Top 10 Hanna-Barbera Cartoon Characters: A Definitive Ranking

During their peak, the Hanna-Barbera animation studio produced some of the most beloved cartoon characters of the 20th Century. William Hanna and Joseph Barbera gained fame with the creation of the famous cat and mouse duo, Tom and Jerry, before starting their own studio. Hanna-Barbera's classic cartoons have remained popular over the years, inspiring numerous spinoffs and reboots. Remarkably, the original shows from the 1960s and 1970s are still being broadcast on television today.

Even in the 21st Century, Hanna-Barbera's iconic characters continue to appear in new shows, several decades after their debut. The studio had a talent for bringing anthropomorphic animals to life, such as Top Cat and Yogi Bear, but they could also create human characters with ease. Hanna-Barbera's distinct artistic style, combined with clever comedic writing, transformed their best characters into unforgettable cartoon legends. By blending the surreal with the ordinary, Hanna-Barbera crafted numerous memorable characters that have stood the test of time.

Hong Kong Phooey

Hong Kong Phooey (1974-1975)

Hong Kong Phooey - Hong Kong Phooey (1974-1975)

Meet Hong Kong Phooey, a hero with lightning-fast paws! By day, he's known as Penry, the friendly custodian at the local police station. Hong Kong Phooey may see himself as a brave crime-fighting dog, but his successes are usually just lucky accidents or thanks to his clever cat, Spot. Despite his cluelessness, his unwavering confidence and belief in his abilities make him a hilarious character. Even though he needs to flip through the Hong Kong Book of Kung Fu during a fight, he never doubts that he's the one who can protect the city.

Huckleberry Hound

The Huckleberry Hound Show (1958-1961)

Huckleberry Hound in a boat - The Huckleberry Hound Show (1958-1961)

Huckleberry Hound is well-known for his Southern accent and his not-so-great singing skills. He's always trying out new jobs like big game hunting, jousting, and even exploring space. However, the job he takes on the most is being a law enforcement officer, where he often has to catch the toughest criminals in town. Despite sometimes being a bit slow, Huck is determined and somehow manages to succeed. He's a charming silly character who always finds himself in funny situations.

Space Ghost

Space Ghost (1966-1968)

Space Ghost - Space Ghost (1966-1968)

Space Ghost has appeared in plenty of other shows since his introduction, most notably Space Ghost Coast to Coast in the 1990s.

Top Cat

Top Cat was a unique addition to the Hanna-Barbera lineup. Unlike many of the other cartoons, it focused on a group of street smart cats led by the charismatic Top Cat. The gang navigated through various schemes and adventures in the city, always staying one step ahead of Officer Dibble. Despite their mischievous ways, Top Cat and his friends always managed to outsmart their foes and come out on top. Top Cat's clever antics and quick wit have made him a beloved character in the world of animation.

Top Cat (1961-1962)

Top Cat cast - Top Cat (1961-1962)

Dick Dastardly is another iconic character created by Hanna-Barbera. He is known for his villainous schemes and constant attempts to win races by cheating. Despite his nefarious ways, he is often foiled by his own incompetence or his sidekick, Muttley, who is more interested in his own personal gain than helping Dick succeed. Dick Dastardly's signature laugh and iconic catchphrase, "Drat, drat, and double drat!", have cemented his place in pop culture as a lovable yet bumbling villain.

Wacky Races (1968-1969)

Dick Dastardly in Wacky Races - Wacky Races (1968-1969)

Wacky Races features a range of quirky characters, such as the eccentric Professor Pat Pending and the wild Slag Brothers. The scheming Dick Dastardly, accompanied by his loyal but not so helpful dog Muttley, is the classic villain who will do anything to win. Despite his plans often failing, Dick manages to claim victory in a few races. After Wacky Races, Dick Dastardly and Muttley starred in their own series, where they continued their sneaky tactics to catch a special messenger pigeon.

Following Wacky Races, Penelope Pitstop also had her own spinoff show called The Perils of Penelope Pitstop.

George Jetson

The Jetsons (1962-1963, 1985-1987)

George Jetson using a tablet to read the newspaper in The Jetsons. - The Jetsons (1962-1963, 1985-1987)

George Jetson may not be as famous as Fred Flintstone, but he is still a beloved character. Living in a futuristic world with a robot maid and a good job, George always finds something to grumble about, whether it's his faulty gadgets or his demanding boss, Mr. Spacely. Despite his good intentions, George sometimes struggles to understand his children, especially his teenage daughter Judy. He is often clueless about what is happening in his own home.

Yogi Bear

The Yogi Bear Show (1961-1962)

Yogi Bear - The Yogi Bear Show (1961-1962)

Originally a supporting character on The Huckleberry Hound Show, Yogi Bear eventually became a breakout star with his own show. Known for proclaiming he is "smarter than the average bear," Yogi's success in swiping pic-a-nic baskets comes from outsmarting the silly humans at Jellystone Park. With his sidekick Boo-Boo by his side, Yogi constantly seeks new ways to outwit or dodge Ranger Smith. His clever rhymes and puns often leave the Ranger baffled, giving Yogi the perfect opportunity to make his escape.

Fred Flintstone

The Flintstones (1960-1966)

Wilma and Fred Flintstone - The Flintstones (1960-1966)

Fred Flintstone is just like any other TV dad in many ways. He adores his family, but he's always finding reasons to go on crazy adventures with his buddy instead of staying home with them. Some of the most memorable lines from The Flintstones come from Fred, especially when he's bickering with the prehistoric animals he uses as tools around the house. He may be a bit hot-headed and impulsive, but deep down, he's got a heart of gold. Plus, let's not forget his iconic catchphrase: Yabba-Dabba-Doo!

Scooby-Doo

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1970)

Scooby-Doo on a surfboard - Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1970)

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! could have been a show about teenagers solving paranormal mysteries without a talking dog, but Scooby-Doo added a special touch to the show.

Jerry Mouse

Tom and Jerry could have been just another cartoon about a cat chasing a mouse, but Jerry Mouse added something special to the show. The clever little mouse always manages to outwit his feline foe, Tom, using his quick thinking and resourcefulness. Their never-ending cat-and-mouse game is at the heart of many of the best Tom and Jerry episodes, showcasing Jerry's determination and intelligence. Despite being smaller and seemingly outmatched, Jerry always finds a way to come out on top.

Tom & Jerry (1940-1958, 1960-1967)

Tom about to hit Jerry with a conductor's stick in Tom and Jerry - Tom & Jerry (1940-1958, 1960-1967) - Jerry Mouse

Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse were created in the 1940s, becoming two of Hanna-Barbera's earliest successes. Unlike other cartoon duos where one character is the creative chaser, Tom and Jerry flipped the script by portraying Jerry as the more aggressive one. This unique dynamic is a key factor in their enduring popularity. In comparison to other famous pairings like Coyote and Roadrunner or Sylvester and Tweety, Jerry stands out as the more proactive character. In the classic David vs. Goliath scenario, Jerry shines as a mischievous troublemaker who takes pleasure in outsmarting Tom.

Editor's P/S:

The Hanna-Barbera animation studio has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Their classic cartoons, featuring iconic characters like Tom and Jerry, Yogi Bear, and Fred Flintstone, have captured the hearts and imaginations of generations. The studio's ability to bring anthropomorphic animals and human characters to life with wit and charm is truly remarkable. The distinct artistic style and clever comedic writing have transformed these characters into timeless legends.

Even today, Hanna-Barbera's creations continue to inspire new shows and entertain audiences of all ages. Their characters' enduring popularity is a testament to the studio's enduring legacy. The article provides a nostalgic look at some of the most beloved Hanna-Barbera characters, showcasing their unique personalities, memorable adventures, and the lasting impact they have had on the world of animation.