10 Best Cartoon Network Protagonists, Ranked

From Finn the Human to Gumball, Cartoon Network had some of the best cartoon protagonists on TV.

Cartoon Network has had some iconic shows throughout its history. The original programming has had an especially good track record. This is in part due to the many classic characters that have graced viewers’ screens. Characters are important as they can make or break a show.

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The most important character in a story is the protagonist. They are the eyes and ears of the story as well as the central viewpoint. Without a good protagonist, a show is dead on arrival. The main character of a story can be the main attraction, and these protagonists are the best that Cartoon Network has to offer.

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10

Gumball Watterson

The Amazing World of Gumball

Gumball is a (literal) cat that understands comedic timing. When he appeared on Cartoon Network in 2011, Gumball was a relatable feline boy who got into some pretty weird shenanigans. His snarky wit and lax demeanor made him someone all the kids watching wanted to be friends with.

Whether it’s trying to settle things with the local T. rex, hanging out with his brother Darwin, or trying to woo Penny, Gumball’s plans either work perfectly or backfire in hilarious ways. The Amazing World of Gumball is all the better for having a main character who is super relatable and funny, too.

9

Dexter

Dexter’s Laboratory

Dexter (boy genius) is an example of a character who is entertaining in both success and defeat. One moment he builds a super robot that saves the world, and other times he slows down time to make it to school on time and fails miserably. He’s a bit too smart (and self-centered) for his own good, but viewers love him anyway.

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His dynamic with some of the major characters is also something worth noting. His constant bickering with Dee Dee is always fun, and his rivalry with Mandark has brought audiences some of the most entertaining science battles of the 1990s.

8

Nigel Uno

Codename: Kids Next Door

Numbuh One is what plenty of kids aspire to be: a cool leader. Granted, he’s only cool on the surface, but that only makes him more charming. He’s kind of a dork and a bit of a workaholic, but the characters are supposed to be flawed. Nigel always pulls through for his team when it counts.

KND is all about taking the world of kids and exaggerating it so much that it becomes awesome. Nigel has to deal with his school’s brainwashing, his annoying sousaphone-playing dad, and his clingy girlfriend among so many other problems that only kids know. Nigel is just the kid to take on the tyranny of adults.

7

Chowder

Chowder

The world of Chowder is quite eccentric. The city of Marzipan is held above the ground on a silver platter. Living in this absurd town is a boy named Chowder who works as an apprentice under chef Mung Daal. A lot of weird stuff happens, and Chowder is just the kid to tackle the problem of the day (or make it worse).

Chowder is a bit of an odd kid. He’s excited about anything that involves his master or food. Watching him screw things up, yet being so earnest about it is so funny. He’s not too bright, but cheerful and relatable. Chowder is likely one of the funniest protagonists in one of the funniest cartoons of its era.

6

Juniper Lee

The Life & Times Of Juniper Lee

Juniper Lee was Cartoon Network’s attempt at an action heroine. She’s smart, strong, and knows just what to say at the right time. Unfortunately, The Life and Times of Juniper Lee didn’t really take off. The show was canceled within a year or two of premiering.

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Juniper Lee is quite the underrated protagonist. She’s relatable much like some of the other more comedic main characters of her era, but she also knew how to kick butt. Juniper Lee needs to be in the conversation more when it comes to Cartoon Network action heroes. As the theme song says “you can’t stop the girl.”

5

Mac

Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends

Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends was a beloved cartoon series from Craig McCracken, creator of The Powerpuff Girls. Lots of wacky things happen with the imaginary friends at Foster’s, and Mac is the perfect straight man. The precocious Mac always looks out for his friend Bloo, even if Bloo is kind of a jerk.

Mac always gives 110% for the Foster’s Home. He may be a little neurotic at times, but Mac is usually a kind-hearted boy. Half the fun of Foster’s is seeing how Mac will get his friends out of sticky situations. Smart and a good kid, Mac is an enjoyable part of a very good cartoon.

4

Finn The Human

Adventure Time

Adventure Time helped change the landscape of Cartoon Network for a time, and it was partially thanks to a boy named Finn. Whether it’s his catchphrases or his fighting skills, Finn kept audiences entertained. One of the best action heroes of the 2010s, Finn kicked butt and had fun doing it.

Finn always looked out for his friends and never backed down from his enemies. Whether he’s playing a card game with Jake the Dog or saving princesses from the Ice King, Finn is always fun to watch. He’s got the demeanor and skills to be a great hero.

3

Courage

Courage The Cowardly Dog

Courage may be cowardly, but he steps up when it counts to save his family. He’s the kind of loyal dog everyone needs. He even saves Eustace a lot, despite his consistent abuse. Not a lot of characters would do that for a guy who spooks them with a mask.

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Courage is also a kind dog. He’s always going out of his way to help friends, too. Whether it’s a bunny on a train on the run or his new bell enthusiast friend, Courage does what he can for his friends. He may freak out in a comedic fashion at first, but Courage finds a way to save Muriel and relax in her lap at the end of the day.

2

Sunny Bridges

Class of 3000

Based on Andre 3000, Sunny Bridges is the teacher all students need. He’s a cool dude that does what he can to see his students successful and happy. Class of 3000 was a criminally underrated cartoon, and it should be in the conversation when it comes to classic 2000s Cartoon Network shows.

Sunny is just too cool for school, despite being a teacher. He’s musically talented and knows just how to get his music class to that next level. He’s got style for days and has the smooth voice of Andre 3000 himself. One of Atlanta’s finest musicians, Sunny Bridges was a huge part of the musical segments of the show, which were some of the most memorable parts.

1

Jack

Samurai Jack

When people talk about great main characters, Jack will likely come up. He doesn’t say much, but when he does speak, people listen. He’s an awesome samurai who craves vengeance against the evil Aku. His fighting skills are second to none, and he always knows how to take down his opponents.

Jack is usually cool as a cucumber and takes down the bad guys with precision. Tartakovsky’s direction only enhances Jack’s coolness. Every episode feels like a futuristic Kurosawa film, and Jack is the perfect lead to follow on this journey.

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