Grumpy cartoon characters we all love include Yosemite Sam, Donald Duck, Squidward Tentacles, Bruce Banner, Eeyore, and Oscar the Grouch. If you’re a fan of cartoons, you’ll know that the most grumpy and angry cartoon characters are often the show’s main stars.
They’re usually brash, loud, and have enough attitude to get your blood vessels boiling. While their grumpy outbursts and pure anger usually bring entertainment, they can also make us think a little deeper, offering more insight into human emotions than different characters might.
From the arrogant Homer Simpson to honestly grumpy Donald Duck, several high-profile, furious cartoon characters stand out in the world of animation.
They can bring us joy and laughter but also serve as thought-provoking examples of how our emotions can sometimes be overwhelming and might even provide us with comedic relief from our anger and grumpiness.
Meeting Your Favorite Cartoon Character in the Pilot Episode
If you were a fan of cartoons growing up, chances are you fell in love with at least one character: that one that made you laugh, cry, or feel pure anger when they did something wrong.
One of the best parts of cartoons is connecting to the cartoon characters and feeling genuine emotion. We often forget how these cartoon characters, whom we relate to and sometimes even idolize, come to life in the first episode.
The pilot episode sets the tone and establishes who the main characters are, how they interact with each other, and how they will evolve throughout the series.
This often gives you a clue into the type of emotions and feelings your favorite cartoon character will battle in the upcoming episodes.
The Angriest and Grumpiest Cartoon Characters to Date
Today, we’re delving into some of the world’s most popular cartoons and their angriest main characters. Let’s check out which cartoon characters we can identify with the most and explore how they express their anger onscreen!
13Yosemite Sam – Looney Tunes
The thing with Yosemite Sam is that he isn’t just a caricature of anger; he’s a fully realized character who displays a variety of other emotions and traits.
On the one hand, he is arrogant, occasionally balding, and often honestly a bit of a loser who fails to outsmart his arch-nemesis, Bugs Bunny.
However, despite his hot-headedness, he’s entertaining and has some endearing moments. It’s hard, after all, not to be swayed by all his frustrated hollering and, of course, his trademark swirly mustache.
Did you know that Yosemite National Park inspired Yosemite Sam? This cartoon character from the Looney Tunes may be the one the road-runner was always running away from, but it’s hard not to be invested in his plot lines too.
12Donald Duck – Mickey Mouse
It’s hard not to talk about the most famous and well-loved cartoon character of all time; Donald Duck from Mickey Mouse.
This iconic cartoon character is one of the major characters of this franchise and has become a beloved figure for generations. Donald is known for being a mischievous and slightly grumpy duck with a penchant for anger and sarcasm in tough situations.
In fact, Donald Duck always manages to make us laugh, even if he might not be the happiest cartoon character in the room. Much of the show’s success lies in its ability to express various emotions, from anger and arrogance to kindness and politeness.
This cartoon character’s personality is unique in so many ways. Donald’s emotions go hot with anger and grumpiness, but they also run deep with loyalty and courage.
He stands up for himself and others, even when it means going against his expectations. Donald is honest and affectionate, and he cares deeply for most characters in the show.
11Squidward Tentacles – Spongebob Squarepants
Having graced screens since the early 2000s, Squidward Tentacles from Spongebob Squarepants is the epitome of anger.
His signature crossed arms, extra eyeballs, and antler-like nose have become a recognizable symbol of his distinct grumpiness.
He is known for getting annoyed with SpongeBob and Patrick and not hiding his hostility toward them and every other character.
There is no doubt that Squidward is constantly on the verge of giving everyone the ultimate grumpy fit.
At times, he can be gracious, cultured, and kind. Even so, his main persona is still grumpy, often arrogant, and condescending.
What sets Squidward apart from other characters is how intensely he shows his emotions. In many angry scenes, his blood vessels bulge, and his eyes get as big as saucers!
10The Tasmanian Devil (Taz) – Looney Tunes
Haven’t you often been so angry about something (or someone) that you just wanted to act out? We all have, and the Tasmanian Devil, a.k.a Taz, has been perfectly created for those moments.
His angry outbursts and fanaticism make him one of the most popular characters in cartoons. A blood vessel is constantly bulging on his forehead, too!
Sure, there are other angry cartoon characters; but none captures viewers’ attention like The Tasmanian Devil.
His raw energy, sudden outbursts, and wild behavior are excellent examples of how a character can reflect emotions.
We’ve all felt angry, probably more than once a day, and honestly, the Tasmanian Devil is us in all of his wild, uncontrollable, and over-the-top glory.
9Bruce Banner – The Incredible Hulk
The Incredible Hulk is arrogant, witty, and can be downright cruel to most characters in the show.
Bruce’s temper tantrums are usually justified and earned, as he’s been wronged more often than not. His hostile attitude often leads to him picking fights with other people in the series and reactions that range from genuinely holding a grudge to actively seeking revenge.
While he may not always display them, the Incredible Hulk constantly feels angry, making him so captivating to watch.
8Nicole Watterson – The Amazing World of Gumball
Nicole is the matriarch of the Watterson family and the emotionally complex, incredibly fierce mom of the crew.
She’s incredibly devoted to her children and her family, but she’s also a force to be reckoned with. This cartoon character is unafraid to express her anger and will always speak her mind regardless of who’s listening.
Unsurprisingly, she’s one of the most beloved and iconic cartoon characters of all time.
Nicole Watterson is often seen throwing objects out of frustration, making others tremble in her presence, and shaking a finger at others.
This passionate anger can blacken her blood vessels and make her even more intimidating to other people.
7Carl Fredricksen – Up
This is the angry grandpa we’d all like to forget. Carl’s temperament can heat up in a second, his face turning scarlet and his neck veins bulging.
Every time he gets too mad, it’s eyes to the back of the screen kind of thing. However, Carl isn’t just a grumpy old man with a short fuse – he brings out an array of emotions in viewers.
To many, this grandpa symbolizes knowing that being angry or grumpy is inevitable, especially as we age.
We see it as a protection mechanism, particularly when you feel things are beyond your control. However, a balance is necessary, and the film shows this when Carl eventually finds his sidekick, Ellie.
It goes without saying that ‘Up’ is, by far, an award-winning creation of emotion and characterization.
Alongside his irritability and anger, Carl’s character shows love, grief, and courage, among other things. His personality is admirable, showing us that all these emotions and more can coexist.
6Grumpy – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Grumpy, one of the seven dwarfs from the beloved Disney classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” is the epitome of a grump. With a sour disposition and a tendency to disapprove of everything, Grumpy is the character that will make you roll your eyes and smile simultaneously.
He’s grumpy but oh so lovable!
But despite his gruff exterior, Grumpy has a heart of gold deep down. When Snow White enters their lives and needs a safe place to stay, Grumpy and the other dwarfs take her in and provide her with love and protection.
5Candace Flynn – Phineas and Ferb
Few will match up to Candace Flynn from Phineas and Ferb when it comes to angry cartoon characters.
Candace is a complete hothead. She’s constantly accusing her hapless brothers, Phineas and Ferb, of schemes and plots, despite the fact that they are trying to keep her entertained.
Her violent and angry temper makes her stand out among other cartoon characters.
Despite her anger, she has good moments when she’s playful and sympathetic. It just happens that anger is probably her most obvious emotion, one that viewers can easily recognize and relate to.
4Eeyore – Winnie The Pooh
Eeyore, the grumpy but lovable donkey from Winnie the Pooh, has won the hearts of audiences as one of the most famous grumpy cartoon characters of all time. Despite his sad attitude and pessimistic outlook, Eeyore’s heart of gold shines through as he always lends a helping hoof to his friends.
Eeyore’s grumpiness adds to his charm and endears him to audiences. He brings a bit of comic relief and reminds us that it’s okay to have a bad day or be in a grumpy mood.
He also demonstrates that even the grumpiest characters have a soft side and can be loving and caring toward those around them.
3Oscar the Grouch
Oscar the Grouch, the green and furry resident of Sesame Street, embodies the grumpy cartoon character. His gruff voice and love of trash epitomize a grumpy older man. Despite his grumpiness, Oscar wins hearts with his lovable and endearing personality.
Oscar’s grumpiness is satire, parodying the never-satisfied curmudgeonly old man. Despite his grumpiness, he provides a lighthearted take on grumpy behavior that appeals to adults and children.
2Krusty the Clown – The Simpsons
Krusty the Clown, from The Simpsons, is a moody cartoon character that captures the hearts of audiences. He balances work and personal life demands with wit and humor, despite his struggles with depression and negativity.
Krusty’s moodiness is a commentary on the entertainment industry and its toll on performers. The Simpsons use his character to showcase the dark side of show business and its impact on mental health.
Krusty’s relatable moodiness also resonates with audiences. Many struggle with negative emotions and the pressure of always being happy.
1Sadness – Inside Out
The movie “Inside Out” explores the idea that emotions play a crucial role in shaping our thoughts and memories. As a key player, Sadness drives this message home, showing that it’s not just about feeling happy but about feeling all emotions, including Sadness, and processing them healthily.
Sadness also offers a glimpse into the complex workings of the human mind.
Furthermore, Sadness’s grumpiness is a source of humor in the film. Her antics, combined with her blue-tinged appearance, provide comic relief, making her a well-rounded character that appeals to audiences of all ages.