Hey Millennials, grab your Dunkaroos and Surge sodas; we’re going back in time. And hey there, Gen Z, welcome to the analog playground that was ’90s Cartoon Network. Sit tight, because I’m about to introduce you to the moments that made us say “Cowabunga, dude!”—or some ’90s equivalent.
1. The Debut of “Powerpuff Girls” (1998)
The ultimate lesson in girl power, chemistry, and kindergarten fashion sense.
2. Johnny Bravo Meets Donny Osmond (1997)
Not only did Johnny fail at love, but he also got schooled by Donny. Priceless.
3. “Cow and Chicken” Parental Legs (1997)
Yes, kids, that’s all we saw of them—just legs. And it was iconic.
4. An “Ed, Edd n Eddy” Scam (1999)
These guys were the OG entrepreneurs, albeit slightly unethical ones.
5. Courage’s First “Ooga Booga Booga!” (1999)
Courage the Cowardly Dog screaming in terror? An evergreen mood.
6. Dexter’s Failed Omelette Du Fromage Episode (1996)
Dexter taught us that a single French phrase could be both a blessing and a curse.
7. “I Am Weasel” vs. “I.R. Baboon” (1997)
Weasel was smooth; Baboon was… a baboon. The rivalry was legendary.
8. Mojo Jojo Unveils His Origin (1999)
Long before villains got their standalone movies, Mojo Jojo set the standard for tragic backstories.
9. The Real Monsters Use a Toilet as a Portal (1994)
Only in the ’90s could toilets be magical gateways without any questions asked.
10. When “Swat Kats” Flew the Turbokat (1993)
Kids everywhere dreamed of flying that jet. Heck, some of us still do.
11. Freaky Fred’s Monologue in “Courage the Cowardly Dog” (1999)
So creepy. So poetic. So… hair-cuttingly weird.
12. The Launch of Toonami (1997)
The day anime found its home on Cartoon Network and in our hearts.
13. The “Animaniacs” Fourth Wall Break (1993)
They knew we were watching, and it was delightful.
14. Tom and Jerry’s Never-Ending Rivalry (Reruns, but hey)
Some battles are eternal. This was one of them.
15. Gargoyles Awakening (Reruns)
Stone by day, warriors by night. What’s not to love?
16. When Captain Planet Took on Pollution (1990)
He’s our hero, gonna take pollution down to zero!
17. Velma Loses Her Glasses in “A Pup Named Scooby-Doo” (1988-91)
A classic dilemma that even a ’90s reboot couldn’t solve.
18. Space Ghost Interviews Real Humans (1994)
It was bizarre. It was surreal. It was perfect.
19. Chicken from “Cow and Chicken” Realizes He’s Naked (1997)
And we all questioned cartoon animal dress codes forever after.
20. “Powerpuff Girls” Defeat Mojo Jojo… Again (1998)
A dance as old as time, or at least as old as 1998.
21. “Dexter’s Lab” Rave Dance (1996)
One word: “Go, Dexter Family, go!”
22. “Two Stupid Dogs” Do Something Stupid (1993)
Stupid? Yes. Iconic? Also yes.
23. Mike, Lu & Og Introduce Island Life (1999)
An underrated gem, but those who remember, remember it fondly.
24. “Johnny Bravo” Does the Monkey (1997)
It’s more than a dance; it’s a state of mind.
25. “Cow and Chicken” Discover Vegetarians (1997)
Meat-eating plants? Only in the ’90s.
26. “Dexter’s Lab” Main Title Theme (1996)
You’re humming it now, aren’t you?
27. The Absurdity of “Sheep in the Big City” (1999)
A sheep, running from a secret military organization. Enough said.
28. “The Moxy Show” Exists (1993)
It’s mostly forgotten, but it was Cartoon Network’s first original series.
29. “Ed, Edd n Eddy” Find a Jawbreaker (1999)
The holy grail of the cul-de-sac.
30. “Courage the Cowardly Dog” Says “The Things I Do for Love” (1999)
Courage summed up ’90s commitment in one perfect phrase.
Millennials, I hope you enjoyed this animated stroll down memory lane. Gen Z, welcome to the ’90s club—you’re honorary members now. This decade was a wild ride, but one we wouldn’t trade for all the slap bracelets in the world.
Feeling nostalgic or enlightened? Show your love for all things ’90s and geek culture by supporting All Ages of Geek on Patreon. Because geekiness, much like ’90s reruns, is eternal.
