12 Cavemen and Cavewomen Who Shaped Pop Culture

The caveman comedy National Lampoon's Homo Erectus is set to hit theaters this September, while a TV series inspired by the famous GEICO Caveman ads will make its debut in October. But the concept of cavemen in popular media isn’t exactly new. These characters, who resemble us but struggle to adapt to the complexities of modern life, are perfect for both humor and adventure. The following 12 cavemen and cavewomen are presented in chronological order, without any ranking—after all, who am I to judge cavemen?

1932 Alley Oop

The comic strip Alley Oop

has been a staple in newspapers for 75 years, surviving the transitions of two of its three illustrators. Oop is your classic dinosaur-riding caveman from the kingdom of Moo, but when he's not engaging in prehistoric adventures, he’s hopping through time to explore different historical periods. He even inspired a #1 pop hit by The Argyles.

Loana is undoubtedly the standout character from the 1966 film One Million Years B.C.. It only took Raquel Welch wearing a leather bikini to turn the movie into a cultural sensation.

While Thag himself doesn’t make an appearance in this 1982 Far Side comic by Gary Larsen, his influence endures. Since at least 1993, scientists have used the term "thagomizer" to describe the spikes on a dinosaur's tail. It has since found its place in reference books and museum displays.

The incomparable Phil Hartman brought to life Cirroc, the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer, as a recurring character on Saturday Night Live. Despite his refined speech, Cirroc always relied on his caveman origins to connect with the jury, positioning himself as a relatable 'everyman.'

2007 Ishbo

Ishbo is the protagonist of National Lampoon's Homo Erectus, set to release this September. Portrayed by Adam Rifkin, who also penned and directed the film, Ishbo is a sharp-witted caveman who struggles with his attraction to a woman who prefers her partners large, simple, and brawny.

Which caveman do you find most appealing?