In celebration of Mickey’s 94th Birthday, let’s take a look at how his design has evolved throughout the years. 

Steamboat Willie

Mickey’s third short but the first to be released in theaters… and with synchronized sound!

The Cactus Kid

This is the last film to be animated by Ub Iwerks.

The Band Concert

Mickey’s first official cartoon in color. 

Mickey’s Trailer

At this point, Walt still voiced Mickey. 

Fantasia

One of Mickey’s most iconic roles, as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Noticeable changes have been made to his design- his face is a flesh color and white has been added to his eyes. 

The Simple Things

In this “modern” styled cartoon, (Mickey is given eyebrows) Mickey spends a day at the beach with Pluto. It is the last of 56 shorts that appear in the theaters.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol

Mickey’s first theatrical short since 1953 (no more eyebrows!). The popular short marked the debuted of Wayne Allwine, the voice of Mickey for 26 years, until his death in 2009. 

The Prince and the Pauper

This was the start of the return of classic Disney characters to film and television. 

Mickey Mouse Works

Considered Mickey’s comeback, the series of shorts featured Mickey with his closest pals. 

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Meeska Mooska, Mickey Mouse! This popular show featured a heavily computer graphic styling of Mickey. It would run until 2016. 

Mickey Mouse

The self-titled show brought a different animated style from creator Paul Rudish. Paul embraced the early designs of Mickey, inspired by Ub Iwerks. This styling can still be found on the Disney+ streaming show, The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse and in Mickey’s first attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. 

Dancing With the Stars

While Rudish’s Mickey is still the mascot of Disney Television, this classically designed Mickey made a guest star appearance on the popular TV show, Dancing With the Stars. 

Do you have a favorite animation style of the one and only Mickey? Share in the comment section below!