Updated June 28, 2023 50.2K votes 6.4K voters 160.4K views
Over 6.4K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest '90s Nick Cartoons
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite Nicktoons that aired new episodes between 1990 and 1999.
Who doesn't love cartoons? Better yet, who doesn't love classic Nickelodeon cartoons from the 90s?! This list contains information about the best 90s Nickelodeon cartoons, ranked by your votes. The 90s brought a whole new crew of quirky characters onto the cartoon scene. Since we have a lot of love for Ren and Stimpy and Phil and Lil, we're compiling all the best, funniest 90s cartoons onto one list... all you have to do is vote up your favorites and add any you don't see listed!Â
So what are we working with here? Which cartoons appear on this list of the top 90s Nickelodeon animated shows? Of course, Rugrats made the cut for our 90s cartoons that premiered on Nick. Rugrats was created by Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó and Paul Germain. This funny 1990s Nickelodeon cartoon debuted in 1991 and ran until 2004. Rugrats even won several Daytime Emmy Awards because who doesn't love watching cartoon babies playing pranks on each other? .
Other good 90s Nick cartoon shows like The Ren & Stimpy Show and Doug also appear on this list of the best 1990s Nickelodeon cartoon shows because life as we know it wouldn't be the same without those shows. Hey Arnold! was also a favorite 1990s Nick cartoon show that aired from 1996 - 2004.
Where do your favorite 1990s Nickelodeon cartoons fall on this list? Give the best shows a vote up and soak in the nostalgia.
A real trip down memory lane, Rugrats was a staple of '90s Nickelodeon, centering around a gang of toddlers experiencing life from their imaginative perspectives. With memorable characters like Tommy, Chucky, Phil, and Lil, and their mischievous yet lovable adventures, Rugrats captured the hearts of millions. The show's long-lasting legacy is a testament to its enduring charm; episodes seamlessly blended humor and heartfelt moments, weaving impactful stories that are still fondly remembered today.
Premiered: August 11, 1991
Characters: Angelica Pickles, Tommy Pickles, Stu Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Lou Pickles
Few animated series from the '90s can boast the charm and staying-power of Hey Arnold!, featuring the trials and tribulations of a cool-headed boy named Arnold and his eccentric friends in their city neighborhood. With unique and relatable characters such as Gerald, Helga, and Grandpa, this show struck the perfect balance between the ordinary and extraordinary. Hey Arnold! was the ultimate coming-of-age tale with an unmistakably urban twist, making it an essential component of the golden age of Nickelodeon.
Premiered: October 7, 1996
Characters: Helga G. Pataki, Arnold, Harold Berman, Phoebe Hyerdahl, Arnold's Grandma
Doug was a classic '90s Nickelodeon gem, chronicling the life of its titular character, Doug Funnie, a creative, daydreaming preteen who navigated adolescence with his trusty canine companion and alter ego Quailman. The show's unique blend of heartfelt messages, relatable friendships, and comical situations had fans laughing and empathizing with Doug as he faced life's twists and turns. A show that will always hold a special place in the hearts of '90s kids, Doug's influence on youth-oriented cartoons is still palpable.
Fusing humor, horror, and endearing characters, Courage the Cowardly Dog charmed its way into the hearts of '90s viewers with its fright-filled yet heartwarming episodes. With a cast of endearing characters, including Courage, Muriel, and Eustace, this series masterfully tackled bizarre and spooky scenarios while maintaining a wholesome and loving core. Courage the Cowardly Dog straddled the line between chilling and charming, providing a unique experience in animation at the time.
Premiered: November 12, 1999
Characters: Ma Bagge, Eustace Bagge, Katz, Courage, The Computer
A true embodiment of the '90s absurdity, CatDog stood out as a daring and bizarre Nickelodeon creation. The show followed the lives of an unusual conjoined pair of siblings, one a feline and the other canine, which led to a myriad of hilariously conflicting adventures. Its unique premise, coupled with a colorful cast of supporting characters like Winslow, Lube, and Shriek, made CatDog an unforgettable addition to the pantheon of Nickelodeon classics.
Premiered: 1998
Characters: Shriek, Rancine, Old Lady, Mrs. Claus, Surfer Girl
With its offbeat humor and distinctive art style, Rocko's Modern Life emerged as a standout among '90s Nickelodeon cartoons. Depicting the everyday life of an Australian wallaby named Rocko and his misfit group of friends, Heffer and Filburt, this show tackled adult themes—such as work, love, and modern living—while maintaining an undeniable appeal to younger audiences. Rocko's Modern Life proved that a cartoon could handle sophisticated topics while still leaving viewers in stitches.
