The 90s were great for so many reasons, but for so many people, that era was amazing for some fantastic cartoon TV shows. The modern entertainment industry is mostly dominated by live-action movies, TV shows, and, of course, anime. However, during the 90s, we got several amazing American cartoon TV shows that almost every kid from that time couldn’t stop thinking about. Growing up, we’ve forgotten about most of these shows, so this list will rejig your memory and possibly take you on a nostalgic trip.
10. Street Sharks
- Year: 1994-1997
- Creators: Phil Harnage and Martha Moran
- IMDb: 6.2
Like Road Rovers, which featured a team of crime-fighting dogs, Street Sharks revolves around some crime-fighting sharks who look like half-humans. The cartoon came in 1994 and ran until 1997. To be honest, Street Sharks blessed the children of the 90s with some really cool non-human superheroes.
With the awe-inspiring nostalgic theme song and some amazing phrases, Street Sharks kept the young audience at bay. The bulked-up sharks were always fun to watch on screens, and they could’ve been the next Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but sadly, the creators let the project go, and no one picked it up after that.
9. Jumanji
- Year: 1996-1999
- Creators: Chris Van Allsburg
- IMDb: 6.3
Of course, most people know about Jumanji, the dangerous alternate dimension we all want to be a reality. That’s mostly because of the modern live-action projects starring Dwayne the “Rock” Johnson. But how many of us actually remember the legendary animated TV show that followed the original 1995 movie?
The animated TV show actually popularised the concept of the Jumanji board game after the success of Robert William’s movie. The Cartoon dived much deeper into the world of Jumanji than any live-action movie. That is why the show was loved by so many, and it deserves to be promoted to another animated show along with modern live-action projects.
8. Cow and Chicken
- Year: 1997-1999
- Creators: David Feiss
- IMDb: 6.5
Not many of you may remember this show, but Cow and Chicken was one of the most popular cartoon TV shows in the 90s. The show followed the wicked adventures of the naive Cow and its clever sibling, Chicken.
This odd combination of siblings does something extraordinarily stupid in each episode, creating problems for their human parents. We only see these parents from the waist down, but we do understand their frustration with their animal children. It’s an amazing cartoon TV show that didn’t survive long enough to be recognised in modern times. However, kids from the 90s will surely get a smile on their faces when they hear the words “Cow and Chicken.”
7. CatDog
- Year: 1998-2005
- Creators: Peter Hannan
- IMDb: 6.5
Cats and Dogs have vastly different personalities, which is why, more often than not, these two species and considered enemies. However, the American TV show CatDog uses the brilliant idea of putting these two animals in a single body.
CatDog features a hybrid animal that is both a Cat and a Dog. Both these animals share the same body, but their personalities are different. While the Dog is easily rattled and gets impulsive in every situation, the Cat is never interested and lazy in almost every situation. This weird dynamic creates some hysterical situations that 90s kids can’t ever forget if they’ve watched CatDog.
6. The Wild Thornberrys
- Year: 1998-2004
- Creators: Jeff Astrof, Arlene Klasky and Gabor Csupo
- IMDb: 6.6
The Wild Thornberrys was a cartoon released in 1998. Initially, it was visualised as an adult animated show, but later, the creators decided to retool it and make it a family-friendly cartoon show. The show revolves around Eliza, who belongs to a family of documentary makers. Eliza has a special ability that allows her to communicate with the animals.
The cartoon was praised heavily for being extremely humorous and educative simultaneously. It showed us how balanced the Earth can be if humans connect well with the wildlife. On top of everything, the bond between Eliza and her pet Chimpanzee, Darwin, was certainly the charm of The Wild Thornberrys.
5. Road Rovers
- Year: 1996-1997
- Creators: Brian Chin, Tom Ruegger and Mark Seidenberg
- IMDb: 7
Road Rovers features some of the most spectacular crime-fighting teams involving good-looking dogs. Produced by Warner Bros., Road Rovers was full of action, drama, and, of course, decent humour that can make an individual of any age group fall off their couches. The show was created by the same person who created ‘Animaniacs.’ So, it’s no wonder that the cartoon was a big hit and incredibly popular amongst the 90’s crowd.
However, unfortunately, the Road Rovers was cancelled after one season due to a never-revealed lawsuit. That’s one of the major reasons no one talks about it in the recent times.
4. Johnny Bravo
- Year: 1997-2004
- Creators: Van Partible
- IMDb: 7.2
Johnny Bravo revolves around a young man named Johny who can’t think of anything else except pretty women. His physique and yellow hair are the primary things that make you laugh harder, and secondly, the way he talks keeps you hooked. Not even a single episode of this cartoon seems non-funny. For the unacquainted, Johny’s hairdo was inspired by Bradd Pitt from Johnny Suede.
Johnny Bravo’s character singlehandedly carried the entire show’s success on its shoulders. He was an iconic character who, surprisingly, hasn’t been picked up for another project by any creator since then.
3. Ed, Edd n Eddy
- Year: 1999-2008
- Creators: Danny Antonucci
- IMDb: 7.4
Ed, Edd and Eddy follows the adventures of three friends, the biggest scamsters anyone could have ever crossed paths with. Each one of them comes with a somewhat goofy identity. Ed is the one who doesn’t care what others think of him, and he is always the first one to lend a helping hand to the ones in need. Edd is the brains of the group, but he is also the one who can’t stand any situation that needs to be tackled with physical strength. Eddy is someone who tries to act smart in most situations but not without causing trouble for his friends.
The cartoon was very popular back then as it came with humour that entertained the adults more than the children. The young audience wasn’t really fond of the “Eds” and their personalities.
2. Dexter’s Laboratory
- Year: 1996-2003
- Creators: Genndy Tartakovsky
- IMDb: 7.9
Dexter’s Laboratory introduced us to the most brilliant boy who ever existed, i.e., Dexter. He has built a secretive laboratory where he performs his experiments. However, his parents don’t have any idea of it, but his overly extroverted sister Dee Dee always shows up in the hidden place to irritate her little brother.
This was the most unique and humorous cartoon that premiered on Cartoon Network. The vibrant surroundings and the intriguing characters don’t let you lose interest even for a bit. It’s too bad that most people have forgotten about Dexter because it didn’t receive any modern live-action or animated adaptation.
1. Courage The Cowardly Dog
- Year: 1999-2002
- Creators: John R. Dilworth
- IMDb: 8.3
Courage the Cowardly Dog is an iconic cartoon TV show that almost every 90s kid has watched. The show was ahead of its time, and while being weirdly funny, it was spooky and scary. Almost every child felt bad and scared for the most unlucky fictional dog, Courage. However, unlike other shows from that era like Scooby Doo, Courage the Cowardly Dog failed to find its place in the modern entertainment medium.
So, it’s no wonder that most people from the 90s forget about this particular show. That being said, Courage The Cowardly Dog has a unique premise that is desperately waiting to be revived in the form of a live-action or a modern animation reboot.
Ajith Kumar
