25 Cartoon Characters with Big Eyes (2024)

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Launch date: June 19, 1978
Author: Jim Davis

Garfield holds the #1 spot on my list of favorites because this show has a special place in my heart. Even today, “Garfield Christmas” remains one of my beloved seasonal cartoons. What sets Garfield apart is his distinctive appearance as a cartoon cat with big, expressive eyes.

The “Garfield” TV show enjoyed widespread popularity as an animated series broadcasted on CBS from 1988 to 1995. Garfield, the lazy and overweight orange cat, takes center stage in the show’s delightful antics.

Frequently, Garfield finds himself in the midst of mischief, causing a ruckus for his owner, Jon Arbuckle. Throughout the series, we encounter other famous characters, including Odie, Garfield’s canine friend, and Nermal, his arch-nemesis, who add to the show’s charm and humor.

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As a kid, Pluto didn’t quite capture my attention, but it wasn’t until I became a parent myself that I grew fond of this delightful character. Endearing, playful, and cuddly, Pluto, the lovable pup, finds joy in cuddling and playing with other dogs. His cartoons and books have become cherished favorites among children, guaranteed to bring a smile to their faces.

With his big, expressive eyes and adorable black ears, Pluto is undoubtedly one cute dog. He sports a charming yellow-orange coat, medium-sized and short-haired. Unlike most Disney characters, Pluto does not possess anthropomorphic traits beyond his expressive facial expressions, making him all the more endearing in his unique canine charm.

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Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969–70) was an original work that quickly became one of my favorite shows, introduced to me by my parents. Unlike the typical Saturday morning favorites, it was more of a mid-week delight.

Over the years, Scooby-Doo has brought joy to countless generations of children and adults alike. His character design, particularly his large, expressive eyes, stands as a signature feature. Beyond aesthetics, these eyes play a crucial role in conveying a sense of innocence and wonder, allowing the audience to emotionally connect with the lovable character and creating lasting memories for fans of all ages.

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Author(s): Fred Quimby (1950–52); Kelly Jarvis (1989–94)

Similar to Scooby-Doo, Jerry’s endearing character design heavily relies on his large, expressive eyes, effortlessly conveying a range of emotions from surprise and mischief to fear. These big eyes play a significant role in making Jerry appear cute and utterly captivating to the audience.

In the early Tom and Jerry cartoons, Jerry’s eyes featured a distinctive and exaggerated design with white sclera and black pupils, making them instantly recognizable. As the show evolved over time, Jerry’s eyes were given more intricate detail, resulting in a more lifelike appearance, yet the emphasis on their size remained, ensuring Jerry’s charm and appeal endured across the different iterations of the beloved classic.

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It’s hard to believe, but I used to be afraid of Goofy. I vividly remember running and screaming when he approached us at Disney World. Disney brought to life the iconic cartoon character, Goofy.

Goofy’s large, expressive eyes play a vital role in defining his playful and light-hearted personality. Not only do they make him instantly recognizable, but they also endear him to audiences of all ages. Alongside his eyes, Goofy’s distinctive appearance comprises a tall and slender body, a wide grin that never fails to bring a smile, and his trademark hat and pants. Together, these features make Goofy an enduring and beloved figure in the world of animation.

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In the animated television series “Family Guy,” Stewart Gilligan Griffin, also known as Stewie, assumes the role of Stewart Gilligan.

As a member of the Griffin family, Stewie made his debut on television through a 15-minute short on December 20, 1998, brought to life by the talented voice of series creator Seth MacFarlane. Stewie’s prominent big eyes form a crucial aspect of his design, effectively conveying his intellect and mischievous nature.

These big eyes also contribute to his appearance as a baby, despite his adult-like behavior. The stylistic choice of giving Stewie big eyes accentuates the stark contrast between his advanced intelligence and his physical age, adding depth to his character and making him a memorable figure in the show.

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Mickey Mouse’s beloved companion, Minnie Mouse, holds a special place as one of Disney’s most adored characters. Minnie’s character design is instantly recognizable, featuring a large, round head accentuated by big, expressive eyes adorned with long, graceful eyelashes. To enhance her expressiveness, her eyes are typically black with a white highlight.

Minnie’s classic attire includes a charming pink or red dress, complemented by pristine white gloves, and a delightful large bow atop her head, tastefully matched to the color of her dress. Her timeless look, coupled with her endearing personality, has made Minnie Mouse an enduring favorite among Disney enthusiasts worldwide.

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Elmer Fudd, the renowned archenemy of Bugs Bunny, remains one of the most iconic characters in Looney Tunes. As a recurring villain in the show, he takes on diverse roles, showcasing his versatility as a character.

Elmer’s distinctive way of speaking, known as rhotacism, is widely recognized; he playfully replaces R’s and L’s with W’s, adding a unique touch to his dialogue. Throughout the series, Elmer’s signature attire consists of a brown derby, a baggy suit, and a high-collared shirt, contributing to his classic and timeless appearance.

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Donald Duck, a beloved cartoon character, was brought to life by Walt Disney Productions in 1934. Sporting a white body, legs, and feet, he boasts a yellow-orange bill, which perfectly complements his ensemble of a bow tie and sailor shirt. His signature look is often completed with a cap atop his head.

The key aspect that stands out in Donald’s character is his easily provoked and explosive temper, which is vividly portrayed through his big expressive eyes.

While Donald made his debut in “The Wise Little Hen” (1934), it was his second appearance in “Donald’s Orphan” that truly solidified his popularity, endearing him to audiences worldwide.

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Patrick Star’s unique character design includes olive-green eyes complementing his coral-pink body adorned with red dots and a red outline. His typical attire consists of a green and white striped shirt, reflecting his laid-back and carefree personality.

Though Patrick may lack intelligence, he makes up for it with unwavering loyalty as a friend to SpongeBob, always eager to assist him in various schemes and adventures.

His big, expressive eyes play a pivotal role in showcasing his innocence and occasional lack of understanding in certain situations, endearing him to the audience. Patrick often serves as the comic relief, and his character design masterfully mirrors his distinct personality.

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Scrooge’s prominent big eyes have been thoughtfully designed to serve as a stylistic choice, brilliantly conveying his personality and emotions to the audience. Through these expressive eyes, his strong character shines through, radiating determination and intelligence.

The abundance of emotions conveyed by his eyes makes Scrooge highly expressive, enabling viewers to effortlessly comprehend his feelings and actions throughout the story. Additionally, his age is visually represented through these eyes, which fosters a relatable connection with the audience.

Beyond his grumpy demeanor, Scrooge’s big eyes reveal his humanity and vulnerability, adding an endearing touch to his character. They render him more appealing and engaging, ensuring that his complex persona resonates with the hearts of the viewers.

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Daffy’s character design is distinguished by a large, round head adorned with big, bulging eyes that frequently exhibit a wide-eyed expression. His eyes, typically black with white pupils, are framed by thick black eyelashes, enhancing his animated appearance. Through comically exaggerated actions, Daffy’s emotions, like surprise, excitement, and anger, are vividly conveyed.

As an energetic and ambitious character, Daffy’s big, expressive eyes play a vital role in showcasing his enthusiasm and passion for every endeavor he undertakes. Whether he’s caught up in moments of fervor or driven by his relentless pursuit of success, those captivating eyes paint a vivid picture of Daffy’s vibrant and lively persona.

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Tom, a central protagonist in the world of Tom and Jerry, is an anthropomorphic domestic short-haired cat boasting a striking blue/grey coat. Throughout the series, his primary focus remains fixated on chasing Jerry.

Ironically, Tom’s relentless pursuit often leads to self-inflicted harm, leaving Jerry relatively unscathed, and thus, Tom seldom accomplishes his objectives. Amidst their ongoing rivalry, Tom occasionally finds himself entangled in the realization of a secret bond he shares with Jerry. Adding to his animated charm, Tom exhibits a superhuman level of elasticity, characteristic of classic slapstick characters, lending an extra dose of hilarity to his comedic antics.

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Elsa, with her big expressive eyes, has emerged as one of Disney’s most beloved cartoon characters. In 2013, she took on the role of a deuteragonist in the Disney feature film “Frozen,” and in 2019, she rose to become a protagonist.

Elsa’s character exudes a sense of calm, reserve, and regality, making her presence captivating. Her personality is both playful and tumultuous, adding depth to her portrayal. With her long platinum-blonde hair, light freckles, and rosy cheeks, she stands tall and slender, graced by her striking big blue eyes, pink lips, and a small nose that complete her charming appearance.

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Woody Woodpecker, an anthropomorphic acorn woodpecker, has been a prominent figure in numerous theatrical short films. Over the course of his career, he has undergone a gradual evolution in his character design. Initially depicted as a somewhat crazy bird, his appearance has taken on an unusually garish style in later years.

Laughter and humor serve as two defining trademarks of Woody, contributing to his status as one of the most memorable and iconic characters in history. Throughout the years, he has remained a beloved and entertaining figure, leaving a lasting impact as one of the most celebrated characters in animated history.

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Mickey Mouse has graced the screens in over 130 films, making him a beloved character with a rich history. This anthropomorphic mouse dons red shorts and white gloves, often pairing them with yellow shoes and a prominent yellow bow tie.

Beyond his film career, Mickey’s popularity extends to comic books, television shows, video games, and theme parks, showcasing his enduring appeal across various media. Created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, Mickey Mouse quickly became an iconic figure and holds the distinguished honor of being the official mascot of the Walt Disney Company, solidifying his status as the most famous character in the Disney universe.

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TV shows: The Looney Tunes Show, New Looney Tunes
First appearance: A Tale of Two Kitties (1942)

It’s quite a challenge to envision a cartoon character more widely recognized and imitated than Tweety. Throughout the ’90s, kids were captivated by the timeless charm of Looney Tunes.

Amidst the array of characters in Looney Tunes, Tweety unquestionably stands out as the epitome of cuteness with those captivating eyes. There’s an undeniable charm in his sweet voice that appeals to viewers of all ages. Tweety, the adorable little yellow bird with big blue eyes, exudes a vibrant charm with his bright yellow plumage.

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Within the Talkartoon and Betty Boop series, Betty Boop stands out as a renowned cartoon character blessed with big, expressive eyes. As a flapper girl, she appeared in ten cartoons, playing a supporting role in her adventures.

Her character is depicted as having a kind and compassionate heart, although sometimes displaying more heart than intellect. Originally, Betty Boop served as both a parody and a symbol of unapologetic sensuality. Throughout the show, this blend is maintained to different extents. Apart from her remarkable singing and dancing talents, she possesses the unique ability to wag her ears, adding an anthropomorphic charm to her animated persona.

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First appearance: Frozen (2013)
Inspired by: Gerda from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale

In the enchanting world of Frozen, Princess Anna stands as a courageous and fearless cartoon character. Her striking features comprise a slender figure, a fair complexion, captivating big blue-colored eyes, thin lips, and lovely blonde hair elegantly styled in two pigtail braids. Undoubtedly, her alluring eyes make her one of the female cartoon characters with a mesmerizing gaze.

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I always found this character to be rather bothersome, and I suspect it’s mainly due to his voice. Glenn Quagmire, a fictional character from the American animated television series Family Guy, is commonly referred to by his surname.

His distinctive catchphrase, “Giggity,” has made him famous for his hypersexuality and close friendship with the Griffin family.

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Eric Theodore Cartman, a fictional character in the animated television series South Park, holds a prominent role as one of the main characters. Notably recognized for his exaggerated physical traits, including his large eyes, Cartman is a complex individual with both negative and comedic attributes.

Portrayed as selfish, manipulative, and unapologetically politically incorrect, he frequently assumes the role of the primary antagonist within the series. However, alongside these unfavorable qualities, Cartman’s comedic and satirical nature adds depth to his character, bringing a unique sense of humor to the show.

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While this show didn’t quite capture my interest, the captivating big-eyed characters have certainly caught my attention. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, the superpowered sisters, join forces to protect Townsville from various villains like Mojo Jojo, the Gangreen Gang, and Him.

Among the trio, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, it’s undeniable that Bubbles and Buttercup stand out as the most adorable and formidable ones. Their cute appearance combined with their powerful abilities make them a force to be reckoned with in the fight against evil.

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Whenever I watched this show, I couldn’t help but root for Brain to finally succeed in taking over the world. Pinky, the titular protagonist of “Pinky and the Brain” and the second antagonist in “Animaniacs” as “Pinky, Elmyra, and the Brain,” is an open-minded and empathetic white lab mouse.

In his role as Brain’s sidekick and foil, Pinky often utters random nonsense words, adding a quirky touch to his character. Despite being Brain’s companion, Pinky finds joy in having fun and living life to the fullest.

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Sonic the Hedgehog, a cherished cartoon character renowned for his large and expressive eyes, made his debut in a video game back in 1991 and has since become a prominent figure in various games, comics, and animated series.

Renowned for his remarkable speed, athleticism, and adventurous nature, Sonic’s prominent eyes play a crucial role in accentuating these traits. Their size adds a touch of relatability and charm to his persona, evoking a sense of innocence and wonder that appeals to audiences of all ages. Moreover, these sizable eyes enhance Sonic’s expressiveness, effortlessly conveying his emotions and actions, allowing viewers to effortlessly comprehend the depths of his character.

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When discussing big-eyed cartoon characters, certain individuals truly leave a lasting impression. Let’s delve into some of the most peculiar ones. Firstly, we encounter the characters from the anime series “Death Note.” Their wide, round eyes exude an aura of innocence, despite belonging to cunning masterminds who engage in acts of murder.

Next, we come across Mr. Garrison from “South Park,” sporting eyes of such immense size that they practically dominate his entire face. Nonetheless, my ultimate favorite among them all is the big-eyed character from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This eerie, gothic girl possesses eyes of such enormous proportions that they almost overwhelm her entire head.