Hanna-Barbera Characters: 30 Iconic Cartoon Picks

Diving into Hanna-Barbera’s underwater world, we meet Jabberjaw, the fast-talking shark who’s as friendly as he is funny. He and his band, The Neptunes, get into deep-sea adventures that usually end in comedic chaos. As one of the few aquatic Hanna-Barbera characters, Jabberjaw is genuinely one of a kind, leaving a ripple of laughter wherever he goes.

Among Hanna-Barbera’s superheroes, Birdman stands out. He battles villains in the air and on the ground using the power of the sun, and alongside his trusted eagle, Avenger, he brings a steady stream of action and adventure to the studio’s lineup.

The Smurfs, the tiny blue creatures who live in mushroom houses, add a dash of magic and fantasy to Hanna-Barbera’s catalogue. Each one, from Papa Smurf to Smurfette, is distinct and memorable. Smurfette in particular shines as one of the few prominent female characters in Smurf Village.

As one half of the villainous duo in “Wacky Races” and “Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines,” Muttley is a Hanna-Barbera dog you can’t help but adore. Known for his distinctive wheezing snicker and his underhanded scheming, he brings humor and mischief to every scene, even when the plan inevitably falls apart.

Space Ghost is the cosmic superhero with a late-night talk show. Originally created as a hero battling villains in outer space, he was later reinvented as a talk-show host interviewing real-life celebrities in “Space Ghost Coast to Coast.” That leap from action to absurd comedy sums up the range of Hanna-Barbera’s characters, and why they keep finding new audiences.

Ever heard of a pet store with a gorilla for sale? In Hanna-Barbera’s world, it’s possible. Magilla Gorilla, the kind-hearted, perpetually-on-sale simian, tugs at your heartstrings with his simple wish for companionship. His warm, hopeful interactions with would-be buyers are exactly why he’s earned his place among the studio’s best.

What do you get when you cross James Bond with a small rodent? Secret Squirrel, Hanna-Barbera’s answer to the spy craze. With his faithful companion Morocco Mole, he thwarts villains using gadgets and wit, adding a dash of thrill and suspense to the studio’s colorful roster.

Penelope Pitstop, the damsel seldom in distress, takes the wheel as one of Hanna-Barbera’s most loved female characters. As a race-car driver in the male-dominated “Wacky Races” and her own “The Perils of Penelope Pitstop,” she proves her mettle while keeping her glamorous style. That blend of grit and grace makes her a standout.

Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy redefine the father-son bond in the most adorable way. The pair share a relationship full of humor and warmth, as Doggie Daddy tries to pass worldly wisdom to his ever-curious son, usually with comedic results. Their charming dynamic makes them an inseparable part of the Hanna-Barbera universe.

The spotlight falls on Hong Kong Phooey, the kung-fu master disguised as a mild-mannered police-station janitor. Whenever trouble brews, he leaps into his magic filing cabinet and transforms into a martial-arts superhero. His clumsy technique paired with his accidental successes lends a hilarious charm to this karate-chopping Hanna-Barbera dog.

Meet Wally Gator, the suave alligator with a taste for city life. He may live in a zoo, but that never stops him from exploring the world outside. His wild escapades and his knack for getting into trouble give him a charm that’s hard to resist.

Size isn’t everything, and no character proves that better than Atom Ant. This pint-sized powerhouse packs a punch that can knock a villain into next week. With super strength and the power of flight, he’s a testament to Hanna-Barbera’s knack for building lovable, larger-than-life little heroes.

Who said cartoons couldn’t rock and roll? Josie and the Pussycats are Hanna-Barbera’s answer to the pop bands of the day, with an animated, all-girl twist. Between the catchy tunes and the spontaneous detective work, this band-turned-sleuths delivered entertainment and a bit of empowerment in the grooviest way possible.

Meet Grape Ape, the 40-foot-tall purple gorilla who won hearts with his gentle nature. Despite his enormous size, he’s all kindness and simplicity, forever stumbling into funny situations thanks to his oblivious good cheer. This big purple character stands out, literally and figuratively, leaving laughter in his oversized wake.

From the prehistoric era comes Captain Caveman, the hairy, club-wielding hero with superhuman strength. Despite his crude appearance, his heart is as golden as the treasures he keeps stumbling onto. His chaotic antics and innocent humor make this primitive superhero a memorable part of the Hanna-Barbera universe.

The Hooded Claw is remembered for his distinctive voice, performed by Paul Lynde, and his elaborate but always-doomed attempts to do away with Penelope Pitstop. His plans were forever thwarted, often by his own incompetence, the meddling Ant Hill Mob, or Penelope’s own resourcefulness. He may not be as universally known as Fred Flintstone or Scooby-Doo, but he’s a classic example of Hanna-Barbera’s flair for memorable, hapless villains.

In the ’70s, DC superheroes ruled the world. Batman and Superman were already big on TV and film, and their comics were soaring, then along came Super Friends and pushed that success to new heights. The show leaned all the way into its wonderfully cheesy essence, as if the corny charm of ’70s comics had jumped straight off the page. From the voice acting to the animation, it was a delightful celebration of camp (and, ironically, a big part of Aquaman’s tarnished reputation for years afterward).

“Exit, stage left!” If you know that phrase, you know Snagglepuss, the pink mountain lion with a flair for theatrics. With his melodramatic monologues and refined manner, he delivers comedy in the classiest way possible, proof that cartoons can be sophisticated too.

Huckleberry Hound, the embodiment of Southern charm and an oh-so-smooth drawl, wins us over with his laid-back personality. This blue dog is a jack of all trades, trying his hand at everything from police officer to lion tamer, and never losing his spirit despite the failures. That easygoing optimism makes him one of the best Hanna-Barbera dogs.

The Powerpuff Girls are an enchanting trio, captivating both as a team and as individuals, and for my money the most entertaining of them is the youngest, Bubbles. She wins hearts with her gentle, kind disposition, but that sweetness hides a force not to be underestimated. Her sisters Blossom and Buttercup balance her out, and she’s often the peacemaker among them. (Worth noting: the show was produced by Hanna-Barbera Cartoons in the studio’s final years, just before it folded into Cartoon Network Studios, so it’s a late, borderline entry rather than a classic-era one.)

Fast-forward from the Stone Age to the Space Age, and The Jetsons hand us a future of flying cars and sassy robots. George, Jane, Judy, and Elroy, plus their talkative dog Astro, keep things lively with their futuristic escapades. With her avant-garde fashion and space-age homemaking, Jane Jetson is one of Hanna-Barbera’s most memorable female characters.

Brace yourself for Quick Draw McGraw, the anthropomorphic horse who doubles as a sheriff in a Wild West setting. With his Mexican burro buddy Baba Looey at his side, Quick Draw is always ready to dish out some comical Western justice, which makes him an unforgettable Hanna-Barbera character.

This one’s a bit of a technicality, but it belongs here: Tom and Jerry were created by Hanna and Barbera at MGM back in 1940, well before they founded their own studio. The cat-and-mouse duo’s slapstick has been tickling funny bones for decades, and the pair’s later involvement only cemented their place in cartoon history. Constant feuding aside, their bond is undeniable.

No best-of list is complete without Jonny Quest. This young adventurer’s daring exploits, alongside his father Dr. Benton Quest, bodyguard Race Bannon, and best friend Hadji, make for genuinely thrilling storytelling. From battling spies to uncovering mysterious creatures, Jonny Quest captures a spirit of adventure that’s quintessentially Hanna-Barbera.

You can’t talk Hanna-Barbera cats without Top Cat. This streetwise feline and his band of alley cats are a testament to the studio’s charm. Using wit and charisma, T.C. always stays one step ahead of Officer Dibble, putting a delightful spin on the classic cat-and-mouse chase.

Boo-Boo Bear is a Hanna-Barbera classic, introduced in 1958 as Yogi’s companion in the “Yogi Bear” series set in Jellystone Park (inspired by the real Yellowstone). He’s usually the sensible, responsible counterpoint to Yogi’s carefree, rule-bending ways, forever cautioning his friend against the next picnic-basket scheme and worrying about what Ranger Smith will say.

Here’s an iconic Hanna-Barbera character who breaks all the stereotypes: the charming, opportunistic Yogi Bear. He’s smarter than the average bear and endlessly driven by his quest for “pic-a-nic” baskets. That unflinching persistence, plus his quirky friendship with the faithful Boo-Boo, sets him apart from your run-of-the-mill woodland creature.

Barney Rubble may play second fiddle in The Flintstones, but his presence is a big part of what makes the show work. Despite the less-than-flattering version of him in old cereal commercials, the real Barney often outshines everyone with his level-headed nature, the perfect counter to Fred’s stubbornness. He goes along with Fred’s get-rich-quick schemes not for himself but out of pure loyalty, and that good-natured optimism has long endeared him to fans.

Fred, the legendary lead of The Flintstones and patriarch of the family, often comes off as uptight thanks to his short temper and assertive streak, which regularly tests his loved ones. Underneath it, though, his heart brims with goodwill. He’s a reliable friend to neighbor Barney, and his love for his daughter Pebbles runs so deep he’ll cook up the wildest get-rich-quick scheme on her behalf. Those clumsy exploits and that warmth have made him a fan favorite for generations.

You can’t talk Hanna-Barbera without the lovable Great Dane who took mystery-solving to a new level. Say hello to Scooby-Doo, arguably the most recognized Hanna-Barbera character of all. From spectral clowns to phantom pirates, no mystery is too perplexing for Scooby and his human pals, even if he’d much rather scarf a “Scooby Snack” than chase a ghoul. His comedic cowardice and uncanny luck make him a permanent fixture of the Hanna-Barbera universe.

That’s 30 of the most iconic Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters, from Stone-Age dads to space-age families to a whole lot of talking dogs. Who’s your all-time favorite, or which one did I leave out? Let me know in the comments.