Feeling furious, irked, or downright enraged is an emotion we all face. Surprisingly, it’s also a feeling we enjoy watching our favorite cartoons.
Angry cartoon characters have a unique charm that’s both entertaining and relatable. Their explosive temperaments, funny, fiery outbursts, and passionate determination add a level of humor and complexity that keeps us hooked.
Whether they’re small and cute, large and intimidating, or just hilariously hopeless at managing their temper, these characters add a layer of hilarity and excitement to the animation world.
Let’s delve into a collection of the top 29 angry cartoon characters, beloved despite – or perhaps because of – their fury and the laughs they’ve given us along the way.
Angry Cartoon Characters
In this section, we’ll explore the world of angry cartoon characters. These are not just characters with occasional bursts of anger. Instead, these characters’ anger has become their defining trait, shaping their narratives and influencing their interactions with other characters. Their fury, surprisingly, adds a humorous touch that has etched them into our memories.
1. Donald Duck (Disney)
Unmistakable in his sailor suit and cap, Donald Duck is a staple in the Disney universe. Known for his semi-intelligible speech and irritable demeanor, Donald frequently finds himself in trouble, usually of his own making.
What makes Donald’s fury so fascinating is how it contrasts with his otherwise pleasant and loving personality. He’s fiercely loyal to his friends and family, especially his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
But this love often leads to his anger – Donald’s fiery temper flares up when things go wrong, or his loved ones are threatened. These angry outbursts, often filled with comic mispronunciations and slapstick humor, make Donald Duck a character as lovable as he is irritable.
2. Daffy Duck (Looney Tunes)
Daffy Duck is an iconic Looney Tunes character known for his loud, explosive personality and the hilarity of his tantrums. Notably self-absorbed and opportunistic, Daffy frequently finds himself at odds with everyone around him, exacerbating his anger. His manic energy and non-stop chatter are often a source of frustration for other characters but provide the audience with countless laughs.
His endless struggle with his “despicable” nemesis, Bugs Bunny, shows his irascibility in the best light, as he’s often outwitted and left fuming. Daffy Duck’s perpetual anger and stubbornness, combined with his comedic over-the-top expressions, make him an unforgettable angry character.
3. Yosemite Sam (Looney Tunes)
Yosemite Sam embodies explosive temper in the world of Looney Tunes. This fiery red-haired cowboy is characterized by his gruff voice, fierce mustache, and temper shorter than his stature. Always quick to anger, Sam’s defining trait is his propensity to shoot his pistols into the air while yelling, usually in response to being bested by his arch-nemesis, Bugs Bunny.
Yet, despite his ferocity, Sam often finds himself in comedic and unsuccessful situations. He’s a perfect example of how anger, when paired with perfect comedic timing and a touch of foolishness, can result in a character who is as endearing as he is hot-headed.
4. Tom (Tom and Jerry)
A significant part of Tom’s charm comes from his endless struggle with Jerry, the clever little mouse. In this famous cat-and-mouse rivalry, Tom is the one usually left fuming, making him one of animation’s most beloved angry characters. His fury is fueled by his inability to capture Jerry, despite his elaborate and often ridiculous plans.
Tom’s anger is expressed largely without words, relying on expertly crafted visual comedy. His widened eyes flared nostrils, and dramatic reactions illustrate the intensity of his anger and make each failure all the more hilarious.
6. Jerry (Tom and Jerry)
Jerry, the other half of the iconic “Tom and Jerry” duo, might seem like a quiet and innocent mouse at first glance. But his gleeful and often ruthless pranks on Tom expose a darker, more mischievous side. Jerry’s anger is subtler than his counterpart’s, more like a smoldering fire.
He’s usually on the defensive, outsmarting Tom to protect himself. However, when Jerry is finally pushed too far, he’s known to respond with a surprising fury that’s as fiery as it is funny. This clever, humorous portrayal of anger solidifies Jerry’s spot among the top cartoon characters.
7. Popeye (Popeye the Sailor)
Popeye, the spinach-eating sailor, is known for his gruff voice, squinty-eyed demeanor, and impressive display of strength when provoked. He may not be continuously angry, but his irascibility comes to light when those he cares about, especially his sweetheart Olive Oyl, are threatened.
His anger acts as a springboard to his heroic deeds, unleashing an uncontainable power after consuming his signature spinach. Popeye’s furious transformations provide a humorous and exciting spectacle, transforming a regular sailor into a defender of justice while teaching audiences about the importance of good nutrition.
8. Hulk (The Incredible Hulk)
The Incredible Hulk is the literal embodiment of explosive anger. Triggered by emotional stress, quiet and withdrawn scientist Dr. Bruce Banner transforms into the monstrous green titan. Hulk’s anger is his defining characteristic and source of power. His fury is so intense that it often results in destructive rampages, making him a threat to both his enemies and allies.
Yet, despite his raw power and rage, the Hulk’s story is also one of struggle and redemption, where he continuously tries to control his anger and use it for good. The Hulk’s uncontrollable fury makes him one of animation’s most iconic and complex angry characters.
9. Bender (Futurama)
Bender, the brash, beer-drinking robot from “Futurama”, is famous for his quick wit, sharp tongue, and often abrasive personality. His anger isn’t explosive or loud like other characters on this list. Instead, it’s more cynical, filled with sardonic one-liners and a distinct lack of empathy.
His sarcasm and often complete disregard for human norms make him one of the most uniquely angry characters in the cartoon world. Bender’s anger highlights his independence and refusal to conform, making him a character that’s as complex as he is irritable.
10. Eric Cartman (South Park)
Eric Cartman is one of the most recognizable characters from “South Park,” with his trademark hat and a perpetually bad temper. Cartman’s anger is deeply intertwined with his manipulative, selfish, and often bigoted behavior. His temper tantrums, usually resulting from not getting his way, are legendary and drive much of the show’s humor.
Cartman’s uncontrollable fury and lack of a filter make for some of the most hilariously shocking moments on television, solidifying his place as one of the angriest characters in cartoon history.
11. Helga Pataki (Hey Arnold!)
Helga Pataki from “Hey Arnold!” is a fascinating contrast study. On the surface, she’s a tough, bullying character known for her monobrow, pink dress, and explosive temper. She’s quick to anger, particularly when things don’t go her way or when her love interest, Arnold, is involved.
Yet beneath her brash exterior, Helga is a deeply sensitive character with a poetic soul. Her anger often masks her insecurities and vulnerabilities. This complexity makes Helga one of the most memorable angry characters in animation and one of the most interesting.
12. Squidward Tentacles (SpongeBob SquarePants)
Squidward Tentacles, the ever-grumpy neighbor of SpongeBob SquarePants, is well-known for his scowling expression and sarcastic demeanor. His short temper often results from SpongeBob and Patrick’s unending enthusiasm and naive antics, which constantly disrupt his pursuit of peace.
Despite his love for tranquility and refined arts, Squidward often finds himself in chaotic situations, leaving him perpetually irate. His snappy retorts, dramatic sighs, and relentless quest for solitude make Squidward relatable, especially for adults. His enduring irritation lends an edge of humor to the series and adds depth to the whimsical world of Bikini Bottom.
13. Mr. Krabs (SpongeBob SquarePants)
Eugene H. Krabs, known as Mr. Krabs, is the money-obsessed owner of the Krusty Krab. His primary cause of anger often stems from anything threatening his profits, particularly his business rival, Plankton. Mr. Krabs’ rage also flares up when dealing with his employee SpongeBob’s shenanigans.
His anger, usually displayed in loud outbursts and panicked scrambles to save every penny, is a comedic counterpoint to his otherwise jolly demeanor. Mr. Krabs’ fixation on money and his fiery temper when it’s jeopardized provides a humorous critique of greed.
14. Plankton (SpongeBob SquarePants)
Sheldon J. Plankton, more commonly known as Plankton, is the perpetual antagonist of the SpongeBob SquarePants series. His anger is fueled by his continuous failure to steal the Krusty Krab’s secret formula.
Plankton’s temper frequently explodes when his complex plans are often hilariously thwarted, usually by his own miscalculations or the naive innocence of SpongeBob. Despite his tiny stature, his outsized ambitions and the resultant fury serve as a constant source of comic relief and make him a memorable angry cartoon character.
15. Tasmanian Devil (Looney Tunes)
The Tasmanian Devil, or ‘Taz’, embodies wild, destructive anger. Famous for his near-incoherent mumbling and his insatiable appetite, Taz is often portrayed in a whirlwind of fury, eating everything in sight and leaving a path of destruction in his wake. Despite his anger and destructiveness, Taz is not truly malicious.
Instead, he’s a creature of instinct, driven by hunger and easily provoked by anything that stands in his way. His wild and uncontrolled anger contrasts with his surprisingly childlike moments, making Taz a complex and entertaining character.
16. Grumpy (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
As his name suggests, Grumpy from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is perpetually frowning and irritable. He often wears an expression of displeasure and is quick to voice his grumblings. Despite living with the cheerful and hardworking fellow dwarfs, Grumpy struggles to see the bright side of things, leading to frequent disagreements and complaints.
However, beneath his surly exterior is a heart of gold, demonstrated when he shows genuine concern for Snow White. Grumpy’s irascibility highlights his eventual warmth, making him a surprisingly endearing character in this classic fairy tale.
17. Marvin the Martian (Looney Tunes)
Marvin the Martian is an iconic character in Looney Tunes known for his rage against Earth, which he repeatedly attempts to obliterate because it obstructs his view of Venus. Unlike the explosive fury of other characters, his anger is controlled and even polite, only betrayed by his nefarious schemes.
Dressed in a Roman soldier’s uniform, his expression is hidden behind his helmet, making his rage even more subtly menacing. Marvin’s unique portrayal of anger adds a distinct flavor to the Looney Tunes series, as his strategic wrath unfolds in various plots against Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.
18. Wile E. Coyote (Looney Tunes)
Wile E. Coyote is renowned for his relentless and usually futile pursuits of The Road Runner. His anger, born from repeated failures, serves as the driving force behind his increasingly complex and often absurd schemes.
These endeavors usually end in disaster, leaving the coyote injured, insulted, and infuriated, further fueling his resolve. Despite his relentless anger and persistence, Wile E. Coyote never seems to give up, making him an unforgettable character whose humorous attempts at revenge offer timeless entertainment.
19. Elmer Fudd (Looney Tunes)
Elmer Fudd, the notorious hunter from the Looney Tunes universe, is famous for his eternal quest to hunt down the clever Bugs Bunny. His anger often stems from his failures in capturing Bugs, who consistently outsmarts him.
Elmer’s frustration, portrayed through his iconic lisping voice and determined yet misguided actions, are a constant source of amusement. His unyielding rage, often contrasted with his naive demeanor, makes Elmer Fudd a fascinating and entertaining angry character.
20. Ren (The Ren & Stimpy Show)
Ren, the short-tempered Chihuahua from “The Ren & Stimpy Show,” is known for his frequent outbursts and hysteria. Ren’s anger is often provoked by Stimpy’s actions, which range from simple ignorance to deliberate provocation. His fury often results in intense, over-the-top reactions, depicted through exaggerated animation and dramatic voice acting.
Ren’s anger is a core aspect of the show’s humor, offering an unpredictable and edgy twist to the standard cartoon dynamic. Despite his constant rage, Ren’s relationship with Stimpy forms a comedic, shocking, and hilariously entertaining duo.
21. Stimpy (The Ren & Stimpy Show)
While Stimpy from “The Ren & Stimpy Show” might seem good-natured and dim-witted at first glance, he has a hidden side to his personality. Stimpy can display a sudden, often startling surge of anger when provoked – usually by Ren’s relentless berating or high-strung antics.
These moments are rare and typically short-lived, but they sharply contrast with his usual joyful and naive demeanor. His explosions of rage are intense and unpredictable, often leading to absurd situations or comedic role reversals between him and Ren. Stimpy’s occasional flashes of anger add depth to his character and spice to the show’s uniquely outrageous humor.
22. Mr. Burns (The Simpsons)
Mr. Burns, the unscrupulous owner of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant in “The Simpsons,” is known for his greed, manipulative nature, and occasional outbursts of anger. His rage is usually directed at his employees, particularly Homer Simpson, when they don’t live up to his exacting, often unreasonable, standards.
However, his anger is not hot and explosive but rather a cold and calculated fury that he uses to assert his authority. The portrayal of Mr. Burns’ anger often critiques power dynamics in the workplace and adds a darker edge to the series’ humor.
23. Stewie Griffin (Family Guy)
Stewie Griffin, the infant prodigy of the Griffin family in “Family Guy,” is notorious for his diabolical schemes and frequent fits of rage. Despite his young age, Stewie’s anger is portrayed as intense, sophisticated, and often directed toward his family, particularly his mother Lois.
His wrath often manifests in elaborate plots or biting sarcasm. His unique mix of infantile innocence and mature fury creates a bizarre and hilarious dichotomy, making him one of the most iconic characters in modern animation.
24. Patrick Star (SpongeBob SquarePants)
Patrick Star is known for his easy-going nature and often simplistic view of life in the undersea city of Bikini Bottom. However, when his laid-back attitude is disrupted, Patrick can display sudden fits of anger. These episodes of rage, usually due to confusion or misunderstanding, add an unexpected layer to his character.
Despite this, his anger typically resolves quickly, often due to his forgetful nature or SpongeBob’s pacifying efforts. Patrick’s brief but explosive outbursts of anger add a spice of variety to his otherwise relaxed persona and provide a source of unexpected humor in the show.
25. Eustace Bagge (Courage the Cowardly Dog)
Eustace Bagge, the grumpy farmer from “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” is recognized for his quick temper and habitual grumbling. His anger is often directed at Courage, the titular dog, whom he teases and scares relentlessly. His explosive rage is usually depicted through exaggerated animation, with his face turning red.
Despite his angry disposition, Eustace’s wrath often leads to his downfall in each episode, providing a source of comeuppance and humor. His constant irritation, although making him a somewhat antagonistic character, contributes to the series’s unique blend of comedy and horror.
26. Angelica Pickles (Rugrats)
Angelica Pickles, the bratty older cousin from “Rugrats,” is known for her manipulative behavior and her frequent temper tantrums. While she tries to act mature around adults, Angelica’s true colors often shine through in the company of the babies, where she frequently asserts her dominance through fits of rage.
Despite her anger and manipulative tendencies, there are moments when she shows a softer side, adding depth to her character. Angelica’s frequent tantrums provide much of the show’s conflict and humor and contrast the innocence of the other, younger characters.
27. Dexter (Dexter’s Laboratory)
Dexter, the young genius from “Dexter’s Laboratory,” is often seen battling his emotions, especially his anger. His rage typically arises from the interruptions caused by his overbearing sister, Dee Dee, who frequently wrecks his secret lab and experiments.
Despite his brilliant mind, Dexter often cannot manage his anger, leading to explosive reactions. His constant struggle with rage, juxtaposed with his intelligence, creates a unique character dynamic that adds humor and tension to the show.
28. Mojo Jojo (The Powerpuff Girls)
Mojo Jojo, the main antagonist of “The Powerpuff Girls,” is a notorious villain known for his frequent fits of rage. His anger usually stems from his repeated failures to conquer Townsville and his battles against the Powerpuff Girls.
Mojo Jojo’s anger often leads to dramatic monologues and increasingly elaborate schemes, adding an element of humor to his character. Despite his frequent displays of anger, his determination has a certain charm, making him a memorable character in the series.
29. The Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
The Grinch, the central character of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” is famous for his initial hatred and anger towards the festive season. His wrath towards the Christmas-loving Whos of Whoville leads him to devise a scheme to steal their joy.
Despite his grumpy exterior and furious demeanor, the Grinch transforms, revealing that beneath his anger lies a character capable of love and warmth. His initial fury, followed by a heartwarming change, makes the Grinch a complex and enduring character in the world of animated films.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the top 29 angry cartoon characters, we dove deep into the animated worlds of timeless classics and modern masterpieces. Each character, from Donald Duck’s fiery temper to the cold fury of Mr. Burns, encapsulates a unique expression of anger that adds humor, depth, and complexity to their narratives.
Whether it’s the wrath-fueled pursuits of Wile E. Coyote or the unexpected tantrums of Patrick Star, these characters remind us that anger, when crafted with skill and creativity, can be a source of endless amusement and iconic storytelling. Embrace these grumpy but lovable characters that have left an indelible mark on the realm of animation.
