15 Cartoon Fun Facts That Will Surprise and Delight Animation Lovers

Cartoons have a special place in our hearts, whether you grew up watching Saturday morning classics or binge-watching animated content on streaming platforms today. Beyond the laughs and colorful characters, there’s a fascinating world behind the scenes of animated videos that many people never get to see.

In this article, we’ll dive into 15 cartoon fun facts that span the history, technology, and quirky moments of animation. Whether you're an aspiring animator, a curious fan, or someone researching the 2D animation cost per minute, these insights are sure to inform and entertain.

1. The First Cartoon Was Created in 1908

The earliest known animated film is Fantasmagorie (1908) by Émile Cohl, a French cartoonist. It consisted of 700 drawings and was hand-drawn on paper—no computers, no cameras, just sheer imagination and determination.

2. Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse Wasn’t His First Character

Before Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in 1927. However, he lost the rights to the character due to a contract loophole. This loss inspired him to create the now-iconic Mickey Mouse in 1928.

3. Animated Videos Aren’t Just for Kids

While many people associate cartoons with childhood, animated videos today cover serious topics like mental health, politics, science, and global issues. Shows like BoJack Horseman, Rick and Morty, and Love, Death & Robots prove animation is a versatile storytelling tool for adults, too.

4. It Takes Thousands of Drawings to Make One Episode

A traditional 22-minute animated episode may require over 30,000 individual drawings. That’s why understanding 2D animation cost per minute is essential—animation is time-intensive and demands meticulous work.

5. Cartoons Are a Global Phenomenon

While Disney and Warner Bros. dominate in the U.S., Japan's anime industry is a cultural powerhouse, and France is Europe’s animation capital. Animated content is created and loved worldwide, each region contributing its unique style and voice.

6. Cartoons Have Won Academy Awards

Animated films like Spirited Away, Toy Story 3, and Up have taken home Oscars. In fact, Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film ever nominated for Best Picture back in 1991.

7. Voice Actors Often Voice Multiple Characters

Many voice actors are incredibly versatile. For example, Dan Castellaneta voices not just Homer Simpson, but also Grampa, Krusty the Clown, and Barney in The Simpsons. It's a cost-saving strategy that also highlights their talent.

8. Cartoon Sound Effects Are an Art Form

The exaggerated boings, thuds, and whooshes in cartoons aren’t pulled from a generic library—they’re carefully crafted by Foley artists. These unique sounds enhance the humor and rhythm of animated videos.

9. 2D Animation Is Still Alive and Thriving

Despite the rise of 3D and CGI, 2D animation remains popular in everything from TV shows and mobile games to explainer videos and marketing. The 2D animation cost per minute ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on complexity, making it accessible for many businesses and creators.

10. Cartoons Can Influence Language and Culture

Phrases like “What’s up, doc?” or “D’oh!” have entered everyday speech, thanks to cartoons. These shows often shape pop culture in surprising ways, from fashion trends to political satire.

11. Animated Videos Are Powerful Marketing Tools

Brands increasingly turn to animated videos for ads, tutorials, and explainer content. They’re not only eye-catching but also simplify complex ideas in a memorable way. Animation offers creative freedom no live-action ad can match.

12. Cartoon Physics Are Hilariously Unique

In cartoons, characters can run off a cliff and stay suspended until they realize they're falling. This “rule of funny” logic defies real-world physics but enhances comedic effect and viewer engagement.

13. Early Animators Used Celluloid Sheets

Before computers, animators used transparent sheets called cels to draw characters over static backgrounds. This method streamlined production and was standard until digital animation took over in the late 1990s.

14. Cartoons Can Be Surprisingly Educational

Shows like Dora the Explorer, Magic School Bus, and Octonauts combine fun with learning. Even adult-oriented animated videos often slip in valuable lessons about life, society, and relationships.

15. Cartoons Can Be Created Entirely Remotely

Thanks to modern tools, entire animated videos can be produced by distributed teams across the globe. This has lowered production barriers and led to a boom in indie animation studios, particularly in regions offering affordable yet high-quality services.

A Quick Look at 2D Animation Cost Per Minute

Now that we've peeked behind the cartoon curtain, let’s touch briefly on the business side—specifically, the 2D animation cost per minute. This is a crucial figure for anyone looking to create their own animated content.

Here’s a general cost breakdown based on quality and features:

Factors influencing cost include:

• Storyboard development

• Voice acting

• Background design

• Frame rate and smoothness

• Sound effects and music

• Number of characters or scenes

So if you're budgeting for an animated marketing video, series pilot, or educational module, understanding this pricing helps set realistic expectations.

Final Thoughts

From their humble hand-drawn beginnings to today’s high-tech productions, cartoons have evolved into a powerful art form that entertains, educates, and even drives marketing campaigns. These cartoon fun facts give us a glimpse into the magic and effort behind every frame of animation.

If you’re planning to create your own animated videos, whether for business or entertainment, take inspiration from the history—and plan smart by knowing your budget. And remember, whether you’re spending $1,000 or $10,000 per minute, animation has the power to make your message unforgettable.

Ready to bring your ideas to life through animation?
Start by defining your goals, selecting a style, and working with professionals who understand both creativity and budget. The world of animated storytelling is more accessible than ever—and full of fun surprises.