Almost anyone who has a favorite television show or movie knows what it feels like to feel a real connection to the characters. The relatability is a primary factor in what gets viewers hooked and keeps us watching episode after episode or rewatching a movie. Even when the character is well — a cartoon, once the connection takes hold, it's hard not to daydream about knowing them IRL. For BIPOC those special characters are often few and far between. But when we get them, it's magic.
BIPOC have traditionally been under-represented in the world of animation, and while that's been getting better in recent years, it's still super-exciting when we see a cartoon character that looks like us and is also smart, adventurous, funny, brave, or otherwise has a fully formed personality, rather than just being an inane caricature that's thrown in as a token. We like our BIPOC cartoon characters to actually have a purpose, because when they don't and they're just written in for the sake of having a non-white character on the show, it's always really obvious.
These 17 BIPOC cartoon characters are some of our absolute favorites. We would actually want to be BFF with them because they're cool and inspiring and just plain fun. Keep scrolling to find out who they are and why we like them so much.
Miles Morales From 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse's Miles Morales is young and hip, and while he should maybe appreciate his parents a bit more, he's a good kid and an even better friend. We love that he's guided by his moral compass, and well — his sense of adventure. It might be fun to be along for the ride as he takes down some bad guys.
And, His Mom, Too ...
Of course, we're much closer to Rio Morales' age than we are to Miles', and we honestly wouldn't mind being friends with her either. She has a good job, a gifted son, and a strong marriage, and we all know when we spend time with positive people living good lives, it has a tendency to rub off.
Monique From 'Kim Possible'
Voiced by Raven-Symoné, Monique from Kim Possible, was the voice of reason for Kim and Ron and they may not have made it through some seriously sticky situations without her. She was smart and sassy and always honest. There's no denying that everyone needs a friend like that.
Trixie Carter From 'American Dragon: Jake Long'
Trixie is BA, and that's pretty much all the info we need to know she would make a pretty flippin' fun BFF. She was a guitarist, a skateboarder, and she loves science, so not only would she be fun to hang out with, but she'd probably also be able to hold a good conversation. Plus, she always had her friends' backs.
Penny Proud From 'The Proud Family'
Just about every brown-skinned girl could not get enough of Penny Proud back in the early 2000s. We were so not used to seeing girls that looked similar to us as the main characters in cartoons back then — and perhaps still aren't now — and Penny was so relatable. Especially, the no dating part! We would have totally loved to have been in her crew back then.
Jodie Landon From 'Daria'
Jodie Landon was the go-getter in Daria's high school social stratosphere. But she kind of had to be. She was the token, but she used her status to call out the lack of diversity in their community, and worked hard to be seen for her talent and abilities, rather than her race. She would have definitely made an inspiring BFF.
Ronnie Anne on 'The Casagrandes'
Though only a couple of seasons in, the Nickelodeon animated series The Casagrandes has brought the kind of representation that Latinx families in the US have long dreamed of to children's programming. We would want to be friends with her just for the chance to see and hear her perspective living in a multigenerational family. Oh, and for the tamales, too!
Libby Folax From 'Jimmy Neutron'
Libby Folax from Jimmy Neutron was royalty! Who wouldn't want to befriend a royal?! She also cared about animals and was a treasure trove of information for all things hip-hop music. Actually, she could even school just about anyone on funk music, too. Oh, and did we mention she had a keen ability to help keep her friends out of trouble?
Lilo From 'Lilo & Stitch'
Lilo from Lilo & Stitch may have some issues, but TBH, we'd rather be besties with the kid who has issues than with the kid who makes fun of the kid with issues. Plus, she's just fun and she lives in Hawaii, so we'd presumably get to visit every once in a while. Oh, and of course, her "dog" is actually an alien, and well, that would just be interesting to see IRL.
Alex Casoy From 'Totally Spies'
We'd probably love to chill with any of the girls from Totally Spies, because obviously they'd have some really fun stories to tell, but Alex Casoy is definitely our fave. She was a problem solver and always knew how to complete the mission, and look damn good while doing it. We bet she could do a mean mani.
Yi From 'Abominable'
Yi is so cute, isn't she? Plus, she's authentic and always stays true to herself. Not only that, but she's quick to call out posers and loves her grandmother's cooking. She also just has a really kind and caring heart and will obviously go to the ends of the Earth when her friends are in need.
America Chavez From 'Marvel Rising'
Not only is Marvel's America Chavez, aka Miss America, a Latina superhero, but she's also a member of the LGBTQ community. She's athletic, super strong, super fast, and ultra protective of her friends. Oh, and did we mention she can fly. So dope. Who wouldn't want to be friends with this woman?
Fei Fei From 'Over the Moon'
Netflix's animated film Over the Moon was definitely a sleeper. It was a really good flick about a teen girl grieving the death of her mother and grappling with her father's new relationship. While the main character Fei Fei was a little unfair to her dad at times, her feelings were totally raw and relatable. Plus, she was smart enough to build a rocket on her own.
Carmen Sandiego
When Carmen Sandiego was just a PC game character, her name alone made young Latinas feel a little bit more seen. Now that she's the main character of her own TV series, it's a pretty big deal. She's a super savvy spy, she's chic, she's smart, and her skills are just out of control. So we just have one question: Carmen, will you be our friend?
Elisa Maza of 'Gargoyles'
The character Elisa Maza from the 1990s cartoon Gargoyles, was the definition of BIPOC before the term even existed. The character was represented as African American and indigenous and she was an amazing role model for kids of color. As grown women ourselves now, we'd love to have a glass of wine or two with the crime-fighting NYPD cop.
Moana
Need we say more? Moana made us laugh, cry, and cheer from the first time we saw the feature film, and we can only imagine that if the title character were real, she'd make us do the same thing in person. She's determined and adventurous and so incredibly caring, while still being independent and opinionated. Love it!
Elena of Avalor
Billed as the first Latina Disney princess, Elena of Avalor is a legitimate icon. One of her most admirable characteristics is that she truly cares about others, regardless of social status, and that's certainly a trait we're always looking for in friends. She also loves her family and is always willing to face her mistakes head on.
