Sanrio has created so many lovable characters and worlds, each with its own charm, personality, and aesthetic. While I have a soft spot for plenty of them, a few franchises have become especially meaningful to me over the years. From longtime favorites to newer discoveries, here are the Sanrio franchises I love most—and what makes each one so special to me.
Hello Kitty
Of course, I have to begin with Hello Kitty. Her simple design, signature red bow, and sweet personality have made her timeless, but what I love most is how easily she fits into so many different styles and themes. She can be cute and nostalgic one moment, then fashionable or playful the next. Whether she appears on stationery, accessories, clothing, or home décor, Hello Kitty always brings a little extra happiness—and she remains an essential part of what makes Sanrio so special to me.
Cinnamoroll
Cinnamoroll’s fluffy white design, long ears, and soft blue color palette make him one of Sanrio’s dreamiest characters. I especially love the gentle, comforting atmosphere surrounding him and his friends at Café Cinnamon. Everything about his world feels light, cozy, and a little magical—like floating through a sky filled with clouds. His sweet personality and adorable cinnamon-roll-shaped tail make him impossible not to love.
Kuromi
Kuromi brings a mischievous edge to Sanrio’s usually sweet and pastel world. I love the contrast between her black jester hood and pink skull and her secretly girly, sensitive personality. She may act tough and rebellious, but her softer side makes her even more lovable. Kuromi is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys cute characters with a little attitude, and her bold aesthetic always makes her stand out.
My Melody
My Melody embodies the soft, gentle side of Sanrio that I find so comforting. Her signature pink hood, kind personality, and love of baking give her world a warm, cozy feeling. I also enjoy her dynamic with Kuromi—the contrast between My Melody’s sweetness and Kuromi’s mischievous attitude makes both characters even more fun. With her timeless design and wholesome charm, My Melody will always be one of my favorites.
Pochacco
Pochacco’s playful personality and floppy black ears make him one of Sanrio’s most endearing characters. I love his curious, energetic nature and how he is always ready for a new adventure—especially if it involves sports or spending time with his friends. His simple black-and-white design feels both nostalgic and timeless, while his cheerful spirit makes him incredibly easy to love.
Pompompurin
Pompompurin is one of the coziest and most lovable Sanrio characters. His golden-yellow color, brown beret, and laid-back personality make him instantly recognizable. I love how much he enjoys simple comforts like napping, eating pudding, and spending time with his friends. His warm and cheerful world feels like a reminder to slow down and appreciate life’s little pleasures.
Sugarbunnies
Even though I don’t own any Sugarbunnies merchandise yet, I couldn’t leave them off this list. I adore the dreamy, pastel world of twin bunnies Shirousa and Kurousa, along with their shared love of making sweets. Their soft designs and baking theme give the franchise such a warm, nostalgic charm. I would love to add something from Sugarbunnies to my collection someday—especially a plush or a piece of cute dessert-themed stationery.
Badtz-Maru
Badtz-Maru’s mischievous personality and permanently unimpressed expression make him one of Sanrio’s funniest characters. His spiky hair and bold black-and-white design stand out against Sanrio’s softer, pastel characters. I love that he can be cheeky, stubborn, and a little dramatic while still being charming in his own way. He brings a playful sense of humor and attitude to the Sanrio universe.
Gudetama
Gudetama’s tired, unmotivated personality is almost too relatable. I love how such a simple character—just a lazy egg—can be so expressive and funny. Whether Gudetama is lying on toast, hiding under a strip of bacon, or complaining about having to do anything at all, the designs are always creative. Gudetama brings a different kind of charm to Sanrio by reminding us that sometimes it’s perfectly okay to slow down and do nothing.
Aggretsuko
Aggretsuko stands out because her story feels surprisingly relatable. By day, she is a polite red panda trying to handle office work, difficult coworkers, and everyday frustrations. At night, she releases all that bottled-up stress through death-metal karaoke. I love the contrast between her adorable appearance and intense musical alter ego. Beneath the humor, her experiences with work, relationships, and adulthood give her a depth that makes her especially memorable.
Final Thoughts
One of my favorite things about Sanrio is that every franchise has its own personality and charm. From Cinnamoroll’s dreamy sweetness and Kuromi’s mischievous attitude to Gudetama’s relatable laziness and Aggretsuko’s workplace frustrations, there is a character for nearly every mood. I may not own merchandise from every franchise on this list, but each one has captured my attention in a special way—and I’m sure my list of favorites will continue to grow.
Your Turn
Who are your favorite Sanrio characters or franchises? Do we share any favorites, or is there someone you think I should learn more about? Let me know—and tell me which character you would choose if you could only pick one!
Save For Later
