The Most Famous Bunnies of All Time

Source: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing

4. Peter Rabbit
> Debuted: 1901

Peter Rabbit is another famous creation of Beatrix Potter. He first appeared in “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” published in 1901. Earlier this year, Sony Pictures released an animated/live-action adaptation of “Peter Rabbit,” which has grossed almost $200 million worldwide.

Source: Courtesy of The Walt Disney Company

3. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
> Debuted: 1927

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was created by Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney in the 1920s. He was one of the first animated characters to have personality and was the Disney Studio’s first character to have its own series. Disney lost the rights to Oswald in 1928 but reacquired them in 2006 in a rather unorthodox trade with NBC that included sportscaster Al Michaels. Oswald reappeared in the 2010 video game Epic Mickey as well as in follow-up games, theme parks, and comic books.

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

2. Bugs Bunny
> Debuted: 1938

The instantly recognizable and unforgettable Bugs Bunny was created in 1938 by Leon Schlesinger Productions, which later became Warner Bros. Cartoons. He was first voiced by voice actor Mel Blanc. Bugs is known for his catchphrase “What’s up, doc?” and for his fondness for carrots, among other things. Bugs has appeared in more films, including Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts, than any other cartoon character. He is the official mascot for Warner Bros.

Source: Naked King / Getty Images

1. Easter Bunny
> Debuted: 1700s

The most famous bunny has been a symbol of Easter for centuries, although it doesn’t appear in the Bible. The tradition may have began with German Lutherans, who originally adopted the Easter Hare. Immigrants to the United States kept the tradition. Rabbits and hares are highly fertile and mate in spring, so it is not surprising that they became symbols of a holiday that celebrates rebirth. Eggs are also a symbol of fertility and rebirth — and of the empty tomb of Jesus — and the Easter Bunny is often depicted carrying Easter Eggs in a basket.