin air.
Poof has become a fan favorite due to his endearing personality, his adorable antics, and his close bond with his fairy godparents. Despite being a relatively new character, Poof has quickly become a beloved member of The Fairly Odd Parents universe.
7. Papa Smurf
From: The Smurfs
Papa Smurf is a character from the classic animated series, The Smurfs. He is the leader of the Smurfs and is known for his wisdom, compassion, and kindness.
Papa Smurf is easily recognizable by his white beard and red hat, which are a symbol of his authority and wisdom. He is often called upon to solve disputes and to offer advice to his fellow Smurfs.
Papa Smurf has become a fan favorite due to his gentle nature, his mentorship of the other Smurfs, and his unwavering dedication to his community.
His iconic appearance and role as a leader have made him one of the most beloved characters in the series.
6. Droopy
From: Droopy and the Wolf
Droopy is a character from the classic animated series, Droopy, and the Wolf. He is a small, droopy-eyed dog who speaks in a monotone voice and moves at a slow pace.
Despite his lack of speed and energy, Droopy is a highly skilled detective who always manages to outsmart his opponents. He is known for his dry wit, his deadpan delivery, and his unflappable demeanor.
Droopy has become a fan favorite due to his underdog status, his cleverness, and his ability to stay cool under pressure. His iconic appearance and witty one-liners have made him a memorable character in the world of animated television.
5. Vanellope von Schweetz
From: Wreck-It Ralph
Vanellope von Schweetz is a spunky and determined character from the animated film, Wreck-It Ralph. She is a glitch in the game Sugar Rush, and her dream is to become a racer.
Vanellope is known for her quick wit, her sharp tongue, and her mischievous nature. Despite being an outcast and being bullied by the other racers, Vanellope never gives up on her dreams.
She forms a friendship with Ralph, the titular character, and together they embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. Vanellope’s feisty personality and determination have made her a beloved character among fans of the film.
4. Mad Hatter
From: Alice in Wonderland
The Mad Hatter is a beloved character from the classic story, Alice in Wonderland. He is known for his zany antics, his quirky sense of humor, and his obsession with tea parties.
The Mad Hatter is an unpredictable and whimsical character who always keeps Alice on her toes. He is also known for his catchy and memorable song, “The Unbirthday Song,” which has become a staple of pop culture.
The Mad Hatter’s iconic appearance, including his top hat and colorful attire, has made him a beloved character in the world of fiction and a symbol of the fantastical world of Wonderland.
3. Dexter
From: Dexter’s Laboratory
Dexter is a boy genius with a secret laboratory hidden behind his bookshelf in the popular animated show, Dexter’s Laboratory. Dexter is a brilliant scientist and inventor, with a passion for experimenting and creating new inventions.
Despite his intelligence, Dexter often finds himself in trouble due to his sister, Dee Dee, who is constantly invading his lab and causing chaos.
Dexter’s obsession with science and technology, along with his quirky personality and iconic accent, have made him a beloved character among fans of the show. He has become a symbol of the power of imagination and creativity in the world of animation.
2. Yosemite Sam
From: Looney Tunes
Yosemite Sam is a hot-headed and trigger-happy cowboy character from the popular animated series, Looney Tunes. He is known for his fiery temper, his fierce determination, and his signature red hair and mustache.
Yosemite Sam often finds himself in conflict with Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters, but he always manages to find a way out of tough situations with his cunning and quick thinking.
His explosive personality, coupled with his humorous antics and catchphrases, have made him a fan favorite among viewers of all ages. Yosemite Sam has become a cultural icon and an enduring symbol of the classic Looney Tunes era.
1. Mario
From: Super Mario
Mario is one of the most recognizable and iconic characters in the world of video games, starring in his own franchise, Super Mario. He was created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto and first appeared in the classic game, Donkey Kong, in 1981.
Since then, he has gone on to star in countless games and spin-offs, becoming a pop culture icon in the process. Mario is known for his trademark red cap and overalls, as well as his mustache and cheerful personality.
He is a heroic plumber who battles various enemies and rescues Princess Peach from the evil Bowser. Mario’s popularity has led to his inclusion in a wide range of merchandise, movies, and other media.
