Popular snake cartoon characters include Rattlesnake Jake, Viper, Sir Hiss, Ekans, Eva, Ushari, and Kaa from The Jungle Book.
Media has associated snakes with sin and villainy since time immemorial. Films, including Anaconda and Snakes on a Plane, feature them as monstrous reptiles.
In animated films with anthropomorphic animals, snakes can often appear as antagonists.
The Ultimate List of Iconic Snake Characters in Cartoons
Despite the negative connotations associated with snakes, these animated characters have managed to captivate audiences with their charm and wit.
13Slippy – Sid’s Snake
Slippy was no ordinary snake. He was a huge yet kind-hearted serpent who belonged to a mischievous young boy named Sid. Despite Sid’s annoying antics, Slippy remained versatile, withstanding his childish tantrums and never resisting the urge to crush him in his coils.
Slippy’s patience was remarkable as he endured years of Sid’s shenanigans without batting an eye. Whether it was being used as a living rope or being paraded around like a trophy, Slippy never wavered in his good-natured disposition.
It’s a testament to Slippy’s character that he never let his massive size or power go to his head. He was content with his life as Sid’s pet snake and took it all in stride, never once losing his cool or resorting to violence.
12King Hiss – Masters of the Universe
As the villainous leader of the Snake Men and one of He-Man’s most formidable foes, King Hiss (also known as King Hssss) is a significant character in the Masters of the Universe franchise.
Despite being released after the original animated series by Filmation had ended, King Hiss finally made his long-awaited animated debut in the 2002 relaunch of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe by Mike Young Productions.
In the second season, he was the primary antagonist, bringing his cunning and power to bear against He-Man and his allies.
11Seviper – Pokémon
With golden plates on its body, elongated red fangs, and a blackish-green color, Seviper is reminiscent of a snake. One side of its face is a lighter purple than the other side, which is a darker purplish color.
Additionally, Seviper’s eyes are red and feature gold plates.
Seviper is aggressive and nasty, and it steals other Pokémon’s food without hesitation. It immobilizes its prey by wrapping its body around them.
10Eva – Sahara
The most influential snake in Oasis gave birth to Eva, who was raised in a family that viewed the Dusties, any snake that was not green and lived in the desert beyond Oasis, with fear.
While Eva’s mother was distant, her father took charge of her and her brother Gary’s upbringing.
Eva’s father instilled fear of the Dusties in both of them. Furthermore, Eva’s mother was a skinny snake.
9Sandiramon – Digimon Tamers
Sandiramon, the Snake Deva, is an Ultimate-level Digimon and the second Deva to appear and fight the tamers in the episode Snakes, Trains, and Digimon.
During Sandiramon’s bio-emergence in the subway, he launched a sonic attack that destroyed a train and nearly killed a baby. However, Gargomon saved the child, and Kyubimon and Gargomon engaged in battle with Sandiramon.
Despite their efforts, they were outmatched until Growlmon arrived, powered up by a Digi Modify card given to Takato by Kazu.
8Jafar – Aladdin
Jafar, the classic Disney villain in Aladdin, appears primarily as a human wizard wielding a cobra-headed staff. However, when he obtains the magic lamp’s powers, he transforms into a massive, red-hooded cobra.
Driven by his insatiable desire for power, Jafar wishes to become a Genie and ends up imprisoned in a lamp. Despite his foolishness, Jafar proves to be a frightening adversary in his snake form.
For younger audiences, his bloodshot eyes and pointed fangs can be spine-chilling.
7Ushari Disney Cartoon Snake Character
In The Lion Guard’s animated series, a spin-off of Disney’s The Lion King franchise, Ushari plays a significant role as a recurring cobra villain. Using his cunning and manipulative personality, Ushari influences other characters to do his bidding.
One of the reasons for Ushari’s popularity is his unique design. He is a striking cobra with a vibrant red and yellow color pattern, and his hood is especially expressive, indicating his various moods and intentions.
Ushari’s physical appearance and distinctive hissing voice help him stand out from other animated snake characters.
6Ekans – Pokémon
Ekans has become a beloved and popular character in the world of Pokémon, known for its iconic snake-like appearance and cleverly-spelled name.
As a Poison-type Pokémon, Ekans first appeared in the original Pokémon Red and Blue games and have since become a franchise staple.
The unique design of Ekans is one of the reasons for its popularity, with a sleek and snake-like appearance featuring a distinctive pattern of rings on its body.
Despite its menacing look with large, bright eyes and sharp fangs, Ekans’ overall design remains charming and appealing to fans.
5Juju – The Princess and the Frog
Beloved by audiences worldwide, Juju is the friendly and helpful hoodoo serpent from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, who has captured the hearts of many as a beloved cartoon snake.
Juju is a colorful character that adds depth to the movie’s overall plot, providing essential guidance and protection to the film’s protagonists.
One of the reasons for Juju’s popularity is her distinct design. She is a vibrant shade of green with a long, thin body that coils and slithers around in an almost dance-like manner. Her facial expressions are also endearing, showcasing her friendly nature and kind demeanor.
4Viper – Kung Fu Panda
Viper, a green tree viper from the Kung Fu Panda franchise, has become one of the most beloved and famous cartoon snakes in recent history. Despite her small size, Viper is a formidable warrior and a valuable member of the Furious Five, an elite group of kung fu fighters who protect the Valley of Peace.
Viper’s popularity stems from her endearing personality; she is friendly, kind, and always willing to help her friends. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make her an excellent role model for children and adults.
Additionally, Viper’s distinctive appearance sets her apart from other animated snakes.
3Rattlesnake Jake – Rango
In Rango’s barren, desert world, Rattlesnake Jake strikes fear with his brutish strength and the Gatling gun attached to his rattle.
His fiery weapon enables him to shoot rapidly and accurately, while his body movements are equally swift, making him a formidable opponent.
Not only is his presence intimidating, but he can also betray villains like the Mayor, who hired him as a hitman.
The Western Diamondback rattlesnake’s realistic character design and Bill Nighy’s voice acting in the movie make the character all the more iconic. Jake’s physical appearance sets him apart from other animated snakes.
2Sir Hiss – Robin Hood
Sir Hiss may not attack his adversaries directly, but the villainous advisor to Prince John possesses hypnotic powers that allow him to carry out his master’s bidding.
He even used his powers to manipulate the foolish Prince into starting a crusade, all so he could rule the kingdom.
In terms of physical appearance and powers, Sir Hiss resembles Kaa from The Jungle Book. However, Kaa has gained significantly more popularity than Sir Hiss. Nevertheless, niche Disney fans still hold the medieval snake in high regard.
1Kaa – The Jungle Book
Kaa, the Indian python from Disney’s The Jungle Book, is one of history’s most popular and iconic snake cartoon characters. With his hypnotic eyes, smooth voice, and distinctive movement, Kaa has won the hearts of audiences worldwide.
One of the most significant reasons behind Kaa’s popularity is his memorable appearance in The Jungle Book. In the movie, he is a villainous character who uses his hypnotic powers to try and capture Mowgli, the film’s main character.
Despite his evil intentions, Kaa’s humor and charm made him a fan favorite, and many viewers found themselves rooting for him, even as he tried to capture the hero.