The Best 90s Cartoons, Ranked by Fan Reviews
One of the best parts of being a kid in the 90s was waking up on a Saturday morning, grabbing a bowl of cereal, and getting comfy on the couch to watch cartoons.
90s Cartoons Have a Loyal Fanbase
The best 90s cartoons will never perish, especially considering many fans remain loyal to their favorites even today. With streaming services and online viewing platforms, it’s not impossible to enjoy a few throwbacks here and there.
Ranked by Reviews
These are 18 of the best 90s cartoons, ranked in order by fan reviews, to take you back down memory lane. Can you guess which show ranks number 1?
18. “Aaahh!!! Real Monsters”
1994-1997
Creators: Gábor Csupó, Peter Gaffney
Aaahh!!! Real Monsters takes place in a world where creepy cartoon monsters lurk beneath cities and attend a school to learn how to scare humans.
Ickis, Oblina and Krumm are the three main characters.
Klasky Csupo, Aaahh!!! Real Monsters (1994)
“Aaahh!!! Real Monsters”: A Strange Comedy
The show is unusual, but those who love it enjoy its slapstick humor, smart quips, and brilliant puns.
The twisted and grotesque characters perfectly represent the world of monsters. It’s a must-see for audiences who love strange cartoons.
Klasky Csupo, Aaahh!!! Real Monsters (1994)
17. The Powerpuff Girls
1998-2005
Creator: Craig McCracken
The Powerpuff Girls are a trio of kindergarten-aged superheroes protecting the city of Townsville.
Buttercup, Blossom and Bubbles are their names, and they use various powers to defend their town from villains.
Cartoon Network Studios, The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2004)
The Powerpuff Girls: A Promotional Powerhouse
The Powerpuff Girls is said to have turned Cartoon Network into a household name and kicked off its first “golden age,” or original programming. The show was merchandised into everything from backpacks to stickers.
Episodes often contained hidden references to older pop culture, making it a hit with parents as well.
Cartoon Network Studios, The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2004)
16. Doug
1991-1999
Creator: Jim Jinkins
Doug focuses on the early adolescent life and zany shenanigans of its title character, Douglas “Doug” Funnie, who deals with being the new kid in a new town and new school.
He experiences relatable school-age issues such as bullying, self-esteem challenges, and classmate crushes.
Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Doug (1991-1994)
Doug: A Relatable Inspiration
Doug was another 90s cartoon that went on to define Nickelodeon’s early-90s golden era in animation.
It was inspired by the creator’s own childhood, and was developed from drawings in his sketchbook.
Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Doug (1991-1994)
15. The Ren & Stimpy Show
1991-1996
Creator: John Kricfalusi
The popular cartoon series follows the misadventures of Ren Höek, an emotionally unstable and psychopathic chihuahua dog; and Stimpy, a good-natured and dimwitted Manx cat.
Nickelodeon, The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991–1996)
The Ren & Stimpy Show: Dark Humor
Although the show was widely popular, it also generated significant controversy for its dark humor, intimate innuendos, adult humor, violence, and shock value.
Even still, it was a favorite among pre-teens, and even today is considered one of television’s most notorious “kid” cartoons.
Nickelodeon, The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991–1996)
14. Rugrats
1991-2004
Creators: Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó, Paul Germain
By the early 90s, Nickelodeon was looking to make cartoons that would resonate better with its audience—and Rugrats did just that.
This cartoon followed a group of talking babies and their imaginative misadventures.
Klasky Csupo, Rugrats (1991-2003)
Rugrats: Rise to Fame
Rugrats was Nickelodeon’s longest-running cartoon and is anchored as the network’s top-rated series from 1995-2001.
It gained over 20 awards during its 13-year run, and has its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Klasky Csupo, Rugrats (1991-2003)
13. Beavis and Butt-Head
1993-Present
Creator: Mike Judge
Beavis and Butt-head is a cult classic animated series that follows a pair of teenage slackers with a love for heavy-metal on their low-minded misadventures in their Texas town.
Butt-Head is the leader and "devious visionary", while Beavis, the sidekick, is the "loose cannon".
Film Roman Productions, Beavis and Butt-Head (1993–2011)
Beavis and Butt-Head: Critically Acclaimed
The show has received varying opinions about its uniquely sarcastic perspective on pop culture and society, with criticism for its alleged influence on adolescents.
Even still, the teenage boys’ sneering dialogue became catchphrases that are still widely understood today.
The show was rebooted twice, including most recently in 2022 on Paramount+.
Film Roman Productions, Beavis and Butt-Head (1993–2011)
12. Hey Arnold!
1996-2004
Creator: Craig Bartlett
Hey Arnold! follows a fourth grader named Arnold Shortman, who lives with his grandparents in an inner-city area.
Episodes center on his experiences navigating urban life while dealing with various mischiefs he and his friends get into.
Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Hey Arnold! (1996–2004)
Hey Arnold!: A Coming-of-Age Story
The show focuses on chasing after new experiences, forming new friendships, contending with bullies, traversing the social hierarchy of school, and solving local mysteries, all while fostering a positive relationship between a boy and his grandparents.
If you’re looking for a good 90s coming-of-age cartoon, this is it.
Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Hey Arnold! (1996–2004)
11. Pinky and the Brain
1995-1998
Creator: Tom Ruegger
Pinky and the Brain are genetically enhanced laboratory mice who live in a cage in the Acme Labs research facility.
The Brain is highly intelligent, self-centered and scheming, while Pink is good-natured but feeble-minded.
Warner Bros. Pinky and the Brain (1995–1998)
Pinky and the Brain: A Forever Favorite
In each episode, the Brain devises a new plan to take over the world—which ultimately ends in failure.
The show began as a skit on Animaniacs, but then became its own series after executives saw potential—and they right. The cartoon still ranks high in 90s nostalgic cartoon favorites.
Warner Bros. Pinky and the Brain (1995–1998)
10. Animaniacs
1993-1998
Creator: Tom Ruegger
Animaniacs is a variety show, with short skits featuring a large cast of characters.
Most episodes were composed of three short mini-episodes, each starring different characters, and involving music, satirical social commentary, pop culture references, and some innuendo directed at the adult audience.
Warner Bros. Animaniacs (1993–1998)
Animaniacs: Adult Centric Humor
The creator set out to make a cartoon in which the humor was geared more toward older viewers—and it did exactly that. The wacky, adult-centric humor won over fans making the show one of the most popular series of the 90s, and even today.
The show has been rebooted a few times, including a new season recently premiering in 2023.
Warner Bros. Animaniacs (1993–1998)
9. Dexter’s Laboratory
1996-2003
Creator: Gennedy Tartakovsky
Dexter’s Laboratory centers around Dexter, a genius kid with a secret laboratory that only his older sister—dimwitted Dee Dee—knew about.
Cartoon Network Studios, Dexter's Laboratory (1996–2003)
Dexter’s Laboratory: Most Imaginative Series
Shortly after its first season, the show was hailed as one of the best new series on Cartoon Network, and the second season was dubbed the most imaginative series.
It’s since been hailed as a great show for audiences of all ages.
Cartoon Network Studios, Dexter's Laboratory (1996–2003)
8. Recess
1997-2001
Creators: Paul Germain, Joe Ansolabehere
Recess is about a group of fourth-graders that face the ups and downs of life in elementary school.
The cast of memorable characters includes T.J., Spinelli, Vince, Gretchen, Mikey and Gus, along with their rivals, a group of popular girls referred to as “The Ashleys,” and “The Kindergarteners,” the school’s youngest kids.
Disney Television Animation, Recess (1997–2001)
Recess: Relatability
The idea of the show is simple and fun. During recess, the children form their own society, experiencing the ups and downs of childhood relationships—making it highly relatable for school-aged viewers.
There may still be potential for a future revival, so stay tuned.
Disney Television Animation, Recess (1997–2001)
7. SpongeBob SquarePants
1999-Present
Creator: Stephen Hillenburg
SpongeBob SquarePants follows the underwater adventures of a yellow sea sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea, and his aquatic friends.
Nearly every 90s kid knows the theme song by heart.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Critically Acclaimed
The show became an overnight success, and its success helped it become the longest-running series in Nickelodeon’s history.
The series remains just as popular today as it did back in 1999, with its appeal towards kids, and its tidbits of adult humor.
6. Courage the Cowardly Dog
1999-2002
Creator: John R. Dilworth
Courage the Cowardly Dog became one of the most iconic cartoons the Cartoon Network had ever produced.
The show follows one of the best animated pets of all time, Courage, a sweet but timid dog who was abandoned as a puppy and taken in by a lovely woman and her cruel husband.
Stretch Films, Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999–2002)
Courage the Cowardly Dog: Horror & Sci-fi
The show was mostly about the strange things that would happen around the rural home, causing Courage to find the courage to protect his family.
As mainly a comedy, the show became famous for its horror and sci-fi elements, and still remains a favorite today.
Stretch Films, Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999–2002)
5. X-Men: The Animated Series
1992-1997
Developers: Eric Lewald, Sidney Iwanter, Mark Edens
X-Men: The Animated Series revolved around the X-Men, a group of mutants with superhuman abilities who strive for peace and equality.
Akom Production Company, X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997)
X-Men: The Animated Series: Based off the Comic
The show offered an action-packed and thrilling take on the X-Men comics that were already a hit with varying audiences.
With unique characters and exhilarating stories, the show is a must-see for comic book lovers and those who love adventurous superheroes.
Akom Production Company, X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997)
4. Daria
1997-2002
Creators: Glenn Eichler, Susie Lewis Lynn
Another 90s show with an iconic theme song that’s likely stuck in every fan’s head, Daria is about a cynical high school student who strives to avoid popularity and trends, steering clear of the “cool kids” as much as she can.
MTV Animation, Daria (1997–2002)
Daria: A Spin-Off
Many episodes of the show are full of pop culture references and witty references that may have flown over many young fan’s heads, at the time.
The show is technically a spin-off of Beavis and Butt-head, but did extremely well on its own.
MTV Animation, Daria (1997–2002)
3. Batman: The Animated Series
1992-1999
Creators: Eric Radomski, Bruce W. Timm
Batman: The Animated Series is a landmark in the superhero genre, and served as the first entry in the continuity of the shared DC Animated Universe—a massive franchise today.
Warner Bros. Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Batman: The Animated Series: Emmy Award Winner
It depicted a darker version of Batman, with elaborated storylines and complex characters that had never been seen before for an animated series up to that point.
The series won multiple Emmy Awards, unsurprisingly.
Warner Bros. Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
2. Family Guy
1999-Present
Creator: Seth MacFarlane
Family Guy is an iconic animated sitcom for adults, introducing the Griffin family, which includes the extremely offensive Peter, his wife Lois, and three kids—the outcast, Meg, the eccentric Chris, and a genius baby named Stewie.
Not to be forgotten is their talking dog, Brian.
Fuzzy Door Productions, Family Guy (1999 - Present)
Family Guy: Legendary
Family Guy characters have each become legendary in their own way. The dysfunctional family has become one of the longest running animated sitcoms thanks to its solid fanbase that appreciates politically incorrect humor.
The show is still going strong today.
Fuzzy Door Productions, Family Guy (1999 - Present)
1. South Park
1997-Present
Creators: Trey Parker, Matt Stone
South Park is another animated series for adults. The show revolves around four friends growing up in the small town of South Park in Colorado.
Though the show’s humor was never intended for children, kids of all ages still watched it—making parents cringe every time an inappropriate catch phrase was repeated.
South Park Studios, South Park (1997–Present)
South Park: A Dark Success
The show quickly became infamous for its profanity and dark, surreal humor that poked fun at a large range of subject matter.
Even still, the show is said to be largely responsible for the success of Comedy Central’s channel, essentially putting the network on the map.
South Park Studios, South Park (1997–Present)Final Thoughts
From catchy theme songs to memorable villains there’s something oddly comforting about revisiting these childhood classics.
While there are numerous iconic cartoons from the 90s that could make the list, these are only 18 of the top favorites ranked by fans. Which ones did we miss?
