It might’ve been the best of times, or it might’ve been the worst of times, but one thing is for sure — the ‘90s were the time of some truly iconic cartoons. Whether it was because of their innovative style, the crazy and daring characters, or not so child-appropriate topics discussed in them, ‘90s cartoons went down in animation history not with a splash but with a bang. And although you might’ve forgotten some of these ‘90s gems, you can always reminisce about them by taking a look at our list of the best ‘90s cartoons!
From such animation gems as Rugrats and Animaniacs — both of which appeal to the younger and the older audiences — to everyone's beloved kooky SpongeBob SquarePants and Futurama, the ‘90s were ripe with quality content. And while some of the animated series from the decade gained infamy by pushing the boundaries of children's TV programming with their use of adult topics — spurring a whole new genre of adult cartoons in effect — others kept their sweetness and innocence. The latter two things, no matter the decade or the year (even if it is 2023), are eternal, so it's no wonder that even the wild ‘90s kept its family-friendly facade.
So, go and check out our list of the best ‘90s cartoons just a bit further down! Once you're there, you'll find short descriptions for the top twenty submissions, sort of a memory refresher on their plot, and some insights on the lovely decade. Be sure to vote for the series that you feel the most nostalgic for, and share these cool cartoons with your friends!
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#21 Spongebob Squarepants
1999 | 13 seasons | 271 episodes
So, it's a sponge living under the sea in a pineapple, hanging out with a starfish, a crab, a pet snail, and a squirrel. And that's just to name a few odd characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, an animated series that became a real phenomenon throughout the years of its run. Created by the legendary animator and marine science educator Stephen Hillenburg, this series is full of imagination and the most unbelievable adventures experienced by the weirdest characters. It was, and still is, something completely different compared to all the rest of the animated series, mostly because of its originality that stems from an unexpected setting, ingenious characters, and the beautiful message underneath it all.
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49points
#23 Pokémon
1997 | 24 seasons | 1,187 episodes and counting
Pokémon, a legendary animated adventure and fantasy comedy, follows the adventures of Ash Ketchum, who's a Pokémon trainer. Joined by his partner, a Pokémon called Pikachu, and a rotating cast of human friends, Ash set out to become the Pokémon Master. His plan of becoming one consists of traveling to various locations of the world to tame Pokémon monsters and then entering them in tournaments. The series, besides being addictively entertaining, was praised for its input in introducing Western audiences to Japanese animation and thus propelling anime's popularity worldwide.
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41points
