1. Shrek
The most beloved ogre in the swamp, Shrek, is a green cartoon character who changed the game. DreamWorks gave us a loud, sarcastic, swamp-dwelling antihero who somehow became the heart of a fairytale. His self-awareness, dry humor, and unexpected emotional depth made him an instant classic. He’s also proof that appearances don’t define value. Underneath the mud baths and roaring, he’s all heart.
2. Kermit the Frog
A staple of The Muppets and Sesame Street, Kermit is one of the most recognizable green animated characters on TV. He’s calm, smart, and just stressed enough to be relatable. Whether he’s hosting a show or singing “ Rainbow Connection,” Kermit brings heart to every scene. He’s not flashy, but his presence has carried entire generations of childhoods.
3. Plankton from SpongeBob SquarePants
One of the most chaotic green characters in cartoons, Plankton, is tiny but constantly plotting. He’s always trying to steal the Krabby Patty secret formula but never learns his lesson. His exaggerated villainy and over-the-top inventions make him a standout. His one-eyed glare and robotic wife also add layers of bizarre charm to his small evil empire.
4. Beast Boy from Teen Titans
This iconic green animated character is laid-back, goofy, and full of energy. Beast Boy’s shape-shifting ability lets him turn into any animal, which keeps things interesting. He balances humor with some surprisingly deep moments, especially when the team faces emotional or moral challenges. His color fits perfectly with his nature-loving, free-spirited vibe.
5. Disgust from Inside Out
Among the cartoon green characters in Inside Out, Disgust is stylish, sharp, and brutally honest. Voiced by Mindy Kaling, Disgust brings sarcasm, high standards, and a whole lot of attitude. Her sharp wit and eye rolls make her a standout personality. Visually, she pops with her bold green design, adding contrast to a cast mostly rooted in primary colors. Her color not only reflects her emotion but also helps her stand out as one of the film’s most expressive characters.
6. Reptar from Rugrats
This dinosaur might not talk, but he’s one of the most iconic characters that are green. Reptar is the kids’ favorite character within the Rugrats universe, and his Godzilla-like presence brought some wild, imaginary adventures to the show. Whether stomping through cereal commercials or starring in theme park rides, he became a nostalgic symbol of childhood.
7. The Grinch
Probably one of the most popular green cartoon characters of all time, The Grinch starts out as a grump but finds his heart (literally) grows. His evolution from a holiday hater to someone who embraces community makes him a holiday classic. He also proves that even the coldest personalities can shift with just the right moment and some unexpected kindness.
8. Zim from Invader Zim
Zim isn’t just green; he’s on a whole different level of bizarre. As an alien trying (and failing) to take over Earth, this green character is chaotic, loud, and unpredictable. His strange plans and dramatic flair earned him a cult following. The animation style and tone matched his explosive personality perfectly.
9. Hulk from The Incredible Hulk
The big green cartoon character you don’t want to make angry. Hulk might have started in comics, but his animated versions have been just as impactful. With rage-fueled strength and a tragic backstory, he’s both terrifying and compelling. The color green emphasizes both his monstrous size and misunderstood humanity.
10. Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc.
This one-eyed green monster character is all about personality. Mike brings humor, energy, and a lot of attitude. He might be small next to Sulley, but his voice (thanks to Billy Crystal) and endless ambition make him unforgettable. He’s also the perfect sidekick who somehow steals every scene he’s in.
Conclusion
From swamp-dwellers to aliens and superheroes, these green icons have become part of pop culture history. They represent different emotions, personalities, and even species, but their color connects them all.
Whether it’s Kermit’s calm voice or The Grinch’s dramatic redemption arc, famous green characters always find a way to leave a mark. They’re weird, bold, and completely unforgettable—just the way we like them. Green is a standout for a reason, especially when it’s attached to characters we grew up watching.