Iconic Cartoon Characters of the 21st Century

Bugs Bunny, Bart Simpson, and Betty Boop have secured their places in pop culture history as some of the most iconic animated characters. However, the 21st century has ushered in a new era of animated legends. These characters, within a relatively short time, have reached the iconic status of their predecessors. Let’s delve into the most memorable cartoon characters of the 21st century, each making a significant mark in the world of animation.

1. Shrek, ‘Shrek’ (2001) – Breaking Disney’s stronghold on animated movies, Dreamworks introduced the lovable ogre Shrek in 2001. Shrek’s instant popularity led to numerous sequels, a stage play, and even a Universal Studios attraction.
2. Mumble, ‘Happy Feet’ (2006) – An adorable dancing penguin, Mumble, waltzed into the hearts of audiences, adding a charming touch to the animated landscape.
3. Forky, ‘Toy Story 4’ (2019) – Despite Toy Story 3’s seemingly perfect conclusion, Pixar introduced Forky, a remarkably relatable character, in the fourth installment. His catchphrase, “I’m trash,” resonated with many.
4. Barry B. Benson, ‘Bee Movie’ (2007) – Jerry Seinfeld brought the charismatic Barry B. Benson to life in Bee Movie, shedding light on the importance of bees in an entertaining manner.
5. Scrat, ‘Ice Age’ (2002) – Scrat, the comedic prehistoric squirrel, became an endearing character in the Ice Age franchise, adding a humorous flair to the animated series.
6. Kim Possible, ‘Kim Possible’ (2002) – With a catchy theme song and a strong lead female character, Kim Possible made a significant impact on animated television.
7. Po, ‘Kung Fu Panda’ (2008) – The lovable panda Po embarked on a kick-butt journey, combining humor and heart in this animated tale of an underdog becoming a martial arts master.
8. The Belchers, ‘Bob’s Burgers’ (2011) – Joining the ranks of iconic animated families, the Belchers of Bob’s Burgers brought a fresh and humorous perspective to primetime television.
9. Stitch, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ (2002) – Lilo & Stitch stood out during Disney’s transitional period, with the chaotic blue alien Stitch becoming a beloved member of the animated family.
10. Rick Sanchez, ‘Rick and Morty’ (2013) – Embracing the anti-hero trope, Rick Sanchez of Rick and Morty became a fan favorite, adding a unique flavor to animated characters.
11. Red, ‘Angry Birds’ (2016) – Angry Birds, originally a mobile game sensation, successfully translated into movies, showcasing Red as the leader of a feathered cast in this kid-friendly concept.
12. Dory, ‘Finding Nemo’ (2003) – The forgetful fish Dory brought genuine positivity to the start of the 2000s, reminding audiences to ‘just keep swimming’ in this heartwarming tale.
13. Mavis Dracula, ‘Hotel Transylvania’ (2012) – Mavis Dracula, a vampire with a twist, quickly became a fan favorite in the Hotel Transylvania franchise.
14. Lightning McQueen, ‘Cars’ (2006) – Disney’s Cars, led by Lightning McQueen, brought the need for speed to animated cinema, captivating audiences with its racing-themed narrative.
15. Toothless, ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010) – Toothless, the dragon in How to Train Your Dragon, captured hearts with its charm, outshining even the dragons in Game of Thrones.
16. Tiana, ‘The Princess and the Frog’ (2009) – The Princess and the Frog marked Disney’s first Black princess, and Tiana’s character became a throwback to classic 2D animation, earning adoration from audiences.
17. Ted Templeton Jr., ‘The Boss Baby’ (2017) – Boss Baby, a.k.a. Ted Templeton Jr., emerged as a business-savvy character with not just one but multiple movies and a Netflix series.
18. Madagascar Penguins, ‘Madagascar’ (2005) – Originally side characters, the adorable and silly penguins in Madagascar gained momentum, evolving from supporting roles to stars of their own series.
19. Elsa, ‘Frozen’ (2013) – In the beloved Frozen, every character is cherished, but Elsa, with her extra special allure, truly reigns as a queen in the hearts of audiences.
20. Minions, ‘Despicable Me’ (2010) – The Minions, those lovable yellow creatures, became a cultural phenomenon, bringing their delightful antics to the forefront of Despicable Me and beyond.

These 21st-century animated characters have etched their names into the annals of animation history, standing proudly alongside the iconic characters of previous eras.

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