They’re among the most culturally influential cartoons created in the last 100 years – and they don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. They were made in the USA for an American audience, but these cartoons have worldwide relevance. By now they’ve been dubbed into every major language, and they’re enjoyed by children in all corners of the globe. A massive part of what these cartoons so iconic is the expertly written characters. They’re simple, but still undeniably iconic. And I know everyone has their favorites – but some characters just stand out a little more than others. Let’s have a look at this massive ranking of the most beloved Looney Tunes characters we all (hopefully) remember from childhood.
20. Sam Sheepdog
We don’t always like our job. And sometimes it’s just something we do to put food on the table. I doubt that’s the case with Sam Sheepdog. Every morning, this no-nonsense Berger de Brie punches in his time card and spends the rest of his working hours guarding sheep from Ralph Wolf. The thing is, he punches the hungry wolf in the face with gusto. I’d even go so far as to say he pretends not to notice Ralph’s attempts to outsmart him, just to see the look of despair in his eyes when he inevitably fails.
19. The Goofy Gophers
Mac and Tosh are two cute little burrowing rodents with an incredibly polite demeanor – which makes them as adorable as they are wholesome. I mean, look at them wagging their little tails as they exchange pleasantries. Have you ever seen something more delightful? Oh, no. Not at all. They’re impeccable. Simply impeccable! Very commendable gophers indeed. They’re also a prime example of people who’re only polite on the surface. These two gophers have absolutely no qualms about beating up their surface-dwelling assailants with hammers, blowing them up with dynamite, or pushing them off a cliff when need be.
18. Michigan J. Frog
Anyone who watched The WB Television Network between 1995 and 2005 knows Michigan J. Frog as the network’s mascot. But this character dates back to a 1955 Merrie Melodies cartoon called One Froggy Evening. In it, we’re introduced to this talented frog who sings early 1900s classic hits. Stuff like “Hello! Ma Baby” and “I’m Just Wild About Harry”, all while performing a classic cakewalk. This dancing frog cares not for money. He performs for art’s sake, and even refuses to appear as anything but a common frog if someone stands to profit from it. Talk about integrity!
17. Hector the Bulldog
Hector is underappreciated among Sylvester & Tweety characters – but he’s a crucial part of most episodes. How else would Sylvester get his just desserts after trying to eat the adorably canary? He’s rough and tough, but good-natured deep inside. And he just wants to protect his owner’s smile – though it’s evident that he enjoys playing the part of enforcer quite a bit. Real-life bulldogs may look tough, but they’re actually the cutest and most attention-hungry dogs you could get. I’m sure that’s the same Granny sees whenever she looks at Hector.
16. Henery Hawk
If there’s one thing life will invariably teach you, it’s not to judge a book by its cover. Henery Hawk is a prime example. Beloved loudmouth Foghorn Leghorn often makes the mistake of dismissing this inexperienced chicken hawk as a weakling based on his diminutive size. But unfortunately for the burly chicken, Henery’s small stature and high-pitched voice hide herculean strength. Foghorn Leghorn may be this cartoon’s main appeal. But sometimes even he cannot avoid being caught by this perpetually angry bird.
15. Elmer Fudd
The Looney Tunes has made an art of ridiculing dumb characters – and none are dumber than Elmer Fudd. You’d think this would make you empathize with the guy, considering he’s the underdog in any situation he’s in – but it doesn’t. Not one bit. I mean, he’s a hunter in a world where animals are indistinguishable from people. That’d be somewhat understandable if he needed the food, but Elmer is a vegetarian! In other words, he’s shooting furry people for the fun of it. Luckily, he’s terrible at it – and watching him hurt himself in absurd ways never gets old.
14. The Roadrunner
The Roadrunner is defined by two things: He’s fast, and he will never be caught. To him, it’s a matter of fact. It was written on the instructions he got when he came into the world – and his confidence is absolute. This blue chaparral bird is the “Fast” to the coyote’s “Furry-ous”, and their eternal cat-and-mouse chase is the stuff of legends in the arid regions of the southwestern USA.
13. Pepé Le Pew
We’ve all been Pepé Le Pew at some point in our lives. Confident in our seduction skills, we’ve aimed at the prettiest of girls (or guys) – only to be shot down again and again. What sets most of us apart from this skunk – other than (hopefully) our scent – is that he never gives up. His persistence is commendable for sure, though controversy has recently arisen about whether his insistence on getting with Penélope Pussycat crosses into the realm of harassment. Considering his offensive stench, perhaps there’s something to that claim.
12. Porky Pig
Despite looking almost identical to Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig couldn’t be more different from the unsuccessful huntsman. He’s innocent, sweet, and lives a wholesome life – quite unlike most other characters in the Looney Tunes. In a way, he’s the everyman of the show. Anyone living a normal well-adjusted life can see a bit of themselves reflected in this lovely piggy surrounded by madmen. To be honest, I was tempted to give the stuttering-prone Porky the #1 spot just so I could end the article with his signature catchphrase: “Th-th-th-that’s all folks!”
11. The Tasmanian Devil
Despite being a relatively minor character at first, Taz the Tasmanian Devil has grown exponentially in popularity over the years. This ferocious creature spends most of his time spinning around in a wild frenzy as he explores the landscape in search of food – whatever (or whoever) that may be. His design really drives that home. He’s all teeth! It’s only fair he’d spend his time trying to use them. One place you’ll be sure to find some Taz-Mania is tattoo parlors. For some reason people love getting this crazy critter inked!
10. Sylvester
Along with Tom and Garfield, Sylvester is one of the most famous cats in the history of cartoons. This unfortunate feline is best known for his repeated failed attempts at eating Tweety. No matter how hard he tries, there’s always Hector or Granny to stop him. The one place he does win is in the hearts of fans who all remember his exclamation “Sufferin’ succotash!” with that hilarious lisp. The poor cat is simply too relatable not to love. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, success eludes you – but if you’re anything like Sylvester, that only pushes you to try again.
9. Yosemite Sam
One of the most violent but hilarious characters in the Looney Tunes Yosemite Sam – and yes, there are many others. He’s a cowboy with a Wild West outlaw vibe who’d bring revolvers to a Monopoly game. In his own words, he’s the “meanest, roughest, toughest hombre that’s ever crossed the Rio Grande”, and he certainly looks the part. I mean, look at that majestic mustache! Sam is famous for going into a shooting frenzy over the smallest things – though more often than not, it’s Bugs Bunny pulling a fast one on the bite-sized villain that sets him off.
8. Speedy Gonzales
Ándale! Ándale! Arriba! Arriba! Looney Tunes isn’t known for its multi-cultural characters. But with Speedy Gonzales they hit it out of the park. Contrary to what many people in the US may believe, The Fastest Mouse in all of Mexico was (and is) immensely popular south of the border. The character may be stereotypical, but he was always depicted as the undisputed winner in any cartoon he appeared in – making him one of the first examples of positive Hispanic representation in cartoons (and TV at large). He also calls Sylvester “El Gringo Pussygato”, which is the most hilarious nickname in the entire franchise.
7. Tweety
Tweety is every smartphone-wielding memester grandma’s favorite Looney Tunes character – and it’s easy to see why. This adorable little canary embodies the concept of a small sibling who never gets caught or scolded, despite being the primary source of chaos and conflict. He’s just too cute and “innocent” to be naughty. So the older sibling – represented by Sylvester – must be to blame. Tweety is remarkably crafty despite his tiny size and always manages to finesse the persistent “puddy tat”.
6. Lola Bunny
Lola Bunny was introduced in Space Jam (1996) as the ideal romantic interest for Bugs Bunny. Considering Bugs is the biggest winner in the Looney Tunes, Lola couldn’t lag behind. She has it all: Looks, smarts, basketball skills, and a confident attitude to wrap it all together. Controversy has arisen over the years regarding just how much focus the original film puts on how hot Lola is, which some argue is a bit out-there for a children’s flick in the 2020s. For Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) her design was toned down in the sexiness department. But she’s still an ace of the hoops, and her confidence is stronger than ever.
5. Foghorn Leghorn
C’mon, we all knew this big guy was gonna be on the list. Foghorn Leghorn is a bit like that loudmouthed uncle who thinks he’s telling the best jokes at the Thanksgiving dinner table, while everyone else is just laughing out of politeness. He thinks of himself as a great leader and an example for the other chicken in the coop. But in reality, he’s more like an overconfident bully. And yet we love the guy. This tall plump bird always made me laugh with his puns and jokes – though I could only understand around half of them due to his thick southern accent.
4. Wile E. Coyote
Just like how the Roadrunner is defined by being impossible to catch, Wile E. Coyote is defined by never giving up – even after sustaining countless injuries that would put most people out of commission. This guy (coyote?) is the single unluckiest character in the entire franchise. Every single one of his plans backfires horribly, either by his own incompetence, or the questionable quality of ACME products. He’s a coyote of few words. But his facial expressions are easy to read – especially when he looks at the camera in despair and disbelief. Oh, Wile E. You may be the villain, but you’re the only victim of your fanatical chase.
3. Marvin the Martian
Here’s the one Looney Tunes villain with enough brainpower to actually put Bugs on the spot from time to time. Marvin the Martian is an adorable extraterrestrial who looks like a futuristic take on a Roman legionnaire. This diabolical genius is easily the most intelligent character in the show, but that doesn’t always play to his advantage. His plans end up failing because he fails to understand the absurd world he’s in. He could probably destroy the Earth and clear up his view of Venus in a less ridiculous universe. But in the world of the Looney Tunes, a smart plan isn’t always a good one.
2. Daffy Duck
Behind every great personality, there’s always a frustrated wannabe – and Daffy Duck has lived under Bug’s shadow his entire life. This narcissistic duck thinks pretty highly of himself. As such, he can’t quite put his finger on why Bugs is so successful while he’s… well, Daffy Duck. It’s also the reason why his plans to steal the spotlight from Bugs invariably backfire. He thinks he’s smart enough to outwit the finest hare in the world, but it’s quite the contrary. Don’t worry, Daffy. Being #2 is fine too. And if you love Daffy & Bugs then pronoun trouble will never go out of style.
1. Bugs Bunny
Bugs Bunny is at the top 1% of our cartoon society, along with giants like Mickey Mouse and Homer Simpson. This laid-back hare is always one step ahead of the competition, which means he can do whatever he wants without fear of repercussions. It’s smooth sailing whenever Bugs is involved – unless, of course, you make the grave mistake of standing in his way. He may not be your personal favorite character. And I know some will disagree with him taking the top spot. But nobody can deny the widespread appreciation for Bugs Bunny, or his massive pop culture impact. To this day, I can’t eat a raw carrot without hearing a very familiar “What’s up, Doc?” arise from the depths of my subconscious.
