Many find joy in reminiscing and reliving elements of their childhood. I have composed a list of the Top 10 Cartoons of the 90s. In order to qualify for this list, a cartoon must have started its original run in the 90s and have aired at least two seasons in that decade, meaning cartoons such as "SpongeBob SquarePants," and "Ed, Edd, n Eddy" are ineligible. This list of composed of cartoons I saw both and didn't see in the 90s to make sure every show had a chance.
10. "Animaniacs"
"Animaniacs" was created by Warner Bros. and ran from 1993 to 1998. The show consists of a series of sketches based around the Warner siblings, Yakko, Wakko and Dot. Characters are constantly shouting and spewing random pop culture references. The show also shines in the parody department, amongst the most memorable of which are "Bambi" and "Siskel and Ebert." The sketches always appear to be on a sugar rush and the tone slides constantly. All of the above creates some of the best cartoon humor ever made.
With a lot of hidden innuendos thrown in, "Animaniacs" has certainly gotten better with age
9. "Batman"
Following the success of the 1989 live action film, an animated series was created by DC Comics that ran from 1992 to 1995. The transition from film to cartoon is flawless. Every story and character is intricately developed and given an incredible amount of detail. Each character is given its own light and never results in rehashes. The character of Bruce Wayne is given the biggest alteration, as a modest and intelligent man as opposed to the hot- headed scoundrel he is in other adaptations. Brand new characters such as Red Claw, Lock-Up and Harley Quinn are welcome additions to the "Batman" universe. "Batman" remains one of the most artistic and sophisticated cartoons ever made.
8. "Sonic the Hedgehog"
Not to be confused with "The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog," this adaptation of the popular video game series proves it is possible for a video game to work as a television series. The show focused on Sonic and various other characters trying to free their world of Mobius from the hands of the evil Dr. Robotnik. It put a lot of time into character development to coincide with a story that continued and progressed over the entire series. The action scenes were well-crafted, and put a heavy emphasis on kinetic animation. Unfortunately, the show ran for only two seasons, having to compete in the same timeslot as "Power Rangers."
7. "Rugrats"
It goes without saying that "Rugrats" is one the most popular and successful programs in the history of Nickelodeon. It began its run in 1991 and lasted until 2004. The premise was extremely simple: a group of toddlers and the various shenanigans they get into under the watch of their oblivious and neurotic parents. Looking back, it's evident that "Rugrats" really hit its strides with the adult humor that shot over kids' heads. The show is full of very memorable characters and despite having the same premise for the entire run, it never becames repetitive or boring. "Rugrats" was a symbol in and of itself of how enjoyable childhood was.
6. Jackie Chan Adventures"
"Jackie Chan Adventures" was a very successful cross between an eastern action cartoon and a western fantasy cartoon. The show centers on a fictionalized version of Jackie Chan, ironically not even voiced by Jackie Chan, and his various attempts to gain control of supernatural artifacts before they fall into the wrong hands. While the show was heavily based on eastern mythology, it never ventured deep enough to cause culture shock. "Jackie Chan Adventures" is not the only cartoon to take mystical fantasy elements and place itself in a contemporary setting, but is certainly the best.
5. "Johnny Bravo"
"Johnny Bravo" is one of the best generational satires in animation. The show is about the title character, a muscular and flashy, yet unbelievably idiotic, man and his countless attempts to get a woman. Johnny Bravo would constantly, unbeknownst to him, create mayhem and misfortune for both his friends and enemies. While the slapstick humor was phenomenal, "Johnny Bravo" is hilarious on a deeper level. What the creators were clever about was giving Johnny a heart of gold, so you could root for him in his ventures, but still find humor rather than empathy in his failures. "Johnny Bravo" is one of the last and undoubtedly best pure humor cartoons of its era.
4. "Rocket Power"
"Rocket Power" is, in a sense, a complete embodiment of the 90s culture. The show focuses on a group of kids who are into extreme sports, new technology and mainstream media. The episodes display the typical moral lessons often found in children's television, such as humility, teamwork and trust; but coat them in surfing, skateboarding and roller hockey as to avoid ever sounding preachy. The characters are based around, but never fall into, typical childhood stereotypes, except perhaps those of southern Californians, the basis of the show's location. The humor is on a very personal level, and the situations that it revolves around can be found in real life. "Rocket Power" is often considered the last show of Nickelodeon's golden age, and for good reason.
3. "Rupert'
"Rupert" is a cartoon that delves into the deepest realms of fantasy while maintaining a sense of class. The cartoon tells of the various adventures of the title character as he travels throughout the universe. The dialogue is intelligent, the characters are well rounded and the slow pace taught kids to appreciate story and atmosphere. Of all the cartoons on the list, "Rupert" has the youngest target demographic, but it never brought itself down to the level of most young children's shows. Story- centered adventure cartoons are a rare breed and "Rupert" is easily the best in recent history.
2. "Hey Arnold" and "Doug"
I decided to give both of these shows a joint position on the list because when examined, they are essentially the same exact show. Both center around a character who seems to be an intelligent, noble common man trapped in a world of eccentrics. Both cartoons had strong likeable leads, but the supporting cast is where each cartoon shined. "Doug" brought us memorable characters such as Skeeter, Roger and Mr. Bone, and "Hey Arnold" gave us Helga, Gerald and Ernie Pots. All the characters were relatable, but exaggerated enough to be funny. Both were very down to earth and look and feel as if they were designed by a kid. Like all good cartoons, the right amount of humor was thrown to keep the show lively. These shows serve as an examination of how insane the world around us can be, and how ordinary people are to push through it. "Hey Arnold" and "Doug" gave their audiences life lessons and laughs, cementing themselves as two staples of children's entertainment.
1. "The Animals of Farthing Wood"
"The Animals of Farthing Wood" is a cartoon that does everything right. The show, based on the book series by Colin Dann, is about a group of forest animals that needs to migrate to a new home after its forest is destroyed. What makes "The Animals of Farthing Wood" great is that it places its story at its center and never waters itself down. The characters are some of the best in all of animation. The characters were animals and acted like it with their intelligence, habits and instincts. The show gives us an insight into their society and the fascinating ways the handle issues such as love, family and death, the latter of which occurred extremely often. The writing is masterfully crafted and certain conversation sounds as if it's out of a drama film. The casting and voice acting were perfect and the orchestrated music accompanied events extremely well. "The Animals of Farthing Wood" is a highly intelligent, extremely deep cartoon that can be just as appealing to adults as children.
