Cartoon Nostalgia: 90s and 2000s Classics That Still Make Us Laugh

There’s something magical about Saturday mornings, sugary cereal, and animated chaos. For many of us, the 90s and early 2000s were a golden age of cartoons—bold, weird, funny, and often ahead of their time. These shows didn’t just entertain us, they became cultural touchstones.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most beloved cartoons that still have the power to make us laugh today.

1. SpongeBob SquarePants (1999–present)

Is there a more quotable cartoon? From jellyfishing to Krabby Patties, SpongeBob has delivered some of the most iconic and absurd moments in animation history. The early seasons, especially, are pure meme gold.

2. Animaniacs (1993–1998)

Witty, wild, and filled with meta-humor, Animaniacs blended slapstick and satire like no other. The show wasn’t afraid to sneak in jokes for the grown-ups, either—making it a nostalgic treat at any age.

3. Dexter’s Laboratory (1996–2003)

Boy genius Dexter and his hyper sister Dee Dee gave us science-fueled hilarity and a lesson in sibling chaos. Add in the unforgettable “Omelette du Fromage” episode, and it’s no wonder this one stuck with fans.

4. The Powerpuff Girls (1998–2005)

Sugar, spice, and everything nice—with a side of butt-kicking action. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup were fierce, fashionable, and surprisingly funny.

5. Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999–2009)

Three scheming boys and an endless pursuit of jawbreakers. This show’s exaggerated animation and chaotic humor gave it a unique flavor that’s still unmatched.

6. Futurama (1999–2013)

Smart, sci-fi satire wrapped in lovable goofiness. Fry, Leela, and Bender took viewers on a hilarious ride across the galaxy—and into our hearts.

7. Hey Arnold! (1996–2004)

This urban slice-of-life cartoon stood out for its emotional intelligence and relatable characters. Plus, Helga’s secret shrine to Arnold? Still hilarious.

8. Johnny Bravo (1997–2004)

Part Elvis impersonator, part clueless charmer, Johnny Bravo was a parody of macho stereotypes—and a constant source of laughs.

9. Kim Possible (2002–2007)

She was a teen cheerleader and a world-saving secret agent. Kim and her hilarious sidekick Ron made every mission memorable. “What’s the sitch?” never gets old.

10. Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)

Dark, stylish, and serious without losing its comic book charm. This version of Batman defined the character for a generation—and still holds up beautifully today.

Why These Cartoons Still Work

• Timeless humor: Many of the jokes are still funny, even by today’s standards.
• Creative animation: Unique visual styles that influenced modern cartoons.
• Relatable characters: From nerds to ninjas, we saw ourselves in them.
• Nostalgia: These shows remind us of simpler, sillier times.