Top 10 Cartoon Network Shows of the 90s

First up on our list is Animaniacs, a 90s cartoon favorite created by Tom Ruegger and produced by Steven Spielberg. It won several Daytime Emmy Awards and inspired toys, comics, and video games.

The show featured the Warner siblings: Yakko, Wakko, and Dot. They escaped from the Warner Bros. water tower to cause chaos. Together, they embarked on mischievous adventures, causing chaos wherever they went. Each episode was packed with goofy skits, songs, and parodies.

In 2020, Hulu brought Animaniacs back, introducing the Warner siblings to a new generation. The newer version has better animation and quality. The show’s lasting popularity shows its timeless appeal and its unique place in the world of cartoons, earning it a place on our top 10 Cartoon Network shows list.

Next on our list, Cow and Chicken, created by David Feiss, became a memorable show in Cartoon Network’s lineup during the 1990s. The show followed the adventures of two biological siblings adopted by humans who spent most of their time trying to avoid the Red Guy. These siblings were a cow named Cow and her mischievous older brother, Chicken, who happened to be, you guessed it, a chicken!

The series was known for its nonsensical humor and quirky animation style. Each episode brought new characters and weird events, keeping the audience laughing with unexpected twists. It became a favorite for its quirky charm and memorable characters, making it onto our lineup of the top Cartoon Network shows of the 90s.

Next up, I Am Weasel, another Cartoon Network favorite from the 1990s, is an iconic spin-off of Cow and Chicken. The show followed Weasel, a bright and stylish weasel, and his goofy friend Baboon. Unlike many shows that focus purely on slapstick, it featured an intelligent weasel and his goofy baboon friend, offering a mix of wit and comedy. Weasel’s intelligence often led him into funny situations. Baboon, on the other hand, was known for the complete opposite and makes silly mistakes.

The series was known for poking fun at society, talking directly to viewers, and including jokes about itself, which was unusual in the 90s. The animation was also lively and expressive. These both made the show interactive and engaging for its young viewers. I Am Weasel wasn’t afraid to be different for the time, and its humor made it a classic on Cartoon Network.

Space Ghost Coast to Coast, an iconic late-night television show on Cartoon Network in the 1990s. It blended animation and live-action interviews, which made it unique for the 90s. The show was hosted by the retired superhero Space Ghost and features real celebrities interacting with the animated characters. Some of the most iconic celebrities that the show featured include Denzel Washington and Jim Carrey.

This show not only entertained younger audiences but also paved the way for Cartoon Network’s expansion into programming for older audiences and adult animation. Its influence even extended beyond television, influencing the style of other later animated talk shows. Space Ghost’s minimalist animation and offbeat, dry humor attracted a cult following.

For many years, HBO Max made this show available to watch but recently removed it (in the US).

Also Read: The Top 10 Jim Carrey Movies Of The 90s

When it comes to the most iconic Cartoon Network shows of the 1990s, SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron deserves a place on our list. This animated series, which premiered in 1993, raised the bar for action cartoons with its blend of visuals and storytelling.

The show’s animation was top-tier for the 90s. It raised the bar for what an animated series could be. The SWAT Kats’ jet, the Turbokat, looked amazing, flying through the air and battling enemies. But SWAT Kats didn’t just earn this spot for its pretty pictures. The storylines kept viewers wanting more with their action-packed narratives. Characters like Chance Furlong and Jake Clawson made a great duo as the pilot and mechanic, forming the SWAT Kats team. Their jokes and banter with each other were funny, allowing viewers to sympathize and relate to the characters.

The show also dealt with larger real-world issues that kids could relate to, like protecting the environment and taking down corrupt officials. That being said, the writers didn’t do this in a preachy way. Instead, they made it entertaining.

Another show that was sure to make our list was Courage The Cowardly Dog. This deranged series broke all conventions of “traditional” TV animation. The quirky character designs and backgrounds looked like nothing else on the air then. From Courage’s weird hybrid dog-human look to the lanky, weirdly distorted humans, every visual element portrayed originality for the 90s.

But Courage didn’t just look funky- the show told genuinely unnerving stories, too. One minute, it made the audience laugh at Courage’s cowardly slapstick, yet the next, it hit them with existential horror. The show featured various horrifying villains, vicious house monsters, and explorations of humanity’s darkness, making it a truly scary show that didn’t hold back.

Yet, under all that weirdness and horror, the show had a wholesome core about finding inner courage, which is told through Courage’s love for his elderly owners. No wonder the show amassed such a cult following and cemented its place among Cartoon Network’s most groundbreaking, memorable shows.

Up next, Ed, Edd n Eddy definitely earned its spot in our top 10 Cartoon Network shows from the 90s. This classic cartoon had a unique art style that instantly grabbed your attention with its thick outlines and vibrant colors, making it almost reminiscent of a comic book. In addition to the unique art style, the writing was top-notch, too. It mixed gags with clever wordplay and cultural references.

Ed, Edd n Eddy resonated with viewers because it captured the essence of suburban childhood in a hilarious and relatable way. The show nailed what it’s like being a kid in the suburbs. Growing up in the suburbs, I remember my brother always looking for the next shenanigan to cure his boredom, just like these boys. The three Eds made an iconic trio that just worked. First, there was the lovably simple Ed. Next is the brilliant Double D. Lastly, the determined Eddy leads the crew. Their dynamic, combined with the other colorful characters like the Kanker Sisters and Rolf, created comedic gold.

Our next choice, Johnny Bravo, was a no-brainer. His charisma and confidence made him an instantly iconic character. This muscley mama’s boy won over viewers. Why? His comedic inability to attract women despite continuous attempts. Johnny’s catchphrases like “Woah mama!” and “Huh…huh…hug me” became cultural slang. His pompadour hairdo and thick glasses created an unforgettable look.

The show followed Johnny’s desperate attempts to impress women, constantly striking out with the intelligent, successful ladies he pursued. Writers cleverly parodied typical gender tropes, hence having Johnny fail over and over. Even so, his ego and refusal to give up helped make the show a truly hilarious and iconic addition to our list.

Another iconic show of the 90s that had to make our list was Dexter’s Laboratory. It captured the hearts and imaginations of 90s kids with its quirky blend of scientific genius and sibling rivalry. The iconic show has won three Annie Awards, with nominations for four Primetime Emmy Awards, four Golden Reel Awards, and nine other Annie Awards.

The show followed the adventures of Dexter, a pint-sized boy genius who spent his days conducting experiments in his secret laboratory. His older sister, Dee Dee, served as Dexter’s rival, constantly disrupting his work. The show’s unique visual style featured vibrant colors and exaggerated expressions. Beyond its unique aesthetics, Dexter’s Laboratory also excelled in its clever writing. It delivered sharp humor that appealed to both children and adults.

While other shows have faded out, Dexter’s Laboratory has had many media spin-offs, including children’s books, comic books, DVD and VHS releases, music albums, toys, and video games. The show has clearly had a lasting cultural impact on Cartoon Network.

Last but definitely not least, The Powerpuff Girls is probably the most iconic show from Cartoon Network in the 90s. This iconic series followed the adventures of Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup—three kindergarten-aged girls with superpowers. With its unique visual style blending traditional animation and flat with stylized backgrounds, the show had an eye-catching look.

Known for its clever writing and subversive humor, the show appealed to viewers across all age groups. The show’s premise revolved around the trio battling villains and saving their town of Townsville. Another iconic part of this show is the stellar voice cast, featuring the renowned Tara Strong as Bubbles and Elizabeth Daily as Buttercup. Their performances brought these powerhouses to life, making audiences root for them every episode.

The Powerpuff Girls is a prime example of girl power. They left a permanent mark on an entire generation’s childhood through their empowering narrative and unforgettable characters that were just too cool.