Yoshi – Super Mario Bros.

When Yoshi was first introduced to the Mario Bros. world, it was as a gimmick used to show off the more impressive technical prowess of the Super Nintendo. But since then, Yoshi has grown into a foundational part of the gaming world. He’s appeared in cartoons, movies, his own video games, and memes. Is he as popular as Mario? Maybe not. But Luigi had better watch his back.

Gizmoduck – “DuckTales”/”Darkwing Duck”

Disney’s PG answer to Robocop, Gizmoduck first appeared in “DuckTales” as Duckburg’s resident superhero/bodyguard, but soon outgrew the wildly popular show and even spilled over into a spin-off, “Darkwing Duck.” Of course, the irony is that Gizmoduck was secretly an unpopular nerd dressed in a highly advanced suit who only turned to crime-fighting for the attention. Still, no one can deny his current popularity, which to this day spawns ungodly amounts of fanart. Gizmoduck is also every showoff cosplayer’s costume of choice.

Steve Urkel – “Family Matters”

Urkel has certainly worn out his welcome now, but back when “Family Matters” was a Friday night fixture, he ruled every Nielsen household. He even had his own dance. Not bad for a character that was only supposed to appear in a single episode. Since the show ended, star Jaleel White has certainly had a hard time shaking the persona and signature phrase “Did I do that?” And that’s putting it mildly. I guess there is such a thing as being too popular.

Slimer – “The Real Ghostbusters”

Ghostbuster‘s Slimer isn’t just a businessman, he’s a business, man. Movies, TV shows, drinks, toys, snacks, cereals, slime…this rumored ghost of John Belushi is pretty much the perfect example of what happens when a side character becomes a movement. He might be dead, but that merchandising money lives on forever.

Patrick – “Spongebob Squarepants”

Patrick is literally a goddamn star, so I guess his rise as the most quotable sidekick of the last 10 years was just meant to be. So stupid that it’s almost a form of hyper-intelligence, Patrick functions as the perfect foil to the comparatively pragmatic SpongeBob, allowing the unpredictable starfish to deliver punchline after punchline. He’s a jobless, sarcastic, competitive, corrupt, immature glutton — in other words, the perfect idol for the two million impressionable young children who flock to watch his TV show. In short, Patrick is what’s wrong with America, and because of that, he may be the greatest side character ever created.