Let’s be honest—some of the most iconic cartoon characters aren’t the handsome heroes with rugged jaws or luscious locks. Nope. It’s the fat ones who waddle, bounce, or barrel through frames and somehow manage to steal the show. Whether they’re goofy, sweet, boisterous, or crazy, these plumper-than-average characters deliver laughs, heart, and irrepressible energy to the screen. Here’s the top 10 fattest cartoon characters who have made animation history just by existing—unapologetically hilarious, fiercely lovable, and always greater than life.
10. Heffer Wolfe (Rocko’s Modern Life)
Heffer is a goofy steer who was raised by wolves (sincerely), and he’s essentially the epitome of chaotic good. Always up for snacks, trouble, and ridiculous adventures, Heffer‘s big appetite is matched by his big personality. You never quite know what he’s going to do next—and that’s the point of him.
9. Mrs. Puff (SpongeBob SquarePants)
Mrs. Puff is a pufferfish who puffs up most of the time, most likely due to SpongeBob terrorizing her boating school. Her puffed-up version is cartoon gold, particularly when combined with that drained voice and perpetually regretful expression. Seriously, who wouldn’t go crazy teaching SpongeBob how to drive?
8. Pete (Disney)
Pete’s been around for ages—he was Mickey’s arch-nemesis long before Goofy came along. He’s done bad guys, fathers, bosses… always with that same massive gut and gruff voice. Love him or loathe him, Pete’s been a round-faced fixture of Disney’s cartoon universe since the black-and-white era.
7. Heimlich (A Bug’s Life)
Heimlich is the jolliest little caterpillar you’ll ever meet. Always munching, always dreaming of butterfly wings, he’s a scene-stealer in every way. There’s something irresistibly funny and sweet about a big green bug who just wants to flutter.
6. Doctor Eggman (Sonic the Hedgehog)
Big belly? Check. Bigger ego? Double check. Eggman is the type of baddie you can’t help but chuckle at, even as he attempts to blow everything up. His crazy mustache and bombastic round shape have become just as iconic as Sonic’s sneakers.
5. Po (Kung Fu Panda)
On the surface, Po is your typical lazy panda who enjoys naps and noodles. But beyond the fur is a Dragon Warrior with a very hard heart. It’s equal parts laughable and motivating to see him get by, train, and then become a hero.
4. Baymax (Big Hero 6)
Soft, spherical, and snuggable, Baymax is more about warmth, both literal and emotional. Conceived to care for people, this inflatable healthcare robot charmed us with subtle humor and wise quietude. He’s not boisterous, but he’s irreplaceable.
3. Shrek (Shrek)
Shrek upended the fairytale template. He is not a prince, is not good-looking (by conventional means), and is certainly not welcoming to guests. But his enormity, his snarkiness, and his swamp-residing spirit render him one of the greatest animated legends of all time.
2. Maui (Moana)
He’s big, bold, and full of himself—but Maui is also incredibly fun to watch. Covered in magical tattoos and bursting with personality, he’s got the charm of a showman and the body of a heavyweight champ. And let’s be honest: “You’re Welcome” still lives rent-free in our heads.
1. Cleveland Brown (Family Guy / The Cleveland Show)
Soft-spoken yet quick-witted, Cleveland’s slow drawl and easygoing nature provide the ultimate contrast to the craziness surrounding him. Whether sliding out of bathtubs or spouting deadpan one-liners, Cleveland shows that you don’t have to be boisterous to be funny—and memorable.