Some absolute classics here.
This writer feels particularly fortunate to have grown up in the 1990s, because TV in general was simply magnificent during this golden period.
As for the quality of cartoons in this inimitable decade? Well, they were simply glorious, especially their damn catchy theme tunes, which are still in our heads all these years later.
From Nickelodeon to BBC and beyond, we’re taking a trip down memory lane and remembering some animated gems with cracking themes.
Good luck trying not to sing along here…
CatDog
This was an underrated animation series with a killer intro.
Clip via gdj48CatDog
Seriously, if anybody can play this song on guitar, please send it into us.
Hey Arnold!
We always wanted Arnold’s bedroom. It was luxury residence at its finest.
Clip via mohdarushad
Doug
Doug was a severely balding and generally fantastic young fella.
He had a catchy number to boot.
https://youtu.be/JR5zFiIxqSs
Clip via You Know you Wanna click it!
Earthworm Jim
Buzz Lightyear’s more unheralded competition, Earthworm Jim, had a theme tune that would get the most stubborn of dancefloors rocking after midnight.
https://youtu.be/PRli1rRMoSQ
Clip via Sjahut
Johnny Bravo
The coolest flippin’ cartoon protagonist this side of Disco Stu.
Clip via Ronaldv002
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
This writer once received a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy truck for Christmas. There’s a photo of the moment lying around somewhere; I’ve never been happier-looking since.
Anyway, great show, great tune.
Clip via cjvb6
Animaniacs
As fast-paced as Usain Bolt in the Olympics at his finest. Keeping up with this wacky number alone was a battle and a half.
https://youtu.be/CWnWwN1z_UM
Clip via Max Demski
Pinky & The Brain
… Which brings us along nicely to…
Clip via The Most Rockin’ Channel
Inspector Gadget
The quintessential earworm of ’90s animation. We loved this series.
Although, did anybody see the feature film adaptation starring Matthew Broderick? Good grief.
Clip via 5020maine
Ren and Stimpy
Like CatDog, the theme song for Ren and Stimpy falls under the category of being a fantastic tune in itself.
Clip via RetroTrailrs
Taz-mania
The hook here was the catchy, albeit very short, chorus. Plus, the Aussie accent helped.
Clip via Scuderia Paul
James Bond Jr.
Far from being the most popular animated ’90s series, James Bond Jr. had a cracking intro all the same.
Clip via Cartoon Intros
Pokémon
Holy mother, this theme tune could get the most mild-mannered of folk pumped up for a cup final.
Pokémon was a cultural phenomenon during its peak, and this intro inspired many out there to catch ’em all.
Clip via Arcanine299
SpongeBob SquarePants
Just getting in by the skin of its teeth after debuting in 1999, everyone from that era knows the answer to the Captain’s first question here.
Clip via spongebobmusics1
SpongeBob gets additional credit for having a smooth outro.
Clip via USAMarine81
The Simpsons
Is there anybody on this planet from the ’90s generation that isn’t familiar with the theme tune to the most famous cartoon of all time?
https://youtu.be/baoZByD_N5Q
Clip via The Simpsons
Seriously, if you know anyone that fits into this category, please let us know!
They’re our favourite nostalgic cartoon tunes from the ’90s that spring to mind, but there are loads out there. Let us know you’re faves: Hello@JOE.co.uk, or message us on Facebook.
