5 Great 1990s Animated Shows Not Enough People Remember

by

The 1990s were a fantastic decade for animation, giving us many classic shows like Batman: The Animated Series, Gargoyles, Animaniacs, Doug, Darkwing Duck, Beavis and Butt-Head, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, and The Tick. While those shows are well-loved, many other great animated series from the ’90s didn’t receive the same attention. We’re highlighting five of those often-forgotten gems that deserve a second look.

5. Swat Kats: The Radical Squadron

You know, 1993 was an amazing year for really creative cartoons, and one I always think about is Swat Kats: The Radical Squadron. It followed Razor and T-Bone, two pilots who used to work for the city’s police force, the Enforcers. But when they realized their boss was corrupt, they decided to become independent heroes and protect Megakat City themselves! It was such a cool show.

This inspired the creation of their incredible jet, the Turbokat, which they used to protect Megakat City as the Swat Kats. The show’s exciting idea quickly became popular, leading to a successful toy line and a video game. What made the battles unique was the Turbokat itself and its many abilities, and the fights were visually dynamic and fast-paced, immediately capturing viewers’ attention.

The show was cancelled simply because the network president felt it was too violent. The decision was so sudden that episodes were already being made when it was cut short. Despite being a fun, action-packed show, Swat Kats hasn’t been on air for a while, but it would be fantastic to see it return someday.

4. The Animals of Farthing Wood

It’s strange how peaceful-looking scenes can actually be incredibly sad, and that’s definitely true of The Animals of Farthing Wood. This British cartoon is based on books by Colin Dann. While the show changed some things – like the colors and types of animals – the core story stayed the same, especially in the first season.

When the series first aired in 1993, viewers were introduced to a charming world of animals with big personalities, even though many were quite small. The story followed a group of foxes, frogs, newts, owls, weasels, and shrews as they tried to escape Farthing Wood, their home being destroyed by humans. They embarked on a dangerous journey to find safety at a place called White Deer Park, and along the way, they faced some surprisingly intense and shocking events.

The show wasn’t afraid to kill off characters, and each death felt surprisingly powerful and real, especially for a program aimed at kids. Unlike many children’s shows, these deaths were permanent—with only one minor exception—which built a constant sense of suspense. It definitely wasn’t a typical kids’ show, and that’s exactly what makes it stand out.

3. Biker Mice from Mars

Back in 1993, audiences first met Vinnie, Modo, and Throttle – the stars of Biker Mice from Mars. It’s hard to imagine a more ’90s concept than martian mice saving Earth on motorcycles! The show ran for three seasons, following the mice and their friend Charley as they battled the evil Plutarkians, led by Lawrence Limburger.

The Biker Mice were determined to save Earth from the Plutarkians, the same aliens who destroyed Mars, and the show embraced its sci-fi roots. The action was thrilling, thanks to the incredible bikes, which were used in creative chase scenes and battles alongside the crew’s unique alien weapons. But what really made the show enjoyable was its lighthearted and playful tone.

The show’s fantastic voice actors really brought each character to life, making their scenes together consistently fun to watch. Over the years, it’s gained a dedicated following and is getting a new series, but it still deserves more recognition, which is why it lands at number two on our list.

2. The Pirates of Dark Water

One of the most intriguing ‘what if’ scenarios involves the 1991 animated series, The Pirates of Dark Water. The show launched viewers into an expansive adventure in the world of Mer, following the crew of Red, Tula, Los, and Niddler as they sought to gather 13 magical treasures and ultimately save their world.

From the very beginning, this show blew me away with its world. It felt familiar, like classic fantasy adventures, but with such a unique style and look all its own. The animation was groundbreaking for its time, though sadly, it was also really expensive to produce, which contributed to the show getting cancelled. You could definitely see where all the money went, though! The action sequences were huge, colorful, and just incredibly exciting, and I loved meeting all the strange and wonderful characters the team encountered on their journey.

The show was canceled due to high costs and delays in making the second season, which was frustrating because the story wasn’t finished. Only eight of the planned thirteen treasures were found before it ended. Although it’s gained a dedicated fanbase over time, it would be a loss if this world and its story were never revisited.

1. Life with Louie

Look, Life with Louie isn’t going to blow you away with special effects or a grand storyline, but honestly, it’s the most heartwarming and funny show on this list, and I think it deserves the top spot. It was based on comedian Louie Anderson’s own childhood, and he didn’t just write it – he narrated the whole thing and voiced both young Louie and his dad, Andy. And let me tell you, Andy was a seriously hilarious and wonderfully weird character. It’s a show with real depth and a ton of charm.

The show centers on Louie and his upbringing in Wisconsin with his large family – his parents and ten siblings. Creator Mike Anderson’s unique style adds a special touch to everything, making the funny parts even funnier, particularly when it involves his character, Andy. While the series tackles serious issues, it always maintains a lighthearted and comedic tone. Through it all, viewers can’t help but cheer for Louie as he navigates the craziness of his life.

Even today, this show is still fantastic, and I highly recommend it if you haven’t seen it. Life with Louie doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, but it was a major success for Fox, especially considering it aired alongside shows filled with fantasy and action. It even won two Daytime Emmy Awards! It’s really the show that has aged the best, which is why it remains my top pick.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/movies/list/5-impossible-roles-jim-carrey-nailed-prove-he-can-make-his-new-cartoon-adaptation-a-hit/embed/#

Read More

2025-10-23 07:41