The Ultimate Ranking of the Funniest Cartoon Characters in TV History

Cartoon comedy has a rich history filled with beloved characters who have played a significant role in shaping the genre. Since the introduction of animation, cartoons have served as the home for some of the most innovative and creative screen comedies ever produced. While live-action comedy is certainly impressive, the limitless possibilities offered by animation make cartoons particularly well-suited for this genre.

Cartoon comedy has a distinct advantage over live-action in that it can achieve jokes and humor that would be impossible to execute in a non-animated format. This is precisely why the comedy writing of The Simpsons is widely regarded as some of the finest work in the history of the medium, despite the longstanding popularity of family sitcoms on network television. However, The Simpsons is just one example of the comedic brilliance that animated shows and their iconic characters have brought to audiences for nearly a century. In this article, we will explore ten of these iconic characters who deserve recognition as some of the funniest in the genre.

10 Morty, Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty’s most beloved character is undoubtedly the unflappable, unstoppable super-genius Rick Sanchez. However, while Rick is endlessly impressive and quick-witted, he lacks the comedic charm that comes with being funny. It's challenging to turn the smartest man alive into a walking punchline. Consequently, many of the biggest laughs in Rick and Morty come from his inexperienced, naive sidekick. Morty, the hero of Rick and Morty, is a dimwitted yet well-intentioned teenager whose shenanigans provide the series with its comedic foundation. He may not be as cool and capable as his grandfather, but Morty is unquestionably a more humorous character.

9 Louise Belcher, Bob’s Burgers

While Bob Belcher is a beloved character, the true comedic gem of Bob's Burgers is Kristen Schaal's portrayal of Louise Belcher. With her unique blend of innocence and spunk, Louise is a standout comedic creation. Both Tina and Gene, Bob's children, have also had their share of hilarious moments, and Linda, Bob's wife, is known for stealing scenes as well. But it is Louise who consistently steals the show with her charmingly unpredictable personality.

8 Roger Smith, American Dad

While American Dad initially faced criticism for its similarities to Family Guy, the underappreciated cult favorite proves to be superior to what its critics suggest. American Dad even served as an inspiration for a plot in Rick and Morty, and at its finest, the series' surreal satire reaches the same level of greatness as the later Adult Swim hit. Among the show's cast, no character embodies the weirder side of American Dad more than Roger Smith, the morally ambiguous alien who identifies as bisexual. Despite his absurdly hedonistic nature, Roger is capable of displaying unexpected moments of tenderness, and his endless range of disguises and personas make him an incredibly unpredictable presence.

7 Todd Chavez, Bojack Horseman

Bojack Horseman is far from being a lighthearted series. It delves into profound and intense themes such as addiction, depression, identity, and fame. However, the weightiness of these topics is primarily present in the portrayal of the titular antihero, Bojack Horseman, and his biographer, Diane Nguyen. On the other hand, Todd, played by Aaron Paul, brings a hysterical comedic relief throughout all six seasons of Bojack Horseman. Whether he is composing an incomprehensible rock opera, getting into trouble with clown dentists, or unintentionally facilitating a romance between sentient phones, Todd consistently showcases his brilliant absurdity.

6 Eric Cartman, South Park

While South Park has occasionally made attempts to give some of its characters a more serious tone, one character that has never received this treatment is Cartman. Portrayed as a spoiled and sociopathic child, Cartman is the main reason why some of South Park's weakest episodes are the ones that deviate from focusing on its young heroes. Despite his frequently reprehensible actions, Cartman's bigotry, racism, anti-Semitism, misogyny, and homophobia have allowed the show to satirize these flaws and highlight their absurdity. Although Cartman can be considered a complete monster, he undeniably brings a lot of humor to the series.

5 Professor Farnsworth, Futurama

Among the ensemble of humorous characters in Futurama, Professor Farnsworth stands out as the epitome of comedy. While characters like Leela and Fry often find themselves entangled in dramatic narratives, and even Bender shows moments of sincerity, Professor Farnsworth consistently brings the laughter. His iconic catchphrase, "Good news!" (always followed by disastrous news), and his complete lack of consideration for others make him a brilliantly funny supporting character in this sci-fi satire.

4 Stewie Griffin, Family Guy

Since its earliest seasons, Stewie Griffin has consistently emerged as the breakout character of Family Guy. Over the years, his character has undergone transformations, transitioning from an evil genius to a more comical persona. Nonetheless, Stewie has always managed to captivate and maintain a devoted fan base among Family Guy viewers. Interestingly, his malevolent tendencies make his occasional callous moments appear less jarring or unpleasant compared to Peter and Lois's similarly cruel actions. While The Simpsons still reigns as the most popular family sitcom, Stewie's presence demonstrates that Family Guy can hold its own when it comes to character-driven comedy.

3 Riley Freeman, The Boondocks

Riley, the heart and soul of Adult Swim’s adaptation of Aaron McGruder’s acclaimed comic strip, The Boondocks, stands out amongst its memorable characters like Uncle Ruckus and the irascible Granddad. While his elder brother Huey focuses on social issues and current affairs, Riley’s main priorities in life are "getting paid" and "getting laid." The fact that he is a young child who doesn't fully grasp the meaning of either of these pursuits adds to his comedic appeal. Riley, in his own peculiar way, is both the funniest and most endearing character in The Boondocks.

2 Homer Simpson, The Simpsons

Homer Simpson's enduring popularity and comedic brilliance can be attributed to his portrayal as the quintessential everyman. Despite his flaws and bumbling nature, Homer's charm lies in his relatability and his unwavering decency at his core. As the central protagonist of The Simpsons for over 30 seasons, Homer has proven to be an iconic and unforgettable character in television history. His ineptitude, greediness, thoughtlessness, and self-centeredness all contribute to his comedic appeal, making him one of the funniest characters to ever grace the small screen.

1 Daffy Duck, Looney Tunes

Many of the comedy greats in the world of cartoons share a common trait: an inflated view of their own abilities. This persistent characteristic leads to hilarious failures when their perception of themselves inevitably clashes with the realistic boundaries of their capabilities. Among these characters, none embodies this idea more than Daffy Duck. While Bugs Bunny may be the charismatic hero of the Looney Tunes cartoon comedy series, Daffy Duck is the endlessly self-assured, arrogant antihero who believes he can never be defeated, despite the fact that he rarely comes out on top. This aspect of his personality, along with his extreme jealousy and greed, has transformed him into a legendary cartoon figure. In fact, a significant portion of the Looney Tunes franchise's most amusing moments have come at Daffy's expense.