The Best 90s Saturday Morning Cartoons
Growing up in the 90s meant we knew how to kick off the weekends the right way. That’s right—I’m talking about your favorite breakfast (obviously with Nesquik chocolate milk!) and Saturday morning cartoons! While the debate over the best cartoons of the 90s will always rage on, you can’t deny this list brings back the nostalgia. So grab a seat, relax, and take a trip back to the 90s as we explore the best Saturday morning cartoons—and some unforgettable theme songs.
Note: This list is just the beginning! We know there are so many more amazing 90s cartoons that deserve to be included. We’re planning another post and will ask our Facebook community to vote and share their feedback. Stay tuned—we’ll share the results with you!
Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers
Chip and Dale were always getting themselves into trouble but somehow managed to save the day! This show originally aired in 1989 and 1990 as part of “The Disney Afternoon,” but reruns kept it alive throughout the 90s. And let’s not forget the iconic theme song by Mark Mueller—once you hear it, you’ll be singing “Chip, Chip, Chip, Chip and Dale” all day long.
DuckTales
Life was a hurricane in Duckburg, and DuckTales gave us adventure, humor, and a dose of heart. The show aired from 1987 to 1990, but reruns throughout the 90s made it a Saturday morning staple. The unforgettable theme song by Mark Mueller became one of the most iconic cartoon intros of all time. Admit it—you’re singing it right now!
TaleSpin
A flying bear named Baloo, wild adventures, and the sky’s the limit—TaleSpin had it all! This series aired from 1990 to 1991 as part of “The Disney Afternoon” and continued to delight kids in reruns throughout the decade. Its jazzy theme song, composed by Michael and Patty Silversher, was pure magic. I still love it and can sing every word!
Darkwing Duck
Let’s get dangerous! Darkwing Duck was one of the coolest superheroes of the 90s. Airing from 1991 to 1992, it combined action, comedy, and mystery in a way that made it unforgettable. And the theme song? It was pure gold. Admit it, you still want to shout, “Let’s get dangerous!”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Heroes in a half-shell—TURTLE POWER! The original series aired from 1987 to 1996, and its mix of action, humor, and pizza-loving turtles made it a Saturday morning favorite well into the 90s. The theme song by Chuck Lorre was as iconic as the turtles themselves.
AHH! Real Monsters!
Before Monsters Inc., there was AHH! Real Monsters! This quirky Nickelodeon show, which aired from 1994 to 1997, gave us a behind-the-scenes look at monsters training to scare humans. While not a Saturday morning cartoon, it’s a 90s classic that totally deserves a shoutout.
Kablam!
Kablam! premiered in 1996 and ran until 2000, featuring a mix of zany animated shorts like Action League Now! and The Off-Beats. It wasn’t tied to Saturday mornings, but it was Nickelodeon at its wackiest and most creative—a true 90s gem!
Ren and Stimpy
This outrageous and bizarre show aired from 1991 to 1995 on Nickelodeon and pushed the boundaries of what cartoons could get away with. Its jazzy, unconventional theme song and offbeat humor made it unforgettable—whether you loved it or were mildly disturbed by it!
Rocko’s Modern Life
Poor Rocko—nothing ever seemed to go his way! Rocko’s Modern Life aired from 1993 to 1996 on Nickelodeon and was beloved for its mix of relatable humor and clever satire. While not a Saturday morning show, its quirky charm made it a 90s favorite.
CatDog
A dog connected to a cat? Why not! CatDog aired from 1998 to 2005 on Nickelodeon and became a late-90s hit. Its quirky premise, surreal humor, and unforgettable bone/fish house made it one of the more creative shows of the decade.
The Legacy of 90s Cartoons
Saturday mornings in the 90s were more than just a block of time—they were a ritual. Whether it was DuckTales, TaleSpin, or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, these shows weren’t just entertainment—they were part of our childhood. And let’s not forget those unforgettable theme songs. They weren’t just jingles—they were the soundtracks to our weekends and remain etched in our memories to this day.
