The Best Cartoons From The '90s, Ranked
The 90s were a golden age of animation, a decade that ushered in an era of inventive and unforgettable cartoons that have stood the test of time. This was a period when animators pushed boundaries, experimented with new styles, and introduced characters who would become cultural icons. Among the pantheon of animated greatness, Pinky and the Brain plotted world domination while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) battled foes in New York's sewers. These shows, and many others, define the best 90s cartoons, capturing the essence of a generation's childhood.
From adventurous reptiles to ambitious lab mice, this list of the best 90s cartoons revisits the wonder and creativity that made the 90s a landmark decade for TV watchers. Find and vote on your favorites in the list below to help us determine which 90s toon reigns supreme.
- 1
This iconic cat-and-mouse duo, which first appeared in the 1940s, found renewed success in the '90s with a new generation of fans. Classic episodes were interspersed with new adventures, as the relentless pursuit between Tom and Jerry continued to entertain young and old alike. The show's slapstick humor and memorable characters have solidified its place as one of the best animated shows of the 1990s.
- Actors: Tom Kenny, Rick Zieff, Gary Cole
- Premiered: February 10, 1940
Also ranks #1 on The 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked- Also ranks #1 on The 170 Best Cartoon TV Shows
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Two genetically enhanced lab mice, Pinky and Brain, captured the hearts of audiences with their comical attempts at world domination. A spin-off from Animaniacs, this Emmy-winning series showcased their absurd schemes juxtaposed with Pinky's dim-witted personality and Brain's unrelenting intellect. As an influential '90s cartoon, it left a lasting impact on pop culture through catchphrases like "Narf!" and "Are you pondering what I'm pondering?"
- Actors: Maurice LaMarche, Rob Paulsen
- Premiered: September 9, 1995
- Also ranks #2 on The Greatest Cartoon Shows on Kids' WB
- Also ranks #3 on The Best '90s Cartoon Theme Songs
- Also ranks #5 on TV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
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- 3
Cowabunga! These pizza-loving reptiles became a cultural phenomenon during the '90s as Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael battled villains like Shredder in New York City's sewers. Their unique combination of martial arts prowess, witty banter, and brotherly camaraderie made them one of the most beloved animated shows of that decade.
- Actors: Rob Paulsen, Cam Clarke, Barry Gordon, Townsend Coleman, Renae Jacobs
- Premiered: December 28, 1987
Dig Deeper 15 Things You (Somehow) Never Really Knew About The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- Also ranks #2 on The Most Unforgettable '80s Cartoons
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- 4
The wealthy Scrooge McDuck embarked on thrilling escapades alongside his grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie in this classic Disney television series. DuckTales' catchy theme song, adventurous plotlines, and endearing characters have solidified its status as a treasured animated series from the '90s, inspiring a successful reboot in 2017.
- Actors: Alan Young, Russi Taylor, Chuck McCann, Terence McGovern, Frank Welker
- Premiered: September 18, 1987
- Also ranks #1 on The Best '90s Cartoon Theme Songs
- Also ranks #1 on The Best 80s Cartoon Theme Songs
- Also ranks #2 on 190+ Saturday Morning Cartoons From The '80s And '90s
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- 5
This groundbreaking Nickelodeon show featured a group of toddlers exploring their world through imaginative play. Tommy Pickles led his friends Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and Angelica on countless adventures that captivated audiences with their colorful animation and relatable storylines. Rugrats' lasting impact on pop culture makes it one of the most iconic animated shows of the '90s.
- Actors: E.G. Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Kath Soucie, Cheryl Chase, Michael Bell
- Premiered: August 11, 1991
- Dig Deeper The 20 Creepiest Rugrats Moments of All Time
- Also ranks #1 on The Best '90s Children's Shows
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- 6
Set on an elementary school playground during recess time, this show brought to life a diverse group of children led by prankster T.J. Detweiler. With memorable storylines tackling friendship, leadership, and social issues while maintaining its humor throughout each episode, Recess secured its spot among top animated series from the '90s.
- Actors: Andrew Lawrence, Jason Davis, Rickey D'Shon Collins, Ashley Johnson, Pamela Adlon
- Premiered: August 31, 1997
- Dig Deeper Fan Theories About The Kids From 'Recess'
- Also ranks #1 on 14 Amazing Shows You Forgot Were Part Of 'One Saturday Morning' On ABC
- Also ranks #3 on Underrated Animated '90s TV Shows That Were Ahead Of Their Time
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