Just the thought of watching cartoon characters on our screens manages to invoke our minds with joy. Not only are their antics ludicrous and unabashedly funny but they are also hilarious in the way they look.
Needless to say, these characters seem like a breath of freshness in a world full of mendacity and despair. While cartoon characters are creative as they are, the illustrators and creators deserve all the kudos for making some of them even more distinct by providing them with a big forehead.
However, this credit is also shared by screenwriters and filmmakers who sketch similar-looking characters for their big/small screen projects. While having a distinctively large forehead might seem minor, some of Hollywood's most iconic characters have been provided with the same to stand out in a wide range of genres they appear in.
Better still, these unique characters often have other interesting traits to match their big foreheads. So, let's take a closer look at our some of our favourite and most popular fictional characters with large foreheads.
Homer Simpson may be chubby, lethargic, and often oblivious to what's happening around him, yet his character remains one of the most brilliantly crafted in animation history.
Much like real people, Homer has his share of flaws. Nonetheless, his deep love and care for those close to him shine through, making him an endearing figure despite his shortcomings.
Homer's iconic catchphrase, "D'oh!", has become a staple of American television. The series frequently uses his experiences to highlight various socio-economic realities within the country.
The creators of "The Simpsons" used Homer's character to explore traditional family values, the nuances of parenting in the '90s, and the complexities of masculinity. While Homer may not be the ideal husband or father, he serves as a mirror to society itself.
And, of course, it's also impossible not to notice his distinctive big forehead.
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Mr. Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, brought his background as a marine biologist into the show by making his main character a sea sponge who lives in a whimsical pineapple under the sea.
The series resonated deeply with kids growing up in the '90s, quickly becoming a cultural sensation thanks to its playful humor, unique characters, and SpongeBob's boundless enthusiasm. Playful, childlike, and endlessly optimistic, SpongeBob loves spending time with his loyal best friend, Patrick.
Although one of SpongeBob’s biggest goals is to earn his boating license, he struggles with nervousness and clumsiness whenever he gets behind the wheel of a boatmobile, making for hilarious results every time.
Beyond his occasional sneakiness and clever antics, SpongeBob also surprises fans with an impressive singing voice and unexpected climbing skills.
Of course, his oversized head and the noticeable gap between his teeth—which helps him whistle perfectly—are signature features that contribute to his unforgettable look.
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Bart Simpson stands out as the ultimate hyperactive rebel, a stark contrast to his often-lazy father, Homer Simpson. Renowned for his mischievous antics, Bart takes pride in his wild behavior and reputation for troublemaking.
Yet, Bart is memorable not just for his distinctively large forehead but also for his belief in the strength of unity. Loyal to his friends, he always seeks to balance the scales when wronged, using his creativity and wit to even the score.
As Homer's only son, Bart has a knack for causing chaos, whether at home or at Springfield Elementary. His sharp humor and antics keep audiences laughing, offering comic relief even on the toughest days.
Though Bart’s intelligence often fluctuates throughout the series, his love for pranks remains constant. No matter the situation, Bart is always ready to stir up fun and challenge authority at every opportunity.
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Tweety, also called Tweety Pie or Tweety Bird, is a yellow canary with a notably large head from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series. Despite common misconceptions, Tweety has always been portrayed as male.
He is instantly recognizable by his catchphrases, such as "I tawt I taw a puddy tat!" and "I did! I did taw/tee a puddy tat!" Although Tweety was once shown as short-tempered, his personality has softened over the years, becoming much calmer.
While Tweety may look innocent, he consistently outsmarts rivals like Hector the Bulldog and Sylvester the tuxedo cat. He’s often seen hiding behind Granny for protection, yet somehow always turns the tables on Sylvester—unless Sylvester’s plans backfire on himself.
Granny dotes on Tweety, keeping him safely in a birdcage at home to keep Sylvester at bay. And of course, Tweety’s big forehead only adds to his irresistible cuteness.
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Shin-chan is the mischievous main character of the hit Japanese manga series Crayon Shin-chan, a franchise so popular that it has been dubbed in 30 languages and broadcast in 45 countries. Centered around his kindergarten adventures, Shin-chan's wild antics fuel the show's widespread appeal.
He has a particular love for chocolate biscuits and his favorite TV superhero, "Action Kamen." But perhaps his greatest passion lies in playfully defying his parents’ instructions. Bluntly honest and endlessly curious, Shin-chan is famous for his shameless behavior, including his comical attempts to flirt with older girls and women.
Whether dressing in drag, donning animal costumes, or devising new pranks, Shin-chan constantly pushes boundaries in both the manga and anime. Yet, despite being the ultimate troublemaker, he often ends up ingeniously solving the problems he encounters.
It's no wonder that Shin-chan’s unique charm and uproarious antics have made him a beloved character among kids around the world—there are few children who haven’t found themselves laughing at his unpredictable exploits.
"Aladdin" stands out as one of the most beloved animated films ever created, thanks in large part to its cast of dynamic and fascinating characters. One of the key highlights of the story is the enchanting Genie, whose grand entrance and equally grand forehead leave a lasting impression.
Genie is a truly unforgettable character, renowned for his boundless energy, humor, and magical abilities. As the powerful spirit of the lamp, he serves whoever possesses it, wielding unimaginable cosmic powers like granting wishes, shape-shifting, and even bending reality itself.
Despite his immense powers, Genie maintains a lighthearted and playful attitude. He rarely takes things too seriously, preferring to entertain with jokes, mimicry, and quirky antics—often using humor to diffuse tense situations and lift everyone's spirits.
The Minions are lovable, small, yellow, capsule-shaped beings with one or two eyes—and a distinctly large forehead. They have become the iconic faces of the blockbuster Despicable Me franchise.
Originally designed to inject humor and energy into the films, these mischievous characters quickly stole the spotlight. Their popularity soared to the point where they became official mascots for Illumination, the studio behind the series.
The New York Times has even referred to the Minions as "corporate icons." In the movies, they chatter in a hilarious, incomprehensible language and exhibit playful, childlike behavior. However, they are surprisingly clever when the situation calls for it.
The Minions display unwavering loyalty to Gru and Dr. Nefario, often going to great lengths to assist in their many mischievous schemes. Their devotion knows no bounds as they routinely do their best to help with any evil plot.
While simple-minded at first glance, the Minions excel at tasks like inventing gadgets, using technology, and driving vehicles—rarely does anyone outperform them at these skills.
Theodore Lindsey "Theo" Templeton Jr., better known as Boss Baby, is a unique character who combines the innocence of a baby with surprising business acumen. While his infant appearance may be deceiving, he's remarkably sharp and clever in navigating complex challenges.
Boss Baby thrives on order and is determined to achieve his objectives, often approaching every situation with professionalism and confidence. Though undeniably cute, his potential should never be underestimated.
True to his name, he's as bossy as they come, handling tasks and conversations with an assertive, businesslike flair. His small stature paired with a notably large forehead has become one of his most memorable features.
As the central figure in the DreamWorks "Boss Baby" franchise, he may appear self-centered at first glance. However, this doesn't mean he lacks compassion or concern for others.
Once carefree in his earliest days, we've witnessed Boss Baby evolve into a bold and protective leader, ready to stand up for his family and friends—especially throughout the television series.
Megamind is a brilliant yet bumbling former supervillain who transforms into a superhero, serving as the central character in the Megamind franchise. His exceptional intelligence is both his greatest asset and the source of his inflated ego, often leading to overconfidence.
Despite his genius, Megamind is prone to moments of awkwardness and clumsiness, which add humor to his character. Notably recognized for his comically large forehead, he also becomes Roxanne's romantic interest. Although his villainous schemes displayed his intelligence, they were frequently foiled by the resourceful Metro Man.
This memorable and entertaining character is brought to life by the voice of Will Ferrell.
"Hey Arnold!" is a beloved animated comedy series that follows the daily adventures and challenges of Arnold, a kind-hearted fourth-grader living with his grandparents. Arnold is instantly recognizable by his iconic yellow hair, small blue hat, and, of course, his prominent football-shaped forehead, which adds to his unique charm.
One poignant aspect of Arnold's story is the mysterious disappearance of his parents, a storyline that adds depth and emotion to the show. Despite this, Arnold remains supportive and always helps his friends navigate their own problems, providing valuable lessons and positive examples for young viewers.
Upon its debut, "Hey Arnold!" resonated with young audiences, particularly because Arnold's living situation reflected real trends—many children today live with grandparents due to parents' demanding work schedules. The show's themes of family, friendship, and resilience continue to connect with viewers of all ages.
Stewie Griffin is an evil genius baby, unmatched by most animated characters. As the breakout star of the popular animated series Family Guy, Stewie is instantly recognizable for his oversized forehead and unique charm. Often portrayed as a villainous sociopath, he is known for plotting elaborate schemes against his mother.
His character design stands out among the cast, especially with his trademark red overalls, football-shaped head, and prominent forehead. This combination makes Stewie visually unforgettable.
Beyond his outrageous antics, Stewie's memorable look has cemented his status as one of the most iconic cartoon characters of today.
Christina Ricci rose to fame for her memorable portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the classic 1991 film, The Addams Family. Despite appearing alongside an all-star cast, Ricci stood out as one of the movie’s most iconic talents in the role of Wednesday.
Her signature features—pale skin, sleek jet-black hair, and a pronounced forehead—became instantly recognizable. More than her looks, though, Wednesday's sadistic wit and darkly eccentric personality truly captivated audiences.
Thanks to her enigmatic appearance and mysterious charm, Wednesday Addams became one of the most unforgettable and beloved characters from the film.
Rowan Atkinson became a global sensation as the comically expressive Mr Bean in the classic British sitcom, which debuted in 1990. Although the live-action Mr Bean was known for his prominent forehead, this feature became even more exaggerated in the animated series that aired in the early 2000s, capturing audiences in a new way.
Quirky and perpetually finding himself in humorous mishaps, Mr Bean has inspired countless aspiring comedians and young adults around the world to imitate his antics. While children adore his big-headed, large-nosed appearance, they quickly learn that Mr Bean's deepest affection is often reserved for his loyal companion, Teddy.
Up next on our list is Johnny Bravo—a character who might just inspire you to take better care of your hair. With his iconic gelled-up blonde hair, overconfidence, and striking looks, Johnny is convinced that women everywhere are irresistibly drawn to him.
Johnny is almost always seen wearing sunglasses, a black shirt, and blue jeans. He boasts an impressive physique, complemented by a noticeably large—yet fitting—forehead. While he can be brash and superficial, he often manages to charm women into believing he’s flawless and sensible.
For his charisma and persistence alone, Johnny definitely earns a place on this list. No matter the odds, if he decides he likes someone, he’ll go to great lengths to win her affection.
However, despite his unwavering confidence, it’s safe to say that Johnny probably wouldn’t boast about his intelligence or maturity.
Beavis is not only one of the main protagonists of Beavis and Butt-Head but also Butt-Head's closest friend and confidant. Instantly recognizable by his blonde hair styled in a large pompadour, Beavis often finds himself playing a supporting role to his companion.
As the series progresses, however, Beavis reveals his own unique energy and holds his ground despite Butt-Head's dominant personality. Well-known for his prominent forehead and distinctive battleship bow chin, Beavis is often depicted with a fixed, intense gaze.
While Beavis may appear timid, he has his breaking point and doesn't hesitate to show his frustration when Butt-Head pushes too far. Throughout the series, Beavis adds humor and a surprising sense of encouragement to their misadventures, making him a memorable and engaging character.
Jimmy Neutron is celebrated for his extraordinary intelligence and inventive abilities, famously building a sophisticated laboratory to showcase his remarkable talents. Despite his genius, Jimmy strives to balance his passion for science with everyday life outside his inventions.
While excelling academically and socially, he also manages to foster close friendships and even develops a romantic relationship with Cindy. Yet, one feature that sets him apart is his noticeably large forehead, which has become an iconic trait.
As one of the most famous and brilliant characters in animation, Jimmy has created incredible inventions, including an anti-aging tonic, a time machine, and his loyal robotic dog, Goddard, solidifying his place in pop culture.
Lurch is undoubtedly an essential part of The Addams Family. His towering stature, Frankenstein-inspired look, and notably large forehead make him instantly recognizable and a fan favorite in the beloved franchise.
With his powerful screen presence, Lurch leaves a lasting impression in every appearance. The Addams Family stands apart from typical American households, boasting supernatural abilities and uniquely unsettling looks among all family members.
Each character is distinct, but none project the same eerie aura as the family butler. Lurch, with his pronounced forehead and large head, appears both in the 1960s TV series and the 1990s films, securing his place as the family's most intimidating figure.
Nick Birch, a central character in the acclaimed animated series Big Mouth, is widely recognized for his notably large forehead—arguably one of the most memorable in cartoon history. His prominent feature stands out alongside his striking blue eyes and brown hair, adding to his distinctive look.
Throughout Big Mouth, Nick and his close friends navigate the ups and downs of adolescence, tackling insecurities and personal challenges—including, for Nick, coming to terms with having a conspicuous forehead.
For some, dealing with a big forehead can genuinely feel like a significant hurdle during those formative years.
Worf stands as one of the most iconic figures in the beloved Star Trek franchise. Many fans agree that his commanding presence has become essential to the series’ enduring appeal. Appearing in multiple television shows, Worf is also featured in films like Star Trek Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and Star Trek: Nemesis.
Like most Klingons, Worf is recognized by his distinctively large forehead—an iconic feature of his species. While Klingons began as antagonists in Star Trek, Worf played a pivotal role in redefining their image, contributing greatly to both their popularity and his own.
Chancellor Palpatine, featured in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, stands out as a remarkable strategist. He masterminded the downfall of the Jedi Order, orchestrating events from behind the scenes with extraordinary cunning and foresight.
Through his elaborate schemes, Palpatine paved the way for the Sith's ascent, all while skillfully keeping his true motives hidden from those around him. As Darth Sidious, his unrivaled intellect and sinister plans enabled him to rise to the role of Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic.
Widely regarded as the most brilliant mind in The Clone Wars, Chancellor Palpatine deftly manipulated both allies and adversaries alike to achieve his ambitions, always staying several steps ahead of everyone else.
One of the main protagonists of Beavis and Butt-Head, Butt-Head is Beavis' best friend and closest companion. However, it's been seen that he has been abusive towards his friend at times.
While he certainly is the leader among the two, he is also marginally more intelligent than Beavis. He may come across as calm and laidback but it also makes him oblivious to subtleties.
You have to give it to him for not losing his cool no matter how tough situations get.
We all know that anime characters are often provided with unique and distinct features. The Dragon Ball is no different in this regard for it features characters with distinctive appearances.
One such popular character is Vegeta. Once upon a time, Vegeta was an assertive villain and bitter enemy of Son Goku. However, he turned out to be an anti-hero and a protagonist as the series progressed.
While he is easily recognizable with his spiky hair and widow's peak, it is actually his prominent forehead that ends up giving him an intimidating screen presence.
Pinky and the Brain is a delightful cartoon series that features a mouse and his sidekick and their many rollicking adventures. While its two titular characters are quite the opposite of each other nature-wise, what they do have in common is their giant mouse heads.
Brain is a highly intelligent character who has a large and wide head, which probably houses his abnormally large brain. Even though he is slightly ill-tempered and coldly unemotional, he does thrive on his subtle sense of humour.
He has a soft heart and can often be heard speaking in a deadpan manner.
Let's all put our hands together for Mr Mackey from the critically acclaimed and controversial South Park. The show has a reputation for creating unique-looking characters, and it's understandable why once you manage to get a good look at Mackey.
While most characters in the animated series share some similarities, they all have distinctive personalities and physical appearances. Mr Mackey, who is a Guidance counsellor, has seen his hairline go as far back as possible.
Needless to say, his thinning hair reveals a large forehead. However, what's also unmissable about him is his famous catchphrase, "M'kay."
The Elephant Man is a 1980 British-American biographical drama film about a severely deformed man in late 19th-century London, called John Merrick. Since he was born with extreme facial and bodily deformities, it earned him the cruel nickname of "The Elephant Man" over time.
Those who have seen this rather unconventional motion picture must have noticed how Merrick's appearance makes nurses shriek and children grab their parents with dread. However, it is tough to negate the fact that he seems to be equally frightened of them.
Thanks to filmmaker David Lynch for making The Elephant Man - the movie - a thought-provoking mediation on fear and humanity.
Those who have seen Sesame Street would be more than familiar with Ernie and his best pal and roommate, Bert. The pair shares a basement apartment at 123 Sesame Street.
While Ernie is shown to be extroverted, Bert comes across as a serious and studious individual who is often seen trying to make sense of his friend's actions. Bert enjoys reading, collecting paper clips and bottle caps, eating oatmeal, and studying pigeons.
Also known for moving his unibrow up and down and for his prominent forehead, Bert is funny and nice and, yet, as grumpy as one can be.
One of the significant supporting characters in Disney's 1991 animated feature film Beauty and the Beast, Lumiere is one of the servants in a French castle ruled by a formerly spoiled, selfish, and unkind prince.
He may be charismatic and rebellious, but he was turned into a candelabra by the Enchantress' curse. Also, he is one of the few inhabitants of the castle who can actually speak with an exaggerated French accent.
A showman of sorts, Lumiere has a big forehead and is admired by his peers. It is not surprising then that he happens to be a significant member of the prince's unofficial council of confidants.
Even though he can be seen disobeying the firm rules of his antisocial master, he is incredibly hospitable and likeable.
Loosely based on Eric Stough, an animation director/producer that works on the show, Butters Stotch is a major character in the incredibly popular and acclaimed adult animated sitcom, South Park.
He is a fourth-grader in South Park Elementary, whose role began to increase after he replaced Kenny during his temporary removal in Season Six. This not only allowed Butters to gain more screen time but also compelled the makers to develop his character further.
Stotch is not only the most "innocent child" in the group but he is also Cartman's most exploited and possibly best companion. Also, he is yet another character who is characterized by his large head and forehead.
Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth is popularly known as Professor Farnsworth. He is one of the smartest fictional characters from the much-liked American animated television series, titled Futurama. He's been interested in science ever since he was a teenager and it reflects in his work as well.
It is not surprising then that he is mainly seen spending time with his inventions. What makes his creations different is the fact that several of them are capable enough of disobeying the known laws of physics.
His greatest strength lies in his undeniable intelligence. However, his intelligence seems to have found an arch-rival in his senility.
Characterized by his prominent head, Caillou is a 4-year-old boy who serves as the main protagonist of the TV series and books of the same title. He has been presented as an inquisitive young lad who enjoys exploring the world around him.
Intended to be a true representation of a real preschooler, Caillou has been projected as bald in the popular Canadian educational television series. The little guy, who is constantly asking questions about the world, is too helpful and imaginative for his age.
However, his tantrums have often been a source of criticism.
Squidward is an octopus in the Nickelodeon animated TV series Spongebob SquarePants. He is a co-worker and occasional friend of Spongebob and Patrick, and he works at the cash register at Krusty Krab.
He is a cynical, selfish, and overall unpleasant individual, which means that he is the exact opposite of the happy-go-lucky and optimistic Spongebob. Squidward has rectangular pupils in his round, half-closed eyes and a big forehead.
He loves painting self-portraits and playing the clarinet.
Ardent viewers of the adult swim show The Venture Bros. will perhaps never be able to forget Master Billy Quizboy, who played a significant supporting character in the series. While he certainly does have a big forehead, having an eye patch also ends up giving him a rather unique look.
He may have been portrayed as a genius boy, but he isn't really a "boy" so to say. However, he likes to be called that since it apparently sounds cool to him.
No one thought that ghosts could be cordial until they chanced upon Casper The Friendly Ghost. He is the protagonist of the Famous Studios theatrical animated cartoon series of the same name.
Not only has he starred in many comics but he is also known to have made his presence felt in several feature films. While not much is known about how Casper came to be a ghost, what is, however, known is that he is a good ghost who prefers to help people, rather than scare them out of their wits.
Roger Smith is a centuries-old alien who started living with the Smith family after having crashed in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. He is said to have rescued the main character Stan Smith at Area 51 four years before the beginning of the show's storyline.
When the series commenced, he was shown to be a sensitive pushover who was taken advantage of, fooled, and mocked by those in his vicinity. However, he turned the tables soon enough and went on to become a sociopath of sorts.
While the Smith family is oblivious to his nature, Stan is actually aware of his malicious character. Roger is seen wearing nothing and has thin arms. But, it's his unbelievably large head that makes his stand out in the true sense of the word.
Skips is one of the most pleasant characters on Regular Show. He may come across as modest when you first catch him on the screen. He is an immortal character who has had the privilege of experiencing much more than what most people experience throughout their lives.
Skips has his share of preaching and wisdom to impart to others and is often seen helping both Mordecai and Rigby throughout the show. The aforementioned traits, apart from his big forehead, make him one of the most distinct characters to make it to our piece.
The Coneheads are a fictional family of extraterrestrials with bald conical heads, which, of course, means that they have got a large forehead each as well. The characters were created for a series of recurring sketches on Saturday Night Live (SNL).
However, they managed to grab eyeballs after the feature film, Coneheads, hit the screens in 1993. The movie also featured roles and cameos by actors and comedians from SNL and other television shows that were running at the time.
Hector Hammond, who was originally a high school professor, is Green Lantern's first enemy. He was taken by government agents to study Abin's physiology after his corpse was found.
However, he got infected with Parallax's DNA after having removed some of it during the autopsy. It not only ended up driving him insane but also gave him telepathic powers which allowed him to read others' minds.
Blanka and Charlie have been combined into one character, Carlos "Charlie" Blanka, in the commercially successful Jean-Claude Van Damme starrer Street Fighter.
The live-action feature film showcases how Charlie gets mutated and turned into the familiar green beast-man by M.Bison's scientists. Blanka was played by Robert Mammone in the 1994 title.
Egghead Jr. is quite possibly one of the smartest and among the most underrated characters of Looney Tunes. The studious young lad, who happens to be a master of physics, applied sciences, and chemistry, has a large head and is unquestionably intelligent.
He is often seen with a book in his hands and he does not come across as someone who is loquacious. That said, he has appeared in several shorts with Foghorn Leghorn.
Since Looney Tunes is a show that comprises a lot many popular characters, a lot many of us may cease to remember Egghead Jr.