... 44 Animated TV Shows That Prove The 90s Were The Golden Age of Cartoons. Cartoons of the 90s show list info. From magical spirits of nature to talking dinosaurs and familiar television characters brought to the big screen, let's take a look back at the best '90s animated movies that didn't come from Disney. This show may have been about babies, but that doesn't mean that it was completely innocent. Dr. Katz introduced the world to the baritone voice of animated comedy icon Jon Benjamin, and working on the show was one of the early gigs of Bob’s Burgers creator Loren Bouchard. A list of cartoons from the Nineties, from '2 Stupid Dogs' to 'Zoids: Chaotic Century'. From cartoons aimed at the teens of the '90s who were growing out of their old kiddie favorites to prime-time animated shows for adults only, let's revisit the decade of slap bracelets, Spice Girls, and CD players by reflecting back on some of the best adult animated series of the era. Viewers tuned in to the show to root for their favorite celebrities to win -- and to watch the rich and famous folk that they weren’t so fond suffer horrific deaths at the hands of their rivals. While this all may seem kind of sad, there's something sweet about a cartoon show taking on some serious topics — even if you didn't realize it at the time. This Emmy Award-winning series is considered to be one of the best adaptations of the DC superhero's mythos. All rights reserved. Seriously, the artistry behind this one, which was inspired by Tim Burton's take on the caped crusader, is going to blow you away. ... cynical girl goes through teenage life as a proud outsider in a world of mainly idiotic adolescents and condescending adults. It's a dark look at Gotham that you may have liked as a kid, but will appreciate much more as an adult. The bit was inspired by a real ad Welles recorded in 1970. Nevertheless, I still look back on this as one of the best adult cartoons of the '90s because I love all of the show's clever movie references and parodies. As a kid, Helga was just a girl with a crush, but it takes on a more sinister tone when you re-watch and remember that shrine (complete with a gum bust of Arnold's head) and notice the fact that Helga's mom was clearly an alcoholic. Great article! Instead, she has to deal with a clueless cheerleader and her equally ignorant jock boyfriend. Brendon is more mature than his mentor, bringing a different kind of funny with his sarcastic wit. Daria is definitely a pessimist, being a fan of the show Sick Sad World and prone to talking about how much she hates basically everything. Space Ghost featured extremely awkward celebrity interviews, which were sprinkled with plenty of bizarre banter between Space Ghost and his villainous bug sidekick Zorak. 38. The Critic is one of the many adult cartoons that would air on FOX during the '90s and beyond, as the network attempted to duplicate the success of The Simpsons. Image: Warner Bros. Television; Giphy (11). The arrogant, foul-mouthed yellow foul was pretty terrible all around, so it’s fitting that he was voiced by Jason Alexander, who is best known for playing horrible human being George Costanza on Seinfeld. Space Ghost was definitely one of the weirdest adult cartoons of the '90s, but what made the surreal series so great was just how unpredictable and truly bonkers it was. Eric T. Duckman was an incompetent private eye whose personal life was a complete mess. They were angry, they were raunchy (there was once a game of sword swallowing, complete with gagging noises), and sometimes, they were just plain disgusting. With a premise similar to that of The Simpsons, it seemed like this animated series would be panned by fans of the other show as nothing but a cheap imitation. Hank Hill is a more fleshed-out character, however: a good ol' boy concerned with keeping his lawn green and well-groomed, drinking beer with his buds, and selling propane (and propane accessories). It's just another reason to re-watch this show that was not nearly as controversial as you may have thought. Our only criteria was that the cartoon had to start in the 90’s, meaning a couple of very late in the decade entries were still eligible. Since the '90s, Cartoon Network has created entertaining, original programming that has amused both kids and adults. Like, you probably missed the first time around that Grandpa Lou definitely was into some interesting videos, including one about space vixens that definitely doesn't seem G-rated. Many episodes parody a film or book, which took these jokes to another level for anyone in the know. We still love watching Cartman get what's coming to him, Kenny dying, and Towlie getting high, and it looks like we could keep learning somewhat questionable life lessons from the residents of South Park for years to come. We can also thank The Simpsons for inspiring other animators to attempt to replicate its success after its 1989 debut. 2021 Bustle Digital Group. The depraved Duckman was the original funny anthropomorphic animal, making viewers laugh two decades before Netflix would introduce them to Bojack Horseman. Part of what made the dynamic between King Chicken and Duckman so great is the latter was bisexual and was openly attracted to his rival. … This incredible animated series came back from the dead once and was just as good as I remembered, so here's to hoping that it will do it again. How could a Beavis and Butt-head spin-off be so smart? Yeah, me either. The creative cartoon pitted celebrities against each other in fights to the death, and its wacky match-ups have now become a late '90s time capsule of sorts. Like The Simpsons, this is one of the most enduring adult cartoons of the '90s. The show centers around Brendon Small, an eight- year old boy whose passion is filmmaking. Daria is a smart, sardonic high school student forever annoyed and perplexed by her superficial younger sister, idiotic classmates, and well-intentioned but imperfect parents. 31,770 views made by Heidiruns262. Thurgood’s interactions with tenants and other colorful people in his neighborhood, including a slang-speaking street hustler and a crazy crackhead, created plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and many of the characters were likable and multi-faceted. Then there's another breed of top '90s cartoons that were note kids cartoons, they are better suited for more adult audiences. But like many of today’s Seinfled-inspired sitcoms, it’s the main character’s bad behavior that made him so fun to watch. After all, the Simpsons have already done everything! The show also found humorous and biting ways to criticize the government’s treatment of minorities, giving it an underlying political message that was important for viewers to see. But It is kind of funny that Family Guy premised in 1999, and it still a great show. The extraterrestrials were often highlights of the show, including the Omicronians who threatened to destroy Earth over an interrupted broadcast of an Ally McBeal parody titled Single Female Lawyer. "Home Movies" revolved around a kid named Brendon and his two best friends, Melissa and Jason, as they filmed their own amateur movies. The BEST 90s Cartoons (1990-1999) Menu. As a kid, his fears all seemed pretty normal, but, watching as an adult, you can't help but feel sad for the little guy. The description of this Cartoon Network show already seems very complex for a children's cartoon and that's because it is. Much of the show’s dialogue between its main characters is improvised, which is unusual for an animated series. Remember when Rocko was a phone sex operator? ... 100 Best Seasons of TV in the 21st Century. The three pals are major cinephiles, so their favorite pastime is making homemade movies together. Cartoon Network paved the way for some of our favorite Adult Swim cartoons to come with this bizarre spoof talk show starring the ghost host with the most, a former Hanna-Barbera superhero who used to fight super-villains in space. It had a big name as a selling point in series co-creator Eddie Murphy, who voiced Thurgood. She's a brilliant student and deep thinker, but she's also extremely unmotivated, choosing to spend most of her time making snarky comments about her own sick, sad world. King of the Hill (1997–2010) The article talks about 25 cartoons from the 90s that should totally come back on the television. These two mice started out on Animaniacs only to get their own show — all part of Brain's plan to take over the world, I suspect. Their sense of humor included a lot of pop culture references that were probably just too weird for kids. Based on an indie comic, the creators did clean up some of the darker, more sexual themes from the series, but they kept its dry wit. Other entertainment journals similarly hold Ren & Stimpy as one of the best cartoons of the '90s and cartoons for adults. Very sci-fi and used an anime drawing style. score: 30 of 67 (45%) ... 100 Best Seasons of TV in the 21st Century. The 30 best 90s cartoons you wish your kids knew These occasionally (who are we kidding…often) eccentric ’90s cartoons still hold a place in our … These short films are all highly entertaining, but my personal favorite is definitely the Franz Kafka rock opera that the group worked on in "Director's Cut.". Classic shows like “The Powerpuff Girls” and “Johnny Bravo” started out as shorts on Cartoon Network’s “What A Cartoon” series before being made into full length series. Afterwards, it starts to go downhill in a major way. Here is a list of animated TV shows from the 90s which are the best of all times. So when it comes to the best cartoons of the '90s, its hard to top this one. What made this animated series so popular with teens was the fact that Beavis and Butt-head were high schoolers, and their cartoons featured slightly more adult subject matter; the dimwitted duo was always attempting to procure alcohol, find parties, and "score with chicks." So, whether you loved or hates these shows as a kid, it's time you give them another try. The movie was a hit and spawned two sequels, but few remember the animated cartoon series based on it. By the time the end of the decade and the ’90s rolled around, this trend had made its way to Saturday morning-style cartoons made specifically for kids. Those cartoons from the '90s aren't just for kids. Yes, this iconic show for Adult Swim actually began back in 1994 as one of the long adult-themed programs on Cartoon Network. It may not be the smartest animated series of the decade, but it definitely had a lasting impact on our culture; I know people that still quote "The Great Cornholio". These crime-fighting little girls are back on Cartoon Network, and you may have noticed that their humor is way more adult than you remember. But lets' face it, nothing beats TV shows in the 90s. You start to realize all the jokes you missed in those WB or Cartoon Network shows because you were too young to get innuendo, parody or satire. It's still one of my favorites, too, so I hope it stays on a long time. That's why, in honor of being a little older and wiser, it's time you treated yourself to a nostalgic cartoon marathon. Thurgood is usually cranky and snappish, and his reluctance to do his job is the source of many of the show’s comedic moments. The humor is sneaky, so you need to pay attention to catch some of those jokes you definitely missed as a kid. Daria Morgendorffer is almost an exact replica of her character from her parent animated series, except she's moved to another town and doesn't have to put up with the boy buffoons anymore. Here’s one more fun fact about the influential series: Late Stars Wars star Carrie Fisher voiced Katz’s ex-wife. However, it's less family-friendly than the beloved FOX show; Comedy Central's longest-running animated series takes social satire to the extreme by being extremely vulgar. Hank Hill's Texan gentleman character closely resembled that of Tom Anderson, the poor neighbor that Beavis and Butt-head loved to terrorize. Ickis, Oblina, and Krumm were little monsters learning how to scare humans. The kids' soccer coach (voiced by Jon Benjamin) is one of the funniest characters on the show, a short-tempered, alcoholic failure at life who acts like a middle-aged frat boy. It also turned viewers on to the music of country legend Conway Twitty, and it introduced a whole new generation to the joy that was late Batman star Adam West. So from the best prime-time cartoons of the '90s to late night animated series that forever changed the way we view cartoons, making a childish genre an adult one was a brave step that has paid off for a lot of animators -- and for adult viewers that will always be young at heart. Even as a kid, it was clear Ren and Stimpy were not your usual cartoon protagonists. That the adult humor you may have missed before is now an Easter egg to be discovered on subsequent watches. 48,874 43 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. More than one of the best adult cartoons of all time, “The Simpsons” is a contender for the best show ever made, period. Treva is a pop culture fan who has been writing about the entertainment world for over a decade. avg. The PJs main protagonist is Thurgood Orenthal Stubbs, the superintendent of a housing project. Well, the first nine (or ten) seasons, that is. From selfish scientists to caped crusaders to Hollywood horsemen, here are the top animated TV shows to enjoy as a grown up. The Simpsons can now boast that it is television's longest-running prime-time scripted series, and there's some great comfort in knowing that we can still spend our Sundays settling in on our couches to watch the Simpson family's latest couch gag. The cartoons of your youth don't have to stay in the past. There was a major effort to teach children about the dangers of pollution in the ’90s through cartoons. Just try watching "Jurassic Bark," the tearjerker about Fry's dog with a deceptively humorous title, without a box of tissues on hand. There was a large supercomputer going into meltdown (think that was the name of the episode) and a rescue team was sent to fix it. This short-lived WB series aimed at young adults entering the professional world should still resonate with millennials today. Fun fact: Ice Cube emerged victorious in a celebrity death match against Ice-T and Vanilla Ice in one episode of the show. Revivals Adult Party Cartoon (2003) In 2003, Kricfalusi headed the relaunch of the series as Ren & Stimpy "Adult Party Cartoon". If you thought that Sonic the Hedgehog’s teeth looked creepy in that movie trailer, just wait until you see a duck with incisors. In a future inhabited by aliens, celebrity heads in jars, and alcoholic robots, a loser pizza delivery boy from the past learns just how much things have changed since he fell into a cryogenic chamber: anchovies are extinct; Christmas sucks; and the sewers are inhabited by a mutant race. He eventually regrets his decision to join the cast, but when he can’t escape the MTV cameras, he has to turn to his pals for help. It received some criticism for reinforcing negative stereotypes, an allegation which co-creator Larry Wilmore rebutted. Eligible movies are ranked based on their Adjusted Scores. Best '90s cartoons The 1990s were truly halcyon days for the animation world. I know I've met plenty of Peggys, Bills, Dales, and Boomhauers in my day, as well as loads of Luannes and Hanks, so I love just how true-to-life this all-American animated series feels. This Comedy Central show’s squiggly animation might make you feel like you’re losing your mind, but don’t worry; it’s unique approach to cartoon comedy is just what the doctor ordered. While 90s cartoons featuring anthropomorphic animal superheroes was nothing new, and especially not for Disney, The Mighty Ducks cartoon show had one of the strangest premises for any mainstream animated series. After Home Movies lost its home at UPN, it became one of the animated series of the ‘90s that helped shape Adult Swim into the cultural phenomenon that it is today. It was a bizarre spectacle that could sometimes be difficult to watch, but it was so popular that rapper Ice Cube is trying to reboot the series for modern-day viewers. Since this show was produced by Tom Ruegger, the same guy behind other WB cartoons like Animaniacs and Pinky And The Brain, it was filled with parody, satire, slapstick and lots of pop culture references. To get you started, I've come up with a list of 14 '90s cartoons that are even better when you're an adult. This is one of the adult cartoons of the '90s that was aimed at slightly younger adults. See more ideas about cartoon costumes, 90s cartoon, 90s cartoon costumes. Here’s an adult animated series for all the intellectuals out there. Now you can re-watch them and let them take on a new life. It was unfortunate that the short-lived series stirred up so much controversy, because it was a lot of fun to watch. The Comedy Central show's main draw was the therapy sessions between Dr. Katz (Jonathan Katz) and guest comedians, like future sitcom star Ray Romano. It's something you realize once you re-watch those classic Nickelodeon shows when you get older. To get you started, I've come up with a list of 14 '90s cartoons that are even better when you're an adult. I've got to admit that, as a Texan, I might be a bit biased when I say that King of the Hill isn't just one of the best animated series of the '90s, but of all time. this cartoon show could be pretty disturbing, best parts of re-watching the Powerpuff Girls. We had a blast putting together the 20 best, and we’re sure this list will inspire some discussion. Like the next series on this list, it's notable for being aimed at adults, even though its main characters are kids. Trust me; it doesn't stink. But the artistry of this weird series cannot be denied, and, as an adult, it's a lot easier to appreciate it. 10 Quotes From '90s Cartoons Surprisingly Relevant to Adult Life By Molly Horan 2013-10-30 11:30:21 UTC Not every Facebook -worthy quote came … On this 90th anniversary, here is a sampling of 90 of the looniest and merriest cartoons in the Warner Bros. canon, including a top 10 of essential … This is another show that used stop-motion animation to bring its characters to life, and it takes place in the same universe as Futurama; In one episode, a picture of Fry can be spotted on a missing persons poster in the background. The WB cartoon about three siblings — Wacko, Yacko, and Dot — pushed the envelope with some of its humor, which definitely wasn't always safe for the playground. The ‘90s animated world was full of strange-looking creatures, often anthropomorphic animals with disturbing habits, as the audience for adult-oriented cartoons grew. When it comes to adult cartoons, the '90s was definitely a boom decade for this now-popular genre. This slapstick cartoon about brother beavers, Daggett and Norbert, had a knack for sneaking in a little adult humor here and there, but it's most famous for causing controversy for using a four-letter word that you may not expect. The 25 Best Adult Cartoon TV Series. 65 OF THE BEST CARTOONS FROM THE 80'S AND 90'S. It taught us that the basis of a good friendship is cold beer and conversation consisting of one-syllable words, and you don't deserve to eat if you ask for your steak well-done. This was a lot for a kid to handle, but, as an adult, it definitely won't seem so crazy. But, as an adult, you'll likely have a little fun with its hilarious creepiness. I remember on Saturday mornings as a kid, grabbing a big mixing bowl and filling it with cereal; I'd hunker down in front of the TV and watch Dennis the Menace, Smurfs, Thundercats, etc. The era of adult animation started back in the Stone Age with The Flintstones, but it was a prime-time animated series that debuted at the end of the '80s that what would spark the '90s race for animation domination. In 2003 Kricfalusi re-launched the series as Rend and Stimpy “Adult Party Cartoon” on Spike-TV. This one was one of those children's cartoons that always seemed to be more popular with adults — probably, because this cult show focused on a teenager turned superhero, who was sort of a manic character. Votes: 23,092. The surprise of finding a new joke in these old cartoons makes another viewing totally worth it. As a kid, you probably thought the life of Rocko was fairly odd, but watch it now and you realize you were missing out on some of the best jokes from his modern life. But, as an adult, it seems kind of sad to remember those days, and you really feel for Doug. You may remember the rather innocent "Nations Of The World" song, but these siblings also told Prince jokes and saucy "Hello, Nurse" ones too. Good times. The show tried bleeping the word, but ended up getting in more trouble, since now people really thought this little cartoon was cursing. 3,653 100 Ultimate List of Isekai Anime. However, Katz’s interactions with his family members, friends, and his acerbic assistant also provided plenty of laughs. This show was definitely much deeper than you may have first thought, painting anxiety, pain, and ennui in a way kids could totally understand. It also helped that the show’s villain was also perfection, an evil genius named King Chicken who was voiced by The Rocky Horror Picture Show star Tim Curry. The most popular show of this nature was easily Captain Planet and the Planeteers.A somewhat lesser known but still rather popular (thanks to the toy line) series known as The Toxic Crusaders also explored themes centered around environmentalism. Still, it did get revived for the launch of Adult Swim, lasting until 2004 as one of the highlights of the late-night block's early days, so we feel it warrants inclusion here.The charmingly zany Space Ghost is significant for a number of reasons. As The Splat pointed out, it was a show that was aimed at kids, but didn't talk down to them. ... 10 Best Nickelodeon Cartoons of the '90s… The series is notable for featuring TV's first male same-sex kiss, and here’s another a fun fact about the show: One half of the gay couple that often appeared on Mission Hill was voiced by Tom Kenny, who is best known for voicing Spongebob Squarepants. As an adult, you can have fun watching this series and trying to guess the reference. Here's a list of the best cartoons to watch on a binge; start with episode one and work your way through the series to the end. South Park courted controversy by making the main characters kids who often found themselves dealing with very adult situations, and it immediately got a lot of negative attention for its vulgar approach to comedy after it began airing in 1997 (Who can forget what those aliens did to Eric Cartman in the first episode?). The show’s main protagonist, Andy French, is a twenty-something cartoonist who is struggling to find a decent-paying job after graduating from college. This cartoon reality resonated with '90s teens who felt as if they didn't fit in with the superficial world around them, and it's one of the only adult cartoons of the '90s to feature a female lead for girls to root for. ( 11 ) lot of nuance you missed watching these as a kid to handle, did... 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