In the magical universe of Sanrio, cuteness isn’t just a style—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you grew up with Hello Kitty notebooks, wore Badtz-Maru socks, or begged your parents for a Pompompurin plushie at the mall, Sanrio has left its mark on every generation. But this isn’t just about merchandise—it’s about emotion. Each Sanrio character tells a story, expresses a mood, or reflects a piece of who we are. From the elegant to the eccentric, the cuddly to the chaotic, these characters have become global icons of joy, kindness, and pastel-powered self-expression. Let’s dive into the sweetest ranking of all time—the top 10 Sanrio characters who have defined the brand’s legacy.
#10: Kuromi
She’s the rebel with a devilish charm—and we love her for it. Kuromi is My Melody’s punk-rock foil, complete with a black jester’s hat, pink skull, and mischievous smirk. But don’t let her edgy look fool you—Kuromi is as relatable as they come. She has a bit of a temper, a flair for drama, and dreams of being a cool girl while still writing in her diary every night. Basically, she’s all of us in our emo phase.
Kuromi’s popularity exploded on social media where fans embraced her aesthetic as the ultimate “cute but chaotic” vibe. She’s a Sanrio staple for anyone who prefers their sweetness with a twist of sass. And in today’s world of overstimulation and personality-packed branding, Kuromi offers a refreshing reminder that it’s okay to be a little spicy in a sea of sugar.
#9: Keroppi
The happiest frog you’ll ever meet, Keroppi is always jumping into our hearts with his big round eyes and striped shirt. Living by the Donut Pond, Keroppi is all about fun, adventure, and being the life of the lily pad. He’s smart, sporty, and the type of friend who would organize the best picnic party of the summer without breaking a sweat.
Keroppi’s 90s heyday still echoes through retro stationery and backpacks. While he might not dominate headlines like Hello Kitty or Cinnamoroll, his loyal fanbase knows the truth—Keroppi is the heart of Sanrio’s wholesome, goofball side. He reminds us that it’s cool to be kind, even if you’re just a frog in a bowtie.
#8: Tuxedo Sam
Decked out in a bowtie and sailor hat, Tuxedo Sam is the dapper penguin we didn’t know we needed. Fluent in English with a closet full of 365 bowties (one for each day!), Sam is the picture of polite, old-school charm. He’s got the fashion sense of a gentleman and the heart of a teddy bear.
Often overshadowed by flashier characters, Tuxedo Sam stands out in his own low-key, ice-cream-colored way. He’s perfect for those who appreciate the finer things—good manners, vintage aesthetics, and the timeless appeal of a well-dressed penguin who just wants to eat and chill. In short, he’s Sanrio’s unsung gentleman.
#7: Chococat
Chococat is the ultimate cool cat—sleek, black-furred, and always curious. With his signature chocolate-colored nose and antenna-like whiskers that pick up information (literally), he’s the tech-savvy friend in the Sanrio squad. If Hello Kitty is the heart, Chococat is the brainy sidekick with a quiet fanbase and major Tumblr energy.
He’s great for those who feel a little introverted, a little stylish, and very plugged in. Chococat proves that being curious, smart, and a little mysterious can be just as iconic as being bubbly and bright.
#6: My Melody
Soft-spoken and sweet-natured, My Melody is the picture of pure-hearted charm. With her iconic pink hood and flower accessory, she’s been melting hearts since 1975. Often seen baking cookies or picking flowers in the forest, My Melody isn’t just adorable—she’s wholesome comfort wrapped in pastel hues.
As Kuromi’s sunny counterpart, My Melody represents timeless kindness and the kind of quiet strength that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. She’s a reminder that you don’t have to be loud to be loved, and that soft doesn’t mean weak. Her enduring popularity speaks to her universal appeal: she’s a gentle spirit in a world that sometimes forgets to slow down. Whether she’s offering advice in her animated series or just looking cute on your planner, My Melody is like a hug in character form.
#5: Badtz-Maru
This spiky-haired penguin is the ultimate icon of attitude. Badtz-Maru, with his permanently unimpressed expression and crossed arms, is the epitome of 90s cool. He lives in Gorgeoustown with his alligator pet, Pochi, and dreams of becoming rich and famous—though he’s not exactly sure how to make that happen.
Badtz-Maru was the go-to for kids who wanted a break from the overt sweetness of the Sanrio world. He’s snarky, stylish, and not afraid to roll his eyes at the world. Despite his grumpy demeanor, there’s something incredibly endearing about his sarcasm and eye-roll energy. He’s the bad boy of Sanrio—but in the cutest way possible. For every soft and sweet Hello Kitty, there’s a Badtz-Maru keeping things real.
#4: Pompompurin
This golden retriever in a brown beret is the definition of squishy happiness. Pompompurin is laid-back, snack-loving, and endlessly cuddly. He lives in a cozy little home with his owners and a group of adorable animal friends, and his favorite thing to do is nap—especially in his favorite pudding-shaped basket.
Pompompurin’s fanbase has exploded in recent years, thanks to his irresistibly huggable aesthetic and relatable love for snacks and sleep. He’s the embodiment of soft living, and his entire brand is built around spreading comfort and warmth. Whether he’s sipping milkshakes with Muffin the hamster or dancing in a sea of whipped cream, Purin is a serotonin boost in pup form.
#3: Little Twin Stars (Kiki & Lala)
Celestial, whimsical, and endlessly dreamy, Kiki and Lala are Sanrio’s original stargazers. These twin siblings came from the Starry Sky to spread kindness and magic on Earth, and their aesthetic is a pastel dreamscape of moons, stars, and clouds. Kiki has blue hair and carries a star wand, while Lala rocks pink hair and a magical cloud.
Together, they represent harmony, sibling love, and the imaginative wonder of childhood. From dreamy wallpapers to glittery school supplies, the Little Twin Stars are for everyone who ever gazed at the night sky and believed in something magical. Their timeless look and ethereal aura continue to resonate with fans looking for a soft escape from reality—and who doesn’t need that sometimes?
#2: Cinnamoroll
With his big blue eyes, chubby cheeks, and those iconic floppy ears that let him fly, Cinnamoroll is the definition of adorable. Discovered sleeping on a café terrace and taken in by Café Cinnamon, this little white pup became an instant icon. Whether he’s flying through the sky, making latte art, or cuddling with his friends, Cinnamoroll has a way of making everything feel just a little more magical.
Cinnamoroll’s popularity in recent years has skyrocketed, especially among younger fans and collectors. His storybook-like charm, shy demeanor, and comforting presence have earned him the top spot in Sanrio fan polls multiple times. He’s everything you want in a Sanrio star: soft, sweet, and utterly huggable.
#1: Hello Kitty
Of course, the queen reigns supreme. Hello Kitty isn’t just the face of Sanrio—she is Sanrio. First introduced in 1974 with a simple red bow and no mouth (to let fans project their feelings onto her), Hello Kitty became an international phenomenon. She’s been everything from a student to a pop star to a pilot, but she’s always been a symbol of friendship and positivity.
Hello Kitty transcends trends, generations, and borders. She’s been on every kind of merchandise imaginable—from toasters to airplanes—and has inspired everything from fashion lines to philosophical discussions. But at her core, she’s a kind-hearted girl from London who loves apple pie and believes in the power of friendship. She’s not just a character—she’s a legacy.
More Than Just Cute Faces
Sanrio characters are more than just adorable mascots—they’re emotional companions. They’ve helped us feel seen, comforted us through tough times, and brought joy in the smallest ways. Whether you vibe with Kuromi’s sass, Cinnamoroll’s softness, or Hello Kitty’s timeless grace, there’s a Sanrio character for every mood and moment.
These characters aren’t just sewn onto plush toys or stamped on notebooks. They live in our memories, our aesthetics, and our hearts. In a chaotic world, Sanrio reminds us to embrace kindness, express ourselves, and never underestimate the power of cute.
