90s cartoons: list, theme songs, most loved series

Dto romantic Japanese animation for teenagers to American satire, the The 90s were an important decade for cartoons. A decade capable of produce masterpieces like The Simpsons And SpongeBob. Animated series not only for children and teenagers but also for adults. Between mythical acronyms and unforgettable characters, Here you are the 15 most loved cartoons of the period. From the mythical Sailor Moon to the irreverent humor of South Park until the timeless Pokémon. Still followed today.

The 15 most loved cartoons of the 90s

1. Sailor Moon

Cartoon symbol of the 90sthe story has as its protagonist Bunnya fourteen-year-old student but also a Sailor warrior who, together with her magical cat Luna, fights to defend the Earth from the Dark Kingdom.

At her side other warrior-friends, e.g the handsome Marzio who, under the guise of Milord, saves her from every danger. Marinara looksince its first appearance, Sailor Moon has become a truly global phenomenon. Super glam characterwas designed by its creator, Naoko Takeuchi with looks inspired by Dior and Chanel.

2. SpongeBob

Set in a town at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, the animated series born in 1999 follows the aquatic adventures ofanthopoform SpongeBob SquarePants. A sea ​​sponge always cheerful and carefree who experiences numerous vicissitudes in the company of his friends Patrick StellaSandy Cheeks and her pet sea snail, Gary.

The key point is the theme of friendship, a bond that unites the friendly protagonist to all the characters. Transversal character, loved by viewers of all ages and genders, SpongeBob it quickly became a cult, thanks to light-hearted and funny-looking comedy of its protagonist. Always in red tie, capri pants and striped socks.

3. The Simpsons

Created by Matt Groening at the dawn of 1990, it is one of the most loved cartoons of all time. Satirical parody of the American lifestyle embodied by the Simpson family. That is to say Homer, his wife Marge and their three children Bart, Lisa and little Maggie.

Set in the town of Springfieldin an unspecified American state, the cartoon deals with many aspects of the human condition in a humorous wayincluding American culture, society, family, and television itself. The longest-running cartoon on the small screen, The Simpsons has now become an unmissable event for many viewers andThe character of Homer even got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

4. Where did Carmen Sandiego go?

Broadcast for the first time on Rai 2 in the mid-90s, the series focuses on the beautiful Carmen Sandiego, an international thief and head of a criminal organization. Despite the profession, however, Carmen is a good scoundrel. What makes the series legendary is undoubtedly the representation of the protagonist, charming dark-haired hispanic woman, dressed in a red trench coat and Borsalino ahead. Few details, but immediately iconic, which made the character one of the most popular among cosplayers.

In 2019, Netflix produced a reboot of the cartoon with a “rejuvenated” Carmen with poor results however. Carmen is one of the most original examples cartoon from the 90s.

5. Lion the Cowardly Dog

The animated series, born at the end of the 90s, tells the story the adventures of Leone, a shy pink dog who was orphaned after a crazy vet separated him from his parents. Adopted by an elderly farming couple – the kind Marilù and the gruff Giustino –, Leone lives on an isolated farm near Kansas.

Dark but at the same time very comical cartoonwas influenced, according to series creator John R. Dilworth, by 1950s horror film and by the surrealist art of Salvador Dali.

6. South Park

Created by the “terrible” Trey Parker and Matt Stoneis an animated series full of ferocious satire and irreverent humor which tells the daily stories of four little boys – Stan, Kyle, Eric and Kenny – in a small town in Colorado.

Pesky, obscene and brazenly intelligentbad boys tackle current issues with healthy malice, dispelling taboos and demonizing political correctness. To the point that, last year, Megan Markle threatened legal action for an episode that ridiculed her and her husband Harry.

7. Pokémon

Born as a video game in the early 90sshortly after it also became an animated television series. The protagonist is young Ash and precisely Pokémon, cimaginary creatures, inspired by petswho fight by changing their appearance.

On his tenth birthday, Ash is given Pikachu as a gift, a stubborn and temperamental yellow Pokémon. Obviously the two will become inseparable and they will fight a thousand adventures together.

8. The Powerpuff Girls

Among the cult cartoons of the late 90s, it has for protagonists are three little girls: Lolly, Dolly and Molly, created by a scientist mixing “sugar, cinnamon and everything nice”. However, the professor accidentally added the compound Chemical X to the ingredients and the man finds himself like this three creatures with extraordinary superpowers.

Very big eyes, round and dressed in very fashionable onesiesthe Powerpuff Girls in every episode they fight against Mojo Jojoa scientist with the appearance of a monkey.

9. Daddy Longlegs

Based on the 1912 novel of the same name by Jean Websterthe Japanese cartoon – became a cult also thanks to theme song sung by Cristina D’Avena – has as its protagonist the orphan Judy, a young girl who lives in the United States in the first decades of the twentieth century. His great talent for writing attracts the attention of John Smith, an old benefactor who decides to offer her the opportunity to continue her studies.

Judy has never seen Mr. Smith, only the shadow of a very tall person, hence the nickname. After graduating with top marks, the girl discovers that Daddy Longlegs is actually the young and beautiful Jervis. And love is born between the two.

10. Tasmania

Animated sitcomproduced in 1991, has for protagonist Taza friendly (but always very angry) Tasmanian devil. Bugs Bunny’s old adventure companionthe little animal is daily dealing with the most disparate adventureslived with old friends.

Original and funny, unfortunately it only lasted four seasons, Tasmania mixes slapstick humor with touching and emotional situations. Giving away a “bizarre” perspectiveand little known, from the world of Warner’s Looney Tunes.

11. Small heart problems

Made history as the most censored cartoon ever, Small heart problems It’s more like a soap than a teen cartoon. The reason? The very intricate relationships, family and otherwise, maintained by the two high school protagonists: the beautiful and shady Yuri and the sweet Miki.

At first friends, the two discover they are in love but their bond must overcome many vicissitudes, including the sentimental messes of their respective parents. Who at a certain point get married, thus making them become half-siblings. An animated series, broadcast in Italy in 1997, which has accompanied the growth of many 40-year-olds today.

12. Family Guy

Creature of the brilliant Seth MacFarlane – also director of cult films such as Ted – iThe cartoon tells the life of the family of the same name. Made up of patriarch Peterwhose only interests are TV and beer, his patient wife Lois, and three children: Meg, Chris and little Stewie, who repeatedly tries to kill his mother. It is also part of the cute little picture Brian, a slightly alcoholic talking dog.

Another example of intelligent animated series, and very far from politically correctthe Family Guy characters have interacted several times with other animated television series. Particularly with The Simpsons And South Park.

13. Daria

Broadcast on MTV from 1997 to 2002the cartoon tells the daily life of Daria Morgendorffer. Young student from biting sarcasm who lives tragicomic high school adventures together withdark friend Jane.

Voiced beautifully by Marina MassironiDaria soon became the “alternative” heroine in an era dominated by the model Britney Spears. Thanks to his poor propensity for socialization and the nerdy look with big bangs which is very fashionable today.

14. It’s a little bit of magic for Terry and Maggie

Twin sisters who attend the first year of high school, the two protagonists are apparently the same as their peers. But, in reality, they are endowed with extrasensory powers.

Different in everything – Terry is a tomboy, Maggie is much more feminine – , they communicate with each other via telekinesis. And, crossing their respective little fingers, they teleport from one place to another. Skills that girls don’t disdain, especially when they are there problems to solve.

15. A bow to dream, a bow to change

Another cult among the Japanese cartoons of the 90s, it tells the story of Himeko, an energetic thirteen-year-old who receives a ribbon from a mysterious princess that has the power to transform herfor a limited period of time, in whoever you want.

Helped by the plush lion Pokotathe teenager discovers the powers of the bow but things don’t always go right. Fortunately, His schoolmate Daichi Kobayashi comes to his aid and love also blossoms between the two.

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