Top 10 Most Iconic Fictional Characters of All Time

1. Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump)

   

   Forrest Gump is a fictional character who first appears in the 1986 novel by Winston Groom. Forrest Gump also appeared on screen in the 1994 film of the same name directed by Robert Zemeckis. The film, starring Tom Hanks, won six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.

2. 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

3. Batman (DC Comics)

   

   Batman, also known as Bruce Wayne, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. On film, Batman has been portrayed by Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowery... read more

   It doesn't matter who the actor is, who the writer is, or how badly some people could ruin his comics or movies. It doesn't change the fact that he's Batman! He will always be great in all media: comics, movies, TV series, animated series, animated movies, and video games, with dozens of different incarnations.

   Be it comics, TV, video games, or movies, Batman will always be one of the first characters to come to mind.

   Er, why is Forrest Gump #1? More people know of Batman than Gump.

4. Mickey Mouse (Disney)

   

   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

   Ha! Hey, everybody! It's me, Mickey Mouse! Say, do you want to come inside my clubhouse? Whoops, wrong topic. Mickey Mouse himself was the golden age for most grandparents as kids! He pretty much planted the ideas for Jerry and Bugs in their creators' heads. An oversized, talking mouse that sings and dances - how is that not iconic?

   Overcommercialized nowadays (just take a look at Mickey Mouse Clubhouse), but he used to be great and far more iconic. Proof of this is that to get children to wear gas masks during WWII, the masks were styled after Mickey Mouse.

5. Superman (DC Comics)

   

   Superman is a fictional comic book character and arguably the first powerful superhero of the modern era. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, who were high school students in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1933. Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1, published by National... read more

   He's Superman! Easily the most iconic character. To prove it, I'll compare him with the ones currently ranked above him.

   Superman (5th) vs. Batman (4th): These are the two big DC superheroes. However, Superman is more iconic because he kickstarted the superhero genre. Without Superman, Batman would not exist.

   Superman (5th) vs. Mickey Mouse (3rd): This is probably the closest comparison here. I'm giving this to Superman by a hair because of what Mickey has become. These days, he's mostly thought of as a commercial mascot, with most people having never seen a single one of his cartoons. Superman's comics are more widely read worldwide.

   Superman (5th) vs. Bugs Bunny (2nd): Now, I like Bugs better than Superman, but is he more iconic? No. Bugs is a close number two to Mickey in terms of cartoon fame, and as we've already proven, Superman is more iconic than Mickey. Therefore, he is more iconic than Bugs Bunny.

   Superman (5th) vs. Forrest Gump (1st): Excuse me while I laugh. Forrest Gump is considered iconic? I suppose his movie is well-known, but that does not justify being number one on this list, more iconic than not only the ones I've mentioned above but also Darth Vader, Mario, Charlie Brown, Pikachu, James Bond, and Spider-Man. I could go on and on. Superman is so much more iconic than this guy. (Also, Gump has 17% of the votes on this list. For reference, Bugs currently has 11%. Is this some kind of joke?)

   Lastly, the Superman "S" is the second-most recognized symbol around the world - the only thing that beats it is the Christian cross. That seals it!

6. Darth Vader (Star Wars)

   

   Darth Vader is a Star Wars character who serves as the main antagonist of the original Star Wars trilogy and as the central figure in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, where he is known by his original name, Anakin Skywalker. Initially trained as a Jedi Knight, Anakin defects to the Sith under the influence... read more

   When you ask what character everyone knows, it has to be the man himself, Vader. I love almost all the characters on this list, but everyone who ever read this list knows who this badass is.

   Instantly recognizable just from his breathing. You don't even need to see him to know who it is. And his design is so simple that it is difficult to replicate in new characters.

   Team Vader! Also, why is Forrest Gump first? I mean, I get that he's a good character, but he's not really that iconic, honestly.

7. Super Mario (Super Mario)

   

   Mario, originally named Jumpman, is the main character of the Super Mario Bros. franchise and was created by Nintendo of Japan's game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Mario appears in nearly every game in the series, including many spin-off titles, with a few exceptions such as New Super Luigi U, the Luigi's... read more

   Likely one of, if not the, most iconic face of gaming. If it weren't for Mario, then there would be no Sonic, for example.

   Relevant in the '90s, relevant now, relevant forever. That's Mario.

   MARIO WILL NEVER DIE!

   Mario is definitely iconic. People of all ages most likely know Mario. He's one of the best-selling video games of all time, with a TV show to boot.

8. Harry Potter (Harry Potter)

   

   Harry James Potter is the title character of the Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling. The series chronicles his life from age eleven as he discovers his identity as a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Over seven years, Harry confronts numerous challenges and... read more

   I'm pretty sure anyone who has access to the internet has heard of him.

9. Spider-Man (Marvel)

   

   Spider-Man is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, set within its shared universe. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko and first appeared in the anthology comic book Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962) during the... read more

   Spider-Man is relatable to anyone. Without the costume, he is still Peter Parker, dealing with normal people's issues and stuff.

   Spider-Man should definitely be way higher than this. Maybe even surpassing Superman and Batman. No offense, but it's pretty obvious. This is obviously outdated.

10. Godzilla (Godzilla)

    

    Godzilla is a giant monster originating from a series of Japanese tokusatsu films beginning with the 1954 film Godzilla produced by Toho. Over the decades, the character has appeared in numerous films, television shows, comic books, and video games. Godzilla is widely regarded as a cultural icon and... read more

The Newcomers
11. ?

    The Cat in the Hat (Dr. Seuss)

    
12. ?

    Ash Ketchum (Pokemon)

    

    Ash Ketchum, known as Satoshi in Japan, is the main character in the Pokémon franchise. He is training to become a Pokémon Master and travels across regions to compete in Pokémon battles. Ash frequently thwarts Team Rocket's attempts to steal his partner Pikachu.

The Contenders

13. 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

14. James Bond (James Bond)

    

    Royal Navy Commander James Bond is a fictional character created by British author Ian Fleming in 1953. He is the protagonist of the James Bond series of novels, films, comics, and video games. The character is known for his espionage skills, gadgets, and signature phrase, Bond, James Bond.

    Not a big fan, but he is surely more iconic than Charlie Brown.

    His name and suit say everything!

15. Joker (DC Comics)

    

    The Joker is a fictional supervillain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, who first appeared in Batman #1, released on April 25, 1940, by DC Comics. Credit for the Joker's creation remains disputed. Both Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for his visual design, while Finger is... read more

    Everyone who knows of Batman knows the Joker.

16. Charlie Brown (Peanuts)

    

    Charlie Brown is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the Peanuts comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz. The comic ran from 1950 to 2000 and is considered one of the most influential and popular comic strips of all time. Charlie Brown is known for his kind nature, persistent efforts,... read more

    Good grief. He's like 70 years old. Several generations know of Charlie Brown.

17. Captain America (Marvel)

    

    Captain Steven Grant Rogers, better known as Steve Rogers or Captain America, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a World War II veteran and is often described as the first superhero within the Marvel Universe. The character was created by Joe... read more

    Tell me: Who's more popular, Forrest Gump or Cap?

18. Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean)

    

    Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, is the central character in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. His eccentric and unpredictable personality is inspired by rock guitarist Keith Richards and the animated skunk Pepé Le Pew.... read more

    He was part of the best film decision ever. Depp played Sparrow perfectly, and Sparrow is the perfect character.

    You'll remember this as the day when you almost got Captain Jack Sparrow on top!

19. Rocky Balboa (Rocky)

    

    Robert "Rocky" Balboa is the title character of the Rocky film series. The character was created by Sylvester Stallone, who also portrayed him in all six Rocky films and two Creed movies. Rocky is a working-class boxer who becomes a world heavyweight champion and a cultural icon.

    I'm sorry, but if you are any bit cultured, you know who Rocky Balboa is. You also know his famous quotes that are on par with "With great power comes great responsibility."

    Rocky Balboa is a pillar of Hollywood.

20. Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones)

    

    Dr. Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones, Jr., often shortened to "Indy," is the titular character of the Indiana Jones franchise. Created by George Lucas, Indiana Jones is an archaeologist and adventurer. His signature fedora and whip have become fixtures in popular culture, and he is portrayed by Harrison... read more

21. Yoda (Star Wars)

    

    Yoda is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise created by George Lucas. He first appeared in the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back and serves as a wise and powerful Jedi Master with deep knowledge of the Force. Yoda was originally performed by Frank Oz, who provided the character's voice and... read more

22. Barbie (Barbie)

    

23. Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes)

    

    Sherlock Holmes is a fictional private detective created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Referring to himself as a "consulting detective" in the stories, Holmes is known for his expertise in observation, forensic science, and logical reasoning that often seems almost superhuman. He solves complex... read more

    Who doesn't know this character?

24. Iron Man (Marvel)

    

    Iron Man is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. Iron Man first appeared in Tales of Suspense #39 in 1963.... read more

    He is the first character that comes to mind when it comes to iconic characters.

25. 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 think he is the best childhood memory for us right now, both as a teenager and as an adult.

26. The Doctor (Doctor Who)

    

27. Eleven (Stranger Things)

    

    Eleven is a fictional character in the Netflix science fiction horror series Stranger Things. She is portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown. Eleven has psychokinetic abilities and plays a central role in uncovering the mysteries of the Upside Down.