The 16 Best Female Cartoon Characters of All Time

In the world of animation, cartoon characters such as Homer Simpson, Fred Flintstone, and Superman are household names. However, none of these characters would mean a thing without their iconic female counterparts. Indeed, several popular animated shows feature the best female cartoon characters of all time.

It wasn’t until the 1930s that female characters started appearing in cartoons. Later, they became crucial parts of legendary cartoon movies and TV shows that changed the animation landscape forever. Eventually, these female characters became the stars of several shows. These famous female cartoon characters are equally as important as the male characters. In many cases, they’re much more essential.

Storm

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The popular mutant Storm is an important character in cartoon history. Storm, aka Ororo Munroe, is a crucial member of Marvel’s X-Men. She’s a mutant with the ability to control the weather. She goes from being a young girl to a wise and fearless leader of the X-Men. More importantly, Storm is one of the first black female superheroes.

She debuted in 1975 to rave reviews and quickly became a major star. Undoubtedly, Storm is an iconic black female cartoon character. She has appeared in several mediums, including the classic 1990s animated series X-Men.

Betty Boop

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In the 1930s, the sensual and alluring Betty Boop made her historic debut in the cartoon Dizzy Dishes. At the time, she was a walking, talking French poodle, but the creators decided to make her a human woman instead.

By 1931 Betty was a seductive and adorable Jazz Age flapper. Her popularity exploded, and the character starred in several animated movies, TV shows, and comic strips. Betty’s distinctive appearance, fashion sense, and dangerous curves turned her into a sex symbol that transcends time.

Marge Simpson

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The legendary animated sitcom The Simpsons follows the lives of the dysfunctional Simpson family and the residents of Springfield. However, the heart and soul of the series is the beloved Marge Simpson. She’s often the voice of reason in the chaotic and insane life of the family.

She’s smart, intelligent, and motivated. Marge’s mostly a homemaker but has various professions, including a police officer, substitute teacher, and pretzel vendor. She’ll go down in the history books as a great cartoon character.

Princess Fiona

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Princess Fiona is one of the main characters in the beloved franchise Shrek. In the first film, Fiona attempts to break a curse that turns her into an ogre after dark. However, she changes her mind when she falls in love with another ogre, Shrek.

Princess Fiona breaks all the rules and the princess stereotype. Indeed, she’s not like any princess before her. For instance, Fiona is humble, independent, and highly skilled in martial arts. Many critics consider Fiona a feminist icon and groundbreaking character. She truly is one of the best female cartoon characters.

Wonder Woman

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The world-famous Wonder Woman isn’t some damsel in distress. As a matter of fact, she doesn’t need the help of the male characters. Actually, they probably need her help!

The proud Amazon is brave, intelligent, and powerful. She debuted in 1941 and quickly became a top seller for DC Comics. Indeed, she has become one of the best cartoon characters of all time. Wonder Woman, aka Diana Prince, is a founding member of the supergroup Justice League. She’s appeared in several mediums, including the animated series Justice League Unlimited.

Princess Jasmine

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The classic Disney movie follows a poor street kid named Aladdin who finds a magical lamp with a genie inside. He transforms into a wealthy prince so he can sweep Princess Jasmine off her feet. Well, it turns out it’s not that easy.

Jasmine is independent, rebellious, and refuses to follow orders. She doesn’t care about the rules and wants freedom more than anything. Jasmine made history by being the first non-caucasian Disney Princess.

Louis Griffin

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The popular and controversial animated series Family Guy revolves around the Griffin family living in Quahog. The series is known for its rude, crude, and dark sense of humor. For instance, Lois Griffin is unlike any other cartoon mom or wife in animation.

She doesn’t show much emotion and sometimes enjoys seeing people suffer. Indeed, Lois even laughs at her children’s pain. Regardless, she’s one of the best female cartoon characters.

Jessica Rabbit

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Few cartoon characters compare to the magnetic and seductive Jessica Rabbit. Fans and critics consider her an iconic sex symbol and one of the best female cartoon characters in animation history. S

he even stole the spotlight in the classic animated/live-action film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. However, don’t let her charm and good looks fool you. She’s brave, funny, and highly loyal. Clearly, she’s madly in love with her husband, Roger Rabbit.

Wilma Flintstone

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The classic animated sitcom The Flintstones aired from 1960 to 1966 and was the first cartoon to air in prime time. The series followed caveman Fred Flinstone and his wife, Wilma, as they deal with everyday problems in the Stone Age.

Despite living in the Stone Age, Wilma’s assertive, strong, and doesn’t let Fred push her around. Indeed, she often has to save Fred when one of his many schemes backfires.

Susie Carmichael

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Susie Carmicheal is a bright girl that’s highly intelligent and wise beyond her years. Indeed, she’s one brilliant three-year-old toddler. Susie is the first African-American main character to appear in the popular cartoon rugrats

She connected with audiences and became one of the best female cartoon characters. Voice actress Cree Summer provides the voice for the world-famous Susie Carmichael.

Kim Possible

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Kim Possible proves that a straight A-student and head cheerleader can also be a butt-kicking crime fighter. The Disney Channel’s hit animated cartoon Kim Possible follows Kim as she brings bad guys to justice, goes to school, and deals with being a teenager.

Kim is one of the best female cartoon characters to appear on the Disney Channel. She’s intelligent, funny, strong, highly skilled, and has excellent fashion sense.

Sailor Moon

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The critically acclaimed anime Sailor Moon follows student Usagi Tsukino who gains powers as Sailor Moon to fight off evil villains. Usagi is a brave, fearless, and kind-hearted Sailor Guardian of love and justice. She truly sees good in everyone, including the monsters and villains she battles.

Many fans regard Usagi as one of the best female cartoon characters. Undoubtedly, Sailor Moon was a massive hit worldwide and became a phenomenon. The series remains hugely popular around the globe.

Ariel

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The critically and commercially acclaimed Disney classic The Little Mermaid follows young mermaid Ariel as she makes a magical deal to become human. Indeed, Ariel is one of the most popular Disney Princesses in cartoon history.

She’s inspirational, optimistic, empathetic, and takes accountability for her actions. She’s easily one of the best female cartoon characters.

Powerpuff Girls

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The beloved Cartoon Network series Powerpuff Girls revolves around three superhuman kindergartners as they fight evildoers and supervillains. Each girl has different traits that help them stand out.

For instance, the leader Blossom is brilliant and persistent in bringing down the bad guys. The fun-loving Bubbles might get scared easily but don’t get her angry.

Finally, the middle child, Buttercup, is tough as nails, intense, and silly. Of course, they’re even stronger together, making them the best female cartoon characters.

Penny Proud

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The popular Disney Channel series The Proud Family revolves around young girl Penny Proud and her family. Each family member plays a vital role in the series, but the main star is Penny.

Penny’s a strong African-American girl that’s ambitious, humble, and inspirational. She’s a good leader and a caring friend. Penny will go down in history as one of the most iconic black cartoon characters.

Velma Dinkley

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In 1969, the classic animated cartoon Scooby-Doo, Where Are You hit the airwaves Saturday mornings. The series follows Scooby and Mystery Inc as they solve crimes. Scooby might have been the star, but Velma Dinkley was the brains of the operation.

Indeed, Velma’s usually the one to solve the mystery. She’s brilliant, witty, and sarcastic. Her thick glasses are easily recognizable, although she often loses them.