My Favorite Kid’s Cartoon Characters from the 90’s
This morning I saw a listing of the greatest cartoon characters ever, and each listed deserved to be there. The only argument would be your preference on where you think they should land on the list. Depending on what generation you grew up sways your opinion, so there is no real answer. It got me to thinking, who are the best kid’s cartoon characters from my childhood? This list will be made up of characters that were for kids. Homer Simpson, who is an amazing character, will be left off because he’s not a kid’s character.
As a kid growing up in the 90’s there was nothing better than coming home from school grabbing a snack and plopping down for a bit to catch some cartoons. I specifically remember watching the Animaniacs every afternoon at 3pm. It’s thanks to them that I know all the United States capitols and the Presidents. Nickelodeon cartoons were in their prime in the 90’s. So many great shows with so many good characters. I’ll lay out who and why they’re in my top 5, then discuss as you please. This list probably shows that I was in grade school in the mid-90’s-early 2000’s.
Top 5 Cartoon Characters from the 90’s
5. Dexter (Dexter’s Laboratory) – An eccentric kid scientist who’s battle with his arch-nemesis neighbor were often foiled by his over the top sister Dee Dee. You can’t really put a finger on what Dexter’s accent is, (nobody else has one), but as show creator Genndy Tartakovsky explained, “he’s a scientist. All scientists are foreign and have accents…It’s not really a German accent. It’s just Eastern European.”
4. Tommy Pickles (Rugrats) – The unquestioned leader of the Rugrats crew. Chuckie, Phil & Lil all looked up to Tommy and eventually followed his plan. The no pants, diaper wearing baby had it all figured out… eventually.
3. Doug Funnie (Doug) – The first cartoon I saw that made the joke about the character wearing the same outfit all the time. He opened his closet and it was full of khaki shorts, white shirts and olive green vests. An 11 year old kid trying to make his way through 6th grade. Dealing with friends, feelings for a girl and handling a bully, this show had a lot going on for a 6th grader outside of “Bangin’ on a trash can, drumming on a street light.” If you want an ear worm give “Killer Tofu” a listen.
2. Yakko, Wakko & Dot (The Animaniacs) – From their antics, to their ability to teach kids stuff while they didn’t actually know they were learning. Like I mentioned above, The songs were catchy and they’ve stayed with me 25 years later.
The world one is a little outdated, but you get the idea. They taught you stuff and were funny.
1. SpongeBob Squarepants – The G.O.A.T. He’s still going too. SpongeBob has lasted for 24 years. Throughout their run on TV they’ve figured out how to carry millennial kids into Gen Z kids into whatever my kids generation is called. Also it’s got an awesome theme song.