Cartoons have been around since the early 20s, in the west and east. Over decades, countless cartoon characters have risen to the top of their universe, being slated as the most powerful of all time. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s an endless stream of weak cartoon characters too.
Determining who’s the most powerful and weakest isn’t that easy. Each cartoon has its own unique universe with abilities that can’t be crossed over into other cartoons sometimes. There is also the issue of various adaptations. By including comic books, manga, and live-action movies — the list becomes utterly endless. So, to keep things relatively simple, this ranked list only includes cartoon characters that were featured in a television or anime series. The only statistics used, are the ones presented in the series. Manga, comic books, and other adaptations have not been taken into consideration.
An effort was also made to select cartoon characters from American and Japanese styles of animation while including a wide range of different series’. An argument can likely be made regarding the order of the featured cartoon characters rankings, but they all deserve a place on this list for a conundrum of various reasons. Some abilities are impossible to rank against others, mostly due to the universes in which these characters have earned their stripes and titles.
From destroyers of galaxies and deathly notebooks to comical sidekicks and super magical powers, here are the 15 most powerful cartoon characters and the 15 weakest of all time.
29 Powerful: Most Powerful Man In The Universe
As stated during the intro of the 1980s classic cartoon series, He-Man is the most powerful man in the universe. His universe that its. Although he could lift Castle Grayskull by himself. His only weakness is that he must return to his form as Adam. Especially after taking more blows than he can handle. He-Man is fast, aerobatic, and immensely powerful.
The Sword of Power, He-Man’s main weapon, is practically indestructible.
It can deflect magical rays while also absorbing energy and shooting energy beams. He-Man’s lung capacity has been compared to Superman’s and he can turn himself into a tornado. He’s performed feats like adjusting the course of Eternia's moon by flying a Wind Raider to it. He’s also shattered a falling moon by throwing a rock at it.
28 Weakest: Tien's Partner-In-Crime
Chiaotzu from Dragon Ball is a white-skinned and red-cheeked Earthling who’s best friends with Tien. His design for the series is based off Chinese vampires as he flies more often than walks. For Chiaotzu to attack, he stretches out his arms. He often has a childish nature to him but can fight when necessary due to massive amounts of training.
He’s also had a cameo in Naruto.
Chiaotzu has a guest appearance in the manga (Naruto chapter 150), not the anime. Naruto is waking around a festival, and Chiaotzu’s face can be seen in the panel wearing a mask. Creator of Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto, is known to be a fan of Akira Toriyama's work with Dragon Ball. He has even stated that Toriyama is one author who inspired Kishimoto to become a manga artist.
27 Powerful: Out In One Punch
The running joke behind the One Punch Man anime series is that Saitama, the main protagonist, deems fighting to be boring and unexciting. No enemy can stop Saitama, let alone battle him after being dealt one hit. His appearance is plain, featuring a prominent bald head. Which is how he earned the name Caped Baldy.
One Punch Man is invulnerable, has a never-ending stamina, and all the other bells and whistles a hero should have. The only ability he doesn’t have, is the one which would allow him to fly. Sticking with the trope of one punch, every move involves his fist when eliminating an opponent. It’s hard to say how he would do against Superman or Ichigo, but it’s safe to say he might have the upper-hand.
26 Weakest: Most Hated Character In Dragon Ball
Mr. Satan in the anime Dragon Ball is annoying and weak. He’s been dubbed the World Martial Arts Champion, only because he fought other humans. Goku and the other real fighters were busy battling on Namek and later against the Androids. He has a taste for fashion and has an affinity for the finer things in life. He’s also quite wealthy.
You can’t miss him in the series, as he has a black curly Afro, mustache, and manicured chops. Mr. Satan is often loud and obnoxious. He is skilled, however, in martial arts. But can’t hold his own against the other fighters very well. He only stands out if being pitted against a normal human.
25 Powerful: For Love And Justice
Usagi Tsukino has captured hearts and destroyed opponents since 1991. Known as Sailor Moon, she is the leader of the Sailor Senshi. Her most powerful possession is the Silver Crystal. This allows Usagi Tsukino to transform into her Senshi form. She can attack with immense power but can also retrieve memories. Other abilities include fending off dark energy, reincarnating monsters into humans, longevity, and reviving the deceased.
Using massive amounts of power can put her life at risk.
As the power is derived from the life force of the individual using the Silver Crystal. As the protagonist and leader, Usagi ranks at the top regarding powers on Sailor Moon. Her attacks often include the occasional use of her hair pins as projectile weapons, or through her technique called Ultrasonic Wave which uses pieces of her red hair to amplify her screams.
24 Weakest: Exxorian Space Monkey
Premiering from 1973 to 1986 on ABC, as part of its Saturday morning cartoon lineup, was the Hanna-Barbera cartoon Super Friends. Based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics, Gleek is a blue Exxorian Space Monkey. He’s the pet of the pet of Zan and Jayna and like the Wonder Twins, comes from the planet Exxor.
Gleek has a stretchable, prehensile tail — and is smarter than the average monkey found on Earth. Although unable to speak English, he understands it and can communicate through various forms of sign language. Gleek is based on another space-traveling monkey known as Blip. This pet monkey was owned by siblings Jayce and Jan on the 1966 Hanna-Barbera animated series, Space Ghost.
23 Powerful: We Live For Our Friends
Erza Scarlet of Fairy Tail may look sweet and innocent in her various armor get-ups, but her abilities are not to be messed with. Erza specializes in Requip Magic, which allows her to switch out armor and weapons at any time. And she’s got plenty of both. In addition, Ezra can use sword magic in combination with her various armors — giving her an advantage while being on the offensive or defensive. But if that’s not enough to shake one’s boots, Ezra can perform telekinesis as a combination with her sword magic.
Ezra is an S-Class Mage of the Fairy Tail Guild and possesses a massive amount of magical power. During several battles, she was able to Requip powerful armors in rapid succession without showing any signs of slowing down. Ezra can also Requip her Heaven's Wheel Armor and over 200 swords. All without running out of power.
22 Weakest: Sidekick Of Brain
Pinky: “Gee, Brain, what do you want to do tonight?”
Brain: “The same thing we do every night, Pinky — try to take over the world!”
Pinky is the adorable and not so intelligent lab mouse sidekick to Brain. Despite being looked down upon by Brain, Pinky was always upbeat and full of annoying joy. He’s often referred to as child-like, joyful, patient, naïve, friendly, loyal, and cute. Everywhere Brain goes, so does Pinky, as the two are practically inseparable.
Pinky knows the names of all the world's cheeses and can even name what country produces each type of cheese. He even knows his countries thanks to memorizing the lyrics to Yakko's World. During the rare occasions when Brain’s plans don’t go accordingly, Pinky is known for having good instincts regarding getting themselves out of a jam.
21 Powerful: The Half Demon Hybrid
Daughter of the demonic Trigon, Raven is unique and extremely powerful. Featured in the Teen Titans animated series, she was raised by the spiritual leader of Temple Azarath. Known as one of the founding members of Teen Titans, Raven has a host of unique abilities that are tied to her feelings and emotions. She is also known to be the most powerful member of the Teen Titans.
When Raven's anger becomes uncontrollable, she can transform into a half-demon.
She has the power to create and control pure darkness while bending it to her will, usually in conjunction with her telekinesis. Raven can also project her own spirit into a ghostly form, using it to interact within the physical world, mess with opponents mentally, and to move through time-space.
20 Weakest: A Sibling Tag-Along
Max is the younger brother of May on Pokémon. Known more as a traveling companion since he’s too young to become a Pokémon trainer, he often befriends Pokémon, without actually owning any of them. Despite always arguing with his sister May, he cares for her and looks up to Ash as a big brother figure.
He’s also close with Misty, and they often look out for one another. Max has immense theoretical knowledge about Pokémon, and is good at navigating through his Poké Nav, even though he sometimes gets lost.
Max isn’t afraid to speak his mind as was shown when he first met Ash. He mocked him for losing in the quarter finals of the tournament and criticized May for choosing a Torchic as her starter.
19 Powerful: Might Of The Pen
Light Yagami from the anime series Death Note, has the power to terminate anyone’s name he writes in his special notebook. As the main protagonist of the series, he’s driven mad by his powers. Light believes he can rid the world of all the criminals in existence, creating a new world in which he is essentially a god.
“This world is rotten, and those who are making it rot deserve to be eliminated. Even if it means sacrificing my own mind and soul, it’s worth it. Because the world… can’t go on like this. I wonder… what if someone else had picked up this notebook? Is there anyone out there other than me who’d be willing to eliminate the vermin from the world? If I don’t do it, then who will? That’s just it: there’s no one. But I can do it. In fact, I’m the only one who can. I’ll do it. Using the Death Note, I’ll change the world.”— Light Yagami.
18 Weakest: The Shy One
Nina Einstein is a student at Ashford Academy and a member of the Student Council in the anime series Code Geass. Working for the government by helping them create weapons, Nina is the creator of the F.L.E.I.J.A. (a weapon of mass destruction). Later in the series, she becomes the countermeasure her own weapon after witnessing its power in action.
Nina Einstein is known by fans for different reasons, however.
In Code Geass first season (episode 12), there is a controversial scene involving Nina and a table. Sadly, the contents of the scene are too mature to mention, so you’ll have to check it out for yourself. Fans who don’t like her character have assigned her the nickname of Table Girl. Her original name, however, isn’t a mistake. As she’s supposed to be like Albert Einstein, who also created a weapon of mass destruction.
17 Powerful: Feral Rage And A Scrappy Attitude
Wolverine is ranked by IGN as number 11, out of 90 animated characters produced in the 90s, in popularity. Known as one the most powerful members of the X-Men team (and various other teams), Logan is not one to mess with. Wolverine can rapidly heal faster and more efficiently than an ordinary human being, even with damaged organs and limbs. This makes Wolverine appear much younger than he actually is He’s also immune to diseases, drugs, and toxins.
Super animal-like senses make him a deadly hunter.
Wolverine has massive amounts of strength, falling just shy of Captain America and Spider-Man (who don’t have regenerative abilities). But despite all his other powers, Wolverine is most often known for his Adamantium claws. They are practically indestructible and can even regrow if damaged.
16 Weakest: Comic Relief Duo
Featured Fuji TV in 1967, Speed Racer became an instant cult classic despite only airing 52 episodes. Often known as the comic relief within the cartoon are Speed’s younger brother Wolverine and his pet chimpanzee, Chim Chim. The pair is inseparable and often create a Three Stooges effect by never having things go the way they plan.
They always seem to pull Speed out of a jam, however, allowing him to save the day. Typically, Spritle and Chim Chim will sneak into the trunk of Speeds Mach 5. They have also seemed to overpower thugs with simple tools like slingshots and throwing food. Their drive comes from wanting to prove themselves to others, often trying to solve a mystery on their own. They adore candy, often fighting over it while always eating it.
15 Powerful: Pirate With A Bounty
Monkey D. Luffy from the hit anime series One Piece is the main protagonist of the show. Often referred to as Luffy, or Straw Hat Luffy, he’s the captain and founder of the Straw Hat Pirates. Luffy has immense physical powers, allowing him to break stone, shatter steel, and push apart buildings.
But his real power is in his speed.
Luffy is able to anticipate moves and counter attacks due to his sharp reflexes. His speed, agility, and reflexes are an equal match to his strength and endurance. Relying heavily upon instincts during a battle, Luffy loves to keep his opponents in the dark regarding which fighting style he’ll use. He can appear reckless and insane, but he knows exactly what he’s doing.
14 Weakest: Blonde BFF In Naruto
Ino Yamanaka is essentially Sakura’s sidekick in the popular anime series Naruto. Over the course of the series, she would often be in the shadow of Sakura, whom many fans have claimed to be weak and worthless. While not the weakest character in the Naruto franchise, Ino isn’t necessarily powerful either.
At times, it would seem her and Sakura are more interested in having their anatomy grow, rather than perfecting and adapting their skills as fighters. Ino has a cool ability which allows her to sense chakra in others while being able to detect if it changes. She’s also a skilled healer, yet not on the same level as Sakura or Tsunade. Ino has brains under her blonde hair, often to the surprise of others. Her and Sakura also had a draw when pitted against one another.
13 Powerful: Genius And Alchemical Prodigy
Edward Elric from Full Metal Alchemist is not only highly intelligent but was also the youngest State Alchemist in history. His life motto comes from Izumi Curtis, who taught Ed the philosophy “to train the spirit, first train the body.” Being a prodigy, Edward Elric incorporated alchemy into his life during his early developmental years as a child. He perceives through alchemically which allows him to solve complicated codes faster than others.
Ed can also perform alchemical transmutations without having to draw a Transmutation Circle. Because of this, his transmutations are instantaneous and versatile, allowing him to max out his alchemy skills during combat. He can adapt to any of his opponent’s styles immediately after seeing it for the first time and specializes in transmuting weapons. But don’t let your guard down, or Ed will take you out with his steel automail prosthetics fitted as his left leg and right arm.
12 Weakest: Thundercats! Cook?
Who can forget Snarf from the 1985 Thundercats television series? His true name is Snarf Osbert from the Snarf species (go figure), and was Lion-O's nurse-maid as a child. Having very few abilities while also being small in stature, Snarf is mostly known as the resident cook for the Thundercats.
Of his 3 abilities listed, one is fleeing.
But don’t count out Snarf as completely useless. Not only is he adorable, but he often avoids being captured when things go wrong. Because of his size, he’s able to sneak through difficult spots and often free the Thundercats. Plus, Snarf has an ace up his sleeve — which he’s only used once. If necessary he can return to his original form as Snarf-Ra, the Ever Living, making him stronger than Mumm-Ra.
11 Powerful: The Inventor Of Smash
Appearing in his own solo cartoon in 1996, the Hulk partnered up She-Hulk in a series which left fans divided. Most enjoyed the first season of The Incredible Hulk because it was true to the comics by having plenty of dark tones and themes. In season two the cartoon was renamed The Incredible Hulk and She-Hulk. And the reception wasn’t as friendly.
Hulk has massive amounts of raw strength and power while being able to move relatively quickly whether in pursuit or in dodging attacks. He can leap miles in with a single jump and can create a shockwave by simply smashing his hands together. The Hulk has a high resistance to physical damage and has shown resistance to extreme temperatures, mind control, nuclear explosions, poisons, and all diseases. Besides the regeneration of limbs and vital organs, he also has superhuman endurance strength.
10 Weakest: Dr. Cotton Candy Lover
Tony Tony Chopper is the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates in One Piece. He came from Drum Island, making him the only team member of the Straw Hat crew who was born on the Grand Line. He is the sixth fighter to join the crew and is the youngest aboard.
Chopper has childlike tendencies and is often timid around humans. Because of his youth and lack of confidence regarding fighting skills, he is often perceived as a coward. Yet despite his weaknesses, Chopper is on a journey to discover himself. He looks up to everyone on the team and tries to imitate their behavior.
Chopper can also communicate with, and understand, other animals — which has come in handy. He also has a sensitive nose that can be used for tracking others unless it’s raining.