Throughout the long history of animation, there have been countless fun and charming characters, but to make the short list of the very best is a challenge. Here are some of the most famous and influential cartoon characters:

Mickey Mouse
This one's a no-brainer. Walt Disney had explored the world of animated shorts several times before he made Steamboat Willie, Mickey Mouse's first appearance, and once he drew those iconic ears, he saw that he had something truly special.

Bugs Bunny
Bugs was first created by Tex Avery and the other animators at Warner Brothers. Compared to Disney's characters, Bugs was a sassy, fast-paced alternative. His much-loved shorts defined the feel and look of American animation for years.

Fred Flintstone
This Hanna-Barbera classic opened the door for animation during prime time. The Flinstones took inspiration from The Honeymooners, and transported the themes back to prehistoric times.

Bart Simpson
The Simpsons, Matt Groening’s long-running prime time cartoon, has become one of the world’s universal cultural touchstones. And, the wise-cracking Bart fits perfectly in the lineage of characters we’ve established here.