Top 18 Most Popular Curly Hair Cartoon Characters

Mirabel Madrigal stands out as the only member of her magical family without special powers, a reality that makes her feel like an outsider despite her deep affection for her loved ones. Her struggle to fit in resonates with many of us who have ever felt different or left out.

Her inspiring journey in "Encanto" encourages viewers to cheer for her throughout the film. Mirabel's sharp wit and cheerful humor add charm to her character, while her search for acceptance in a complex and sometimes unwelcoming world forms the heart of the story.

Beyond her delightful personality, Mirabel is known for her beautiful, springy curls, making her one of the most memorable and beloved characters in the animated movie.

Merida, the spirited Scottish princess of DunBroch, is the independent daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. At just 16, she faces pressure from her parents to accept an arranged marriage, but Merida stands firmly against the idea, wanting nothing more than to decide her own fate.

Strong-willed and determined, Merida finds her suitors unsuitable and refuses to conform to expectations. She aspires instead to follow in her father's footsteps, admiring his skills as a legendary bear hunter and fierce warrior.

Merida's straightforward nature means she struggles with the politeness of court diplomacy and often clashes with her mother's traditional beliefs about what a princess should be. She champions the right for everyone to control their own destiny, excelling in archery, sword fighting, and horsemanship to prove her capabilities.

Not only does Merida embody a new generation challenging age-old customs, but her wild, springy red curls are an iconic symbol of her unique and bold personality.

Moana stands out as a leading example among animated female characters with curly hair. She is celebrated for her independence, bravery, and unwavering determination to solve challenges on her own, needing no rescue from anyone.

Her journey in the movie "Moana" showcases a remarkable path of self-discovery. As she navigates great adventures, Moana demonstrates deep loyalty to her loved ones and her community, inspiring viewers with her courage and resourcefulness.

Her long, thick, curly hair is an iconic part of her look, enhancing her relatable and magnetic presence on screen, and making her one of the most memorable curly-haired cartoon heroines.

Fans of the iconic animated series The Simpsons will instantly recognize Otto Mann, the eccentric and fun-loving bus driver known for shuttling children to Springfield Elementary School.

Otto is loved for his easygoing demeanor, his fondness for his pet iguana, and his signature greeting, "Hi everybody!" What truly sets him apart is his untamed, curly hair—making him one of the few characters on the show with such a distinctive look.

If you're new to his character, you might notice his hairstyle immediately evokes a classic rock-and-roll vibe. It's a style that many curly-haired fans wish they could pull off with the same effortless cool as Otto.

Gratuity "Tip" Tucci, the courageous and compassionate protagonist of DreamWorks' animated film Home, stands out with her bravery and kindness. Despite her young age, Tip never hesitates to take bold risks when it comes to helping others.

Her willingness to challenge limits often leads her to save the day, making her an inspiring role model for children. Through her actions, she shows that determination and courage can help anyone overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Tip is also recognized for her distinctive wild, dark brown curls, which she tends to with care and pride, ensuring her hair receives the proper attention and treatment it deserves.

Meet Betty Boop, the beloved animated star who made her debut in the Talkartoon and Betty Boop film series. With her slightly exaggerated head, Betty stands out not for awkwardness, but for a unique charm that has captivated audiences for decades.

Both classy and alluring, Betty is often compared to the legendary Marilyn Monroe in terms of voice and appearance. However, it's important to remember that Betty Boop graced the screen long before Monroe became a Hollywood icon.

Widely considered the first cartoon sex symbol, Betty's flirtatious persona, striking curly hair, and expressive round eyes made her an instant sensation. Her enduring appeal ensures she's remembered as an original heartthrob for many fans.

Meet Susie Carmichael, one of the most delightful and memorable regulars on the beloved series Rugrats. Whenever Susie speaks, her words carry wisdom and a sense of maturity well beyond her years, as though she's experienced so much already.

Her vibrant and lively personality is matched perfectly by her beautiful, curly hair. Susie's hair serves as a symbol of her creativity and unwavering optimism. She's always ready to share helpful advice with her friends, though sometimes she's known for her own playful outbursts.

Susie’s dynamic with Angelica is another highlight, as the two share a classic love-hate relationship that adds to the fun and charm of the show.

Missy Foreman-Greenwald is a standout character from the popular Netflix series Big Mouth. As a middle schooler navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, Missy's journey resonates deeply with viewers who are experiencing or remember the complexities of growing up.

Missy is not only courageous and principled, but she's also a loyal friend to Nick. Her distinctive long, curly hair adds to her charm, but what truly sets her apart is her willingness to speak up for her beliefs, making her both relatable and inspiring.

Ginger Foutley shines as the intelligent and relatable protagonist of Nickelodeon's "As Told by Ginger." Always eager to lend a helping hand, she often uses her wit and resourcefulness to support her friends through all kinds of challenges.

Creative at heart, Ginger enjoys making things and has a real talent for both drawing and sewing. With her signature light brown, curly hair, she aspires to become a fashion designer and loves infusing her style with playful flair whenever she gets the chance.

It's no wonder Ginger comes across as someone full of energy and enthusiasm for life.

Franklin Armstrong is a notable supporting character from the Peanuts TV show, known for his quiet confidence and friendly demeanor. Unlike many others, Franklin is consistently kind and supportive of Charlie Brown, making him one of Charlie's closest friends.

Academically gifted, Franklin usually earns straight As and Bs at school. Outside of academics, he also enjoys playing hockey and often takes on the position of center field. Over time, Franklin and Charlie have developed such a close bond that they now share several personality traits, including a habit of quoting their grandfathers regularly.

Franklin is easily recognized by his distinctive black, curly hair, which adds to his memorable presence among the Peanuts cast.

While our list doesn't usually feature anime characters, Usopp from One Piece is an exception—just one look at his iconic black curly hair makes him impossible to ignore.

Usopp is the skilled sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates in the wildly popular pirate anime, One Piece. He stands out as one of the most relatable characters, known for his realistic flaws and genuine personality.

Though Usopp is often cowardly and prone to bending the truth, what makes him truly remarkable is his resilience. No matter how many times he's frightened or knocked down, he always gets back up and fulfills his responsibilities.

This determination and his unique look easily earn him a place on our list of the most memorable curly-haired cartoon characters.

If you've ever watched As Told By Ginger, you probably know that Darren Patterson stands out from both his brother and his father.

Darren is not only Ginger Foutley's closest friend, but he also becomes her boyfriend for a while. Although their romance ends, the series finale reveals that they eventually marry and have a daughter together.

Darren's character is vital to Ginger's growth, always providing support and guidance throughout the show. Their close bond highlights the importance of friendship and loyalty as their stories unfold.

He is easily recognized by his soft, wavy dark brown curls, which add a unique charm to his appearance.

Gerald Martin Johanssen is one of the standout characters in the series Hey Arnold!. As Arnold's close friend and Phoebe's boyfriend, Gerald's easygoing nature and distinct style make him an essential part of the animated show.

Although Gerald sometimes appears reluctant to help others, he demonstrates deep loyalty and genuine care for those he holds dear, showing his complexity as a character.

As the class president who prides himself on being cool, Gerald occasionally feels jealous when others threaten to outshine him. This is likely influenced by his upbringing as the middle child, often receiving the most attention in his family dynamic.

Gerald's unique look is completed by his short, curly black hair, which is always neatly combed to the side in the show.

It’s hard to miss Tatsumaki’s striking green hair, which curls elegantly at the ends—a signature trait that stands out. As the S-Class Rank 2 professional hero, she is among the top three most powerful members of the esteemed Hero Association.

Renowned as one of the most formidable telekinetic characters ever, Tatsumaki embodies a perfect blend of boldness and beauty. Her unique curly hair only adds to her already dynamic and commanding presence.

However, it’s worth noting that Tatsumaki’s brash and temperamental personality can be quite shocking. She often appears disrespectful, especially toward those she considers incompetent, leaving a strong impression on those around her.

Miranda Killgallen is one of the most recognizable characters from the Nickelodeon series As Told By Ginger. Known as the fierce and assertive girl at school, she is best friends with Courtney and often treats Ginger with noticeable coldness.

A lover of the spotlight, Miranda struggles whenever her popularity is threatened. Her possessive streak can make her seem unsympathetic at times, but viewers occasionally glimpse a softer side, revealing she can be kind to those around her.

Despite her efforts to keep her softer emotions hidden, Miranda's vibrant, curly hair perfectly complements her bold personality and dynamic presence within the show.

Takurou Sakakiba from Persona: Trinity Soul stands out as one of the most notable anime characters with charming curly hair. As a loyal friend to the main protagonist, Takurou is known for his sincere dedication and the deep care he shows for those important to him.

Throughout the series, viewers watch as Takurou struggles to control his Persona after it awakens. His journey of self-discovery and perseverance adds depth to his character, culminating in his eventual mastery over his powers by the series' conclusion.

Sideshow Bob is one of the most infamous and widely recognized characters on the acclaimed animated series, The Simpsons. Originally named Dr. Robert Underdunk Terwilliger Jr., he is introduced to audiences as the sidekick of Krusty the Clown.

However, his storyline quickly takes an unexpected turn as he embarks on a path of crime. Most notably, he shocks fans by attempting to frame Krusty for armed robbery, marking the beginning of his complicated villainous arc.

This former children's entertainer turned criminal mastermind claims to be a self-proclaimed genius and is also depicted as a member of the Republican Party. Sideshow Bob's most distinguishing trait is his wild, palm tree-shaped curly red hair, which makes him instantly recognizable among the show's diverse cast.

Let's begin by introducing Dr. Julius Michael Hibbert, M.D., best known simply as Dr. Hibbert from "The Simpsons." Renowned for his friendly demeanor, he stands out as Springfield's most famous doctor.

Many fans remember Dr. Hibbert for his distinctive deep, booming voice and his trademark laugh, which he manages to fit into nearly every situation. Unlike most real-world physicians, he is also particularly mindful of his patients’ ability to pay, often bringing up the topic of funding during visits.

Part of what makes Dr. Hibbert so trusted by Springfield’s residents is his impressive intellect—he boasts an IQ of 155, making patients feel confident and secure in his care.