Cartoons have been an integral part of the entertainment industry for centuries. Even before the invention of television, numerous cartoon characters gained popularity through comic strips. One of the most fascinating aspects of cartoons is their versatility. They can utilize colors and shapes in unique ways and convey various messages. While many cartoons are known for their humor and light-heartedness, they have also been used to share political messages or address important topics. Among the plethora of cartoon characters, those featuring the color yellow have become incredibly popular, with some even becoming iconic. Here are the 10 best yellow cartoon characters of all time.
Unraveling the Popularity of Yellow Cartoon Characters
Before diving into the list, let’s explore why yellow cartoon characters are so popular. While it may seem like a mere coincidence, there’s a reason behind the prevalence of yellow characters. Many cartoon characters are drawn in colors that complement their backgrounds, and blue is often the primary background color. However, there’s a deeper reason. According to According to Looka, Yellow is associated with “Positivity, enthusiasm, happiness,” further explaining that it is the “most common color associated with happiness.” Essentially, when you see a yellow cartoon character, you are likely to experience positive feelings. Here are our picks for the best yellow cartoon characters of all time:
10. Flounder
Flounder swam into our hearts with his debut in the 1989 movie, The Little Mermaid. Although he may not receive as much recognition as other characters on this list, Flounder is a true Disney legend. The adorable little fish is Ariel’s best friend, and his kind nature makes him incredibly likable. Despite being fearful of many things, Flounder always finds the courage to support Ariel when she needs him. Fans will be delighted to know that Flounder will appear in the upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. It’s worth noting that although he’s named Flounder, he’s actually meant to be a different kind of fish.
9. Jake the Dog
Jake the Dog is far from your average canine. With his magical powers, Jake can bend and stretch in extraordinary ways. Additionally, he doesn’t age like a typical dog. According to the Adventure Time fandom page, “Jake was 28 years old at his debut in ‘magical dog years,’ and ages throughout the series, though he rarely acts mature. It is inferred that magical dogs have a lifespan similar to humans…” One thing Jake shares with real dogs is his unwavering loyalty to his human companion, Finn, always being there when needed.
8. Pac-Man
While most people associate Pac-Man with video games, this iconic character also had his own animated series in the early 1980s. The 30-minute show aired on Saturday mornings, following the lives of Pac-Man, Mrs. Pac-Man, and their baby. In the series, the Pac-Man family often finds themselves at odds with their enemies, the Ghosts, who also appear in the video game. Despite being the highest-rated Saturday morning cartoon at the end of 1982, the show was canceled after just two seasons. However, it has made history as the first TV series inspired by a video game.
7. Tweety Bird
Tweety is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable cartoon characters of all time. Introduced in 1941 as part of the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series, Tweety is often mistaken for a female character, but is actually intended to be male. Tweety is famous for his ongoing feud with Sylvester the Cat, who is always trying to eat him. Over the years, Tweety has appeared in numerous cartoons, video games, and merchandise.
6. Minions
Even if you haven’t seen Despicable Me or the Minions movie, you’ve likely encountered the Minions. Since their introduction in 2010, these adorable characters have taken the internet by storm. Despite their incomprehensible language, the little yellow guys have become global superstars, appearing on various merchandise and captivating audiences worldwide.
5. Wolverine
Although Wolverine isn’t yellow himself, his iconic costume is, earning him a spot on this list. Wolverine first appeared in an issue of The Incredible Hulk comic book in 1974 and has since evolved from a guest star to a character with his own storyline. As arguably the most popular member of the X-Men, Wolverine’s rapid healing ability makes him a valuable asset to the team. He has appeared in every X-Men project to date, and that trend is unlikely to change.
4. The Simpsons
The Simpsons, as a whole, are some of the most memorable cartoon characters of all time. Although many believe that the family from Springfield first appeared in their own series, they were actually created a few years prior. The Simpsons made their on-screen debut in 1987 as part of The Tracey Ullman Show. Their short segment became so popular that they launched their own series in 1989, which continues to air today. Between their time on The Tracey Ullman Show and the debut of The Simpsons, some changes were made to the characters’ appearances, but they remained largely the same. While Bart is the star of the show, the rest of the family members have also built their own fan bases over the years. The Simpsons have appeared in movies, video games, and various other media.
3. Pikachu
When Pokemon debuted in 1997, many thought it was just a passing fad. However, nearly 25 years later, the franchise is still thriving, and Pikachu is one of the most recognizable cartoon characters, yellow or otherwise. Initially known as Ash Ketchum’s loyal sidekick, Pikachu has since become a star in his own right, with his own video games and feature film. Pikachu is especially popular in Japanese culture, often serving as a mascot.
2. Winnie the Pooh
While some may argue that Winnie the Pooh is more of a brownish shade, many variations depict him with a yellowish hue, earning him a spot on this list. As the oldest character on this list, Winnie the Pooh has stood the test of time. Introduced over 90 years ago, Winnie was created by British author A. A. Milne for his son, Christopher Robin. Winnie the Pooh was named after Christopher Robin’s stuffed bear, which was named after a real-life bear the boy saw during a zoo visit. The other animals in Winnie the Pooh’s stories were also inspired by Christopher Robin’s toys. What began as a character in a children’s book eventually became the star of TV shows, games, and movies, entertaining generations of young people and continuing to do so in the future.
1. SpongeBob SquarePants
When it comes to yellow cartoon characters, SpongeBob SquarePants is likely the first to come to mind. The bright yellow sponge has become incredibly famous over the last 20 years. The seemingly absurd concept of a sponge named Bob living in the ocean and wearing pants somehow works. SpongeBob was created by renowned animator and marine scientist Stephen Hillenburg, who combined his animation skills with his knowledge of marine life to create SpongeBob and the other residents of Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob is one of the longest-running animated series in history (second only to The Simpsons) and continues to thrive. In addition to the series, SpongeBob has appeared in movies, video games, and has generated billions of dollars in revenue.
Follow Us
