Top 10 Best Nickelodeon Characters of All Time

Nickelodeon has introduced some of the most unforgettable characters in TV history. From hilarious goofballs to complex heroes, these animated and live-action icons have entertained generations of fans. Some have been around for decades, while others made a huge impact in just a few seasons. But which ones truly stand out as the best of all time? That's where you come in.

This list is all about ranking the greatest Nickelodeon characters ever, and your votes help decide who deserves the top spot. Maybe you love a certain character for their comedic genius, their wild adventures, or the way they grew throughout their show. Some are childhood favorites you'll always have a soft spot for, while others still hold up no matter how old you are. Whatever the reason, this is your chance to have a say in who really deserves to be called the best.

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

SpongeBob is one of the best cartoon characters to ever exist. I am personally heartbroken by the rumors about him. SpongeBob deserves far more respect than he currently receives.
The newer episodes are not bad, by the way! Seriously, with all the shows they are airing on Nick these days (Breadwinners, Sanjay and Craig, Sam and Cat, etc.), Nickelodeon would be dead if it weren't for SpongeBob SquarePants. Nickelodeon isn't dead yet, but it's definitely on life support. SpongeBob is the life support.
I actually can't find anything to say about this show that isn't positive. The art is amazing and colorful, and the storyline is good. Even as an adult, you can't help but laugh at it sometimes. Most people think Patrick is the funniest, but personally, I find SpongeBob more amusing than all the others. It's an amazing show, not to mention the most likable one on Nick.
In conclusion, SpongeBob is among my favorite shows. Almost every other kid in the world will agree with me on this. SpongeBob will probably be enjoyed for years and years to come. I, for one, am going to show it to my kids when I have them. It's one of the most brilliant cartoons ever. It doesn't surprise me at all that this is number one.
Patrick Star (SpongeBob SquarePants)

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

Patrick is so dumb to the point where it's funny, like in the episode where everyone is blasting their letters to Santa in the sky, and SpongeBob asks, "What did you wish for, Patrick?" Then Patrick says, "Another piece of paper." This is funny because, earlier in the episode, he keeps ripping his paper.

He may be the funniest character on SpongeBob, but he's more of the funniest character on Nickelodeon. His stupidity cracks everybody up, even me. Go Patrick!

Twinkle, twinkle, Patrick Star. I made myself a sandwich. My mommy named it Fred. It tastes like beans and bacon. And it smells like it's been dead! Best song ever on SpongeBob.
Prince Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Prince Zuko is a fictional character in Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender. Zuko is a master firebender and the older brother of Azula. He is the son of Firelord Ozai and Princess Ursa.
Zuko's character arc centers on his journey to reclaim his honor. Initially... read more

Prince Zuko has the best backstory and journey of all the characters I've seen. And I'm a 90s kid! Avatar is truly the best show ever made by Nick. In its prime, it made more money than SpongeBob did in his prime.
Avatar was a show that not only kids could watch but also adults and people of all ages would love to see. It had an amazing story and unique creation that no other show has had. Avatar entertained the most. Long live Avatar.

Prince Zuko underwent the biggest character development throughout the entire series. Though Aang went from the "boy in the iceberg" to fully realized Avatar Aang, Prince Zuko is by far one of the most well-thought-out characters on Nickelodeon.
Timmy Turner (The Fairly OddParents)

Timothy "Timmy" Tiberius Turner is a ten-year-old boy who is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the American animated series The Fairly OddParents, created by Butch Hartman for Nickelodeon. He is known for having fairy godparents who grant his wishes, often leading to comedic and chaotic... read more

Timmy is hilarious in the old seasons.

I want his fairies. I would have all kinds of things. I would love to be a little boy with buck teeth and a little pink hat. I love Timmy. I hate that Vicky chick, but if it wasn't for her, there would be no show. That's the reason he has his fairies.

So funny! When I first saw the show, I said, Wow, my last name is Turner.
Danny Fenton (Danny Phantom)

Daniel "Danny" Fenton, also known as Danny Phantom, is the main character of the Nickelodeon animated series Danny Phantom, created by Butch Hartman. He becomes a human-ghost hybrid after an accident with his parents' Ghost Portal. As Danny Fenton, he is an average, clumsy, and awkward teenager who struggles... read more

Danny is a character that I wish was at any school in the world. He doesn't like violence, loves and respects his family even though he is sometimes embarrassed by them. Also, he doesn't choose friends by their looks or funds. He is a character that knows how to live an honest and true life by having true friends and understanding them.
Even in his ghost form, Danny's character doesn't change into arrogance and pridefulness. That is what makes him a real hero. Go Danny Fenton! (and Phantom)

Danny is a very well-developed character. He's the average teenager but with ghost powers! He is very relatable and also a great role model. He shows that it is okay to make mistakes, but you should do everything you can to make things right again.
Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Katara is a fictional character in Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender, as well as in its sequel series The Legend of Korra. She is voiced by Mae Whitman. Katara is a skilled waterbender from the Southern Water Tribe who plays a key role in the fight against the Fire Nation.... read more

So much of the negativity surrounding Katara comes from people seeing her as inferior. The exact opposite is true. Katara is an amazing character who is essential to the storyline. She can be seen as the most important character on the show, aiding Avatar Aang the most in his quest to unlock the Avatar's true power.

She is the best Avatar character. She was popular enough to appear in Legend of Korra. She is a beautiful, strong, tough, and vibrant young lady. She even defeated Azula and saved Zuko.
When I first saw her, I thought she would always be my favorite and the most beautiful and best Avatar character ever, and I was right.
Zim (Invader Zim)

Zim is the titular protagonist and anti-hero of the American animated series Invader Zim, created by Jhonen Vasquez for Nickelodeon. He is an alien from the planet Irk who attempts to conquer Earth. The series debuted in 2001 and has since developed a cult following.

Regardless of his motives, we find ourselves rooting for him. Whether it's because the show's depiction of the human race makes you want to throw a chair, or maybe because the show makes you see a bit of yourself in Zim's worst habits, there's a bit of tragedy behind the guy.
Best of all, he's a Nickelodeon villain yet also the tragic anti-hero. This harbinger of doom will have you laughing and thinking at the same time.

Zim is fantastic as a character because he is not perfect and plays both protagonist and antagonist roles. He is quirky, bad, funny, and all-around has great depth to him. His reactions to everyday life are hilarious and, in some ways, have a ring of truth to them in human life.
He is intelligent, and his schemes are always great to watch. Even though he is trying to conquer Earth and is quite devious, we still find ourselves greatly compelled to like him, and he even comes off as childish sometimes. And relatable. I think it is great to have a character that is not always peachy but is still attractive and even not human.
This show was brilliant. If it were aired anywhere except the money-hungry Nickelodeon, we probably would have seen a lot more of his great shenanigans and rivalry with the also amazing character Dib. And who knows? Maybe even conquer Earth.
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

Aang has the traits of a role model. Avatar is a good show for kids. Aang, as the lead character, is very compassionate, gentle, and kind, which makes him very lovable. Besides his personality, he is very talented, being able to control the four elements: air, water, earth, and fire, as the Avatar. His agility and power make everyone want to be him.
One of the most thrilling, action-packed cartoons to ever air on Nickelodeon. If I had more than two thumbs, I'd put them all up. Really sad when the show ended. And yes, Aang deserves number one!

"Twinkle Toes" is not the stereotypical male hero! He is a meek and humble monk who showed the world that kindness is not weakness. I adore him!
Gir (Invader Zim)

I just bought a shirt with him on it two days ago. I love him.

Gir needs to be at least in the top two. He is awesome.

Gir is what made Invader Zim awesome.
Arnold (Hey Arnold!)

Best '90s show ever. I've loved Hey Arnold! since I was a little kid. I've seen every episode. My sister sometimes watches with me. I'm a big fan. Every episode has a story and a lesson.
I also love all of the different legends in the show, like Ghost Bride, the list, and more. If I have kids, I want them to grow up with Hey Arnold! like I did. There's almost no negativity in the show. Almost every episode has a positive message.
I love Arnold. He has a heart of gold. I see why Helga is head over heels for him. He's sweet, kind, looks on the bright side of everything, and he saved the neighborhood. The movie was also good. I love every character in the show. Hey Arnold! forever.

The Newcomers

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Steve (Blue's Clues)

Steve made my childhood and helped me grow up to become a good person.
We will never forget you, Steve.
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Azula (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Princess Azula is a fictional character and antagonist of Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender. She is voiced by Grey DeLisle Griffin. Azula is a firebending prodigy and the younger sister of Prince Zuko, known for her cunning and ruthless personality.... read more

Spoiler alert! She's evil and mentally unstable, but she's actually a great character. Trust me.

The Contenders

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

I meant to type "sponge" in place of "cephalopod." My bad.
As I observed before, Squidward is more mature than that damn SpongeBob. It sickens me how low the sponge has sunk in making his life miserable. Not only that.
SpongeBob has also given other characters a hard time. One of them is Mrs. Puff, whom I don't believe has been flanderized. Instead, it's the sponge who's been flanderized into a beyond annoying, irksome, and highly problematic brat. It also sickens me that he has brainwashed many people into sucking up to him and bashing those who hate him. Well, they should shut up and keep their love for him to themselves.

I like Squidward because his personality resonates with me. However, I dislike it when people claim he's funny and hilarious. Would you consider yourself funny if you endured the same troubles he faces?
Besides, I prefer people who lack a sense of humor. And I sometimes wish Squidward would retaliate against the sponge and starfish for ruining his life.
Jimmy Neutron (The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius)

James "Jimmy" Isaac Neutron is a fictional character and the central protagonist of the Jimmy Neutron franchise. He is best known for starring in the 2001 American 3D computer-animated science fiction film Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.... read more

Jimmy is awesome. He is an epic young scientist who often goes on exciting journeys. He also breaks the fourth wall a lot. Compared to other characters, he's a good role model.
He helps his friends even when they don't always show their appreciation for him, and he loves learning.

The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron is the best show in Nickelodeon history. This show boasts over 100 episodes, including "Crouching Jimmy, Hidden Sheen," "The Love Potion," and more. The characters include Jimmy Neutron, Sheen Estevez, Carl Weezer, Libby Folfax, Cindy Vortex, and others.
I think The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron is the best show ever!
Cosmo (The Fairly OddParents)

Cosmo is Timmy Turner's fairy godfather in the animated television show The Fairly OddParents. He's Wanda's husband and Poof's father. Cosmo is very immature and often acts foolishly, but he is also charming, loving, and devoted to his family.

Cosmo pretty much MADE The Fairly OddParents! Some of his lines were CLASSIC! One of my favorite TV characters of all time, and I'm in my 20s!

Yes, when I saw Timmy was on here, I screamed. When I saw Cosmo, I screamed even louder.

He is my favorite character! I grew up with his entertainment!
Lynn Loud (The Loud House)

At 13 years old, Lynn Loud is the fifth-oldest child in the Loud family. She is also the youngest of Lincoln Loud's five older sisters. Lynn is known for her competitive nature and love of sports, often being portrayed as the most athletic sibling in the family.

Best character in The Loud House! She's strong, energetic, very skillful, and while she can be a bit rough at times, she is a very kind person who will help the people she loves. Definitely one of the best Nickelodeon characters!

Awesome at sports, best, most favorite Nick character!

She is easily my personal favorite character of all time. That is just my opinion.
Lincoln Loud (The Loud House)

Lincoln Loud is the main character in The Loud House, an animated series that premiered on Nickelodeon in 2016. He is the only boy among eleven siblings and often navigates the chaos of his large family through creative problem-solving. The show has been praised for its humor and representation of family... read more

He should be in the top ten of the best Nickelodeon characters of all time and deserves god-like treatment for him, his show, and the character himself!

Lincoln deserves to be higher. He's the best character in the show.

He's cool and he can deal with ten sisters! This is me!
Toph Beifong (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Toph Beifong is a fictional character from Nickelodeon's animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender and its sequel, The Legend of Korra. She was voiced by Jessie Flower in the original series. In The Legend of Korra, the character was voiced by Kate Higgins and Philece Sampler.... read more

Toph is a good role model for young girls. She doesn't let anyone define her since she's smart enough to know who she actually is, and she doesn't let her blindness get in the way of becoming a great fighter. She can also kick some serious butt.

Not only did she invent metalbending, she helped save the world, all while being completely blind!

Hello, this is Toph we're talking about. The biggest badass ever.
Jenny Wakeman (My Life as a Teenage Robot)

Jennifer "Jenny" Wakeman, designated robot name XJ-9, is the main character of the animated series My Life as a Teenage Robot. Created by Rob Renzetti for Nickelodeon, the show features Jenny as a teenage robot designed to protect Earth from various threats. At the same time, she tries to live a normal... read more

Why is SpongeBob SquarePants always number one? Jenny Wakeman should at least be number one for once. She is one of the cutest cartoon robots (in a good way). Who thinks Jenny should be number one instead of SpongeBob?

Jenny XJ9 is, in my opinion, the best animated robot in cartoon history! She has the strength of a million and seventeen men! The fact that she just wants to live like a normal teenager makes her my favorite Nick character. (Sorry for the poor grammar.)
Jade West (Victorious)

Jade West (portrayed by Elizabeth Gillies) is the vicious frenemy of Tori Vega at Hollywood Arts. She has a gothic sense of style, always wearing dark clothing, eyebrow piercings, and streaks of color in her hair, and she's the long-term girlfriend of Beck Oliver. She's often protective and occasionally... read more

Despite Nickelodeon cartoons being much better than the live-action shows, Jade is better than many great animated characters. I definitely love Victorious. It has well-written characters and is a fabulous show.

We all know Jade can be pretty cruel at times, but she is talented, smart, awesome, and funny. However, Jade has a mostly visible soft side if you venture deep into her character.

Probably the best Victorious character because, even though she's mean or a bully, you can understand her because she always says what she feels.
Tommy Pickles (Rugrats)

Thomas "Tommy" Malcolm Pickles is a fictional character from the Nickelodeon animated television series Rugrats and its spin-off All Grown Up! He serves as the main protagonist in both shows. Tommy is known for his adventurous personality and leadership among the group of babies featured in the series... read more

I swear he is the cutest thing ever! Plus, his courage and leadership, even as a baby, show that he has good personality traits.

Why is Tommy so low on this list? Rugrats had several movies and won Kids' Choice Awards multiple times.

How is he so low? This baby was a badass.
Sheldon J. Plankton (SpongeBob SquarePants)

Sheldon James Plankton, commonly called Plankton, is a character in the Nickelodeon animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. He is the owner of the Chum Bucket and the main antagonist of Mr. Krabs. Plankton is known for his schemes to steal the Krabby Patty secret formula.

Plankton is a great character because he's less of a villain than Mr. Krabs and actually deserves the Krabby Patty formula more than him!

He is by far the most underrated SpongeBob SquarePants character ever. He actually has a heart, unlike Mr. Krabs, and is hilarious. He's awesome!

Geez, he needs to be higher up on the list! Plankton is so underrated. Nick made him look like a monster in the SpongeBob SquarePants movies when obviously Mr. Krabs is more evil.
Ren Hoek (The Ren & Stimpy Show)

What?! Cat Valentine is 16, and Ren is 38?! That's crazy! Some people need to watch the '90s cartoons. Trust me, they are better than the ones today. Not even Lori from All That is lower than Cat, and Lori is WAY more likable! This list needs to be fixed.
If you watch All That, you'll see that it's better than that Victorious crap! Sorry, but that's my opinion. If you watch the new episodes of SpongeBob, you'll see that it is 2010-present garbage. And don't even get me started on Tori Vega! Well, at least CatDog is on the list...

SpongeBob is my favorite, but Ren and Stimpy is a close second. How can the Victorious characters rank above Ren Hoek? Nickelodeon today is not as good as it once was! Although I'm not a 90s kid, I've watched the 90s Nicktoons, and they are fantastic.
Ren's anger is both funny and charming, making him one of the best Nickelodeon characters in my eyes.
Blue (Blue's Clues)

She was awesome. Her show needs to come back.
CatDog (CatDog)

CatDog is an American animated television series created by Peter Hannan for Nickelodeon. The show centers on conjoined brothers, with one half being a cat and the other a dog. The series explores their daily lives and the challenges that arise from their very different personalities.

They are in an incredibly decent spot. I did expect them much lower. Thank you, CatDog fans!

Everyone, we need CatDog back in 2021. The American Dream is a reboot of CatDog.

They're both hilarious characters. Man, I loved that show.
Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Sokka is a fictional character from Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender. He also appears in its sequel series, The Legend of Korra, through flashbacks and references. Sokka is known for his wit, strategic mind, and comedic personality.

Only 21! He should be up in at least the top 15, if not the top ten! Some could argue he is the most important member of the Avatar group. A natural comedian and carnivore, he keeps the group lighthearted, preserving their innocence in a way. And who could forget his hilarious one-liners and his boomerang? He struggles with the fact that he isn't a bender and considers himself inferior. But he quickly overcomes it. He got a master and became the best swordsman in the world. He is also smart, as he is "the only one who can read a map." We love you, Sokka!

Love. It's not fair that all the hot guys get ugly girlfriends. Sokka gets Suki. Zuko gets Mai. Yet Aang gets someone pretty.
Nina Martin (House of Anubis)

She is one of the best actors on Nickelodeon. She has a big passion for acting and she is good at it. She shows emotion when she acts.

This girl is pretty good at acting. So, please make her get in the top ten! She deserves to be a star!

Nina is the leader of Sibuna. When she left, many of us fans were heartbroken. Without her, there wouldn't be a good show on Nick!