Beloved Hungarian cartoon characters that everybody knows

Meet the beloved carton characters of every Hungarian’s childhood!

These iconic creatures are an indispensable element of Hungarian nostalgia, when it comes to childhood favourites. We assure you that every Hungarian knows them like the back of their hand. When these stories come up in a conversation, no one can resist humming their catchy theme tunes or picturing their recognisable animation style. Read more about Hungarian cartoons HERE.

The foxy Vuk

The Little Fox – dailymotion

No one can outsmart this cunning cub! Written by István Fekete, this beloved character was adapted onto the screen in 1981 in a lovely cartoon. In the story, Vuk is mentored by the wise Karak, who shows him, and us, the ways of the foxes. Together, they outwit the nefarious hunter, accompanied by the unforgettable theme song by Kati Wolf. Explore more about Vuk and his enduring legacy HERE.

Süsü, the friendly dragon

Süsü, the dragon. Source: Wikimedia Commons (still from the film)

It’s widely known that every respectable dragon has at least three heads, if not more. Well, not Süsü. Our adorable dragon breaks the mould. His hobbies speak volumes—instead of striking fear into the hearts of locals, Süsü prefers chasing butterflies and forming friendship with the prince rather than devouring him. Süsü is the friend of all, big and small alike!

The checkered-eared rabbit

The checkered-eared rabbit (A kockásfülű nyúl). Source: Wikimedia Commons/Richly Zsolt, Marék Veronika, Radvány Zsuzsa, Nagy Enikő

This unconventional little rabbit stars in a series spanning 26 episodes. At the beginning of each episode, he climbs out of his suitcase, sets up his telescope and checks on his friends. When he senses trouble, he hastily flies to the rescue, thanks to his checkered ears. With minimal dialogue, this green fellow swiftly gained global recognition for his helpful nature and quirky retro style.

Ugrifüles, the smallest bunny

Ugrifüles and Tüskéshátú. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Pannónia Filmstúdió, Csukás István, Foky Ottó

Another rabbit in the Hungarian hive mind, this little creature is the brain child of István Csukás. Ugrifüles shares the stage with Tüskéshátú, a purple hedgehog, and Brekkencs, the frog. Across two seasons, these lovely puppets embark on adventures, inadvertently causing mischief—like the time they unwittingly swapped a local’s pet fishes with cucumbers. Their comical exploits cemented their place in the hearts of Hungarian children.

PomPom

Pompom. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Dargay Attila and Sajdik Ferenc

It remains a mystery what creature PomPom is exactly. PomPom’s identity is broad, ranging from a wig to mittens or even cotton tassels. Co-starring with Picur, a regular girl navigating her daily life, PomPom narrates tales of past adventures. Through these stories, we encounter Gombóc Artúr, named for his scoop-like shape, with a penchant for chocolate. Cartoon characters like these guarantee a tale of success.

Doctor Bubó, the owl

Last but certainly not least, Doctor Bubó, the protagonist of the series “Kérem a következőt!” (“Next, please!”), is an owl with a doctorate, though his medical endeavours often lack success. Crafted by József Nepp and Romhányi, the series thrives on clever wordplay, catering surprisingly to both children and adults with its hidden analogies. Besides his medical pursuits, Doctor Bubó dabbles in policing, offering a humorous take on society that unquestionably earns its spot on the list.