Popular Cowboy Cartoon Characters (My Favorite Animated Western Icons)

Ride alongside the best cowboy cartoon characters, including Woody & Jessie from Toy Story, Lucky Luke, Quick Draw McGraw, and a few animated Wild West troublemakers like Yosemite Sam.

When I think about cartoon cowboy characters, I don’t just picture hats and boots. I think of that specific attitude—like the character could walk into a dusty saloon scene and instantly turn it into a showdown (or a joke… or both).

And honestly? I love how animation handles the Western vibe. Cartoons can go full heroic sheriff, full goofy parody, or full “this outlaw is basically a walking firecracker.” If you like character types with big emotions and even bigger reactions, you’ll probably also enjoy grumpy cartoon characters and emo cartoon characters when you’re done here.

Cowboy Cartoon Characters

Jessie – Toy Story

I love Jessie because she’s brave without being “perfect.” She can lead, she can fight, she can joke around—and she can still have emotional moments that hit hard. That mix is exactly why people keep searching for cartoon cowgirl characters and landing on her.

Woody – Toy Story

What I appreciate most about Woody is that he’s not just “a cowboy toy.” He’s a character who feels weirdly human—jealous, loyal, anxious, determined. That’s why he still ranks near the top when people search for the most famous cowboy cartoon character.

Bullseye – Toy Story

When I’m building a list like this, I always try to include at least one “Western sidekick” pick. Bullseye is pure loyalty and comedy—he’s basically a character reaction machine, and it works.

Yosemite Sam – Looney Tunes

Yosemite Sam is the cowboy character I think of when someone says “classic cartoon Western.” He’s loud, stubborn, and unbelievably determined—especially when he’s chasing Bugs Bunny. And yes, I still laugh because his confidence never matches reality.

If you’re in a Bugs Bunny mood, I get it: Bugs Bunny.

Nasty Canasta – Looney Tunes

I like including at least one “muscle outlaw” character because Western cartoons always have that archetype: the big intimidating villain who thinks size = victory. In animation, that usually means they get humbled in the funniest way possible.

Lucky Luke – The New Adventures of Lucky Luke

Lucky Luke is one of those characters that proves the cowboy vibe is universal. Even if you didn’t grow up with him, the “lone hero rides into town” energy still hits.

Quick Draw McGraw – The Quick Draw McGraw Show

If you grew up on older TV cartoons, Quick Draw is basically required viewing. The whole concept is “Western parody,” and it still works because the jokes are simple and fast.

El Kabong – Quick Draw McGraw

I like including El Kabong because it adds variety to the list—he’s still Western-themed, but it’s clearly a spoof. And honestly, that’s a huge part of why cowboy cartoons lasted so long: the genre is perfect for parody.

Alameda Slim – Home on the Range

Alameda Slim works because he’s not just “evil.” He’s theatrical. In animation, that kind of villain is always memorable because the personality is the weapon.

Sheriff Sam Brown – Home on the Range

When I’m writing listicles, I try to include at least one sheriff pick that’s more “world building” than “spotlight.” Sheriff Sam Brown adds that small-town Western flavor.

Pecos Bill – Melody Time

To me, Pecos Bill represents the “myth” side of Westerns—the stories that feel like someone bragging around a campfire. Animation is honestly the best medium for that kind of exaggeration.

The Impact on the Western Genre (and why cartoons keep using it)

What I’ve noticed is that the Western genre is basically a cheat code for storytelling. A badge instantly signals law. A hat and boots signal the setting. A showdown setup creates tension immediately—even if the scene is going to end in a joke or a pratfall.

And cartoons love Westerns because the genre is flexible. You can do:

• Hero sheriffs: Woody-style leadership and “protect the town” energy.
• Western cartoon villains: Yosemite Sam chaos and outlaw arrogance.
• Kids Westerns: Sheriff Callie-style “friendliest town in the West” storytelling.
• Weird West / space Western: BraveStarr-style mashups that still feel cowboy at the core.

Who is the most famous cowboy cartoon character?

If you mean modern mainstream popularity, I’d say Woody is the most recognizable. If you mean classic animation “Wild West” energy, Yosemite Sam is one of the most iconic.

What are the best cowgirl cartoon characters?

Jessie is the big one people mention first. If you’re looking for kid-friendly cowgirl vibes, Sheriff Callie is also a great pick.

Are there kid-friendly cowboy cartoons?

Yes. Some cowboy cartoons are made for laughs or action, and others lean kid-friendly. Sheriff Callie is a great example of a Western setting built for younger audiences. For more, browse kids cartoon characters.

What’s a good “classic cowboy cartoon” to start with?

If you like classic TV parody, start with Quick Draw McGraw. If you want classic chaos, start with Looney Tunes cowboy characters like Yosemite Sam.

More posts you might like

• Cowboy cartoon characters
• Horse cartoon characters
• Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters
• Police cartoon characters
• Cartoon movies for the family
• ABC Saturday morning cartoons
• Wild west anime shows