50 Forgotten Cartoon Animals That Will Hit You Right in the Nostalgia and Make Your Day

1. Muttley (Wacky Races)

DASTARDLY & MUTTLEY IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES, Dick Dastardly, Muttley, 1969-70

Known for his distinctive wheezing laugh, Muttley was the loyal, if somewhat mischievous, dog sidekick to Dick Dastardly in Wacky Races.

2. Hokey Wolf (The Huckleberry Hound Show)

Hanna-Barbera Productions

A con-artist wolf with a good heart, Hokey Wolf always found himself in sticky situations but used his wit and charm to get out of them.

3. Mr. Jinks (The Huckleberry Hound Show)

Pixie and Dixie, Mr. Jinks, ca. 1950s

The sly, always-scheming cat known for saying “I hate those meeces to pieces!” in his attempts to catch Pixie and Dixie, two crafty little mice.

4. Underdog (Underdog)

UNDERDOG, Underdog, 1964-73

A humble little beagle who transforms into the heroic Underdog, known for saving the day (and his love, Sweet Polly Purebred) with his super strength and rhyming catchphrases.

5. Deputy Dawg (Deputy Dawg)

DEPUTY DAWG, TV, 1959

This easy-going lawman hound from the South dealt with troublemakers in hilarious ways, all while trying to keep peace in his quiet little town.

6. Secret Squirrel (Secret Squirrel Show)

Hanna-Barbera Productions

A squirrel spy with a hat full of gadgets, Secret Squirrel protected the world from villains with his sidekick, Morocco Mole.

7. Magilla Gorilla (The Magilla Gorilla Show)

THE MAGILLA GORILLA SHOW, Magilla Gorilla, 1964-67.

This goofy gorilla, always for sale at the pet shop but never finding a home, became known for his catchy theme song and goofy mishaps.

8. Snagglepuss (The Yogi Bear Show)

YOGI’S GREAT ESCAPE, Snagglepuss, Yogi Bear, Boo Boo Bear, Ranger Smith, Trapper, Yapper, 1987. © Hanna-Barbera Prod. / Courtesy: Everett Collection

This dramatic pink mountain lion is known for his theatrical antics and signature catchphrase, “Exit, stage left!” Snagglepuss was a true performer at heart.

9. Grape Ape (The Great Grape Ape Show)

Hanna-Barbera Productions

A giant purple gorilla with a loveable personality and a catchphrase of “Grape Ape! Grape Ape!” This towering character won hearts with his gentle spirit.

10. Tennessee Tuxedo (Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales)

TENNESSEE TUXEDO AND HIS TALES, from left: Phineas J. Whoopee, Tennessee Tuxedo, Chumley Walrus, Baldy Eagle, Yakety yak, 1963-66.

A penguin with a knack for getting into trouble, Tennessee was always looking for ways to prove himself, often learning life lessons along the way.

11. Courage the Cowardly Dog (Courage the Cowardly Dog)

COURAGE THE COWARDLY DOG, 1999-2002. © Cartoon Network / Courtesy: Everett Collection

This timid but lovable pink dog braved supernatural threats to protect his owners, Muriel and Eustace, despite being constantly terrified.

12. Heathcliff (Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats)

HEATHCLIFF, 1980-87

Known as the original “cool cat,” Heathcliff was a scrappy orange tabby who got into constant trouble and had a mischievous streak a mile wide.

13. The Beavers (The Angry Beavers)

THE ANGRY BEAVERS, (from left): Daggett Doofus Beaver, Norbert Foster Beaver, 1997-2001. © Nickelodeon / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Brothers Norbert and Daggett brought laughs with their offbeat humor and sibling rivalry as two beavers navigating the world outside their dam.

14. Rocko (Rocko’s Modern Life)

ROCKO’S MODERN LIFE: STATIC CLING, from left: Spunky (voice by Carlos Alazraqui), Rocko (voice by Carlos Alazraqui), TV short, (aired August 9, 2019). ©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

This Aussie wallaby tackled life in America with his quirky animal friends, encountering hilarious yet relatable situations in his “modern life.”

15. Elmyra Duff (Tiny Toon Adventures)

TINY TOON ADVENTURES, front from left: Plucky Duck, Furrball, Dizzy Devil, Hampton J. Pig, Sweetie Pie (on hed), rear from left: Babs Bunny, Montana Max, Elmyra Duff, Buster Bunny, 1990-1995, © Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

This well-meaning but overly enthusiastic animal lover often didn’t understand her own strength when it came to caring for her beloved pets.

16. Stimpy (The Ren & Stimpy Show)

REN AND STIMPY, Ren Hoek, Stimpson J. ‘Stimpy’ Cat, 1991-95. © Nickelodeon / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Half of the iconic duo Ren and Stimpy, this sweet but simple-minded cat found himself in bizarre, often surreal adventures that pushed cartoon humor boundaries.

17. Squidward (SpongeBob SquarePants)

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, Gary the Snail, Squidward Tentacles, Spongebob Squarepants, Patrick Star, 1999-. © Nickelodeon / Courtesy: Everett Collection

SpongeBob’s ever-grumpy coworker and neighbor, Squidward’s sarcastic personality has made him a surprising favorite among fans.

18. King Julien (Madagascar)

MADAGASCAR, (Clockwise from top) Natives of Madagascar, the Lemurs, led by King Julien (SACHA BARON COHEN) and his right-hand man Maurice (CEDRIC THEENTERTAINER), and Mort (ANDY RICHTER), 2005. © DreamWorks / courtesy Everett Collection

This hilarious, self-centered lemur king “moved it, moved it” into our hearts with his wild antics and comedic personality.

19. Benny the Ball (Top Cat)

TOP CAT, with sidekick Benny the Ball, 1961-1962

Top Cat’s loyal, lovable friend from the alleys, Benny the Ball is small in stature but big on heart, always standing by his friends.

20. Moe Szyslak’s Spider-Pig (The Simpsons Movie)

20th Century Fox

Known for his brief but iconic moment, Spider-Pig had fans laughing and singing “Spider-Pig, Spider-Pig…” with his unforgettable cameo.

21. Astro (The Jetsons)

THE JETSONS, Jane Jetson, George Jetson, Astro, 1962-87

The Jetsons’ robotic-sounding but loving dog who brought future family charm to life as a loyal, and often goofy, space-dog.0

22. Thumper (Bambi)

BAMBI, Thumper, 1942. © Walt Disney / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Bambi’s wise and cheerful best friend, known for his constant “thumping” and heartwarming catchphrase, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.”

23. Sebastian (The Little Mermaid)

THE LITTLE MERMAID, Sebastian, 1989, (c)Walt Disney Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

The overprotective, lovable crab who did his best to keep Ariel safe, all while singing his heart out in Under the Sea.

24. Scrooge McDuck (DuckTales)

The wealthy and adventurous uncle to Huey, Dewey, and Louie, Scrooge takes his nephews on thrilling treasure hunts around the world.

25. Dino (The Flintstones)

FLINTSTONES, Fred Flintstone, Pebbles Flintstone, Dino the Dinosaur, Wilma Flintstone, 1960-1966

The loyal pet dinosaur who brought dog-like charm to Bedrock, often greeting Fred with boundless energy.

26. Zazu (The Lion King)

The uptight but endearing hornbill who did his best to keep Simba out of trouble, even if he rarely succeeded.

27. Timon (The Lion King)

Simba’s loyal meerkat friend with a penchant for witty commentary and a “Hakuna Matata” lifestyle.

28. Shere Khan (The Jungle Book)

THE JUNGLE BOOK, from left, Shere Khan the Tiger (voiced by George Sanders), Baloo the Bear (voiced by Phil Harris), 1967. ©Walt Disney Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

This menacing tiger from The Jungle Book adds an element of mystery and fear to the jungle, known for his intelligence and pride.

29. Crush (Finding Nemo)

FINDING NEMO, Crush, Squirt, 2003. © Walt Disney / courtesy Everett Collection

The ultimate surfer-dude sea turtle who showed Marlin and Dory the way to Sydney, adding some mellow vibes to Finding Nemo.

30. Rafiki (The Lion King)

THE LION KING, from left: Rafiki, Simba, 1994. ©Walt Disney Picture / courtesy Everett Collection

This wise old mandrill taught Simba valuable life lessons, guiding him on his journey to reclaim his throne.

31. Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh)

WINNIE THE POOH AND A DAY FOR EEYORE, Eeyore, 1983

This gloomy donkey has a permanent rain cloud over his head, yet his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood wouldn’t be the same without him.

32. Pepe Le Pew (Looney Tunes)

Pepe Le Pew, (no date)

The amorous skunk who is forever chasing love—and often gets into trouble with his over-the-top romantic gestures.

33. Pluto (Disney)

THE POINTER, Pluto (voiced by Lee Millar), 1939. ©Walt Disney Productions/courtesy Everett Collection

Mickey Mouse’s loyal pet, this playful dog brings slapstick charm to every scene with his boundless energy and affection.

34. Taz, the Tasmanian Devil (Looney Tunes)

TAZ-MANIA, The Tazmanian Devil, 1991-93, (c)Warner Bros. Television/courtesy Everett Collection

Known for his whirlwind spinning and appetite, Taz is a wild card who brought uncontainable energy to the Looney Tunes lineup.

35. Speedy Gonzales (Looney Tunes)

Speedy Gonzales, (no date)

The “fastest mouse in all Mexico,” Speedy is a blur of motion who always outsmarts his pursuers.

36. Baloo (The Jungle Book)

THE JUNGLE BOOK, from left: Baloo (voice: Phil Harris), Mowgli (voice: Bruce Reitherman), Bagheera (Sebastian Cabot, Jerzy Kamas), 1967. ©Walt Disney Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

This easygoing bear taught Mowgli the “Bare Necessities,” reminding us all to take life a little less seriously.

37. Pumbaa (The Lion King)

TIMON & PUMBAA, from top: Timon, Pumba, 1995-99. ©Disney Channel / Courtesy Everett Collection

This loyal, kind-hearted warthog, along with Timon, made a splash with his hilarious personality and love for grub.

38. Road Runner (Looney Tunes)

THE BUGS BUNNY/ROAD-RUNNER MOVIE, (aka THE BUGS BUNNY/ROAD RUNNER MOVIE), from left: Road Runner (archive sound: Paul Julian), Wile E. Coyote (voice: Mel Blanc) 1979. © Warner Brothers / courtesy Everett Collection

Known for his “beep beep” sound, Road Runner effortlessly outwits Wile E. Coyote in their endless game of chase.

39. Pikachu (Pokémon)

Cartoon Network

Ash’s loyal, electric-powered friend, Pikachu brought adorable energy and power to the Pokémon franchise.

40. Garfield (Garfield and Friends)

CBS

This lasagna-loving orange cat is known for his laziness and sarcasm, yet he’s still lovable in his own way.

41. Donald Duck (Disney)

WINTER STORAGE, (from left): Chip (of Chip ‘n Dale), Donald Duck, 1949. © Walt Disney Co. / Courtesy: Everett Collection

With his short temper and distinctive voice, Donald Duck has kept audiences laughing for decades with his antics.

42. Sylvester the Cat (Looney Tunes)

THE SYLVESTER AND TWEETY MYSTERIES, Sylvester the cat, Tweety, 1995-2000

Forever chasing Tweety Bird, Sylvester is the persistent (and often unlucky) cat with a penchant for mischief.

43. Tweety Bird (Looney Tunes)

Sylvester and Tweety Bird

This cute yellow canary always seems to stay one step ahead of Sylvester with his clever tricks.

44. Yogi Bear (The Yogi Bear Show)

HEY THERE, IT’S YOGI BEAR, Yogi Bear, 1964

The picnic-loving bear from Jellystone Park who always found ways to outsmart the park ranger.

45. Daffy Duck (Looney Tunes)

BOX OFFICE BUNNY, (aka BOX-OFFICE BUNNY), from left, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, 1991. © Warner Bros. / courtesy Everett Collection

Bugs Bunny’s often self-centered rival, Daffy Duck brings humor and unpredictability to every scene.

46. Scooby-Doo (Scooby-Doo)

SCOOBY-DOO AND THE GHOUL SCHOOL, 1988. (c) Warner Bros. Television/ Courtesy: Everett Collection.

The lovable Great Dane who solved mysteries with Shaggy and the gang, known for his Scooby Snacks and spooked reactions.

47. Simba (The Lion King)

THE LION KING, Simba (voice: Jonathan Taylor Thomas), 1994. ©Walt Disney Picture / Courtesy Everett Collection

From cub to king, Simba’s journey of growth and courage is an iconic story of bravery and friendship.

48. Bugs Bunny (Looney Tunes)

LOONEY, LOONEY, LOONEY BUGS BUNNY MOVIE, Bugs Bunny, 1981. © Warner Bros. / courtesy Everett Collection

The wisecracking rabbit whose catchphrase “What’s up, Doc?” became the ultimate symbol of cool and clever.

49. Snoopy (Peanuts)

SNOOPY, COME HOME, Snoopy, Woodstock, Sally Brown, Charlie Brown, Lucy Van Pelt, Schroeder, 1972

Charlie Brown’s imaginative, daydreaming dog who charmed audiences with his quirky personality.

50. Mickey Mouse (Disney)

FANTASIA 2000, Mickey Mouse, in ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ segment, 1940 (2000 rerelease). ©Walt Disney/courtesy Everett Collection

The iconic mouse who started it all, Mickey Mouse is a timeless symbol of joy, imagination, and the magic of cartoons.

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