Bugs Bunny, Bart Simpson, and Betty Boop have long been ingrained in pop culture, being some of the most recognizable animated characters in history. However, since the beginning of the 21st century, several characters have managed to make their way. Just like the legends that came before them, and in no time, as they are the most iconic cartoon characters of the 21st century, so far.
Disney had a tight grip on animated movies for a long time, but Dreamworks came in the late ‘90s with The Prince of Egypt. It fared well enough, but it wasn’t until 2000 and the release of Shrek that the company soared to new heights. Shrek was an instant favorite and has gone on to be one of the most notable characters and one of the most lucrative, with a handful of sequels, a stage play, and even an attraction at Universal Studios.
Being an adorable dancing penguin will detract from your appeal to the masses.
Toy Story 3 was the best ending, so it was strange that Pixar came back with another one, however many are grateful that they did because without Toy Story 4 there would be no Forky, also known as one of the most endearing characters. characters that will one day appear on the big screen. “I’m a trash can. ” Same thing, Forky, same thing.
Jerry Seinfeld didn’t have to do anything after the release of his comedy in 1998, but he managed to create another notable character with Barry B. Benson in the Bee Movie, while teaching about the importance and effect of bees on the world. .
In some ways, one could argue that Scrat is the Flavor Flav of the Ice Age franchise — a sort of comedic hype man who also has an undeniable and unexplainable charm.
In addition to a stellar theme song, Kim Possible also made a big splash by being a female lead character who stood her ground.
Pandas are one of the few animals almost everyone can agree are one of the most precious on Earth. Pair that with a kick-butt tale of an underdog becoming the best, and you have gold.
The Flintstones proved that families deserved a place in prime time, but it was a long time before others did the same. Then came the Simpsons, and since then, many families have joined them, usually in the spirit of Seth MacFarlane, but it wasn’t until 2011 that Fox welcomed another by the name of Bob’s Burgers.
Disney experienced some hiatus after the Renaissance era, but one film that stood out at the time was Lilo
If there’s one trope that never fails to make a character a fan favorite, it’s the antihero, and Rick Sanchez is just that.
Angry Birds has been a sensation when it comes to mobile gaming, but could it translate into a movie? Much less in two movies? Yes and yes. He proved that video game characters were a wonderful concept for a children’s film, and at the head of that shipment was an angry bird named Red.
There was a lot of darkness in the early 2000s, but a forgetful fish named Dory helped everyone keep swimming. This authentic positivity made him stand out from the start.
Vampires have a grasp on people like no other mythical creature, so it’s no wonder Mavis Dracula found herself a fan-favorite soon after the release of Hotel Transylvania.
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The dragons of Game of Thrones could.
The Princess and the Frog was the first time Disney had a black princess. It’s also a throwback to their old style of 2D animation, and audiences enjoyed it. Maybe more 2D storytelling instead of those live-action remakes in the future?
The name Ted Templeton Jr. probably isn’t as recognizable as the name many around the world refer to him as Boss Baby. The business aficionado in a suit was so big that he got multiple movies and a Netflix series.
The penguins of Madagascar weren’t even the stars, however, being adorable and silly penguins, they managed to gain a boost that took them from being a supporting character in a film franchise to being the star of their own series.
Almost every single character in 2013’s Frozen is loved, yet Elsa has something special about her that makes her a true queen.
What would be the global Minion memes that everyone’s least favorite aunt likes to share on Facebook?
Kendra Beltran went to school without a game plan and found she was returning to her love of writing shortly after graduating in 2009. Since then, he has written for MTV Geek, Cosplay Central, Collider, Apartment Therapy, and many other sites. This allowed him to show his love for all things pop culture. When she’s not writing, Kendra hosts her exhibit, Crushgasm, bakes all the cookies, or spoils her fur baby, Mason.
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