Rattlesnake Jake, Viper, Sir Hiss, Ekans, Eva, Ushari, and Kaa from The Jungle Book are some of the most popular snake cartoon characters.
Throughout history, the media has equated snakes with sin and villainy. As monstrous reptiles, they are featured in films like Anaconda.
Snakes often appear as antagonists in animated films with anthropomorphic animals.
Snake Cartoon Characters We Love
Crafting a snake character for a cartoon involves a creative blend of anthropomorphism, charismatic character traits, and engaging storytelling.
A sprinkling of humor and a dash of humanity give these snake characters a relatability that allows audiences to see past their fear and embrace them with open arms.
13Slippy – Sid’s Snake
Slippy was far from being just an ordinary snake. Sid, a young boy with a knack for mischief, owned this huge, amiable serpent. Slippy’s adaptability was commendable, allowing him to tolerate Sid’s tantrums without ever retaliating or feeling the impulse to constrict him with his massive body.
The snake’s tolerance was admirable, as he put up with Sid’s antics for years without showing any irritation. Whether employed as a live rope or showcased as a trophy, Slippy unwaveringly maintained his friendly demeanor.
His generosity was evident in his unwillingness to exploit his size or strength. Slippy was satisfied being Sid’s beloved pet snake, navigating all situations calmly without aggression.
12King Hiss – Masters of the Universe
Serving as the infamous chief of the Snake Men and being among the most formidable adversaries of He-Man, King Hiss (also known as King Hssss) holds a substantial role in the Masters of the Universe franchise.
Although he was introduced after the original animated series by Filmation concluded, King Hiss finally made his much-anticipated animated appearance in the 2002 reboot of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe by Mike Young Productions.
In the series’ second season, he was the central villain, utilizing his cunning and power against He-Man and his allies.
11Seviper – Pokémon
Adorned with golden plates, sharp red fangs, and a greenish-black hue, Seviper bears the likeness of a snake. Its face exhibits a gradient of purple, with one side being lighter than the other.
Additionally, Seviper’s eyes are dark red, complemented by gold plates. This Pokémon exhibits an aggressive and wicked temperament, fearlessly stealing food from other Pokémon. It incapacitates its prey by coiling its body around them.
10Eva – Sahara
Eva, the product of the most influential snake in Oasis, was brought up in a family that feared the Dusties – any snake that wasn’t green and lived in the desert outskirts of Oasis.
Her father led Eva’s upbringing as her mother remained aloof. The father instilled a fear of Dusties in Eva and her brother Gary. Moreover, Eva’s mother was a thin snake.
9Sandiramon – Digimon Tamers
Sandiramon, the Snake Deva and an Ultimate-level Digimon, appeared as the second Deva to confront the tamers in the episode Snakes, Trains, and Digimon. During his emergence in the subway, Sandiramon initiated a sonic attack that destroyed a train and nearly killed a baby.
Gargomon intervened to save the infant, and together with Kyubimon, they clashed with Sandiramon. However, they were overwhelmed until Growlmon showed up, powered by a Digi Modify card provided by Kazu to Takato.
8Jafar – Aladdin
Jafar, the iconic Disney villain from Aladdin, is mostly seen as a human sorcerer with a cobra-headed staff. But when he gains the power of the magic lamp, he transforms into a colossal, red-hooded cobra.
Propelled by his relentless thirst for power, Jafar wishes to become a Genie, leading to his imprisonment in a lamp. Jafar, in his snake form, despite his folly, poses a scary threat. His bloodshot eyes and sharp fangs can be terrifying, especially for a younger audience.
7Ushari Disney Cartoon Snake Character
In The Lion Guard’s animated series, an offshoot of Disney’s The Lion King franchise, Ushari emerges as a recurring cobra villain. Ushari employs his crafty and manipulative nature to control other characters for his benefit. A part of Ushari’s appeal lies in his unique design.
He is a visually striking cobra with a vibrant color pattern of red and yellow, and his hood is notably expressive, indicating his various emotional states and intentions. Ushari’s appearance and characteristic hissing voice distinguish him from other cartoon snake characters.
6Ekans – Pokémon
In the Pokémon universe, Ekans has carved a niche as a beloved and popular purple snake character, recognizable for its signature snake-like appearance and ingeniously spelled name. Debuting in the original Pokémon Red and Blue games as a Poison-type Pokémon, Ekans quickly established itself as a franchise staple.
Ekans captivates fans with its unique design featuring a sleek snake-like body adorned with a distinctive pattern of rings. While it sports a somewhat menacing look with large, bright eyes and sharp fangs, Ekans retains a charm that fans find irresistible.
5Juju – The Princess and the Frog
Juju, the generous and supportive hoodoo serpent from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, has won over audiences worldwide, securing her place as a cherished cartoon snake. Juju enriches the movie’s overall narrative as a colorful character, offering essential guidance and safeguarding the film’s protagonists.
Juju’s charm lies in her distinctive design, boasting a vibrant green hue with a long, slender body that moves rhythmically as though dancing. Her amiable facial expressions further contribute to her appeal, highlighting her friendly nature and kind disposition.
4Viper – Kung Fu Panda
Viper, the Kung Fu Panda franchise’s green tree viper, ranks among the most adored and iconic cartoon snakes in recent history. Despite her petite size, Viper is a powerful warrior and a key member of the Furious Five, the elite kung fu fighters who safeguard the Valley of Peace.
Viper’s popularity is largely due to her delightful personality—she’s amiable, kind-hearted, and always ready to assist her friends. This positive attitude and strong work ethic position her as an excellent role model for children and adults. Moreover, her unique appearance distinguishes her from other animated snakes.
3Rattlesnake Jake – Rango
Within Rango’s desolate desert setting, Rattlesnake Jake instills fear with his brute force and the Gatling gun affixed to his rattle. This fiery weapon and his swift movements make him a fearsome adversary.
Jake intimidates not only with his physical presence but also with his willingness to betray villains like the Mayor who employed him as a hitman.
His iconic status is amplified by the realistic character design of the Western Diamondback rattlesnake and Bill Nighy’s voice acting in the movie. Jake’s unique physical attributes set him apart from other animated snakes.
2Sir Hiss – Robin Hood
While Sir Hiss may not confront his foes head-on, this villainous advisor to Prince John employs hypnotic powers to execute his master’s commands. He even leveraged these powers to deceive the gullible Prince into launching a crusade, thus enabling his rule over the kingdom.
In terms of both appearance and abilities, Sir Hiss closely resembles Kaa from The Jungle Book. Yet, Kaa has managed to overshadow Sir Hiss in popularity. However, ardent Disney fans still hold this medieval snake in high esteem.
1Kaa – The Jungle Book
Kaa, the Indian python from Disney’s The Jungle Book, has secured a spot as one of history’s most popular and iconic snake cartoon characters. Kaa’s hypnotic eyes, sophisticated voice, and unique movement have won him a global fanbase.
A key reason behind Kaa’s popularity is his unforgettable presence in The Jungle Book, where he plays a villainous character, using his hypnotic abilities to ensnare Mowgli, the movie’s protagonist.
Even though he has sinister intentions, Kaa’s humorous demeanor and charm have endeared him to fans, with many cheering for him even as he attempts to capture the hero.
Cartoon Snake Characters
The fascination for these characters is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and animation. They often shape our emotions, thoughts, and attitudes in ways we wouldn’t expect.
So, the next time you see a snake character on screen, remember there’s more to them than their scales, and who knows, you might find yourself falling in love with their unique charm!