Today, we're ranking the best South Park characters of all time. Nearly 30 years after Trey Parker and Matt Stone first brought it to Comedy Central, and still going strong on Paramount+, the little mountain town keeps delivering. Here's why we love them so much.
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Key Takeaways
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Eric Cartman, Kenny McCormick, and Randy Marsh are the most popular South Park characters, while the core four — Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny — anchor most episodes.
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Randy, Stan's dad, grew from a background player into arguably the show's central character, carrying entire seasons before returning to geology.
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Towelie was created as "the worst character ever" to poke fun at how heavily South Park was merchandised — then became a cult favorite anyway.
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South Park is nearly 30 years old and still running, now streaming on Paramount+ in its Season 27 era.
Top 25 South Park Characters (Ranked)
1. Eric Cartman
Cartman is our number one favorite and the funniest character on the show. Voiced by co-creator Trey Parker, Eric Theodore Cartman has been our favorite character since the beginning. Selfish and manipulative, he says things most wouldn't dare and won't think twice about screwing you over (he once fed his arch-rival his own parents). Not even his mom, Liane Cartman, can rein him in.
Start your collection with this Cartman Kidrobot Blind Boxed Mini Figure. His "Suck My Balls" line lives on the South Park Eric Cartman "Suck My Balls" 20-Ounce Ramen Bowl and Chopstick Set and the South Park Cartman "Suck My Balls" 24-Ounce Carnival Cup With Lid and Straw, his scowling mug fronts the South Park Cartman Face Stainless Steel Tumbler With Handle | Holds 40 Ounces, and you can wrap up in the South Park Eric Cartman Fleece Throw Blanket | 45 x 60 Inches or the South Park Eric Cartman Raschel Throw Blanket | 45 x 60 Inches.
Read: South Park vs Family Guy
2. Randy Marsh
Randy is the dad who wants to be cool but makes everything more complicated, defined by impulsive behavior, absurd business ideas, and self-absorbed hobbies that spiral out of control (see: his bid to break the world record for the largest dump). What began as Stan's dad grew into one of the show's most central and funniest characters, dominating later seasons at Tegridy Farms before a recent-season return to geology.
Channel his everyday energy with the South Park Randy Marsh Sports Water Bottle | Holds 34 Ounces, or stash your odds and ends in the South Park Randy Marsh Glass Storage Jar With Lid | Holds 5 Ounces.
3. Butters Scotch
Leopold "Butters" Stotch is the sweetest, most innocent kid around — naive, trusting, and forever stumbling into hilarious messes that make him lovable. His dad, Stephen Stotch, grounds him constantly, and he's weathered plenty (he even took a ninja star to the eye in one classic episode). His alter ego, Professor Chaos, is a would-be supervillain who lands closer to adorable, according to South Park Studios.
Show your love for Butters with this Butters Funko Pop Vinyl Figure.
4. Stan Marsh
Stan Marsh serves as South Park's voice of reason and moral compass. As the show's audience surrogate, he's the character we see ourselves in, whether he's hooked on World of Warcraft in the episode "Make Love, Not Warcraft" or chasing a candy-shop fortune in "A Ladder to Heaven." His mom, Sharon Marsh, keeps him grounded at home.
He and the whole gang turn up at the bus stop on the South Park Bus Stop 45 x 60 Inch Fleece Throw Blanket and the South Park Characters Glass Storage Jar With Lid | Holds 5 Ounces.
5. Kenny McCormick
Kenny is defined by his orange parka, muffled speech, and frequent fatal accidents — yet he bounces back, loyal enough to die for his friends. As the fourth member of the gang, he was killed off in nearly every one of the show's first nine seasons, a running gag so beloved across the show's earlier seasons that "Oh my God, they killed Kenny!" turned legendary. Few characters in any South Park episodes are as instantly recognizable.
We've got the South Park Kenny 10-Slot Knife Block Holder, a cheeky nod to his many demises, plus the South Park Kenny Face Sculpted Ceramic Mini Mug | Holds 3 Ounces.
6. Kyle Broflovski
Kyle Broflovski is the intellectual and moral anchor of the group — the best character to have in your corner. Kyle supports his friends through every scheme, and fans love shouting Kyle's catchphrase, "You bastards!" Kyle and little brother Ike are the sons of Gerald and Sheila Broflovski.
The quarrelsome quartet, Kyle included, turns up on the South Park Characters Color-Changing Plastic Tumbler | Holds 24 Ounces.
7. Mr. Garrison
Mr. Garrison, who's been there since the very first episode, is known for his bald head and eccentric fashion choices.
He's been a South Park Elementary teacher, a president, and even had a gender change! He's all about shocking us with his crazy decisions, and you never know what he's going to do next.
One of the most unforgettable episodes with Garrison was "Eek, a Penis!" where he deals with the aftermath after his gender change surgery.
This episode was an instant fan favorite due to it being both hilarious and thought-provoking.
8. Jimmy Valmer
Jimmy's is all about making people laugh. He's a comedian with a stutter, but he never lets this disability hold him back from doing whatever he wants and enjoying everyday life, and we find that truly inspiring.
This character's iconic catchphrase is "What a terrific audience!" even though the audience is less than terrific.
9. Mr. Mackey
Let's talk about Mr. Mackey – the counselor with a catchphrase and a heart of gold. He's the school counselor, so he's there to guide the kids through their crazy problems. Whenever he gives advice, he stacks the phrase "M'kay" after every sentence.
His signature catchphrase has become a thing fans love to imitate (us included!) and is instantly recognizable!
10. Jerome "Chef" McElroy
Chef, aka Jerome McElroy, runs the cafeteria and doubles as the kids' confidant, serving soulful songs and chocolate salty balls. Voiced by the late Isaac Hayes, he's a character South Park never quite replaced. Bring that comfort home with the South Park 8-Inch Character Plush Toy With Sound | Chef.
11. Wendy Testaburger
Wendy Testaburger is an intelligent and outspoken girl who's all about standing up for what she believes in.
She's not afraid to voice her opinions, whether it's about school or social issues. She's also known for her relationship with Stan; they make quite the cute couple.
Wendy is one of the show's few strong and vocal female characters. Her determination and intelligence have made her a role model and an instant fan favorite.
12. Terrance & Phillip
Terrance and Phillip are our favorite Canadians with an irreverent sense of humor. Their thick Canadian accents and their constant pranks on one another are the highlight of many South Park episodes.
13. Satan
Satan's personality is far from what you might expect. Despite being the ruler of Hell, he's often depicted as someone struggling with his own issues.
From his rocky relationship with Saddam Hussein to his moments of vulnerability, Satan shows a side that goes beyond the typical villain.
Satan gives a unique perspective on morality and inner conflict. His struggle with identity and his interactions with other characters give us a fresh angle on the age-old struggle between good and evil.
14. PC Principal
Peter Charles, better known as PC Principal, replaced Principal Victoria in the Season 19 premiere and runs the elementary school with aggressive devotion to political correctness.
We've got the South Park Funko Pop Elementary With PC Principal here.
15. Tolkien "Token" Black
Token is one of the more grounded kids in the group and adds a touch of reality to the chaos.
And even though he's just a kid, he reflects on everything around him and becomes a voice of reason, unlike any other character on the show!
16. Tweek Tweak
Tweek Tweak is an energetic character who first appeared in the season two episode "Gnomes." He is a true coffee connoisseur (which we can totally relate to) with over-the-top energy. He's often seen shaking and freaking out over the tiniest things.
Tweek shows us the comical side of anxiety and high-strung behavior. His catchphrases like "Aah, too much pressure!" and his ability to turn the simplest tasks into dramatic situations have made him a relatable character for many.
17. Towelie
Towelie, with his red eyes and, well, talking towel, is a unique addition to the South Park gang, although he's only in a few episodes. He's a bit forgetful, but that's only because he likes to get high and have fun.
One of his most iconic lines is "Don't forget to bring a towel!" which has become a fun reminder among fans.
Creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker initially wrote him as a terrible character, but they didn't know he would become one of the audience's favorite characters.
That's exactly why we'd point you to the South Park Towelie Bath Towel | 30 x 60 Inches or the South Park Towelie "Wanna Get High?" Glass Storage Jar With Lid | Holds 5 Ounces.
18. The Goth Kids
The Goth Kids, with their all-black outfits and brooding expressions, are a unique group that stands out in the little mountain town. They're all about embracing the dark side. Their signature deadpan humor sets them apart from all the characters.
The Goth Kids have become some form of inspiration to kids who prefer marching to the beat of their own drum.
19. Shelly Marsh
Shelly Marsh is Stan's older sister who may seem annoyed and irritated by everything her little brother and his little gang do, but deep down, she cares and wants the best for her family.
Shelly and Stan represent the dynamic between siblings and the challenges of growing up.
If you grew up having siblings, her sarcastic comments and eye-rolling reactions are relatable, making her a great character.
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20. Officer Barbrady
Officer Barbrady is a familiar face in South Park. He's the town's law enforcement, although he's definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed.
He's often seen stumbling through cases and trying his best to keep things under control. His bumbling but well-intentioned nature makes him both endearing and comedic.
21. Ike Broflovski
Ike Broflovski is the adorable and sometimes surprisingly wise little brother who brings a dose of cuteness to the chaos, despite being a background character.
Despite his young age, he often finds himself in unexpected situations and delivers some profound observations. His innocence and genuine childlike reactions add a heartwarming touch to the series.
22. Mr. Slave
Mr. Slave, with his unique appearance and fearless attitude, is a one-of-a-kind addition to the town.
He is known to push the boundaries and be unapologetically himself. His flamboyant behavior and audacious fashion choices are also truly remarkable.
Mr. Slave showed that embracing individuality and being different is something to be celebrated, not hidden away. One of his most iconic catchphrases is "Ooh, Jesus Christ!" and we find ourselves saying that to this day.
23. Ms. Choksondik
Ms. Choksondik is the central characters' teacher with a ridiculously funny name.
She's often seen trying her best to teach the kids, even if they're not the easiest students to handle. Her dedication to her job and her interactions with the children add a comedic touch.
24. Stuart McCormick
Stuart McCormick, Kenny's Dad, has a knack for getting into wacky situations and adding some hilarity to the town. Simply put, he's the ordinary guy who ends up in extraordinary situations.
Whether he's dealing with the antics of his son Kenny or participating in some unexpected town event, Stuart's reactions and his down-to-earth nature are pretty relatable, whether you're a parent to young boys or not.
25. Timmy Burch
Timmy Burch, with his wheelchair, is the character who proves that even a few words can bring a whole lot of laughs.
His catchphrase "Timmy!" and his ability to bring humor to the simplest situations have endeared him to fans.
Despite his limited vocabulary, he manages to express himself and contribute to the group dynamic in his own unique way.
Note: We ranked the South Park characters based on their impact and popularity, humor and wit, character development and relevance, and fan reception and interactions.
FAQs
Who is the main character in South Park?
The main characters are Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick. This core group anchors most episodes, and few characters drive the show's humor as much as they do.
Who is the most mature character in South Park?
Randy Marsh is often portrayed as one of the more mature characters, though his maturity regularly takes a backseat to his eccentric, comedic antics.
Who is the toughest kid in South Park?
Cartman is often considered the toughest kid. He's bold, fearless, and usually the first to step up to a challenge, regardless of the consequences.
Who is the most hated character in South Park?
Scott Tenorman is widely considered the most loathsome character in South Park history, thanks to his especially cruel actions.
Who is the most popular South Park character?
The most popular South Park characters are Eric Cartman, Kenny McCormick, and Randy — among the most iconic and best characters in the series.
In Summary
In South Park, the characters feel less like cartoons and more like old friends we grew up with. From the core four — Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny — to favorites like Randy, Towelie, and Timmy, all the characters bring their own flavor. The roster runs deep, from nostalgic favorites like the Member Berries on the South Park 4-Inch Character Plush Toy With Sound | Member Berry and the South Park 8-Inch Character Plush Toy With Sound | Member Berries to deep cuts like the Christmas poo on the South Park Collectibles | South Park Mr. Hankey Enamel Collectors Pin.
We've laughed at their antics, winced at their schemes, and seen ourselves in their quirks — proof of how much fun this ensemble can be, whether on the television show, in the South Park movie, or at home.
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