What’s a brand without a mascot, really? Nothing but a bland name that gives nothing to the imagination! Okay, well, maybe the reality isn’t as harsh, but we’d love ourselves a good dramatization, as any ole writer does. Anyway, we’re here to talk about the most famous advertising mascots that left their mark on marketing and cultural history and not about literary devices. Thus, let us present to you our list of the most iconic mascots from cereal brands, cleaning product companies, insurance policy sellers, and everything in between!
So, what creates a good brand mascot? One glaring similarity that ties most of them is the fact that they are usually anthropomorphic animals. And, although we cannot relate to a claymation sheep or a dashing tiger, we cannot resist their charms! Of the very few human-like (notice the suffix -like here) mascots, they all seem to be a bit long in the tooth and grey in their hair to evoke the feeling of trustworthiness and stature. Like, you know, if your grandma or grandpa tells you that this is the best cereal, you’re bound to believe and trust them. At least, that’s our theory. And lastly, all of these famous mascots are through the roof with joviality, have memorable faces, and are there to entertain us with their quirks and punchlines. However, if you do have your own theories on the best brand mascot creation, do share them in the comments section; we’re very curious!
Ready to take a look at our popular brand mascots list? If so, you know what to do! However, since these famous characters are in no particular order as of right now, be sure to give your vote to those you think deserve a prime spot on the top of our list.
#1 The M&M’s Spokescandies By Mars
A brand with five identifiable mascots instead of just one! Mars chose the rainbow spokes candies as brand ambassadors since they perfectly conveyed the essence of M&M's product line and couldn't be confused with anything else. Since there were five of them, the corporation gave them names that matched their colors, making them very simple and easy for the public to remember—well played, Mars!
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26points
#2 Mickey Mouse By The Walt Disney Company
Mickey Mouse is probably the first image that comes to most people's minds when they hear the phrase "excellent brand mascot"! Although the Walt Disney Company is now associated with many cartoon characters, this amiable, animated mouse has served as its official cartoon representative ever since its inception, making it one of the company's oldest mascots and one of the most well-known and adored by people of all ages.
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24points
#3 Tony The Tiger By Kellog’s Frosted Flakes
Tony the Tiger is frequently used as an illustration of a very successful mascot, and for a good cause too! Without Tony, the friendly tiger character who appears on the cereal box and flashes a pleasant smile and thumbs up, the cereal brand's popularity would not be the same. Tony has been in the marketing industry for over 50 years and has grown to be a beloved cartoon figure among kids and their parents.
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20points
#4 Colonel Sanders By KFC
This is one of those brand mascots meant to resemble the company's creator - Colonel Sanders, the father of KFC! Who would have imagined that a human face could become such a memorable and well-known mascot that it was included in the company's logo? This cheerful smiling face with glasses, white hair, and a goatee was developed years after the company's founder passed away. It has undoubtedly proven to be a very successful choice for a brand persona that conveys professionalism and extensive culinary experience.
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19points
#5 Mario By Nintendo
Did you know that the original name of this recognizable Italian plumber was Jumpman? Despite not being created with the usual superhero appearance, Mario won the general public's hearts. He became so well-known that he is now instantly identifiable everywhere. This cartoon character's design is unique in that it was entirely influenced by the restrictions of the early video games' graphics; blocky pixels gave him his mustache and large nose today!
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19points
#6 Julio Pringles By Pringles
The adorable mustachioed man was selected as the brand cartoon ambassador of the viral and profitable chips firm because it is not immediately clear but makes a lot of sense once you give it some thought. As Julio Pringles' head is shaped like a potato chip, it follows that all of the chips in this unusual package are of the same size. Moreover, mustaches convey an air of professionalism and maturity. Well done!
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19points
#7 Coca-Cola Polar Bears By Coca-Cola
In French advertising from 1922, the Coca-Cola Corporation utilized a polar bear to spray Coca-Cola into the mouth of a thirsty anthropomorphized sun. However, before 1993, the characters were used pretty seldom. Then, the Coca-Cola polar bears appeared in the famous Northern Lights animation that year, where the characters gathered to sip Coca-Cola and enjoy the aurora borealis. According to the campaign's creator Ken Stewart, his labrador retriever dog, who resembled a polar bear, inspired the use of polar bears in the 1993 advertisement. Since then, polar bears have grown to be one of Coca-most Cola's recognizable icons.
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19points
#8 Energizer Bunny By Energizer Batteries
In North America, Energizer batteries use the Energizer Bunny as their marketing icon. It is a pink mechanical toy rabbit with the Energizer logo on the bass drum, sporting sunglasses and flip-flops with blue and black stripes. The bunny has been marching to the beat of his own drum since 1973!
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18points
#9 Rich Uncle Pennybags By Monopoly
Although Wealthy Uncle Pennybags, sometimes known as Mr. Monopoly, has been present since 1936, it wasn't until 1946 that his moniker was given to this famously rendered elderly man. Since being made the star of the original Monopoly game and all associated games of the firm, the rich cartoon guy in a tuxedo has unquestionably grown to be one of the most famous brand mascot designs. He now consistently appears on all new Monopoly versions and even appears in the company's logo.
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17points
#10 Mr. Clean By Procter & Gamble
Mr. Clean has been in the game since 1958. After his debut, the cleaning products company continued to have great success for many years to come and he was integral to all of its marketing initiatives and campaigns. This hulking cartoon character still commands a strong following today and maintains a prominent position for his company.
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16points
#11 Ronald Mcdonald By McDonald's
Ronald McDonald, you heard of him, right? Together with his companions, Mayor McCheese, the Hamburglar, Grimace, Birdie the Early Bird, and The Fry Kids, he lives in the made-up world of McDonaldland.
Many people have full-time jobs as Ronald, visiting kids in hospitals and attending events. There may have been as many as 300 full-time clowns working at McDonald's restaurants at its peak!
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16points
#12 Michelin Man By Michelin
Although it was originally given the name Bibendum, the Michelin Man has become the iconic brand cartoon spokesman of the well-known tire firm! The Michelin brothers introduced this fat brand mascot to the world in the distant year 1894 at the Lyon Exposition. It was intended to symbolize a human built of tires. The adorable fictitious character's designers had no idea that he would go on to become a very well-known and identifiable personality who greatly aided in the enormous success of the brand.
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16points
#13 Pillsbury Doughboy By Pillsbury
Since 1965, the Pillsbury Doughboy has been marketed as a unique figure made of dough. This jovial cartoon creature is dressed in a chef's hat and scarf, giving the impression that he is an actual culinary maestro. This happy youngster had a significant role in the popularity of the Poppin' Fresh product line and even began to feature in advertisements for other companies.
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15points
#14 Toucan Sam By Froot Loops Cereal
The animated toucan mascot for Froot Loops breakfast cereal is called Toucan Sam. Since 1963, the persona has appeared in plenty of advertisements. He can smell Froot Loops from considerable distances and that's his thing. Remember the "Follow your nose! It always knows!" and "The flavor of fruit! Wherever it grows!" phrases?
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14points
#15 Quicky By Nesquik
Nesquik's Quicky is the most well-known and adored bunny mascot in the entire world. It is not a coincidence that this animal was chosen to represent the brand. The bunny conjures up images of speed instantly, suggesting that you can make the chocolate-flavored beverage with ease, consume it swiftly, and be done with it. The clothing Quicky wears, which gives him a truly "cool" appearance, is also significant and integral to the creation of this cartoon character.
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14points
#16 Smokey Bear By Forest Fire Awareness & Prevention
American campaign and commercial symbol Smokey Bear represents the U.S. Forest Service. The Ad Council, the United States Forest Service (USFS), and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), in collaboration with creative agency FCB, use Smokey Bear in the Wildfire Prevention Campaign, which is the longest-running public service announcement campaign in American history, to inform the public about the dangers of unplanned wildfires caused by humans since 1944!
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13points
#17 Captain Morgan
The well-known alcoholic beverage company's brand icon was created by Don Maitz, a master of science fiction illustrations, and was based on a real person. Being the only rum company with a pirate captain as its mascot helped the drink stand out from the competition and establish itself as a premium brand.
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13points
#18 Kool-Aid Man By Kool-Aid
This unusually formed brand mascot, formerly the Pitcher Man, was created with a broad smile and a pitcher head/body with Kool-Aid filled to the brim. This well-known mascot, created with children in mind, is the ideal illustration of a brand character design because it represents all the company stands for a cool beverage that would satisfy any child's thirst.
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12points
#19 Chester Cheetah By Cheetos
Since a few decades ago, Cheetos has been supported by the well-known cheetah mascot. Regarding the message he delivers to his intended audience, this recognizable animal mascot has undergone various changes throughout the years, but his overall appearance has mostly remained the same. This cool cartoon character not only served as the face of all Cheetos goods and the hero of all Cheetos advertisements, but he also played the lead role in a few Nintendo video games.
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12points
#20 Geico Gecko By Geico Auto Insurance
The moniker of the eccentric lizard mascot was initially chosen because of how frequently the brand name was misused. This cartoon figure has unquestionably become legendary due to being the auto insurance firm's first and most recognizable brand representative. Although it was not intended to be the typical cutesy brand cartoon, the small green insurance expert who conveyed professionalism and dependability succeeded in winning over the audience.
12points