1. Barney the Dinosaur
You can't talk about purple without mentioning Barney. As a big purple cartoon character, he was both loved and parodied but always unforgettable. His giant presence, simple songs, and focus on kindness made him a preschool icon for a generation.
2. Randall Boggs (Monsters, Inc.)
Randall was sleek, smart, and terrifying, especially when he turned invisible. His chameleon body and shifting shades of purple made him both beautiful and dangerous. He had that mix of speed and silence that makes a good villain unforgettable.
3. Ursula (The Little Mermaid)
One of the most powerful purple Disney characters, Ursula, combined glamor and menace. Her octopus body, smoky voice, and confident attitude made her a scene-stealer. She wasn't just a villain. She was magnetic.
4. Amethyst (Steven Universe)
Amethyst was messy, funny, and full of contradictions. She wasn't polished like the other gems, and that's exactly why fans connected with her. Her story explored self-worth and identity in a way that was raw and honest. For anyone who ever felt like the odd one out, she mattered.
5. Tinky Winky (Teletubbies)
Tinky Winky was weird, and that's why people remember him. With a red handbag and a triangle antenna, he was the most mysterious of the Teletubbies. Kids loved him. Adults were confused. Either way, this purple cartoon character became a pop culture icon.
6. Spyro the Dragon
Spyro was bold, curious, and just the right amount of annoying. He jumped, glided, and flamed his way into the hearts of '90s kids. As one of the most beloved 90's purple cartoon characters, he proved that even a tiny dragon can take up serious space.
This is also where color design really showed off. Spyro's world was built around vibrant, complementary hues. His purple body helped him stand out in every level. It's a perfect example of how creators use the color wheel chart to guide visual storytelling.
7. Mal (Descendants Animated Series)
Mal brought an edge to Disney's newer animation. As the daughter of Maleficent, she owned her rebellious style and purple hair. What made her stick was how she grew from villain material to someone who led with heart. She showed that heritage doesn't define destiny.
8. Fear (Inside Out)
Fear wasn't a villain. He was just trying to help. His nervous energy, lanky design, and constant overthinking made him one of the most relatable purple characters on screen. Among the Inside Out characters, he stood out for how honestly he captured anxiety.
9. The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland)
Few characters are as strange and charming as the Cheshire Cat. His wide grin, vanishing tricks, and cryptic advice make him one of Disney's most unforgettable oddballs. The purple stripes weren't just an aesthetic choice. They helped make him feel otherworldly.
10. Kang and Kodos (The Simpsons)
These alien siblings have shown up in nearly every "Treehouse of Horror" episode. With their drooling mouths and glass domes, they're both creepy and hilarious. Their greenish-purple glow fits right into the outer-space vibe. And while they're technically villains, their bumbling behavior makes them feel more ridiculous than evil.