Growing up, I was able to enjoy some of the best ‘90s cartoons. They’re probably to blame for my longstanding dream of becoming a super heroine, but I continue to adore them nonetheless. Here are 10 of my all-time favorite toons. Cue the nostalgia!
Nickelodeon’s charming, journal-keeping Doug Funnie always managed to hold my attention (as a hyper kid with a major sweet tooth, that meant a lot). I kept a diary a la Doug, though I do have to admit that the show was never the same after Nick sold it to Disney. Nevertheless, I’ll always be Doug’s girl.
There’s no doubt in my mind that "Rugrats" was one of the best ‘90s cartoons out there. Who could forget the adventures of Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and Angelica? Oh, and Angelica’s beloved Cynthia doll. I grew up with this series, which ran for over a decade, and its lovable cast of pint-sized mischief makers. And I have the memorabilia to prove it!
When I was a young child, the Warner trio starred in one of the best ‘90s cartoons ever. FYI: I was a four-year-old wannabe princess when "The Animaniacs" first aired, so Dot’s floral hairpiece and pink skirt got me every time. I’ll never forget the «totally insane-y» schemes of Yakko, Wakko, and little Dot. Bravo, Steven Spielberg!
Rocko the animated wallaby from Australia looked cuddly-cute and was funny to boot. But looking back on the show’s clever social commentary, I’ve realized it was so much more than another slapstick cartoon show. So, if you’ve forgotten the Chokey Chicken or Conglom-O Corporation, Google them. You’re welcome.
Who knew lab rats could star in a hit ‘90s cartoon? This decade got a heavy dose of a rat with a higher purpose with The Brain, an Orson Welles-inspired creature with hopes of world domination. He may not have taken over the world, but The Brain and his trusty BFF Pinky had some hold over our television screens!
I didn’t know a kid who wasn’t insanely jealous of eight-year-old Dexter’s laBOARatory. Admit it: having a secret lab behind a bookshelf in your room is so much cooler than light-up yoyos. And Dee Dee, the boy genius’ teen sister, was the perfect cross between meddlesome and adorable.
There’s no doubting that "Hey Arnold!" was one of the best cartoons of the ‘90s. Arnold, a spunky fourth-grader who lives with his grandparents in a boardinghouse, is both lovable and adventurous. And his motley crew (including the love-struck Helga Pataki) was always highly entertaining. I only wish I could hit those urban streets again with Arnold and friends!
If you were looking for a show with "sugar… spice… and everything nice," "The Powerpuff Girls" surely delivered. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup were kickass kindergarteners with matching Mary Janes. And I think I may have owned every inspired item available as a child. There’s some good news for those of you who want to revive your childhood days of fighting crime: you can find brand new licensed merchandise in large toy stores. Oh, how I love a good revival!
If Bikini Bottom were real, it’d be the most sought out vacation spot under the sea. SpongeBob, Patrick, and friends were hilarious in every episode –and that’s some feat! In fact, I don’t know anyone who dislikes the show. And despite being in my 20s now, I still tune in for SpongeBob’s shenanigans.
As far as cartoon families go, the Griffins are up there with the famed Simpsons. Stewie managed to steal the spotlight with his always inappropriate, mostly funny attempts at matricide and world domination. Because how could you resist an evil baby prodigy?
With their wit, humor, and lovable characters, the best cartoons of the ‘90s will remain unforgettable. Is your favorite ‘90s cartoon listed here? What do you like best about it?
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