Iconic green cartoon characters include Kermit the Frog, Shrek, The Grinch, Incredible Hulk, Mike Wazowski, Gamora, and Beast Boy.
Ever paused your Saturday morning cartoon binge and realized the screen is awash in a verdant hue?
It wasn’t your TV settings—there’s a high chance that some of your favorite animated personalities have a distinctive green tint!
Famous Green Cartoon Characters
From the mischievous charm of leprechauns to the surreal allure of space aliens, green has dominated our animated screens in various delightful shades.
But what makes green so popular in the world of animation?
Let’s dive into this emerald trend as we explore a list of iconic green cartoon characters and uncover the secret behind their evergreen appeal.
34Mr. Gus – Dark Green Characters
Michael Marshal Breakfast Gusford, a primary green character in Uncle Grandpa, takes on the role of a dinosaur man who guards Uncle Grandpa. Alongside Uncle Grandpa, Pizza Steve, and Giant Realistic Flying Tiger, he resides in the RV. Unlike his companions, Michael is calm and maintains a serious demeanor. Kevin Michael Richardson provides his voice.
33Martian Manhunter
In American comic books by DC Comics, the superhero Martian Manhunter, also known as J’onn J’onzz, graces the pages. Joseph Samachson, the writer, and Joe Certa, the artist, brought this green character to life in the story “The Manhunter from Mars,” found in Detective Comics #225 from November 1955.
Notably, Martian Manhunter is one of the original seven members of the Justice League of America, marking him as one of the most formidable beings in the DC Universe.
32Kermit the Green Puppit Frog
Are you ready to meet the favorite green cartoon characters that made us laugh? Introducing Kermit the Frog, the charming, lovable, and oh-so-quirky icon of the cartoon world!
With his unique voice and undeniable charisma, Kermit debuted on the timeless children’s show “Sesame Street.” He soon became a household name, headlining his hit series “The Muppet Show.”
Kermit’s signature catchphrase, “It’s not easy being green,” has inspired countless individuals to embrace their differences and find confidence in themselves. He proves that being true to oneself matters, no matter how different you may seem.
31The Hulk – Green Superhero
The Incredible Hulk is a Marvel Comics superhero created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. The character is one of Marvel’s most popular and recognizable characters known for his iconic green skin and superhuman strength. He first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 in 1962.
The Hulk is the alter ego of Dr. Bruce Banner, a brilliant scientist caught in the blast of a gamma bomb he was developing. The exposure to gamma radiation transforms him into the Hulk when he becomes angry or agitated.
30The Grinch
The Grinch is a mischievous green creature who hates Christmas and tries to ruin it for everyone else.
He is the titular character in the classic children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss, and he has been adapted into numerous movies, TV shows, and other media.
Despite his initial hatred of the holiday, the Grinch eventually learns the true meaning of Christmas and becomes a better person.
29Shrek – The Giant Green Guy
Shrek is a green ogre who is the main character in the “Shrek” movie franchise. Initially gruff and reclusive, he eventually learns to embrace his inner goodness and become a hero.
Shrek is known for his sarcastic wit and his unlikely friendship with a talking donkey, and he has become a fan-favorite character.
28Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been a beloved part of pop culture for over 30 years. A group of four teenage turtles trained by their master and teacher, Master Splinter.
One of the most iconic franchises of all time, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first appeared in comic books published by Mirage Studios in 1984. They have been featured in cartoons, video games, toys, films, and, more recently, live-action movies.
27Yoda – Star Wars
Yoda is a character in the Star Wars universe, recognizable by his green skin, fuzzed hair, and unique physique. There is no definitive information about Yoda’s species, but his race is thought to predate even the Jedi Order.
As one of the last surviving members of the Jedi Order before it fell, Yoda served as a mentor to Luke Skywalker. Yoda is known for his wisdom, skill in the Force, and mastery of lightsaber combat.
26Gamora – Guardians of the Galaxy
Gamora is a powerful character from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. She was adopted by Thanos and trained as an assassin. A formidable opponent in battle, Gamora has considerable combat knowledge.
Gamora is one of the founding members of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and she plays an integral part in their mission to protect the universe from evil forces.
Despite the risk to her own life, Gamora stands up for what she believes in and is willing to stand up for what she believes in.
25Mike Wazowski – Green One Eye Monster
Mike Wazowski is a beloved character from the Pixar movie Monster Inc. He is a little light green monster with an ambition to become the top scarer at Monster Inc.
Mike befriends Sulley, another monster, and together they face many challenges on their path to success. The movie’s plot revolves around Mike’s friendship with Sulley, a character with determination, intelligence, and a sense of humor.
24Gumby
Have you ever considered the significance of old green cartoon characters in shaping our animated history? One character that instantly comes to mind is Gumby.
This iconic claymation figure was brought to life by Art Clokey in 1955. Making his debut on the Howdy Doody television show, Gumby quickly transitioned from a mere guest appearance to an emblem of children’s entertainment.
Over the decades, this radiant green character has been immortalized in feature films, TV shows, comic books, and even video games.
23Cecil Turtle – The Green Cartoon Legacy
In 1952, amidst the golden age of animation, Chuck Jones introduced the world to a charming green cartoon character named Cecil Turtle for Looney Tunes. Cecil stood out among the colorful cast with his anthropomorphic design, cozy shell for a home, and signature glasses.
Despite his clumsy and timid demeanor, which often lands him in quirky predicaments, this slow-talking turtle always finds a way to navigate through troubles.
22Princess Fiona – Shrek
Princess Fiona is the Princess of Far, Far Away in the Shrek franchise. She is an ogre and lives with her parents, Harold and Lillian, in their castle.
Her moral compass is strong, and she is unafraid to stand up for her values. She is fiercely loyal to those she loves, often defending them against danger regardless of the consequences. Princess Fiona is a brave and mighty hero who often uses her strength to protect those in need.
21Piccolo – Dragon Ball Z
Piccolo is one of the iconic green cartoon characters from the manga and anime series Dragon Ball Z. As a green-skinned, horned Namekian warrior, he initially appeared as Goku’s adversary but soon transitioned to a trusted ally.
Not only is Piccolo mighty, boasting unique abilities such as regeneration, superhuman strength, and energy blasts, but he also excels in sensing ki (life force).
Furthermore, as a master martial artist, he has mentored numerous Z fighters throughout the series.
20Perry The Platypus – Phineas and Ferb
In the animated television series Phineas and Ferb, Perry The Platypus stands out among green cartoon characters.
This beloved anthropomorphic platypus leads a thrilling double life: by day, he’s the cherished pet of Phineas and Ferb, and by night, he becomes a secret agent for the “Organization Without A Cool Acronym” (OWCA).
Tasked with thwarting Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s malicious plans and plots, Perry not only aids Agent P but can also take the helm and lead when circumstances demand.
19Disgust – Inside Out
In the animated movie Inside Out, Disgust is one of the standout green cartoon characters among the five emotions portrayed. Voiced by Mindy Kaling, Disgust boasts a vibrant green skin tone.
Throughout the film, she serves as Riley’s shield against everything deemed revolting or unpleasant. Always vigilant, Disgust frequently strives to deter Riley from making ill-advised choices, especially when consuming something detrimental to her health.
18Rex – Toy Story
Rex, from the Disney and Pixar movie Toy Story, is one of the memorable green cartoon characters.
This plastic Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur, one of Andy’s cherished toys, might be characterized by his tiny arms, but he has shown immense bravery time and again.
Even though he grapples with timidity, naivete, and insecurity, Rex is also marked by an eating disorder that drives him to devour anything within his reach compulsively. Yet, throughout the Toy Story saga, he remains a steadfast and dedicated ally to the other toys, consistently striving to shield them from harm.
17Sleepy – Snow White
A dwarf named Sleepy appears in the classic Disney animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Sleepy is a dwarf with big, droopy eyelids, often seen yawning or nodding off.
In most cases, Sleepy can take naps throughout the day as he is one of the slower-moving dwarfs. Often, Sleepy works on various projects with a hammer in hand. Sleepy is close friends with all of the other dwarfs and loves to help them out when needed.
Even though Sleepy can sometimes be lazy, he always comes through for Snow White and the other dwarves when they need him most.
16Rango
Johnny Depp voices a chameleon, one of the iconic green movie characters, who has grown up as a sheltered family pet.
Facing an identity crisis, Rango grapples with distinguishing himself when his very nature urges him to blend in. After unintentionally landing in a frontier town named Dirt, he embarks on a transformative adventure as the town’s newly appointed sheriff.
15Kilowog
Kilowog, a colossal alien exhibiting a unique blend of porcine and bull-dog features, stands out among the green characters of the Green Lantern Corps. As the chief mentor of the Corps’ freshest recruits, he’s a significant figure.
Hailing from the planet Bolovax Vik in Space Sector 674, Kilowog wasn’t just picked by the Guardians of the Universe for his physical prowess and his remarkable skills as a genetic scientist.
14Bulbasaur
Bulbasaur, one of the famous green cartoon characters, is a petite, quadrupedal amphibian Pokémon sporting vibrant green skin with darker green accents. Its captivating red eyes contrast starkly with white pupils, and it possesses ear-like structures atop its head.
Further defining its unique appearance is a short, blunt snout complemented by a broad mouth. When Bulbasaur opens its mouth, tiny, sharp teeth from the upper jaw become visible.
13The Great Gazoo
The Great Gazoo, highlighted by his distinctive green color, is a minuscule, floating scientist banished to Earth from his native planet due to his creation of a Doomsday Device.
Fred and Barney stumbled upon Gazoo after his flying saucer met with an accident. Quickly realizing he’s landed in prehistoric Earth, Gazoo often calls Fred and Barney “dumb dumbs,” inadvertently leading them into various predicaments.
12Marvin the Martian
Marvin, one of the distinct green cartoon characters, has a design inspired by the Hoplite style of armor, typically associated with the Roman god Mars. “That attire – the helmet and skirt – was emblematic of Mars.
Adorning an ant-like creature with this outfit seemed humorous to us. Given he lacked a mouth, it was essential to suggest his speech solely through his actions. This required a unique type of expressive body mechanics.”
11Slimer – Green Monster Character
The Ghostbusters captured Slimer, a fictional character, as their first ghost. Also known as Onionhead, Little Spud, or The Green Ghost, Slimer consists of pure Ectoplasm.
He is infamous for his immense appetite and the slime trail he leaves when moving through solid objects.
10Tick-Tock – Peter Pan
In Disney’s 1953 animated feature film, Peter Pan, Tick-Tock, a crocodile character, plays a supporting role. This monstrous croc inhabits the isle of Neverland. After he devoured Captain Hook’s hand, Tick-Tock persistently chases the villainous captain, hoping to consume the rest of him.
9Oscar The Grouch
Oscar The Grouch is one of the iconic characters of Sesame Street. He is a grumpy monster who lives in a garbage can, which he loves to keep clean and tidy.
It is no secret that Oscar has a bad temper and green fur, but he is a kind and caring person underneath it all.
Oscar has become an icon of the show, often featured in parodies and other media. The catchphrase “Scram!” is also Oscar’s way of chasing away anyone who bothers him.
8Ben 10
Ben 10 is a popular media franchise created by Man of Action Studios and produced by Cartoon Network.
It follows the adventures of Ben Tennyson, an ordinary ten-year-old boy who discovers a particular watch-like device called the Omnitrix that allows him to transform into a variety of alien superheroes.
To save the world, Ben battles villains and monsters across the globe, from the deserts of Arizona to the jungles of South America.
7Beast Boy – Teen Titans series
Beast Boy, a pivotal character in the Teen Titans series, stands among earth’s mightiest heroes. As a shape-shifting metamorph, he boasts the astounding ability to morph into any animal, regardless of its size.
While Beast Boy frequently brings fun to the show, acting as its primary source of humor, he also plays an instrumental role in aiding his team combat crime and stand against injustice in their various escapades.
Beyond his superhuman strength, agility, and speed, Beast Boy has an array of impressive superpowers.
6Sheldon J. Plankton – Sponge Bob
Sheldon J. Plankton, commonly called “Plankton,” emerges as a memorable character in the SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon series, crafted and designed by Stephen Hillenburg.
Alongside his computer wife, Karen, Sheldon owns the Chum Bucket restaurant and is perpetually scheming to pilfer the secret Krabby Patty recipe from Krusty Krab.
Characterized by his signature goggles, lab coat, and distinct appearance as a tiny planktonic copepod with a prominent red eye, Sheldon often finds his plans thwarted by the ever-vigilant SpongeBob and Patrick.
5Kang And Kodos – The Simpsons
Kang and Kodos are iconic green cartoon characters in The Simpsons’ animated television series, even though Kodos sports a red hue. They debuted in the “Treehouse of Horror” episode in season 2, plotting to conquer Springfield, the hometown of The Simpsons.
Since then, Kang and Kodos have established themselves as a favorite recurring joke, gracing the screen annually in the Halloween-centric “Treehouse of Horror” specials.
4Green Lantern
Green Lantern is a comic book superhero created by DC Comics in 1940. The character is a member of an intergalactic police force called the Green Lantern Corps, armed with power rings that grant them incredible abilities.
The most well-known Green Lantern is Hal Jordan, created in 1959 and is a test pilot for the U.S. Air Force.
The power ring allows Jordan to create solid green constructs with his imagination and fly through space.
3Green Arrow
Green Arrow is a comic book superhero Mort Weisinger and George Papp created in 1941. The character is the alter-ego of Oliver Queen, a wealthy businessman and playboy who becomes a vigilante after being stranded on a deserted island for several years.
Unlike the Green Lantern, Green Arrow has no superpowers but relies on his mastery of archery, hand-to-hand combat skills, and various gadgets, including his signature trick arrows.
He is often portrayed as a social justice warrior and one of our list’s most popular green characters.
2Green Goblin
The Green Goblin is a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko in 1964. He is the archenemy of Spider-Man, and one of the most recognizable villains in the Marvel Comics world.
The Green Goblin is the alter-ego of Norman Osborn, a wealthy and successful businessman who gains superhuman abilities after taking an experimental formula.
1Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy is a fictional supervillain in the DC Comics universe, created by Robert Kanigher and Sheldon Moldoff in 1966. She is an eco-terrorist who uses her knowledge of botany and toxicology to further her goals of protecting the environment and seeking revenge on those she views as harming it.
Poison Ivy is known for her ability to control plants and produce pheromones that can influence the emotions and actions of others. She is also immune to poison and toxins, making her a formidable opponent.
Cartoon Characters That Are Green
The popularity of green cartoon characters in older shows can be attributed to several factors.
Here’s a list of some reasons:
Distinctive Color: Green is a color that stands out, especially against the typical backgrounds used in cartoons. This makes the character easily distinguishable and memorable to the audience.
Versatility: Green can represent a variety of things, from the supernatural (like ghosts or aliens) to the natural (like animals or plants). This versatility provides creators with a broad range of character design possibilities.
Associations with Nature: Green is commonly associated with nature, wildlife, and the environment. Older cartoons often used green characters to represent nature and environmental consciousness themes.
Symbolism: Green can symbolize various emotions and traits, including envy, inexperience, and youth. It also has positive connotations such as growth, renewal, and life.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Popularity: The mid to late 20th century saw a surge in the popularity of science fiction and fantasy genres. Green often became the chosen color for extraterrestrial or magical beings, enhancing their otherworldly appearance.
Limited Color Palettes: Earlier animation techniques had more restricted color palettes. Green, a primary color in the RGB color model, was more readily available and distinct for character design.