20 Red cartoon characters that everyone knows and loves

Red cartoon characters like Elmo, Mr. Krabs, and Clifford the Big Red Dog have long captivated audiences with their personalities and looks. They often symbolise excitement, energy, and a bold presence in their worlds.

Key takeaways

• Red cartoon characters naturally stand out and often play central or memorable roles in animation.
• Red conveys intensity, passion, and boldness, which are commonly reflected in these characters’ personalities or presence.
• Characters like Mario, Clifford, and Lightning McQueen have become international pop culture staples.

Red characters in cartoons

We selected these red cartoon characters for their lasting fame and screen time, drawing from sources like Warner Bros. Entertainment Wiki, Marvel, DC Comics, and more. Here is the list of the famous red cartoon characters:

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1. Elmo (Sesame Street)

Elmo is the lovable red muppet from Sesame Street who has captured the hearts of many around the world. With his squeaky voice, constant curiosity, and infectious laughter, Elmo became a breakout cartoon character in the 1990s. One thing that makes him stand out is that he narrates his stories in the third person while referring to himself as Elmo.

2. Clifford the Big Red Dog (Clifford The Big Red Dog)

Clifford isn't just red; he is a giant, friendly dog who lives with his friend Emily Elizabeth. He debuted in a children's book series and became a beloved cartoon character to children everywhere. Clifford’s red coat and oversized heart help him solve problems in Birdwell Island. His stories often teach children about kindness, responsibility, and friendship.

3. Blossom (Cow and Chicken)

Blossom is one of the beloved red cartoons on Cartoon Network. The bizarre, pantless "Red Guy" from Cow and Chicken is a recurring antagonist in the classic. He is a humorous yet unsettling figure with his completely red skin, exaggerated facial features, and multiple personas.

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4. Knuckles the Echidna (Sonic the Hedgehog Series)

Knuckles is the tough and loyal protector of the Master Emerald. He is a red echidna who contrasts sharply with Sonic's carefree speed. Though he began as a video game character, Knuckles has featured in multiple animation series, including Sonic X and Sonic Boom. Despite being slower than Blue Sonic, he can lift objects many times larger than himself.

5. Mr. Krabs (SpongeBob SquarePants)

Eugene Harold Krabs is a money-loving, bright red crab who runs the Krusty Krab in the SpongeBob SquarePants animated series. His blue and red cartoon character distinguishes him, with two giant green eyes that resemble a cactus and a chubby body.

6. Spider-Man (The Superman Animated series)

Spider-Man is one of the most famous blue and red cartoon characters. He has been featured in many TV shows, novels, comic books, films, plays, and video games. His costume is a tight-fitting red and blue outfit dominated by a web pattern and a large black spider on his chest.

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7. Mario (The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!)

The red-capped plumber from the Mushroom Kingdom needs no introduction. He has been a beloved video game character for many generations. In 1989, a television series called The Super Mario Bros. Super Show was released following the video game's success.

8. Lightning McQueen (Cars/ Cars Toons)

With his flashy red and yellow paint, Lightning McQueen is a Pixar Cars universe superstar. Lightning McQueen was initially portrayed as a cocky rookie racer who learned the value of humility, friendship, and perseverance.

9. Red(Angry Birds)

Among the most recognisable red cartoon characters of the 21st century is Red, the hot-headed and lovable hero of the Angry Birds series.

Red was initially introduced in a mobile game in 2009, before appearing in animated series like Angry Birds Toons, feature films, and merchandise worldwide. Red's permanently furrowed brow and fiery crimson feathers reflect his intense personality.

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10. Deadpool (Various Marvel animated shows)

Deadpool stands out for his unforgettable wild antics, red and black suit, and breaking the fourth wall humour. Like many cartoon characters, Deadpool was originally a Marvel comic book before making waves in animation through appearances in Marvel animation series. His signature red costume doubles up as a symbol of defiance and danger.

11. Optimus Prime (The Transformers)

Few names command the same admiration and respect as Optimus Prime. He’s the noble leader of the Autobots from the Transformers universe. With his commanding presence, blue and red armour, and signature deep voice, he has been a fan favourite since his debut in the original Transformers cartoon in the 1980s.

12. Iron Man (The Marvel Super Heroes)

Tony Stark's signature red and gold iconic armour symbolises power, courage, and transformation. Though best known for his blockbuster movie appearance, Iron Man has also had a strong presence in animation for decades.

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13. Anger (Inside Out)

Anger is an unforgettable red cartoon character that is as hilariously relatable and explosively expressive as Pixar's Inside Out. Voiced by the legendary Lewis Black, Anger represents one of the five primary emotions living in the mind of a young girl named Riley. And with his explosive temper, flaming head, and boxy red body, he truly steals the show.

14. Mr. Incredible (The Incredibles)

Regarding red cartoon characters who embody heroism, heart, and strength, few stand as tall, literally and figuratively, as Mr. Incredible. He is the central character of Pixar's The Incredibles series. He’s instantly recognisable in his bold red suit with the iconic “i” insignia.

15. Iago (Aladdin)

Iago, a fiery, feathered parrot, is an iconic sidekick from Disney’s Aladdin. His bright red plumage, sharp wit, and over-the-top personality have entertained audiences since 1992. Voiced by comedian Gilbert Gottfried, Iago stands out because of his hilarious and sarcastic commentary.

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16. Flash (The Flash/ Disney comics)

The Flash is known for his unmatched speed, wit, and heroism. Yellow lightning bolts accent his sleek red suit. The Flash is one of DC Comics' most beloved characters and a major animated figure that captivates audiences.

17. Hellboy (Sword of Storms, Blood and Iron)

Hellboy, the fiery red demon with a stone hand and a heart of gold, has become a beloved figure in both comics and animation. Created by Mike Mignola, Hellboy made his animated debut in Hellboy: Sword of Storms (2006) and Blood and Iron (2007), where his dry wit, rugged toughness, and deep moral compass shone through.

18. Carmen Sandiego (Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?)

With her iconic red trench coat and wide-brimmed hat, Carmen Sandiego is one of the most iconic cartoon characters of all time. First introduced in the educational video games of the 1980s, she quickly became a pop culture icon through the animated series Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? and the 2019 Netflix reboot.

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19. Minnie Mouse (Steamboat Willie)

Minnie Mouse is a famous cartoon character with a red dress. She wears a signature polka-dot dress and bow, and has been a beloved cartoon character for nearly a century. As one of Disney's original characters, she's more than just Mickey's sweetheart; she symbolises joy, fashion, and fun. Minnie has evolved from a silent-era damsel into an independent and confident character.

20. Gossamer (Looney Tunes)

Gossamer, a towering red monster from the Looney Tunes universe, is one of the most unforgettable and surprisingly endearing cartoon characters. Covered in shaggy red fur, massive hands, and tiny sneakers, Gossamer appeared in the 1946 cartoon Hair-Raising Hare, where he was a hench-creature for a mad scientist.

Final word

From bold heroes to lovable oddballs, red cartoon characters have captured the hearts and minds of audiences for generations. Red often symbolises energy, passion, and confidence. These traits shine through in characters like Elmo, Spider-Man, Hellboy, and Carmen Sandiego.

Tuko.co.ke has published an article about pink cartoon characters. Pink cartoon characters often represent happiness, kindness, and fun. This makes them appealing to younger audiences. So, who are the most famous? Read this article for details.

Proofreading by Masolo Mabonga, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke