Top 10 Best Cartoon Characters

You know the drill: waking up on Saturday mornings just to catch your favorite animated friends, laughing at the antics of Bugs Bunny, or getting lost in the underwater world of SpongeBob SquarePants. Cartoon characters aren't just doodles on a screen. They're the VIPs of our childhoods and continue to bring us joy no matter our age. Seriously, who didn't want to be a Powerpuff Girl or join Ash Ketchum on a Pokémon adventure?

The cartoon universe is epic. Whether you're into the timeless hand-drawn legends like Mickey Mouse or the cutting-edge 2D masterpieces like Rick and Morty, the animation world has something for everyone. Heroic figures like Superman and Batman patrol the animated streets, while adorable goofballs like Patrick Star and Homer Simpson keep the laughs coming.

The Top Ten

SpongeBob SquarePants (SpongeBob SquarePants)

SpongeBob SquarePants is a fictional character and the titular protagonist of the American animated television series of the same name. SpongeBob is known for his bright optimism and naive, childish tendencies. He often gets into trouble in Bikini Bottom.... read more

Easily the greatest cartoon to ever grace Nickelodeon, Bikini Bottom was full of colorful characters to fall comically in love with, but none were more endearing and hilarious than the show's title character, SpongeBob. His unfailing innocence and naivety are certainly the base of his personality, and his relentless devotion to pleasing his hateful neighbor Squidward and greedy boss Eugene Krabs provide some unforgettable interactions.
And how about his musical talent? Kids everywhere are still singing his classic, the "Campfire Song" song. After all, it'll help if you just sing along.

The sound of "I'm ready" from this lovable porous one makes me rush to the TV as fast as I can, eager to find out the episode so I can continue watching or not. He has made such a landmark that even those across other generations, from those born in the late '80s to even the current days and years, will understand the popularity of SpongeBob.
I own many DVDs of SpongeBob and know how a decent number of episodes go. I have seen at least 5 episodes from all the seasons. It's safe to say all of the seasons have at least one decent or even outstanding episode.
Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)

Homer Jay Simpson is the main protagonist of the American animated television series The Simpsons, serving as the patriarch of the eponymous family. It is implied that he is not very intelligent, with a crayon stuck in his brain often cited as the reason. He works at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant... read more

If there were ever a character who could do so much wrong and yet so much right at the same time, Homer is it. While he may in fact be the worst father/husband ever drawn (although Peter Griffin would like to argue), he still is a father/husband because deep down he loves his children and his wife, and we adore him for it.
And what more can be said about that catchphrase? Were I feeling funny during a moment of pain, all that would be uttered would be "D'oh!"

Homer Simpson quotes:
- Operator! Give me the number for 911!
- Oh, so they have the internet on computers now!
- Donuts. Is there anything they can't do?
- Son, when you participate in sporting events, it's not whether you win or lose. It's how drunk you get.
- I'm having the best day of my life, and I owe it all to not going to church!
- Dad, you've done a lot of great things, but you're a very old man, and old people are useless.
Bugs Bunny (Looney Tunes)

Bugs Bunny is an animated cartoon character created by the staff of Leon Schlesinger Productions, which later became Warner Bros. Cartoons. He is one of the most iconic and recognizable cartoon characters, known for his appearances in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series. His signature phrase... read more

The most creative, witty, awesome cartoon character ever. And he doesn't have to be fat or gay like Homer or SpongeBob. He's also voiced by one of the most talented men in the business, Mel Blanc.
Bugs is the oldest and the greatest, and he has class. He doesn't kill or cuss, and he's not a pervert. It makes me depressed about the world today to see him beaten by Homer and SpongeBob. Really? Come on!
And did I fail to mention he's got the funniest villains to fight, and they get their butts whooped in the funniest ways? Bugs is just so witty and creative in all his words and actions, and I'm going to go watch him right now!

Bugs Bunny is probably the funniest character in the world. His catchy punchline, "What's up, Doc?" gets stuck in my head for days on end. He can beat anyone at their own game. I love his character.
Who wouldn't love him? I mean, sure, everyone he beats is a potential idiot, but that just makes it all the more funny. Please vote for Bugs Bunny. Don't, and you'll pay the price. The price of one dollar.
Eric Cartman (South Park)

Eric Theodore Cartman, commonly known by his last name, is a central character in the animated series South Park. Created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker and voiced by Parker, Cartman is one of four main characters, alongside Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, and Kenny McCormick. He often serves as both an... read more

While his relentless anti-Semitism/immigration politics and superiority complex have been the subject of much controversy, they have also made Eric Cartman one of the most memorable cartoon characters ever, and certainly the most unforgettable one constructed entirely out of cardboard.

He can outsmart Batman, L, Light Yagami, Brainiac, Scott Tenorman, and Sherlock Holmes. He's funnier than Homer, Stewie, Peter, and anyone you can think of. If he had a Death Note, he would scare Ryuk. Cartman makes Satan look as heroic as Goku or Superman. Yes, I said that Eric Cartman is scarier and more evil than Satan. But he is the best cartoon character of all time.
Scooby Doo (Scooby-Doo)

Scooby-Doo is a famous fictional dog character from the animated television series Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, which premiered in 1969. He is the protagonist of the franchise, known for his role in solving mysteries alongside his human friends in Mystery Inc. The character was created by Joe Ruby and... read more

I love Scooby-Doo. He is my favorite and the best cartoon character in the entire world. He is the only cartoon character that can make me laugh and go Aah. He is so cute. I especially love the old classics such as Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?, The New Scooby-Doo Movies, The Scooby-Doo Show, Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo, and A Pup Named Scooby-Doo. Scooby-Doo is my number one forever. He is classic and rocks!

Scooby-Doo has got to be one of the best cartoon characters ever! The Great Dane makes all the other cartoon characters say, "Ruh-Roh!" when compared! With classic cuteness, a funny attitude, an adorable catchphrase, and a scaredy-cat sidekick, the show will make you howl with delight!
Now the only thing left is to give me a Scooby Snack, and then I'll be ready to ask, "Scooby-Doo, where are you?" On my TV screen, that's where!
Patrick Star (SpongeBob SquarePants)

Patrick Star is a fictional character in the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. Created and designed by Stephen Hillenburg, the series' creator, Patrick first appeared in the pilot episode "Help Wanted" on May 1, 1999. He is voiced by Bill Fagerbakke.... read more

He used to be one of the best characters in the show through the first five seasons, but they completely ruined him in seasons six, seven, and eight. No matter how bad he is in the later seasons, every time I see Patrick, I think of the classic, funny Patrick and not the jerky, mean Patrick.
"Is mayonnaise an instrument?"
"Who are you calling pinhead?"
"This is crazy talk, BLAH BLAH BLAH!"
"Where's the leak, ma'am?"
"I love you!"

Twinkle, Twinkle, Patrick Star, oh my, I love Patrick Star. He's awesome. I hope Nick never cancels and/or sells SpongeBob SquarePants. I mean, just imagine "Disney's SpongeBob SquarePants: The Show" and "Disney's SpongeBob SquarePants: The Movie." They would ruin it. But my point is, nobody has that funny quality like Patrick Star.
Mickey Mouse (Mickey Mouse Universe)

Mickey Mouse is a funny animal cartoon character and the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company. He was created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks at the Walt Disney Studio in 1928.
The first cartoon featuring Mickey Mouse was the iconic "Steamboat Willie," released later that same year. Mickey... read more

If you don't know Mickey Mouse, you don't even know what "cartoon" means. You could say Mickey Mouse is the father of all cartoon characters. The reason he's better than all the others is that, unlike SpongeBob and 99% of other cartoon characters, he always appears in a new movie or short.
There's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the old-style version on Disney Channel. He has movies like Mickey Mouse's Christmas Carol, and there are always new things to see him in. He may be old in years (he turned 91 this year - 2019), but socially he never gets old. Mickey Mouse is always the best!

As Walt Disney liked to say, it all began with a mouse. Mickey Mouse made his debut in 1928's "Steamboat Willie," voiced by Walt himself. It wasn't just Mickey's debut. It was also the first cartoon with synchronized sound.
Although his most iconic role came as the Sorcerer's Apprentice in the 1940 feature "Fantasia," Mickey has appeared in a number of memorable shorts. Standouts include the 1947 short "Mickey and the Beanstalk," a clever take on the fairy tale classic, and the 1983 short "Mickey's Christmas Carol," the first original Mickey Mouse theatrical release since 1953.
Squidward Tentacles (SpongeBob SquarePants)

Squidward Tentacles is a fictional character voiced by actor Rodger Bumpass in the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants.
Squidward has a very abrasive attitude, often wanting to be left alone, and he displays a misanthropic nature. He prefers solitude and enjoys playing the... read more

He is probably one of the funniest cartoon characters ever. His design is original and very expressive. His voice actor, Rodger Bumpass, is a comedy marvel with the dialogue. It's his body language, his facial expressions, and his rounded and very human personality that have contributed to him getting a lot of sympathy from fans in later seasons. He's like a very deadpan, very sarcastic Daffy Duck - the guy who can never win so chooses to be snide and sarcastic about everything. And we feel for this guy because most of the time, the world is just out to get him. Whatever he tries, he can't win. He can't escape it. Wherever he goes, trouble finds him.
I know that quite a bit of the time, he is the trouble. He's the one causing problems for his neighbors, either because he thinks it's funny or because he thinks he's better than them. What an ego that guy has! He's only a half-decent clarinet player!
And boy, is he hilarious. In the earlier seasons, his reactions to everything were comic timing perfection, whether he's making mischief or reacting to something weird that SpongeBob or Patrick does.
And he's not perfect. Of course not. That's what makes him so great - that's what makes him one of the funniest, most relatable, most rounded cartoon characters I've ever seen in my life.
Stewie Griffin (Family Guy)

Stewart Gilligan "Stewie" Griffin is a main character from the animated television series Family Guy. He's the youngest child of Peter and Lois Griffin and the brother of Meg and Chris.
Stewie is depicted as highly intelligent and often obsessed with violence and matricide. He frequently engages... read more

He has the best voice on the show, an impeccable British accent, and his football-shaped head is amazing. In earlier seasons, he was an evil baby bent on world domination and matricide. In later seasons, he has gone a bit soft, but his episodes with Brian are still hysterical.
Speaking of that, Stewie's relationship with Brian might be the best thing about the entire show. As this relationship develops later on, they really become close. This develops to the point where Stewie makes himself pregnant with Brian's children using one of his machines (Stewie is Enceinte). Anyway, Stewie has always been amazing, but it would be nice to see him go back to his former, evil self once in a while.
Bender (Futurama)

Bender Bending Rodríguez is a fictional robot and one of the central characters in the animated television series Futurama. He was created by Matt Groening and David X. Cohen and is voiced by John DiMaggio. Bender is known for his sarcastic personality, fondness for alcohol, and rebellious behavior,... read more

Bender is a god with several variations of his catchphrase.
"Bite my Splintery Wooden Ass!"
"Bite my Glorious Golden Ass!"
"Lick my Frozen Metal Ass!"
"Bite my Colossal Metal Ass!"
"Bite my Red Hot Glowing Ass!"
"Bite my Shiny Metal Ass!"
"Maybe you could interface with my ass... by biting it!"

Bite my shiny, red hot, cold, frozen, glorious golden ass! Heheheheheheheheh. Well, I guess if you want children beaten, you have to do it yourself. He is the best Futurama character in my opinion. Next is Zoidberg.

Bender is great. He should really be way up on this list. "I need mouth-to-ass resuscitation." Fry is the story behind Futurama, but I think Bender should have been.

The Newcomers

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Hello Nurse (Animaniacs)

Why'd they exclude her from the remake?
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Pugsley Guttman (Dead End: Paranormal Park)

He's just trying to protect his human, Barney Guttman. His tragic death at the end of the series broke my heart. He was such a good boy.

The Contenders

Bart Simpson (The Simpsons)

Bartholomew JoJo "Bart" Simpson is the eldest child and only son in the animated TV series The Simpsons, which premiered in December 1989. He was created by Matt Groening.
Bart is known for prank-calling Moe's Tavern, skateboarding, and his catchphrases like "Eat my shorts!" His mischief often... read more

Back in the early '90s, it wasn't Homer who stood out the most among the Simpsons. It was Bart who stood out the most in the family. He was one of the most popular characters on television at the time, and his famous popularity is known as "Bartmania." At the time, he appeared in many Butterfinger commercials, media, and merchandise, such as T-shirts, which were later banned in American schools. He was primarily a focused character in some episodes of The Simpsons and had his own songs, such as the famous song at the time, "Do the Bartman," and "Deep, Deep Trouble." That explains why he was one of the best cartoon characters in history. However, he was considered a bad role model for children by educators (such as teachers) and parents, so it makes sense why his T-shirts were banned in American schools back then.
Daffy Duck (Looney Tunes)

Daffy Duck is an animated cartoon character produced by Warner Bros. Styled as an anthropomorphic black duck, he has appeared in cartoon series such as Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. Daffy is often portrayed as the best friend and occasional rival of Bugs Bunny.

I agree with the other posters about this character. Everything about this character is funny, and everything he does is funny. I don't know anyone who doesn't like Daffy Duck.

Oh my gosh, Daffy Duck was so funny in the Looney Tunes show. He is my favorite character. I wonder if Daffy Duck will meet Donald Duck. They won't get along as well, but these two ducks have one thing in common besides being ducks: they are in TV shows. Donald Duck is in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and you know Daffy Duck.

You're right. He is one of a kind and an original cartoon character. Everything he does is funny, and his speech is also funny!
Tom (Tom and Jerry)

Thomas "Tom" Cat is a fictional character and one of the title characters in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's series of Tom and Jerry theatrical cartoon short films. He is known for his long-running rivalry with Jerry Mouse. The series began in 1940 and became one of the most famous cartoon duos in animation history... read more

The modern Tom and Jerry sucks and has that whole slice-of-life thing going on. Therefore, it is garbage. Then there are new characters, random girlfriends, etc., but the classic Tom and Jerry is amazing, and I remember watching it a lot when I was little.

Tom and Jerry are by far the greatest cartoons ever... And Tom is at least in the top 5! He is a lot better even than Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny, and anyone who doesn't feel the same is just an idiot!

Um, hello, Tom and Jerry are the best ever! Can't believe they're not in the top ten. They're so funny and clever that they don't even need to talk. Tom and Jerry forever!
Peter Griffin (Family Guy)

Peter Griffin is the main protagonist and titular character of the American animated sitcom Family Guy. Peter is known for being foolish and doing random things for the sake of comedy. His wife, Lois Griffin, often nags him. He didn't pass the third grade, and his father is an Irish man.... read more

The fact that Peter Griffin beats up his friends and family (especially Meg), gives them drugs, and attacks random people in the street is what makes him awesome. His goofiness and annoyance toward the other characters on the show are what make the show funny. In my opinion, Brian is the coolest character on the show, but without Peter Griffin, there would be no Family Guy... literally.

Peter Griffin is an awesome character. He always comes up with the most crazy ideas to do with his family or his friends Joe, Cleveland, and Quagmire. He might be fat, lazy, and drunk, but that, in my opinion, just makes him so much funnier.
Donald Duck (Mickey Mouse Universe)

Donald Duck is a cartoon character created in 1934 by Walt Disney Productions. He is an anthropomorphic white duck with a yellow-orange bill, legs, and feet. He is typically depicted wearing a sailor shirt and cap, along with a bow tie, and is known for his short temper and comedic adventures.

Donald Duck is the funniest character of the Disney universe (and this is the most important part of Disney comics and cartoons), but also the most human-like creature in the Disney universe. His fate is accompanied by realism. While Mickey is the winner type, Donald wins but also loses.

Mickey's too nice. Donald's the one who always gets me laughing with his speech impediment and quick temper. He's definitely one of the best cartoon characters of all time.

I've grown up reading Donald stories. He truly is one of a kind. For me, he'll always be that character that I've always wished was real.
Mordecai (Regular Show)

Mordecai is one of the two main protagonists of Regular Show, along with his best friend Rigby. He made his debut in the non-canon short "2 in the AM PM" as a human cashier who then morphs into a prototype Mordecai-like character with a fanny pack. He later makes his first official appearance in the... read more

Super cool, but not a totally infallible character. He tries to be the voice of reason but sometimes gets led astray by his counterpart. At times, he can be rather nasty to his best friend, but on the whole, he's a loyal friend. However, his relationship issues cause nothing but grief for himself and others. He generally got overtaken by Rigby in later episodes of Regular Show.

Mordecai is the best! He totally needs these votes! Look him up.
He isn't half bad! What I first thought was going to be a boring TV show, I was going to change the channel on the TV, but then I heard Mordecai say "Milk." It made me laugh, and I kept watching.
Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Avatar Aang is a fictional character and the protagonist of Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender, voiced by Zach Tyler Eisen. Aang is the last surviving Airbender, a monk from the Southern Air Temple of the Air Nomads. As the Avatar, he is tasked with mastering all four... read more

Honestly, Aang is one of the most realistic kids ever, which is ironic since being the Avatar is basically being the Jesus of the Avatar world. He's powerful like Naruto and Goku and can be childish and fun-loving like them, but Aang, in my opinion, is written better because he is childish, naive, and kind but not stupid.
Naruto forgives too easily and buddies up with enemies using the Talk No Jutsu moves, but Aang, while not going as far as to kill his enemies, doesn't befriend them. Instead, he defeats them to a point where they can't hurt others. He's also completely alienated from other customs, like Goku and others. Aang rocks.

Who couldn't love him? He's just as good as any Goku, and he's way better than someone like Homer Simpson or Peter Griffin. Plus, the ratings show that he starred in one of the best cartoons ever.
He's a fun-loving 12-year-old who is the Avatar, a bender who can control all four elements. If you haven't seen this show, I highly recommend it. It's better than Dragon Ball Z or Naruto. The other characters also mesh perfectly with Aang.
"My Leg" Guy (SpongeBob SquarePants)

Fred, voiced occasionally by Mr. Lawrence, occasionally by Dee Bradley Baker, and occasionally by Thomas F. Wilson.

His name is Fred Rechid. He's a janitor and cameraman. He has two sons named Tommy and Monroe, a wife named Sadie, and an ex-wife named Mable Monica. Just saying.

This dude is so weak, I bet if a baby touched him, he would say MY LEG!
Pikachu (Pokémon)

Pikachu (Japanese: ピカチュウ) is a species of Pokémon that appears in video games, animated television shows and movies, trading card games, and comic books licensed by The Pokémon Company. It is the mascot of the Pokémon franchise and is widely considered the most iconic Pokémon. Pikachu is well known for... read more

The only anime character to appear on the list, Pikachu's appeal comes entirely from his adorability. The little guy can only say his name, and he has red dots for cheeks. Come on, now. While the video games and trading card game helped, Pikachu's appearance as a cartoon character is what has made him a worldwide icon for the Pokemon franchise and Japanese animation in general.

Pikachu is loyal to his friends, friendly, and fun to be around, and won't cause trouble. He is very formidable in battle. Not only that, but he's cute. The only problem I have with him is that I think, buried deep within the inner sanctum of his mind, lies a psychopathic personality that might manifest itself one day and doom humanity to vertigo.
Jerry (Tom and Jerry)

Gerald "Jerry" Mouse is a fictional character and one of the title characters in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's Tom and Jerry series of theatrical cartoon short films. He is a clever mouse who is frequently pursued by Tom the cat but often manages to outsmart him. Jerry first appeared in the 1940 cartoon short... read more

Tom and Jerry are the best (with the exception of Kids, Tales, and the new show). In the cartoons, sometimes Jerry wins because of Tom's stupidity. I like Jerry more in the Hanna-Barbera shorts. But in the 2014 show, they are both stupid. I especially hate Tuffy in that show.

Those that badmouth him, are you forgetting shorts like The Lonesome Mouse, Dog Trouble, and Baby Butch where he helped/teamed up with Tom? He's my all-time favorite character.

Jerry is one smart mouse. He always finds a way to stop Tom from having a "Jerry sandwich." It's like Sylvester and Tweety.
Snoopy (Peanuts)

Snoopy is a character in the comic strip Peanuts, created by Charles M. Schulz. He first appeared on October 4, 1950, and often sleeps on top of his doghouse. Snoopy is the pet beagle of Charlie Brown and appears in numerous television specials as well as the 2015 feature film The Peanuts Movie.

When people hear Peanuts, who's the first character they think of? Snoopy! That's who! Heck, you could say Charlie Brown, and people will still remember Snoopy, his flying ace routine, his friend Woodstock, and that wild imagination that has kept his name remembered to this day! Did I mention he's been in the Thanksgiving parade longer than any other character? Well, he has!

He had fantasies of being a World War I pilot. This propensity by Schultz to glorify war through the fantasies of a hawkish beagle with bloodlust is disturbing, albeit eerily fascinating. I am torn between admiration and condemnation when I contemplate my feelings toward this perverse abomination of the cartooning medium.
Kenny (South Park)

Kenneth "Kenny" McCormick is one of the main characters in the animated adult television series South Park. He appears alongside his close friends Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, and Eric Cartman. Known for his consistently muffled speech and frequent deaths in early seasons, Kenny has become one of the... read more

Wow... I don't see why Kenny's not at least in the top fifty. He's a great character, much more developed than Cartman. Everyone recognizes the ever-so-familiar orange parka. He's so much more than just a pervert. He's an iconic character in many different ways that I just can't even explain. In short, Kenny is an awesome character and deserves better than 105th place. Okay, rant over.

I think that pretty much everyone can relate to this pint-sized pervert. He has both good and bad traits, and unlike most characters, he never really takes a side in good or bad. Plus, when Trey and Matt give him dialogue, he's one of the funniest characters.
Raven (Teen Titans)

Raven is a fictional superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She first appeared in a special insert in DC Comics Presents #26 in October 1980 and was created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist George Pérez. Raven is a founding member of the New Teen Titans and is known for... read more

Raven is one of the best characters of all time. She's awesome and powerful, and her sarcasm and dry wit are hilarious. Raven is also really real. Because of her past and her identity, she has certain issues with herself and others. She's misunderstood, which is something many of us can relate to. I love her to death. She was my role model when I was little! Haha. Raven should at least be in the top ten.

Raven is amazing! So far, she's my favorite character of all time. Raven is so unique and funny with her personality. She's powerful and really cool. I really love the way she had such a hard past but always finds a way back to relaxing herself. If you think about it, you can really relate to her. I think she should be in the top 5.
Winnie the Pooh (Winnie the Pooh)

Winnie the Pooh is a character based on A. A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories. The Disney media franchise began in 1966 with the theatrical release of the short Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree. The character has since become a beloved figure in children's literature and animation.

When I saw his name on the list, I literally went, "Aaww!" Pooh Bear is so adorable, kind, sweet, and innocent. He's an icon from people's childhood.
He's so simple and wonderful, and sometimes we need to step back and just appreciate the simple and innocent things in life.

Winnie the Pooh is a very sweet and kind cartoon character for both children and adults. He tries to help out his friends and teaches all of us what kindness really is.

Memories. Used to be one of my favourite things ever. I had a toy Winnie the Pooh, and I always cried when my parents took it away to wash.
He'll always have a place in my heart.
Goku (Dragon Ball)

Son Goku (Saiyan name Kakarrot) is the main protagonist of the Dragon Ball franchise created by Akira Toriyama in 1984. He possesses many powerful abilities, including super strength, ki control, flight, teleportation, super speed, enhanced reflexes, and Super Saiyan transformations that increase his... read more

I grew up watching DBZ, and Goku has been a role model throughout my life. The pure-hearted Saiyan has captured my attention and love from the beginning with Dragon Ball and continues to do so today in DBZ, the DBZ movies, and DB Super. He has given children all over the world inspiration and hope.
Goku is a sign of hope and has defeated all his enemies, from King Piccolo to Nappa, Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, Kid Buu, Broly, etc. Although he may not have been there much for his sons, Gohan and Goten, he always saved the day. He has saved not only Earth but the universe on multiple occasions. He has gone from a minute power level of 2 as a baby to going toe to toe with Beerus and Hit in DBZ: Battle of Gods and DB Super.
This Saiyan always trains, and what doesn't kill him makes him stronger, and what does makes him even stronger. He also has a soft heart, a trait that I admire. He managed to befriend enemies such as Vegeta, Majin (fat) Buu, Beerus, and Piccolo.
Goku is not your typical warrior. He prefers not to kill his foes once they are incapacitated. He even was so merciful that he gave Frieza some energy to flee the crumbling planet Namek when he was cut in half. These reasons are why Goku is the best cartoon character and the best pop culture icon. He teaches great, valuable lessons such as work hard, family is important, a little competition is healthy, and be a kind, merciful person. Goku is the best anime and cartoon character and a great role model.