Top 5 Cartoons of the Nineties

Chris O'Riordan

The nineties were a simpler time, a time when your only problem was your bed time and not your essays or exams. It was an era, where all was good. So let’s rewind the clock and recall some of our favourite cartoons from the good old twentieth century.

Doug (1991-1994, 1996-1999)

Doug was one of those ultimate 90s cartoons that made you grin ear-to-ear. Doug Funnie wasn't perfect. In fact he was wonderfully average - he had no super powers or martial art skills - yet he was probably the most lovable cartoon dude ever. We watched his love for Patti Mayonnaise and his bromance with Skeeter, knowing that in the words of cultured Offaly man that Doug was ‘ pure sound.’

Rugrats (1991-2004)

No childhood was complete without a good dosage of the Rugrats - Angelica, Chuckie, Phil and Lil, oh and of course we can't forget the charismatic leader of the pack, Tommy Pickles. It was a show that made us want to be little kids forever. Unfortunately there would be a follow up show where all the lads had grown up. None of us warmed to this modern adaption as the Rugrats were meant to be forever young!

Hey Arnold (1996-2004)

Remember Arnold from the Bronx….you should because he was the kid with an American football ball shaped head. Much like Doug, Hey Arnold was a feel good cartoon about supporting the underdog.  Arnold was always the guy who always tried help people out, a true champion. Our favourite part about Hey Arnold was that the good guy always came out on top…. hmm if only that happened a little more in real life.

Pinky and the Brain (1995-1998)

They're Pinky and The Brain... Yes, Pinky and The Brain... One is a genius, the other's insane. It's amazing how big of a role mice can play in animation,  from Mickey Mouse to Tom’s eternal enemy Jerry. Pinky and The Brain was a bizarre 90’s cartoon that featured a crazy genius and a lovable fool.

Pinky: “Gee, Brain, what do you want to do tonight?"

The Brain: “The same thing we do every night, Pinky… try to take over the world’’ ...   I think this is all we need to say about this insane show!

Dexters Laboratory (1996-2004)

Dexters Laboratory was one of them cartoon network creations that we just loved. It succeeded in making science cool way before The Big Bang Theory ( and also features an amazingly simple and similar cast line up). The lead character Dexter was a mastermind….but like most masterminds had completely lost his mind, in a bid to beat his nemesis Mandark.