14 Alien Characters in Cartoons

In Pixar Animation Studios’ “Toy Story” franchise, the creators breathe life into a charming ensemble of toys. Among them are the Squeeze Toy Aliens, or “Little Green Men,” residing in a claw machine at Pizza Planet.

These petite aliens, with their three eyes and green skin, melt fans’ hearts with their naive charm. Their memorable motto, “The claw is our master,” and unwavering faith in its might, add a layer of delight to the “Toy Story” universe.

In “Final Space,” an animated series by Olan Rogers, the narrative follows a young astronaut named Gary and his alien friend, Mooncake. Mooncake, who appears as a floating green blob with big, expressive eyes, wields a mysterious yet enormous power.

Behind Mooncake’s adorable façade lies an apocalyptic nature. As the series progresses, Mooncake’s growing bond with Gary and his journey to understand his own purpose and power lend his character an emotional richness.

The animated series “Star vs. the Forces of Evil,” crafted by Daron Nefcy, stars the captivating alien cartoon character, Star Butterfly. She might not look like a typical alien as a magical princess from the dimension of Mewni, but she classifies as an interdimensional being.

Star Butterfly wins over viewers with her lively, effervescent personality and her staunch resolve to protect her friends and kingdom. She controls a family heirloom, a magic wand, granting her potent abilities to tackle various enemies and embark on grand escapades with her Earth-born best friend, Marco Diaz.

Wander, an ever-curious character, enthusiastically discovers new worlds, encounters new entities, and aids anyone in need. With his heart full of kindness, he aims to spread joy and cheer wherever his travels take him. His orange fur, large hat, and notable smile define him, while his magical banjo lets him play uplifting melodies, supporting his mission to create a happier universe.

Sylvia, a Zbornak with a no-nonsense attitude, stands as Wander’s faithful friend and fiercely safeguards him. Her strength and combat skills, coupled with her sassy demeanor, make her the perfect companion in this vibrant duo.

In “Steven Universe,” Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, and the title character, Steven, represent an array of personalities and abilities. Each Crystal Gem can manifest unique capabilities like conjuring weapons, transforming their shapes, and fusing to create new formidable forms.

The heartfelt narratives, engaging personas, and the show’s exploration of love, acceptance, and identity make the Crystal Gems a cherished part of modern animation.

These extraterrestrial guardians epitomize the importance of accepting our differences and the power of unity.

The Great Gazoo, from the animated series “The Flintstones,” debuted in the episode “The Great Gazoo” that aired on October 29, 1965, during the show’s final season. As an alien from Zetox banished to prehistoric Earth for inventing a doomsday machine, Gazoo adds a unique twist to the series.

Gazoo, a petite green character with a floating helmet-like device, boasts various magical abilities and advanced knowledge. He uses these skills to both aid and impede the Flintstones and their neighbors, the Rubbles.

Drawing from Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The Animated Series” reacquaints audiences with the charming alien E.T. His unique appearance, gentle demeanor, and heartfelt connection with human children establish E.T. as an emblem of cross-cosmic friendship and compassion.

E.T.’s telepathic and telekinetic powers infuse his character with a sense of awe, while his childlike curiosity and vulnerability strike a chord with viewers of all ages. His journey from Earth-stranded to reuniting with his alien family affirms the strength of love, empathy, and human connection.

“Teen Titans,” an animated superhero television series by Glen Murakami, draws inspiration from the eponymous DC Comics superhero team. Among these young crimefighters, Starfire, an alien princess from the distant planet Tamaran, stands out. Her flowing red hair, bright green eyes, and unique Tamaranean attributes captivate her squad.

Starfire’s innocence and naivety often result in amusing misunderstandings as she navigates Earth’s customs and social norms. Possessing unique powers like flight and starbolt energy blasts, she serves as a formidable fighter and invaluable team member.

The one-eyed, tentacled aliens Kang and Kodos are staples in the show’s annual “Treehouse of Horror” Halloween specials. They delight in wicked schemes that torment and manipulate Springfield’s unsuspecting citizens.

Their sinister yet humorous disposition, trademark drooling, and maniacal laughter create an entertaining yet unsettling on-screen presence. Although they often harbor harmful intentions, their persistent failures and ridiculous predicaments make them strangely lovable.

“American Dad!” is an adult animated sitcom crafted by Seth MacFarlane that trails the life of staunchly conservative CIA agent Stan Smith and his eccentric family. Among the show’s diverse characters is Roger, a sarcastic and flamboyant alien who crashed on Earth fleeing from his home planet.

Roger, with his extravagant wardrobe, sharp wit, and knack for adopting various disguises and personalities, quickly became a fan favorite. His complex character, marked by narcissism, alcoholism, and dramatic tendencies, offers a captivating study in character.

In “Invader Zim,” an animated television series by Jhonen Vasquez, viewers meet a wild cast of characters led by the ambitious but incompetent alien Zim. The Almighty Tallest dispatches Zim to Earth as part of a deceitful plan, where Zim attempts to conquer the planet for the Irken Empire’s expansion.

Despite his flaws, Zim remains enthusiastic and single-minded in his quest for domination. GIR, Zim’s defective and quirky robot assistant, adds comedy to the show. His unpredictable antics and insatiable craving for Earth snacks, like tacos and waffles, make GIR an unforgettable character.

The Alien Life Form (ALF) from planet Melmac crash-landed into our hearts in the 1980s, turning into a pop culture sensation. While not technically a cartoon character, ALF’s animated shenanigans in the Saturday morning spin-off “ALF: The Animated Series” (1987-1989) and the brief “ALF Tales” (1988-1989) solidified his spot in the cartoon hall of fame.

Paul Fusco, the puppeteer, and creator, lends his distinctive voice to this furry, funny, cat-loving extraterrestrial, who keeps audiences entertained with his constant appetite for mischief and mayhem.

Experiment 626, or Stitch, burst into our hearts from the farthest reaches of the galaxy in Disney’s 2002 film, “Lilo & Stitch.” Initially, this naughty, blue-furred, koala-like creature had one objective: to create chaos. However, his path took an unexpected turn when he encountered Lilo, a quirky, hula-loving girl who saw him not as a destructive entity but as a friend in need.

The tale of Stitch and Lilo taught us that family isn’t restricted to blood relations—it also includes the bonds we form with those we love. Their touching story of acceptance and love, punctuated by Stitch’s charming clumsiness and love for Elvis Presley’s music, transformed this cartoon alien into an icon.

Since his first on-screen appearance in 1948, Marvin the Martian has charmed us and tickled our funny bones with his emotionless demeanor and fondness for planetary destruction. Dressed in a Roman soldier’s attire and sporting a broom-like helmet, Marvin became an indelible icon in the Looney Tunes universe.

This diminutive dynamo routinely faces off against Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck while trying to obliterate Earth, armed with his comically overpowered Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator.

The combination of Marvin’s oddly serene yet threatening personality and his humorously ineffective plans for worldwide annihilation makes him one of animation’s most enduring and beloved characters.