Top 33 Most Popular Goth Cartoon Characters

 

Of the countless characters that have come out of cartoons since their very inception, there have been some whose characterizations are universal. One such recurring characterization is that of the emo or goth.

 

Trademarked by their scathing sharp personality, dark sense of fashion, and flair for the emotionally dramatic, such characters have been spread over several cartoons. However, we don’t usually catch them in every show that we chance upon.

 

That is perhaps why they’re so intriguing to watch and talk about. Most people can relate to these characters because they frequently depict relatable emotions and life experiences. Not only can they be seen battling problems such as depression, anxiety, and societal pressure but they do so in a peculiarly understandable manner.

 

Add to that the fact that their unique art style and exaggerated expressions only make them come off as visually appealing. It is not surprising then that some of these goth cartoon characters have gone on to become a source of comfort and contemplation to their viewers.

 

So, allow us to introduce you to some of the most spectacular and popular goth cartoon characters that have managed to charm us with their remarkable screen presence over time.

 

 

 

1. The Addams Family (The Addams Family)

 

 

Fans of the animated television series The Addams Family and its characters would be waiting for bated breath to see if we’ve included them in our piece. Since the clan is known for its dark humour and its love of all things macabre, they happen to be one of the perfect examples of goth cartoon characters.

 

In fact, most members of the close-knit and loving family are known for their macabre and gothic personalities. While they have a unique perspective on life and death, they tend to find humour in things that may perhaps come off as dark or dangerous to others.

 

Like true goths, they are eccentric and enjoy doing things that push them to go against the established norms.

 

 

 

2. Raven (Teen Titans)

 

 

Teen Teens, which was based on comics from the 1980s, ran on Cartoon Network from 2003-2006. The most interesting part about the show was that it featured several superheroes from the DC Universe, including Raven.

 

Raven not only had the power of telekinesis and flight but she could also manage to detach her soul from her body. Over time, she rose to prominence within the DC Universe, which, ultimately, allowed her to grow in popularity within the fandom as well.

 

One of the most memorable gothic characters of animated television, her room was shown to be filled with mythic tomes, statues reminiscent of the occult, and a bed styled after her hood.

 

Needless to say, she was a grim, moody, and brooding character who was as mysterious as an animated character could possibly be. Add to that the fact that she often managed to come up with sharp remarks, which goes on to say a lot about the show’s writing.

 

Oh, and of course, it must not be surprising for you to hear that the girl was more than capable of passing comments dipped in sarcasm as well.

 

 

 

3. Thorn (Scooby-Doo)

 

 

We have seen Thorn and her band, The Hex Girls, making an appearance in the 1999 film Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost. Their screen presence was liked by the viewers and they quickly went on to become a staple in the franchise.

 

Voiced by Jennifer Hale, Thorn was The Hex Girls’ lead singer and guitarist whose innate powers were crucial in helping Mystery Incorporated; especially in imprisoning the ghost of witch Sarah Ravencroft.

 

She was also a practising Wiccan, being 1/16th on her mother’s side. The girl was usually seen donning dark outfits of black, red, and purple, meshing well with her bat-shaped guitar.

 

While we mostly saw her being calm and kind, some moments brought her immature side to the fore as well. In fact, she managed to scare both Scooby-doo and Shaggy when first meeting them.

 

She may have laughed it off at the time, but it was easy for us to guess that the girl thrives on her dark sense of humour.

 

She is considered to be one of the original 2000s goth characters and the tracks of her band are each a banger.

 

 

 

4. Daria Morgendorffer (Beavis and Butt-Head & Daria)

 

 

Daria Morgendorffer is a well-known character who first made her presence felt in Beavis and Butt-Head. Later, she starred in her titular series and her character was successfully developed even more over time.

 

Her signature drab and monotone voice helped a big time in communicating her pessimistic outlook on life. While she may not look as gothic as her classmate Andrea, Daria’s mannerisms, jokes, and actions speak far louder than any traditional gothic appearance and stereotype ever could.

 

However, what added layers to the character was that she stood for what she believed was right and saw no point in buying into rigid societal systems. That being said, she was also someone who failed to fit in with everyone else at school. So, after a point, she simply stopped trying.

 

While she was often picked on by her classmates, she used to mock them from a distance as well. However, she was finally able to find a mate in Jane Lane.

 

 

5. The Grinch (How The Grinch Stole Christmas)

 

 

Yes, we understand that some of you may be wondering how The Grinch from How the Grinch Stole Christmas qualifies as a gothic character. While he may not typically be seen as one, we do believe that he embodies certain characteristics associated with the subculture.

 

Created by Dr Seuss, he is a green, furry creature who is known not only for his mischievous demeanour but also for his cynical outlook on life. Often seen sporting a scowling expression, he has droopy eyes and slouching posture.

 

Since The Grinch is an outcast ostracized by the Whos in Whoville, it coerces him to start resenting Christmas. His gothic style is also sometimes expressed through his signature black outfit and extremely pointed shoes.

 

 

6. Lydia Deetz (Beetlejuice)

 

 

Since the 1988 film Beetlejuice proved to be a success, a cartoon show of the same title was aired from 1989 to 1991. In the animated series, we found Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz going on adventures in The Netherworld; a supernatural realm where they end up chancing upon a variety of creatures and monsters.

 

Just like how she was depicted in the movie, Deetz is a goth teen who has a hard time getting along with girls her age. Matter of fact, like most goth characters in our story, she felt isolated and left out. As the story progressed, we also got to learn that she had an affinity for things that most people disregard in the real world.

 

Worse still, her father and stepmother also fail to be responsive to her. Therefore, she decides to escape to The Netherworld and go on potentially rip-roaring adventures with Beetlejuice. 

 

 

7. Emily (Corpse Bride)

 

 

There is no denying that Corpse Bride, a stop-motion animation film that was released in 2005, is one of director Tim Burton’s most well-known features to date. Set in Victorian England, the story follows a young man named Victor who’s supposed to marry a girl named Victoria.

 

However, he accidentally ends up tying the knot with a corpse named Emily who, subsequently, takes him to the Land of the Dead. We are pleasantly surprised to find that the charismatic Emily is a hopeless romantic with a passion for music and dance.

 

Unfortunately, she was killed by her fiancé on the night she intended to elope.

 

 

8. Mai (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

 

 

From the moment we laid our eyes on the inimitable Mai in Avatar: The Last Airbender, she oozed a high level of angst. She raised the bar high by stressing the depths of her hatred for the city she was in.

 

Credit has to be given to voice actress Cricket Leigh for having done a commendable job at keeping her unique, low, and moody voice consistent throughout the series. So, even though she doesn’t care to show any emotion, she does tend to open up as the series progresses.

 

Not only does she go on dates in graveyards but she also gets a kick out of calling sunsets “disgusting.”

 

 

9. Jinx (Teen Titans)

 

 

Most people in the real world are scared of jinxing things. Unsurprisingly, Jinx, the character, also literally causes bad luck to people. Better still, she can be seen smiling wickedly while doing so on the battlefield.

 

However, what makes her solidify her place on our list is that she also looks one hundred per cent the part. Even though she can be mean from time to time, she’s eventually revealed to be quite the softie.

 

Her overall aesthetic and persona complement her room as well. We say so because her mirror, computer, and bed frame have demonic accents added to them. Thankfully for the viewers, she didn’t lose out on her gothic charm even after having joined the Teen Titans.

 

 

10. Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

 

 

Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender was someone whose reactions stemmed from his traumatic past. In fact, those who have seen the show would agree that his fury only went on to reveal how hopeless he was in his life.

 

Not only was he feeling inadequate for the better part of his life but he also struggled to discover his real purpose. Worse still, he felt that his destiny has been forced on him.

 

We can’t finish talking about Zuko without mentioning that even after his redemption and coronation as the Fire Lord, his angst never left his personality. It wasn’t surprising then that every time he made the right decision, he’d struggle a lot internally.

 

Most viewers also see it as the one true dramatic king, which is wonderful.

 

 

11. Yumi Ishiyama (Code Lyoko)

 

 

Yep, we agree that Yumi Ishiyama is part of a lesser-known series, but she deserves just as much attention as other characters on our list. She happens to be a part of the Lyoko Warriors, which is a group of teenagers who have dedicated themselves to stopping a virtual intelligence program known as X. A. N. A. from conquering the world. 

 

Since she is the oldest and most mature of the Warriors, we often find her keeping to herself. That said, she’s not often seen without dark clothing, having appeared in the first three seasons of the show wearing an all-black ensemble and large, black platform boots.

 

However, what makes her a fascinating character is that she is the most perfect example of the rarely depicted soft goth.

 

 

12. Joan of Arc (Clone High)

 

 

Clone High may have aired for just one season from 2002-2003, but Joan of Arc managed to make an impression on the minds of the viewers who were able to catch the show on their small screen.

 

We are introduced to a school that’s populated by teenage clones of historical figures. One of these clones happens to be Joan of Arc, who’s astute, angsty, and pessimistic. The character has been voiced by actress Nicole Sullivan, who also voiced Shego in Kim Possible.

 

 

13. Henrietta Biggle (South Park)

 

 

Henrietta Biggle made her debut appearance on episode 14 of season seven of the popular animated series South Park. For those who do not know, she is the leader of the goth clique within the 4th-grade class.

 

Over time, her bedroom has gone on to become the main hangout spot for the goth kids who prefer to read gothic literature, write dark poems, and dabble in the occult right there.

 

However, we must make it clear that Biggle has an extensive criminal record which includes arson, attempted murder, kidnapping, drug abuse (cigarettes and cough syrup), grand theft auto, and treason. Yes, you read that right!

 

 

14. Andrea (Daria)

 

 

Most of you believe that many characters within MTV’s Daria exhibit goth behaviour, but the one true goth of the show has to be Andrea. She is Daria’s classmate who has a stereotypical nihilistic personality.

 

It is imperative to note that she pronounces her name “an-DRAY-uh”, with emphasis on the second syllable. One of her most memorable moments from the show was when she recited her coffeehouse poem: “I’m here.

 

But where are you? Sure, I see your body. Anybody home in that rotting bag of flesh?” Now, who would say that the sequence and the lines weren’t iconic?

 

 

15. Sam Manson (Danny Phantom)

 

 

In the animated series Danny Phantom, we catch teen Danny Felton becoming a human-ghost hybrid with the sole aim to defend the world from ghost attacks using his new supernatural powers.

 

His best friend and eventual girlfriend is Sam Manson, who may be a lot of things but not a stereotypical goth; even though she happens to dress like one. We say so because the animal rights activist lacks the trademark nihilism, angst, and pessimistic attitude many other characters on this list possess.

 

Needless to say, her character makes for a nice change to the archetype and the girl also gets some points for hunting literal ghosts and for being an “ultra-recycled-vegan”.

 

 

16. Mavis Dracula (Hotel Transylvania)

 

 

Hotel Transylvania is a computer-animated motion picture that follows Count Dracula; someone who owns the Hotel Transylvania where monsters stay to rest from the human world. However, when a human accidentally stumbles upon the hotel, he is forced to do everything he can to prevent the guests from discovering him.

 

Enter Mavis Dracula – a 118-year-old vampire who’s not only headstrong but also independent and intelligent in equal measure.

 

 

17. Shego (Kim Possible)

 

 

Kim Possible was an action comedy-adventure television series that ran on the Disney channel for a good few years. The story revolved around the titular character who tried her best to balance her teenage life with her crime-fighting job.

 

While her main antagonist in the show was the mad scientist Dr Drakken, it was his sidekick Shego who ended up creating trouble for her. She was smart-mouthed and impulsive and was always shown with black hair, black lipstick and a fitted green and black ensemble.

 

 

18. Nergal Jr. (The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy)

 

 

Nergal Jr. is the troubled child of Nergal and Sis, who possesses his monster father’s abilities, which, eventually, go on to earn him the name “Freak.” Later, we find Junior being sent to a winter camp that Grim and Billy’s father, Harold, sent Mandy and Billy to.

 

While there, he tries to use his powers and abilities to assume the forms of others, perhaps because he is ashamed of his “true” form. As we sit through the story, it becomes clearer that all he ever wanted was to be accepted by others.

 

This is why he used to swap forms if he felt another person was more popular than the one he was impersonating at the time.

 

 

19. Rogue (X-Men Evolution)

 

 

Rogue from X-Men Evolution had been re-imagined as a rebellious and cynical teenager. Not only was she insecure and uncertain about a ton of things in her life but she was also emotionally needy.

 

In fact, she went on to isolate herself from other people because her mutant ability barred her from making any physical contact with those around her. Unfortunately, it only ended up making her sarcastic and alarmingly defensive.

 

While she managed to become close with her roommate Kitty after having joined the X-Men, she still found it a tad difficult to trust people. Often in the series, we find her considering her mutant power as a curse and brooding over it.

 

 

20. Kevin Levin (Ben 10)

 

 

Kevin is an Osmosian, a sub-species of humans with altered DNA that gives each Osmosian unique abilities. When it comes to him, he’s fortunate enough to have been given the ability of power absorption.

 

That is perhaps why his look and character are relatively the same across the board, regardless of what series he appears in or what age he appears at. Also, when he absorbs something, we can see black discolouration surrounding his eyes, which makes one feel like he may be wearing eyeliner half the time.

 

Add to that the fact that he wears a padlock around his neck in some of his appearances.

 

 

21. Marceline (Adventure Time)

 

 

Adventure Time was an animated series that was made by Cartoon Network and ran on the channel from 2010-2018. On the show, we saw Finn the Human and his adoptive brother Jake the Dog having daily fantasy adventures in the Land of Ooo.

 

During their adventures, they were seen interacting with other figures in the kingdom including Princess Bubblegum, the Ice King, and Marceline the Vampire Queen. Marceline was a half-human, half-demon-vampire who liked nothing more than to enjoy playing her axe bass guitar; something which allowed her to express her thoughts and feelings through music.

 

 

22. Eeyore (Winnie-the-Pooh)

 

 

Eeyore was first seen making an appearance in 1926’s Winnie-the-Pooh. This much-liked character has a reputation as an emo cartoon character due to his perpetual melancholy and pessimistic attitude towards life.

 

He is a donkey who seems to be constantly experiencing bad luck and feelings of sadness. Moreover, he doesn’t do a lot to alleviate his gloomy demeanour. That’s probably why he gets negative thoughts and speaks in a monotone voice.

 

Even though he may have a glum outlook, Eeyore has been a fan favourite since many viewers see his struggles with sorrow and low self-esteem as a reflection of real-life experiences.

 

 

23. Dylan Beekler (Golan the Insatiable)

 

 

Dylan Beekler from Golan the Insatiable summoned the dark warlord, Golan the Insatiable, from the realm of Gkruool after having read a few passages from a mysterious tome. Sooner than later, she proved herself worthy enough of being his loyal follower.

 

They joined hands in not only spreading demonic pandemonium around town but also enacting vengeance upon her bullies and apathetic family. If that wasn’t enough to startle you, make peace with the fact that she looked down on people and was more fervent with Medieval warfare and torture than Golan.

 

Aside from being an anti-social and perpetually furious goth, Beekler was also lonely as a child, which perhaps explains her special bond with Golan.

 

 

24. Lucy L. Loud (The Loud House)

 

 

Referred to as “spooky” by her siblings, the enigmatic and cynical Lucy L. Loud was the fifth-youngest of Lincoln’s ten sisters and one of the main characters in The Loud House.

 

The gloomy goth girl had an interest in Gothic poetry and was the co-president of Royal Woods Elementary’s Morticians Club. Even though one could sense that she was gloomy, she was also very sensitive at heart and didn’t like people being mean to her.

 

Besides her gothic appearance, she is perhaps best remembered for her uncanny ability to suddenly appear in places, often frightening people around her. While she can be seen sporting a stoic frown, what made her cover half her face through her hair was that her parents were creeped out by her blank stares.

 

 

25. Ravencrow Neversmiles (The Simpsons)

 

 

Fans of The Simpsons would agree that, technically, Ravencrow Neversmiles is the alias of Lisa Simpson. While the character may not be remembered as much today, we still find her impactful enough to make it to our story.

 

In episode 13 of season 15, Lisa decides to become a goth after it’s revealed that Maggie has a higher IQ than her. Even though her appearance in the episode is brief, her new style isn’t the one that ardent fans of the show can forget easily.

 

 

26. Gothitelle (Pokémon)

 

 

This psychic-type Pokémon was first seen making an appearance on the 21st episode of Pokémon: Black and White in 2011. They were introduced in Generation V and it evolves from Gothorita and Gothita.

 

Gothitelle was blessed not only with the ability to distort the space around it but also to show visions of past events to those around it. In addition, he could also predict the future.

 

 

27. Ruby Gloom and Team (Ruby Gloom)

 

 

Ruby Gloom was a cartoon show that aimed to tell the story of its curiously cheerful titular character who lived in a gothic mansion along with her best pals Skull Boy, Iris, Misery, Frank & Len, Poe, Boo Boo and Doom Kitty.

 

Known for her spirited attitude and for being the voice of reason, she could be seen in her red hair, short-sleeve black dress, yellow/red-striped stockings, and short black Mary Jane shoes.

 

Ruby, who took pleasure in knitting, baking, fresh laundry, and writing in her diary, had a pet cat named Doom Kitty. In fact, she was the only one who could comprehend what the cat was trying to say.

 

 

28. Triana Orpheus (The Venture Bros.)

 

 

The Venture Bros. is an adult animated action comedy television series that has aired on Adult Swim since 2004. It follows the many amusing escapades of teenage twin brothers Hank and Dean Venture, who belong to a clan of competent superheroes.

 

Triana Orpheus is the beloved daughter of Dr Byron Orpheus, who is a necromancer who takes inspiration from Dr Strange. Even though Dean Venture is shown to be crushing on her throughout the show, she is written out of the plot in the fourth season for some reason.

 

 

29. Ingrid Third (Fillmore!)

 

 

Those who have seen Fillmore! would know that the show ran on ABC and then later on Toon Disney from 2002-2004. It aimed to shed light on former juvenile delinquent Cornelius Fillmore, who goes on to become a member of the Safety Patrol at his middle school.

 

His partner in crime is Ingrid Third; a smart girl who was sent to reform school in Nepal where she ended up becoming popular courtesy of her photographic memory. What’s interesting about this character is that she’s been voiced by actress Tara Strong, who also voiced Raven from Teen Titans.

 

 

30. Gwen (Total Drama Island)

 

 

Gwen, who was a camper and one of the finalists of Total Drama Island, returned as a cast member on Total Drama Action and served as the skipper of the Screaming Gaffers.

 

While she returned for Total Drama World Tour as a member of Team Amazon, she was seen with the original contestants on a yacht in the first episode of Total Drama: Revenge of the Island as well.

 

This goth girl was a loner who used to fancy art and astronomy. She was smart, independent, kind-hearted, and level-headed, but her finest quality was that she never allowed herself to get excited over tiny things.

 

To many, she may have come off as harsh and sarcastic, but she was only just being cautious of whom she lets into her life. If one truly got to know her, one would realize that beneath her tough exterior, there is a kind heart that tries to trust those in its vicinity.

 

 

31. Raven Queen (Even After High)

 

 

Yes, we know that this Mattel franchise features fairy tale figures and lots of frilly dresses, but the heroine here was the daughter of the Evil Queen from Snow White.

 

Raven, who went on to renounce her inherited storybook legacy as the wrongdoer, started motivating other students to embrace their personalities and create their chapters. That is precisely why they were called “rebels”.

 

She was mostly seen wearing black, purple and plumes, and was far more approachable and compassionate than most people would have been able to guess. Unsurprisingly, she was also in possession of dark magical abilities.

 

 

32. Creepella “Creepie” Creecher (Growing Up Creepie)

 

 

Creepella “Creepie” Creecher was a goth girl and the main character of Growing Up Creepie. She was raised by the Creecher family in Dweezwold Mansion. The show aimed to teach young adults and kids more about the wonderful and lesser-known world of insects.

 

While her father was a vegan vampire-like mosquito, her mother was a Morticia Addams-like praying mantis. Creepie was able to converse with them but she kept her personal life a secret because Middlington was a town of necrophobic people.

 

That said, besides her entomological talents, she also liked reciting poetry and clicking photos of the decayed.

 

 

33. Death (DC Showcase: Death)

 

 

This animated short film is reportedly based on the comic book character Death, who was created by Neil Gaiman and Mike Dringenberg for The Sandman. In the comics, Death can be seen helping escort the recently deceased to the afterlife and visiting people when they are born.

 

However, what makes the character stand out here is that unlike most traditional depictions of Death in popular culture, she’s a young, perky, and beautiful goth woman. To sum it up, it’s been said that the character was inspired by Dringenberg’s close friend Cinnamon Hadley.