90s cartoons gave us some of the most memorable characters in TV history. Their catchphrases filled playgrounds, their faces covered lunchboxes and their personalities still feel familiar decades later. Here are 50 of the most iconic, organized by show.
Quick answer
The most iconic 90s cartoon characters include Tommy Pickles and Angelica (Rugrats), Arnold and Helga (Hey Arnold!), Doug Funnie, Rocko, Dexter and Dee Dee, the Powerpuff Girls and Mojo Jojo, Johnny Bravo, Courage, Ash and Pikachu, Batman and Pinky and the Brain.
Nicktoons characters
| Character | Show | Why they're iconic |
|---|---|---|
| Tommy Pickles | Rugrats | Brave baby leader |
| Angelica Pickles | Rugrats | The ultimate bossy cousin |
| Chuckie Finster | Rugrats | Lovable worrier |
| Arnold | Hey Arnold! | Kind kid with a football head |
| Helga Pataki | Hey Arnold! | Tough girl with a secret crush |
| Gerald | Hey Arnold! | Cool best friend |
| Doug Funnie | Doug | Shy kid with a big imagination |
| Rocko | Rocko's Modern Life | An anxious wallaby |
| Ren and Stimpy | The Ren & Stimpy Show | Chaotic duo |
| The Angry Beavers | The Angry Beavers | Brother beavers Norbert and Daggett |
| CatDog | CatDog | Two animals, one body |
| Eliza Thornberry | The Wild Thornberrys | A girl who can talk to animals |
See Rugrats characters and Hey Arnold! characters.
Cartoon Network characters
| Character | Show | Why they're iconic |
|---|---|---|
| Dexter | Dexter's Laboratory | Boy genius |
| Dee Dee | Dexter's Laboratory | "What does this button do?" |
| Mandark | Dexter's Laboratory | Rival genius |
| Blossom, Bubbles, Buttercup | The Powerpuff Girls | Pint-sized superheroes |
| Mojo Jojo | The Powerpuff Girls | Wordy genius villain |
| Johnny Bravo | Johnny Bravo | Muscles and a pompadour |
| Courage | Courage the Cowardly Dog | Scared but brave |
| Ed, Edd and Eddy | Ed, Edd n Eddy | Scheming friends |
| Cow and Chicken | Cow and Chicken | Surreal siblings |
See Powerpuff Girls characters and Dexter's Laboratory characters.
Saturday morning and afternoon favorites
| Character | Show |
|---|---|
| Yakko, Wakko and Dot | Animaniacs |
| Pinky and the Brain | Pinky and the Brain |
| TJ Detweiler | Recess |
| Pepper Ann | Pepper Ann |
| Darkwing Duck | Darkwing Duck |
| Baloo | TaleSpin |
| Goofy and Max | Goof Troop |
| Goliath | Gargoyles |
| Arthur Read | Arthur |
| Ms. Frizzle | The Magic School Bus |
| Buster and Babs Bunny | Tiny Toon Adventures |
| Bobby Generic | Bobby's World |
Superheroes
| Character | Show |
|---|---|
| Batman | Batman: The Animated Series |
| Wolverine | X-Men |
| Spider-Man | Spider-Man |
| Superman | Superman: The Animated Series |
| The Tick | The Tick |
| Captain Planet | Captain Planet and the Planeteers |
Anime
| Character | Show |
|---|---|
| Ash Ketchum | Pokémon |
| Pikachu | Pokémon |
| Jessie, James and Meowth | Pokémon |
| Sailor Moon | Sailor Moon |
| Goku | Dragon Ball Z |
| Tai and Agumon | Digimon |
See the original Pokémon anime and 90s anime shows.
Many of these characters make easy costumes. Find ideas in easy 90s costume ideas and 90s couples costumes.
Why 90s cartoon characters are so memorable
90s cartoon characters were designed to stand out. Strong silhouettes, bright colors and exaggerated features made them easy to recognize on TV, lunchboxes and T-shirts. Many were built around a single strong personality trait, which made them easy to love or love to hate.
Catchphrases helped too. Characters repeated memorable lines in nearly every episode, and kids repeated them on the playground. Those phrases became part of 90s slang and are still quoted today.
Merchandise kept the characters in kids' lives beyond the TV. Toys, cereal boxes, video games and clothing meant kids saw their favorite characters every day, strengthening their connection.
Finally, many 90s cartoons had characters with surprising depth. Shows explored friendship, family, fear and kindness through their casts, which is why adults often find the characters even more meaningful when they rewatch.
Conclusion
These 90s cartoon characters defined a generation's childhood. Revisit their shows in 90s cartoons and test your knowledge with 90s trivia questions.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the most famous 90s cartoon characters?
Famous 90s cartoon characters include Tommy Pickles, Angelica, Arnold, Helga, Doug, Rocko, Dexter, the Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo, Courage, Pikachu, Ash, Batman and Pinky and the Brain.
What are good 90s cartoon character costumes?
Easy options include Angelica, Dexter, Dee Dee, the Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo and Ash Ketchum. See our easy 90s costume ideas.
Which 90s cartoon characters were villains?
Iconic villains include Mojo Jojo, Mandark, HIM, Team Rocket and the many enemies of 90s superhero cartoons.
Which 90s cartoon has the best characters?
It depends on taste, but Rugrats, Hey Arnold!, The Powerpuff Girls and Batman: The Animated Series are often praised for their casts.