18 Iconic Cartoon Characters Proudly Sporting A Big Nose

Cartoon characters with big noses are some of the most iconic, from Mr. Burns, Squidward, and Phineas Flynn to Dick Dastardly.

One common trope in cartoons is the character with a disproportionately large nose. This can be seen in cartoons such as Disney’s Pinocchio, where the titular character’s nose grows whenever he tells a lie, or Nickelodeon’s Hey Arnold!, where the main character Arnold has an iconic, football-shaped head with a large nose.

The use of a prominent nose as a physical trait for comedic or exaggerated effect can be traced back to the early days of animation, with cartoon characters such as Squidward Tentacles and Popeye the Sailor Man also sporting large noses.

Cartoon Characters With Big Noses

Some have criticized the use of a big nose as a trope in cartoons, arguing that it perpetuates negative stereotypes about people, who are often depicted with large noses in comics and other forms of media.

However, others argue that using big noses in cartoons is merely a comedic device and not meant to target any specific group.

Regardless, it remains a prevalent feature in cartoons and continues to elicit laughs from audiences of all ages.

17
Ferb Fletcher

Ferb Fletcher - big nose cartoon character

Ferb Fletcher is the stepbrother of Phineas Flynn, the main character. Phineas’ mother, Linda Flynn, is married to Ferb’s father, Lawrence Fletcher. Most of Ferb’s thoughts are expressed through hand gestures and the technology he creates.

He also plays the bass guitar in his band, Love Handel, and often assists Phineas with his “Big Ideas.” Ferb is known for his inventive ideas and intelligence.

The big nose Ferb has just one aspect of his unique appearance and charming personalities, such as when he uses it to play the trumpet in “Phineas and Ferb Musical Cliptastic Countdown.”

16
 Pinocchio

Pinocchio - big nose animated character

It is symbolic of the lies and deceit that Pinocchio has perpetrated with his big nose. The longer and more prominent his nose become when Pinocchio tells a lie.

As a result of this physical transformation, Pinocchio is constantly reminded of his flaws and is ultimately motivated to change. The big nose of Pinocchio also symbolizes the power of redemption and transformation.

As Pinocchio grows and matures, his nose shrinks back to its original size, showing his growth and maturity. His big nose symbolizes both Pinocchio’s flaws and his capacity to change.

15
Squidward Tentacles

Squidward Tentacles - cartoon characters with big nose

Spongebob Squarepants character Squidward Tentacles is known for his large nose. It is often a defining feature of Squidward’s storylines and contributes to his irritability.

Although Squidward dislikes his nose, it has become one of his most recognizable characteristics.

14
Spongebob Squarepants

Spongebob Squarepants

With his lovable and quirky personality, Spongebob Squarepants became a household name on Nickelodeon in 1999.

Patrick, Squidward, Sandy, and Mr. Krabs are Spongebob’s friends, and he lives in a pineapple under the sea in Bikini Bottom.

His optimistic attitude and determination of Spongebob often get him into trouble, but he always manages to come out on top with his friends’ assistance.

There has been a movie franchise, multiple spin-off series, and even a Broadway musical based on Spongebob. Spongebob’s infectious laugh and catchphrases like “I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready!” will always bring a smile to our faces, no matter how much time passes. Spongebob is off on his next underwater adventure, so grab some Krabby Patties and join him.

13
Billy

Billy - big nose characters

It revolves around the misadventures of a troubled boy, his dimwitted best friend, and the grim reaper who is forced to be their playmate.

A favorite of older audiences, the show features dark humor and satirical references. With Grim’s powers and Mandy’s cunning, the trio always manages to escape sticky situations thanks to their unpredictable hijinks.

12
Mr. Burns

Mr. Burns - cartoon characters with big noses

It is well known that Mr. Burns, the billionaire owner of Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, is greedy and selfish. Even if it means hurting the people around him, he will stop at nothing to increase his wealth.

Mr. Burns remains a prominent figure in Springfield and is often involved in the town’s strange adventures despite his questionable morals. As Mr. Burns’ infamous catchphrase “Excellent” illustrates, he delights in chaos and destruction.

Even though he may be disliked by many, Mr. Burns is a constant source of entertainment (and frustration) for Springfield residents. When he tried to rig the election by blocking the sun to increase electricity prices or buying voting machines, who can forget that? Mr. Burns never fails to surprise us with his cunning schemes and cutthroat tactics.

11
Captain K’nuckles

Captain K'nuckles - big cartoon nose

A human named Captain K’nuckles uses fake “whiskers” on his head, causing his entire head to appear blue, as shown in the movie Beard Buddies. He has scars and tattoos, as evident when he is shirtless. He is 5’3″.

Aside from his long, orange nose, K’nuckles also has crude, prosthetic hands and legs, and even his rear end is made of a small wooden log.

10
Phineas Flynn

Phineas Flynn

There are three freckles near his temples, and he has short, spiky red hair, a large pointy nose, and large, dark blue eyes.

Despite not being revealed yet, he seems slightly shorter than Isabella and taller than Baljeet.

There is also a noticeable slouch in Phineas. It is uncertain whether this is caused by a medical condition (possibly due to his head’s size) or simply due to habit. His eyebrows are red like his hair but rarely do they appear.

9
Dick Dastardly

Dick Dastardly

Often paired with Muttley, Dastardly is a perpetual cheater and greedy schemer. His vehicle in Wacky Races was the Mean Machine (Double Zero).

He often used many despicable tricks to win each race, but his schemes always failed.

The first episode shows Dastardly taking a pose with his hat off, but when it shows in replay until the next episode, he ends up being disqualified in the first place.

8
Goofy

Goofy has A big Nose

Dippy Dawg was originally called Goofy by comic strips until 1936 when the name was changed to Goofy. In the early years, the other Mickey Mouse’s gang members saw him as a meddler and a pest but eventually warmed up to him.

Floyd Gottfredson drew the comic strips for Disney were generally based on what was going on in the Mickey Mouse shorts at the time. However, Disney decided that he should not appear in Gottfredson’s comic strips after Donald Duck gained his newspaper strip due to his popularity.

7
Nigel Thornberry

Nigel Thornberry

A world authority on wild animals and their habitats, Sir Nigel Archibald Thornberry, was born on April 19, 1951, and has spent his entire life studying them.

His bushy mustache and bright red hair are almost as noticeable as his dry wit and hearty laugh.

As well as narrating the show, he has also been a pilot and wood grower and has often risked life and limb while traveling with his family to rescue them from dangerous situations.

6
Mr. Bean (Cartoon)

Mr. Bean (Cartoon)

He uses his unique wit to accomplish everyday tasks as the series’s main protagonist.

Frequently, partly because of his oblivious nature, he ends up causing trouble for himself and others around him.

Mr. Bean is one of the most famous cartoon characters with a big nose. He often wears tweed jackets and red ties, and he rarely speaks.

This animated series is known for its unusual ways of performing everyday tasks. It is never mentioned that Bean is an extraterrestrial.

5
The Little Man (Pink Panther)

The Little Man (Pink Panther)

In many animated versions of the Pink Panther cartoon series, the Little Man, also known as The White Man and later officially renamed Big Nose, is the main antagonist.

The Pink Panther usually plays an antagonistic role. However, sometimes he is friendly or is merely an innocent bystander who ends up being the unintended target of all sorts of antics.

4
Hugh Neutron

Hugh Neutron

With brown hair and brown eyes, Hugh wears a blue sweater vest, navy blue pants, and brown loafers with gold buckles. He is tall and wears glasses. When you think of cartoon characters with big noses, Hugh Neutron cmes to mind right away.

Unlike most Neutrons (except for Jimmy and Baby Eddie), he wears a blue suit jacket instead of a sweater vest in the pilot and shorts.

3
Dr. Doofenshmirtz

Dr. Doofenshmirtz

It is based on the character of Heinz Doofenshmirtz, an evil scientist living in the Drusselstein area. His main concern is to create havoc in the entire Tri-State Area.

The scientist has coconut-shaped brown hair on top of his head, round eyes, and a larger-than-average nose, which makes him an excellent opponent for his work.

2
Big Nose Thug (Tangled)

Big Nose Thug (Tangled)

How can we have a list of cartoon characters with big noses and not include this character. During Eugene’s verse of “Life After Happily Ever After,” Big Nose is seen in Corona Castle.

In the scene, Big Nose enjoys a spa treatment along with most of the main thugs.

He appears to be Eugene’s closest companion outside of Rapunzel and Maximus. The only thug to speak in the scene is Big Nose.

1
Popeye

Popeye - big cartoon characters

Popeye first made his debut in 1929 as a comic strip character and quickly rose to fame thanks to his love of spinach and his famous catchphrase, “I yam what I yam, and that’s all that I yam.” He also had a signature pipe and anchor tattoo.

Popeye has since been featured in animated cartoons, movies, and even a Broadway musical.

But Popeye’s valid claim to fame is his love and advocacy for spinach. Popeye was responsible for a 33% increase in spinach sales in the 1930s, thanks to his superhuman strength after eating the leafy green vegetable.

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