Top 10 Green Characters | Articles on WatchMojo.com (2024)

#10: The Wicked Witch of the West

“The Wizard of Oz” franchise (1900-)
Green characters come and go, but few have enjoyed such enduring popularity as the Wicked Witch. First introduced in L. Frank Baum children’s book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, released in 1900, she was not initially green. That being said, the Wicked Witch’s role in the book series was limited to the first instalment, and in reality, it was Margaret Hamilton’s brightly Technicolor portrayal of the now-green character in the massively successful 1939 film that really put the Wicked Witch on the map. Hers is such an iconic aesthetic that when people think of witches today, this is the mental image that comes to mind. And without actually fact-checking we’re gonna say SHE’s who they had in mind when they coined the phrase “green with envy.” Of course, with the massive success of “Wicked”, the character now also enjoys being a misunderstood protagonist in her own right.

#9: Mike Wazowski

“Monsters, Inc.” franchise (2001-)
He might be small in stature, but this little monster’s massive personality has made him one of Pixar’s most memorable creations to date — green or otherwise. Voiced by the incomparable Billy Crystal, Mike Wazowski is a fast-talking, one-eyed, green ball of energy. When we first met Mike in 2001’s “Monsters Inc.”, he was working as a scaring assistant to his best bud Sulley. Proud, charismatic and funny, but prone to rubbing people the wrong way and the occasional episode of selfishness, Mike is a believably flawed character, and that’s what makes him so relatable. And over the course of the original film, as well as a prequel, various short films and video games, we’ve seen time and time again that this little green monster has a huge heart.

#8: The Grinch

“Grinch” franchise (1957-)
Speaking of big hearts, how about the aptly named grinch at the center of this unconventional holiday tale? As the story goes, his heart went from being two sizes too small to growing three sizes in a single day! Created by the wildly creative Dr. Seuss, the Grinch is just about the oddest Christmas hero in the history of the holiday. A pessimistic loner, he’s a mean-spirited creature who loathes cheeriness in any form. But no matter how dastardly his deeds, the Grinch has an undeniably magnetic quality to him, even before his change of heart. Though his color was left ambiguous in the original illustrations, the 1966 film established his now trademark green fur, and the character has never looked back. Okay wait, we definitely need a rhyme in here to honor the author. How about: a memorable antihero with skin this chartreuse, could only come from the mind of the Seuss. K that’s better.

#7: Frankenstein’s Monster

“Frankenstein” franchise (1818-)
The horror genre has given us countless creatures to fear over the years — in all shapes, sizes and yes...colors. But even in a crowded field, Mary Shelley’s 1818 literary creation remains among the most instantly recognizable and influential characters. Often erroneously referred to as Frankenstein, the unnamed monster created by Dr. Victor Frankenstein has shambled his way into countless films, books, television series, comic books and more. Though his skin is occasionally depicted as having a grayish pallor to it, he’s most commonly depicted as having sickly green flesh to match his undead origin. The monster may be terrifying to behold, but he’s a fundamentally misunderstood being, and its the tragedy of his existence that makes this character so timeless.

#6: Yoshi

“Mario” franchise (1983-)
There aren’t many supporting characters on our list today. But the fact that Yoshi is making an appearance is a testament to just how much of an impact this dinosaur-like creature has made. Though he’s a welcome addition to any Mario title, he’s more than just a steed for the iconic plumber to ride. Ever since his introduction in 1990, Yoshi’s popularity is such that he’s claimed the spotlight as the hero of his own story in a number of releases, including the excellent 1995 Super Nintendo game, “Yoshi’s Island”. Impossibly cute in his design, and with a range of expressive noises to match, Yoshi’s name recognition rivals that of Mario himself. He consistently ranks amongst the most popular video game characters of all time.

#5: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” franchise (1984-)
Is it cheating to present a group of four characters in a single entry? Maybe! But like a loving, wise, mutated, adoptive rat father, we refuse to pick a favorite! Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael and Donatello are each very much their own turtle — complete with distinct quirks, good qualities and flaws. But for all their differences and personality clashes, they’ve always got each other’s backs. Or rather… shells. And that’s a big part of the enduring appeal of TMNT. They aren’t just crime-fighting turtles in a halfshell, they’re a family of misfit teenage brothers trying to do the right thing against impossible odds. In stringing these four unlikely words together, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird made it cool to be green!

#4: Kermit the Frog

“The Muppets” franchise (1955-)
When this now famous Muppet and “Sesame Street” alumnus made his debut in 1955, he was basically an old turquoise coat and a couple of ping pong balls. But something about the way creator Jim Henson brought him to life clicked with viewers! It would take some time for Kermit to truly become the frog we know and love today, but he stood out right from the very beginning. Something about his design made his personality obvious; Kermit is easygoing, friendly, caring and a natural leader, but not afraid to make a wisecrack. And while fellow Sesame Street castmate Oscar the Grouch is similarly iconic, we have to give it up for the frog who introduced us to the struggle.

#3: Shrek

“Shrek” franchise (1990-)
This swamp-dwelling ogre first saw light of day in the pages of a 1990 picture book written and illustrated by William Steig (st-eye-g). It generated a fair amount of praise at the time, but it wasn’t until Shrek’s 2001 feature film that the character became a pop culture sensation. After finding love with Princess Fiona in the first film, the titular ogre and his eventual bride have continued to deliver countless laughs across a number of sequels and related media. While the films remain accessible to all audiences, it’s his proliferation as a meme that’s taken this ogre from household name to an undeniable icon. Of course, we can’t imagine Shrek ever having become so hugely popular had it not been for the voice work of Mike Myers.

#2: Hulk

Marvel Universe (1962-)
Between DC and Marvel, there’s no shortage of memorable green-skinned superheroes. Gamora, Martian Manhunter, She-Hulk and Drax all deserve nods for bringing fame and acclaim to team green. But let’s be honest, when it comes to green comic book characters, none have been hitting harder or longer than The Incredible Hulk. Initially presented as raw emotion personified, this complex hero was co-created by Stan Lee himself. Since he made his debut in 1962, the Green Goliath has gone through countless changes in terms of his appearance, personality, affiliations and even his status as a hero. With his inclusion in the MCU however, it’s safe to say that the Incredible Hulk’s status as a top-tier green character is more unquestionable than ever before.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Slimer, “Ghostbusters” franchise (1984-)
He’s An Ugly Little Spud, Isn’t He?

Piccolo, “Dragon Ball” franchise (1984-)
He’s Known as “Big Green” in Some Dubs

Ms. Green M&M, M&M’s (1995-)
An Urban Legend in the ‘70s About Green M&M’s Being an Aphrodisiac Spawned This Seductive Mascot

The Squeeze Toy Aliens [aka Little Green Men], “Toy Story” franchise (1995-)
You Have Saved Their Lives & They Are Eternally Grateful

Jolly Green Giant, Green Giant Vegetables (1935-)
The Second-Most Popular Character to Have “Ho, Ho, Ho!” as a Catchphrase

#1: Yoda