45 Greatest Red Cartoon Characters of All Time (2024)

Red is a color that’s associated with passion, power, and danger. It’s no wonder that many cartoon characters, both heroes and villains, are depicted wearing or featuring the color red.

From classic shows like Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse to modern hits like SpongeBob SquarePants and Adventure Time, there’s a wealth of red cartoon characters to choose from.

In this post, we’ll take a look at 45 of the most iconic and memorable red characters from across the animated universe.

Whether you’re a fan of superheroes, animals, or surreal humor, you’re sure to find a favorite among these crimson-colored personalities. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and let’s dive into the colorful world of red cartoon characters!

Red Guy is a recurring character in the animated series Cow and Chicken, often portrayed as a villain or antagonist to the titular characters. He is a red-skinned, humanoid figure with a pointed tail, horns, and a deep voice.

Red Guy is known for his mischievous behavior and often tries to trick or deceive Cow and Chicken for his amusem*nt.

He has also been depicted as a more sinister character, such as when he attempts to take over the world or destroy the planet.

Despite his villainous tendencies, Red Guy has also been shown to have a comedic side and is a popular character among fans of the show.

Radio is a character from the animated film The Brave Little Toaster and its sequels. He is a red, vintage vacuum tube-based radio with a distinct lack of a face, except for his yellow dial with a red pointer which serves as his eye.

He is a reliable and knowledgeable appliance who often serves as a source of information for the other characters.

Despite his lack of facial expression, Radio is still able to convey emotions through his tone of voice and his mannerisms.

He is a valuable member of the group and plays an important role in helping his friends on their journey.

Clifford Howard, better known as Clifford the Big Red Dog, is the lovable and larger-than-life main character in the children’s book and television series of the same name.

He is a two-year-old red dog who belongs to Emily Elizabeth Howard and is best friends with Cleo, T-Bone, and Mac. Despite his massive size, Clifford is kind-hearted, gentle, and always eager to please.

He is known for his incredible strength, which often comes in handy when helping his friends or saving the day. Clifford’s adventures teach children important lessons about kindness, empathy, and friendship while also entertaining them with his playful antics.

Gossamer is a character from the Looney Tunes franchise, specifically associated with Witch Lezah. Despite his towering height of eight feet and monstrous appearance, Gossamer is a shy and nerdy nine-year-old who attends middle school.

He is often depicted as being socially awkward and clumsy, which makes him a target for bullies. However, Gossamer has a kind heart and is always willing to help others, even if it means putting himself in harm’s way.

He is also fiercely loyal to his mother, Witch Lezah. Despite his timid nature, Gossamer possesses incredible strength and is a force to be reckoned with when provoked.

I.M. Weasel is a beloved character from the animated series Cow and Chicken, known for his vast array of incredible talents and achievements.

He is admired by many for his seemingly endless knowledge and skill in countless fields, including invention, art, music, and more.

Weasel is also known for his unselfish nature and willingness to help others, even if it means putting his interests aside.

Despite facing competition and jealousy from his rival, I.R. Baboon, Weasel remains gracious and kind, making him a popular and respected character among fans of the show.

Mr. Strong is a popular character from The Mr. Men Show, a children’s animated television series. He is portrayed as a triangular-shaped character with bulging muscles, thick eyebrows, and a red-colored body.

He wears a brown belt with a gold buckle, which accentuates his strength and power. Mr. Strong is known for his incredible physical strength, which he often uses to perform feats of strength and help others.

He is also depicted as a friendly and caring character, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. His muscular appearance and kind-hearted nature make him a fan favorite among children and adults alike.

Freakazoid is an animated superhero who starred in his television series in the mid-1990s. He is known for his manic and insane behavior, as well as his unwavering dedication to fighting evil and protecting the innocent.

In each episode, Freakazoid battles an array of supervillains, often with hilarious and unpredictable results. The show also features mini-episodes of other bizarre superheroes, each with their unique powers and quirks.

The combination of humor, action, and wackiness made Freakazoid a beloved character among fans of the show. His popularity has endured over the years, and he remains a cult favorite among animation enthusiasts.

Flora is a character from the classic Disney animated film, Sleeping Beauty. She is one of the three fairy godmothers who are tasked with protecting Princess Aurora from the curse of the evil fairy Maleficent.

Flora is depicted as the leader of the fairy trio and is often portrayed as the most practical and level-headed of the three. She is also shown to be caring and nurturing towards Aurora, whom she raises in secret in a cottage in the forest.

Flora’s magical abilities include the power of flight, and the ability to conjure up various spells and enchantments to aid in her quest to protect Aurora.

Timothy Q. Mouse is a beloved character from the classic Disney animated film, Dumbo. He is a wise-cracking, street-smart mouse with a distinctive Brooklyn accent, who befriends the young, shy elephant, Dumbo.

Timothy quickly becomes Dumbo’s mentor and protector and helps him to overcome the challenges and obstacles he faces as a circus performer.

He is depicted as a loyal and caring friend, with a big heart and a fierce determination to help those in need. Timothy’s wit, humor, and charm have made him a fan favorite among generations of Disney fans, and he remains one of the most iconic characters from the film.

Mr. Incredible, also known as Bob Parr, is the main protagonist of The Incredibles franchise, a series of animated superhero films produced by Pixar Animation Studios.

He is a former superhero who, along with his wife Elastigirl, is forced to retire from heroics and live a quiet life with their three children. However, when an opportunity arises for him to use his powers again, Mr. Incredible jumps at the chance to don his iconic red suit and save the day.

He is portrayed as a strong, determined, and protective father, who will stop at nothing to keep his family safe and uphold justice.

Tod is the main protagonist of Disney’s 1981 animated film, The Fox and the Hound. He is a curious and adventurous young fox who forms an unlikely friendship with a hound dog named Copper, despite the social norms that dictate the two species should be enemies.

Despite the challenges that come with their different backgrounds and instincts, Tod and Copper form a deep bond that is tested when they are forced to confront the reality of their natural roles in the world.

Tod is portrayed as brave and resourceful, with a heart full of love and loyalty for those he cares about.

Djimmi the Great is a character in the popular video game Cuphead, known for his striking appearance and challenging battle. He is a genie who resides in a lamp and serves as one of the game’s bosses.

Djimmi is a proud and confident genie, boasting about his powers and abilities. He is also quite theatrical, delivering his lines in a grandiose manner and incorporating magic tricks into his attacks.

Djimmi is a formidable opponent, with a variety of magical attacks that test the player’s skills and reflexes. Despite his tough exterior, Djimmi is also prone to moments of vulnerability, and his defeat is ultimately satisfying for the player.

Rush Marine is a valuable item in the original Mega Man series, which allows Mega Man to traverse underwater environments with ease. The item is activated by summoning Rush, a robotic dog companion who has a variety of different forms, each with its unique abilities.

When Rush Marine is used, Rush transforms into a sleek, mini-submarine, which Mega Man can ride to navigate through water-filled stages.

The submarine is equipped with a powerful torpedo weapon, which Mega Man can use to take out enemies in his path.

Without Rush Marine, Mega Man would be left vulnerable in underwater environments, making this item a must-have for any player looking to master the game.

Huey Duck is one of the main characters in the popular animated television series, Duck Tales. He is one of the triplet nephews of Scrooge McDuck and the son of Donald Duck’s sister, Della Duck.

Huey is the most responsible and level-headed of the triplets, often taking charge in difficult situations and coming up with creative solutions to problems.

He is known for his intelligence, resourcefulness, and attention to detail. Huey is also an expert in history and mythology, which often comes in handy during the group’s adventures. With his trademark red shirt and cap, Huey is a beloved and integral part of the Duck Tales universe.

Glowface is the primary villain of the animated series, The X’s. As the leader of S.N.A.F.U. (Society of Nefarious and Felonious Undertakings), he is a constant thorn in the side of the titular family of secret agents.

Glowface’s most notable feature is the glass globe that encases his head, which crackles with dangerous electrical energy. Despite his bizarre appearance, Glowface is a cunning and dangerous adversary, always coming up with new and nefarious schemes to thwart the X’s and take over the world.

With his maniacal laughter and powerful abilities, Glowface is a truly memorable and terrifying villain.

Anger is one of the central characters in the Disney/Pixar film, Inside Out. As one of the five emotions inside the mind of Riley Andersen, he is responsible for controlling her feelings of frustration, irritation, and rage.

Though initially presented as a temporary antagonist, Anger ultimately becomes a key ally in the emotional journey of the film’s protagonist, Riley.

Voiced by comedian Lewis Black, Anger is a fiery and explosive character, often exploding in fits of rage at the slightest provocation. Despite his short temper, he is ultimately a loyal friend and a crucial member of Riley’s emotional team.

Katz is a recurring character and primary antagonist in the animated television series Courage the Cowardly Dog. He is a red, anthropomorphic cat known for his lanky frame and sinister demeanor.

Katz first appears in the episode “A Night at the Katz Motel,” and later makes several other appearances throughout the show.

He is known for his schemes to harm or manipulate Courage, often using his hotel or other businesses as a cover for his nefarious activities.

Despite his menacing presence, Katz is a fan-favorite character for his unique design and memorable personality.

Jeff Fungus is a character from the 2001 Disney/Pixar animated film “Monsters, Inc.” He is the former assistant of Randall Boggs, the film’s main antagonist, and later becomes the assistant to Mike Wazowski, one of the film’s protagonists.

Fungus is a timid and nervous character who is often intimidated by Randall’s menacing demeanor. However, he proves to be a loyal friend to Mike and helps him in his efforts to expose Randall’s evil plans.

Fungus is known for his distinctive voice and his ability to blend into his surroundings, making him an effective spy for both Randall and Mike.

Darrell Boxman is a major antagonist in the Cartoon Network series “OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes” which premiered in 2017. He is a robotic employee of the evil Lord Boxman, the main villain of the show.

Darrell is depicted as a bumbling, yet loyal henchman who carries out Lord Boxman’s orders to disrupt the heroic deeds of K.O., the main protagonist, and his friends.

Darrell is equipped with various gadgets and weapons, including laser eyes and extendable arms, which he uses to try and defeat K.O. and his allies.

Despite his villainous tendencies, Darrell occasionally shows moments of empathy and kindness towards his fellow robots.

Ironhide is a character from the Transformers franchise, appearing in various adaptations including the original animated series and the live-action movies.

He is a loyal and battle-hardened Autobot who often serves as Optimus Prime’s right-hand man. Ironhide is a tough and stoic warrior, known for his resilience and durability in combat.

He transforms into a red and black pickup truck, and his weapons include a powerful cannon and his fists, which he uses to pummel his enemies.

Despite his gruff exterior, Ironhide cares deeply for his fellow Autobots and will stop at nothing to protect them and defeat the Decepticons.

Jack Long is the main character of the animated television series “American Dragon: Jake Long”, which aired on Disney Channel from 2005 to 2007.

He is a teenage boy who can transform into a dragon, a power he inherited from his family, who are all dragons. Jack is initially portrayed as a slacker and troublemaker, but he matures throughout the series as he learns to balance his responsibilities as the American Dragon with his regular teenage life.

Jack is brave, resourceful, and fiercely loyal to his friends, and he often finds himself battling against various magical creatures and villains who threaten the safety of New York City.

Jack Long is the main character of the animated television series “American Dragon: Jake Long”, which aired on Disney Channel from 2005 to 2007.

He is a teenage boy who can transform into a dragon, a power he inherited from his family, who are all dragons. Jack is initially portrayed as a slacker and troublemaker, but he matures throughout the series as he learns to balance his responsibilities as the American Dragon with his regular teenage life.

Jack is brave, resourceful, and fiercely loyal to his friends, and he often finds himself battling against various magical creatures and villains who threaten the safety of New York City.

Iago is a character from the animated television series “Aladdin” and the subsequent sequels and spin-offs. He is a parrot and the pet of Jafar, the main antagonist of the original “Aladdin” film. Iago is depicted as a sarcastic and wisecracking sidekick, who often serves as comic relief.

He is fiercely loyal to Jafar, but he has been known to switch sides on occasion and ally himself with Aladdin and his friends.

Despite his small size, Iago is a capable fighter and often finds himself in the thick of battle, using his sharp beak and claws to defend himself and his allies.

Peanut Otter is a character from the animated children’s television series “PB&J Otter,” which aired on Disney Channel in the late 1990s. He is the eldest of the Otter siblings and is known for his adventurous spirit and creative mind.

Peanut is often seen engaging in imaginative play with his sisters, Jelly and Butter, and his best friends, Munchy Beaver, and Flick Duck.

While he loves to have fun, Peanut has a stubborn streak and can be reluctant to try new things, such as the “Noodle Dance.” However, he ultimately learns to embrace new experiences and overcome his fears.

Panchito Pistoles is a charismatic, hot-headed rooster who is full of energy and enthusiasm. He is a skilled musician and dancer, often incorporating these talents into his battles against enemies.

Panchito is also known for his love of adventure and is always ready for a good time, often getting himself and his friends into wild escapades.

Despite his brash personality, he is fiercely loyal to his friends and will do anything to protect them. Panchito is a beloved character in Disney’s pantheon of animated characters, known for his humor, charm, and passion for life.

Gerald Martin Johanssen is one of the main characters of Hey Arnold! and serves as the best friend and confidant of the protagonist, Arnold.

He is an African American preteen with a cool and confident demeanor, often seen wearing a signature purple baseball cap.

Gerald is known for his love of storytelling and his imaginative flair, often entertaining his friends with elaborate tales of adventure and intrigue.

He is also a talented athlete and musician, playing the trombone in the school band. Gerald is a loyal friend to Arnold and is always ready to lend a helping hand when needed.

Lightning McQueen is the protagonist of Disney-Pixar’s Cars franchise. He is a red racecar with a big personality and a big ego.

Initially, he only cares about winning races and gaining fame, but throughout the series, he learns important lessons about teamwork, friendship, and humility.

He forms close bonds with his friends in Radiator Springs and becomes a mentor to a young racecar named Cruz Ramirez.

Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Lightning’s determination and grit help him to become a legendary racer and a beloved icon in the world of Cars.

Sebastian is a lovable, charismatic character in The Little Mermaid. He is an excellent musician and uses his talents to help Ariel achieve her dreams of exploring the human world. Sebastian is fiercely loyal to King Triton and is always looking out for the safety and well-being of the kingdom.

He is a stern but loving mentor to Ariel, offering her guidance and wisdom throughout her journey. Despite his small size, Sebastian is incredibly brave and will do anything to protect his friends and family.

His signature song “Under the Sea” is a fan favorite and remains a classic in the Disney canon.

Ladybug, also known as Marinette Dupain-Cheng, is the main protagonist of the French animated superhero television series Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.

As Ladybug, Marinette possesses a Miraculous, which grants her powers of luck and creation, and she uses these powers to fight against supervillains in Paris alongside her partner, Cat Noir. In her civilian identity, Marinette is a sweet, kind-hearted, and creative teenager who has a crush on a fellow student named Adrien Agreste.

Despite her insecurities and occasional mistakes, Ladybug is a determined and resourceful hero who always strives to do what is right.

Catbert is a recurring character in the popular comic strip Dilbert. As the evil director of human resources, he is known for his manipulative tactics and his love of causing trouble in the workplace.

Catbert often takes pleasure in firing employees for frivolous reasons and enjoys making the lives of the Dilbert characters miserable.

His red fur and devilish grin make him instantly recognizable, and his penchant for causing chaos has made him a beloved character among Dilbert fans. While he may be a villain in the strip, his mischievous antics, and sly wit have made him a fan favorite.

Mr. Krabs is a beloved character in the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise. He is known for his penny-pinching ways and loves money, often putting profits above everything else.

Despite his greed, Mr. Krabs has a soft spot for his daughter Pearl and values his employees at the Krusty Krab. He is often seen wearing his trademark anchor hat and blue shirt with a red tie.

Mr. Krabs is a savvy businessman, always looking for ways to increase profits and beat out his rival, Plankton. He is also known for his signature catchphrase, “Money, money, money!”

Ant-Man is a superhero persona created by Dr. Henry Pym, who designed the ability to help others. The technology was kept in a safe at Grayburn College, but was later used by electrical engineer Scott Lang.

Ant-Man joined the Avengers and used his powers to help the team save the world. However, after the incident with Ultron, in which the Avengers were unable to prevent a catastrophic event, Hank Pym quit the team.

Despite this setback, Ant-Man continues to fight for justice and use his unique powers to help those in need.

Alvin Seville is the lead character and one of the three Chipmunk brothers in the franchise. He is known for his energetic and impulsive behavior, often causing trouble for himself and his brothers.

Alvin enjoys being in the spotlight and relishes his role as the lead singer of the Chipmunks. His ambition and determination often lead to conflicts with his brothers, particularly his rival Simon.

Despite his flaws, Alvin’s heart is in the right place, and he always strives to do what’s best for his family and friends.

The Crimson Chin is a superhero in the animated TV show The Fairly Odd Parents. He is known for his iconic chin and comic book-style heroics.

The character is a favorite of Timmy Turner, the show’s protagonist. The Crimson Chin is known for his strong sense of justice and desire to protect his city from villains such as Nega-Chin and the Bronze Kneecap.

His alter ego, Charles Hampton Indigo, is a famous comic book writer and artist who creates and publishes the Crimson Chin comics. The character is known for his over-the-top superhero antics and humorous dialogue, making him a fan favorite.

Dr. John A. Zoidberg is the resident physician of Planet Express in the animated series Futurama. He is a Decapodian, a lobster-like alien, and is known for his incompetence as a doctor.

Despite his lack of medical expertise, he remains employed as a doctor and often performs strange and unconventional medical procedures.

Zoidberg is also a failed comedian and his comedy is often met with ridicule and disgust from his colleagues. Despite his many shortcomings, Zoidberg is a lovable character who is fiercely loyal to his friends, particularly to his best friend, Fry.

Hellboy, the titular character from the animated show “Hellboy Animated”, is a supernatural being with an imposing physical presence and a heart of gold. Born as a demon summoned by Nazis during World War II, he was rescued and raised by the Allied forces to become a powerful agent for good.

Hellboy possesses incredible strength, resilience, and regenerative powers, as well as an uncanny sense of humor. Despite his demonic appearance, he has a deep empathy for humanity and strives to protect the innocent from the forces of darkness.

Along with his team of agents at the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, Hellboy battles supernatural threats and uncovers ancient secrets to ensure the safety of the world.

Carmen Sandiego is a skilled thief and the main character of the Netflix animated series named after her. She was trained at V.I.L.E. Academy to become a master criminal, but later switched sides and became a thief for good.

With her team consisting of Player, Zack, Ivy, and Shadowsan, she travels the world, planning and executing elaborate heists while attempting to avoid the pursuit of V.I.L.E.’s agents, including her former classmate and rival, ACME agent Chase Devineaux.

Carmen is known for her intelligence, quick thinking, and mastery of various skills and languages, which she employs to complete her daring missions.

Pumbaa is a loveable and easygoing warthog from the Pride Lands. Despite being shunned by most animals due to his smelly odor, he maintains a positive outlook on life and never takes himself too seriously.

Pumbaa’s friendship with meerkat Timon leads to their joint adoption of the “Hakuna Matata” philosophy, which means “no worries.”

Pumbaa proves himself to be brave and loyal, especially when it comes to protecting his friends. He is often the comic relief in tense situations, providing laughter and lightness in the face of danger. Pumbaa’s endearing personality makes him a fan favorite in the Lion King franchise.

Wally West, also known as The Flash, is a beloved superhero and founding member of the Justice League.

His ability to move at superhuman speeds has made him one of the most formidable and respected heroes in the DC Universe.

But it’s not just his powers that make him special; it’s his approachability and kind-hearted nature that has earned him the title of “heart of the Justice League.”

In his civilian life, Wally uses his knowledge as a forensic scientist to assist the Central City Police Department, furthering his commitment to serving and protecting his community.

Mushu is a feisty dragon with a heart of gold and a great sense of humor. He was once a guardian spirit for the Fa family but was demoted to the humiliating position of gong ringer after failing to protect Mulan’s ancestors.

Eager to regain his former status, Mushu tricks Mulan into joining the army in her father’s place and accompanies her on her journey to save China.

Along the way, he provides much-needed comic relief and becomes a loyal friend and ally to Mulan. Despite his small size, Mushu proves himself to be a brave and resourceful fighter.

Red is a prominent figure in the Angry Birds franchise, serving as the primary protagonist and leader of the flock. He is a short-tempered and sarcastic desert cardinal, who is fiercely protective of his friends and will stop at nothing to save them.

Despite his gruff exterior, Red has a kind heart and deeply cares about his fellow birds. He is known for his remarkable problem-solving skills, which have helped the flock overcome countless obstacles and defeat the nefarious pigs.

Overall, Red is a beloved character in the franchise, known for his courage, determination, and loyalty.

Captain Hook is a classic Disney villain who is known for his distinct appearance, which includes his black pirate hat, red coat, and infamous hook for a hand.

He is ruthless, cunning, and constantly scheming to defeat his nemesis, Peter Pan. A Hook is accompanied by his loyal crew of pirates, including Smee, who is often the butt of Hook’s temper.

A hook is motivated by his desire for revenge against Peter Pan, who cut off his hand and fed it to a crocodile, who now follows him around waiting for the opportunity to finish the meal. Despite his evil ways, Hook remains a popular and iconic character in the Disney canon.

Hot Stuff is a red, devil-like character created by Warren Kremer and first published by Harvey Comics in 1957. He is depicted as a small, cute, and mischievous devil with a carefree attitude and the ability to produce fire.

Hot Stuff is often seen wearing blue overalls and carries a magical sentient pitchfork that can change its form. He is a good friend of Casper, the Friendly Ghost, and has appeared in several of his adventures.

Hot Stuff has been featured in his comic book series and has also made appearances in various other media, including animated television shows and movies.

Super Mario Bros. is a popular video game series developed by Nintendo, with its titular character Mario as the main protagonist. Mario is a short, stout, mustached plumber from Brooklyn who is known for his bravery and heroism.

He has saved Princess Peach and the Mushroom Kingdom countless times from the villainous Bowser and his minions, using his abilities to jump, run, and even fly.

Mario is a beloved character in the gaming community and has become an icon in popular culture. The franchise has spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, merchandise, and even a feature film adaptation.

Knuckles the Echidna is a major character in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. He is a red anthropomorphic echidna and is often portrayed as serious and tough.

Knuckles is the guardian of the Master Emerald, a powerful gem that gives power to the Chaos Emeralds and is fiercely protective of it. He has a deep sense of duty and will go to great lengths to protect his island home and the Master Emerald.

Knuckles is also known for his immense strength, which he uses to punch through walls and defeat his enemies. Despite his tough exterior, Knuckles is a loyal friend to Sonic and his allies.