The ’90s were a glorious time for cartoons, and part of what made them so memorable were the earworm theme songs that kicked off each episode. These tunes were more than mere intros; they were anthems that defined a generation. So prepare yourself for a trip down nostalgia lane as we rank the top 19 catchiest ’90s cartoon theme songs. Brace your eardrums; these gems are about to be stuck in your head all over again.
- “Pinky and the Brain” (1995-1998):
“They’re Pinky, they’re Pinky and the Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain!” This iconic theme song is a masterclass in catchy composition. Narrated by a humorous operatic voice, it not only introduces the characters but explains their evil plot to take over the world. It’s quirky, unforgettable, and sets the tone for the entire show. - “DuckTales” (1987-1990):
“Woo-oo!” If you don’t immediately recognize this, are you even a ’90s kid? “DuckTales” features a lively, upbeat melody that captures the adventurous spirit of Scrooge McDuck and his grandnephews. The song is as energetic as the show itself and still brings joy to listeners of all ages. - “Powerpuff Girls” (1998-2005):
Sugar, spice, and everything nice – and one banging theme song! The “Powerpuff Girls” intro combines visuals with a narrative to explain the girls’ origin. The pop-rock influenced beat matches the show’s energetic style and empowered female characters. A perfect introduction to the city of Townsville’s trio of superheroes. - “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-1996):
Okay, so not a cartoon, but this theme song is too good to leave out. Will Smith’s storytelling rap explains his character’s entire backstory, turning a potentially complicated premise into a fun, catchy intro. You know you’ve sung this at karaoke at least once. - “Pokémon” (1997-present):
“I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was.” These words resonated with every ’90s kid dreaming of becoming a Pokémon Master. The song is energetic, inspiring, and encapsulates the entire essence of the Pokémon world. Good luck getting it out of your head now! - “Animaniacs” (1993-1998):
The Warner Brothers (and the Warner Sister!) burst onto our screens with a theme song as zany and fast-paced as the show itself. The “Animaniacs” theme is a whirlwind tour through the show’s insanity, introducing the main characters and even making room for some clever wordplay. - “Spider-Man” (1994-1998):
“Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does whatever a spider can!” The theme for the ’90s “Spider-Man” animated series is pure rock ‘n’ roll and perfectly encapsulates the wall-crawler’s web-slinging antics. Catchy, edgy, and packed with energy, it’s everything you want from a superhero theme. - “The Ren & Stimpy Show” (1991-1996):
With its wacky sounds, energetic vocals, and absurd lyrics, the theme for “The Ren & Stimpy Show” is as unconventional as the show itself. It captures the weirdness and irreverence that made the cartoon a cult classic. - “Tiny Toon Adventures” (1990-1995):
This theme song introduces the new generation of Looney Tunes characters with a playful and exuberant melody. It’s a whirlwind tour of Acme Acres, full of humor, wordplay, and a promise of zany antics to come. - “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” (1990-1996):
“Captain Planet, he’s our hero, gonna take pollution down to zero!” With its eco-friendly message and empowering chorus, the “Captain Planet” theme was more than a song; it was a rallying cry for a greener future. - “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1987-1996):
“Heroes in a half-shell, Turtle Power!” The TMNT theme is a rock-infused anthem that perfectly represents the turtle brothers. With its shredding guitars and catchy chorus, it captures the fun and action-packed spirit of the show. - “The Magic School Bus” (1994-1997):
The whimsical theme song, performed by none other than Little Richard, set the stage for Ms. Frizzle’s fantastical educational journeys. A bouncy melody combined with a dash of rock ‘n’ roll made this a memorable earworm for all budding scientists. - “Sailor Moon” (1995-2000):
The “Sailor Moon” theme, “Moonlight Densetsu,” combines pop and romance in a melody that captures the essence of the beloved anime. The English version, “She is the one named Sailor Moon!” also resonated with viewers and remains a nostalgic favorite. - “Arthur” (1996-present):
“And I say hey! What a wonderful kind of day.” Performed by Ziggy Marley, “Arthur’s” reggae-inspired theme celebrates learning, friendship, and embracing the day. A joyful melody that continues to inspire children and ’90s kids alike. - “Rugrats” (1991-2004):
The playful xylophone tune that kicks off “Rugrats” is a childlike melody that instantly transports you back to the crib. It’s simple, fun, and perfectly encapsulates the innocence and wonder of the show’s toddler protagonists. - “Gargoyles” (1994-1997):
Dark, haunting, and full of mystery, the “Gargoyles” theme sets the mood for the epic tale of mythical creatures in modern-day New York. It’s grand and cinematic, much like the show itself. - “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-1995):
The dramatic and intense theme for “Batman: The Animated Series” is a masterpiece. The bold brass and thunderous percussion echo the Dark Knight’s relentless pursuit of justice. - “Goof Troop” (1992-1993):
This fun and bouncy tune captures the misadventures of Goofy and his son Max. It’s silly, catchy, and full of the charm that made this show a ’90s favorite. - “Hey Arnold!” (1996-2004):
The jazzy intro to “Hey Arnold!” gives off the urban vibe of the show’s city setting. It’s cool, smooth, and unmistakably ’90s.
These ’90s cartoon theme songs were more than mere background music; they were part of our childhood and continue to resonate with us today. Whether you were a superhero fan, an anime lover, or just enjoyed some Saturday morning fun, these tunes helped shape an era.
Did your favorite theme make the cut? If not, feel free to fight me in the comments or head over to All Ages of Geek’s Patreon to support more nostalgic content like this. Now excuse me while I go hum the “DuckTales” theme for the rest of the day. Woo-oo!
