Top 10 Nostalgic Saturday Morning Cartoons from the 90s

First up on our list of Saturday morning cartoons from the 90s is CatDog. The show centered around the lives of CatDog, a two-headed creature—one end being a cat and the other a dog—sharing a single body.

The series followed the adventures of the conjoined siblings. Cat, the more sophisticated and cunning of the two, often clashed with Dog’s carefree and fun-loving nature. The show’s distinctive animation style and colorful cast of characters, including the Greaser Dogs, also kept viewers entertained.

In the end, despite their differences and literal inseparability, Cat and Dog’s bond and ability to overcome obstacles offered a hilarious yet touching portrayal of family dynamics.

Another show that was sure to make our list was Courage The Cowardly Dog. This 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.

Also Read: Top 10 Cartoon Network Shows of the 90s

One of the most influential anime series of all time is Dragon Ball Z. The show continued the adventures of Goku as he defended Earth against increasingly powerful alien threats while also discovering his own extraterrestrial heritage.

The series followed Goku and his allies as they battled to save the universe. Dragon Ball Z is known for its intense fight scenes that kept viewers on the edge. The show’s distinctive art style, characterized by spiky hair and muscular physiques, set the standard for many action anime that followed.

No list of Saturday morning cartoons from the 90s would be complete without Rugrats. This animated series showed the audience the wild adventures of a fearless group of toddlers, capturing young viewers’ imaginations.

Rugrats explored the world from a baby’s perspective. Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and their canine companion Spike got into hilarious adventures and trouble together. In addition, the show’s clever writing enchanted both kids and parents alike. It offered a glimpse into the minds of curious, mischievous toddlers.

At the same time, Rugrats taught valuable lessons about friendship, family, and growing up. Its relatable characters made it a hit. Audiences of all ages rooted for the fearless babies as they navigated life’s toddler-sized challenges. Its iconic catchphrases like “A baby’s gotta do what a baby’s gotta do” are still constantly quoted by viewers.

Lastly, in 2021, a revived version of Rugrats series debuted on Paramount+. The new show had CGI animation, yet still felt true to the spirit of the original and is now available on Netflix.

Another iconic show from 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.

Next 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 also shows its timeless appeal.

One of the most popular segments from Animaniacs spun off into its own show: Pinky and the Brain. This series focused on two laboratory mice: Brain, the genius, and his dim-witted but lovable sidekick, Pinky.

Each episode followed Brain, who created elaborate schemes to take over the world but always ended in comical failure. The show’s catchphrase, “Are you pondering what I’m pondering?” became iconic, often leading to Pinky’s nonsensical responses.

Pinky and the Brain stood out for its clever writing. It incorporated sophisticated humor and cultural references that appealed to older viewers while maintaining classic comedy for younger audiences. Both Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain had a lasting impact on the world of cartoons, earning them spots on our list of Saturday morning cartoons from the 90s.

X-Men: The Animated Series brought Marvel’s superheroes to life by adapting the comic book characters and storylines into a show format.

The series centered on Professor Xavier‘s team of mutants, including Cyclops, Jean Grey, Wolverine, Storm, Beast, and Rogue. Episodes featured the X-Men protecting both humans and mutants from various threats. Its blend of action, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes made it a standout series that continues to resonate with fans today.

X-Men: The Animated Series was known for its dramatic storytelling, adapting classic comic arcs like the Dark Phoenix Saga. Its opening theme, with its iconic electric guitar riff, became instantly recognizable. The series introduced a whole generation to the X-Men universe, laying the groundwork for the later film franchise.

Another one of the top nostalgic cartoons from the 90s is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The original animated series aired from 1987 to 1996, bringing the comic book characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird to life.

The show centered around four turtle brothers: Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo—trained in ninjutsu by their rat sensei, Master Splinter. Each episode featured the Turtles’ efforts to protect New York City from threats, primarily the evil Shredder and other villains. Episodes showcased the Turtles’ martial arts skills and their love for pizza, while also delivering their iconic catchphrases like “Cowabunga!”

Overall, what makes TMNT so memorable for many viewers today is its perfect blend of action and humor. This show was one of my dad’s favorites growing up, as he owned tons of TMNT memorabilia. It has always had a place in my household, earning a spot on today’s list.

Last but definitely not least, the final Saturday morning cartoon from the 90s is Hey Arnold! The show followed the daily life of Arnold, a quirky little fourth-grader with a distinctive football-shaped head.

The show’s relatable storyline charmed the audience as Arnold navigated the ups and downs of city life alongside his best friend, Gerald. Helga, Arnold’s neighbor, had a love-hate relationship with Arnold. Hey Arnold! stood out for its bold animation style, comedy, and memorable soundtrack. The show had a famous opening theme that viewers couldn’t get out of their heads.

Lastly, Arnold’s positive attitude and ability to solve problems, whether dealing with city living or issues within his family, appealed to viewers and inspired them. His unique perspective offered valuable life lessons to his young audience.

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