List of Cartoon Characters From the 90s: TV Favorites

Animated Icons of the 90s

Ah, the 1990s, when cartoons were as thrilling as Saturday morning cereal. Who knew a sponge, gargoyles, and a bunch of beavers could become legends? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of these animated classics and the oddballs we still can’t get enough of.

SpongeBob SquarePants

“SpongeBob SquarePants” splashed onto our screens back in 1999 on Nickelodeon, and he’s been living in our hearts rent-free ever since. Conceived by Stephen Hillenburg, who combined marine biology with madcap humor, SpongeBob’s offbeat antics in Bikini Bottom tickled fans silly.

  • Debut: 1999
  • Channel: Nickelodeon
  • Brainchild Of: Stephen Hillenburg
  • Why It Clicked: It’s quirky humor for all ages.
Character Vibe Check
SpongeBob Optimistic, bubbly, obsessed with jellyfishing
Patrick Star Goofy, fiercely loyal
Squidward Tentacles Grumpy, artsy, clarinet enthusiast

Gargoyles

For those who like their cartoons with a side of shadows, “Gargoyles” hit just the right note. On the air from 1994 to 1997, this show offered a moody mix of suspense and drama as these winged watchmen protected NYC Collider.

  • Debut: 1994
  • Channel: ABC
  • Mastermind: Greg Weisman
  • Why It Hit Hard: Deep plots and grown-up themes.
Character Vibe Check
Goliath Commanding, cool under pressure
Demona Devious, multi-layered
Lexington Gadget geek, problem-solver

The Angry Beavers

“The Angry Beavers” might not have been the first choice for some, but those who tuned in from 1997 got hooked on its crazy antics. Nick delivered another gem with these beavers, chock-full of giggles and sharp wit Collider.

  • Debut: 1997
  • Channel: Nickelodeon
  • Dreamed Up By: Mitch Schauer
  • Why It’s a Gem: Crazy sibling shenanigans and oddball adventures.
Character Vibe Check
Norbert Foster Chill, sly, the cool big bro
Daggett Doofus Bouncy, quick-action, the little bro

Ed, Edd n Eddy

“Ed, Edd n Eddy” brought a trio of boys trying—usually failing—to make a quick buck in their neighborhood. Every plan went hilariously belly up during its six-season run from 1999 to 2008, reminding us to enjoy our quirks Collider.

  • Debut: 1999
  • Channel: Cartoon Network
  • Creator: Danny Antonucci
  • Why We Love It: Zany animation and nonstop laughs.
Character Vibe Check
Ed Lovable oaf, brute power
Edd Smart, neat-freak, logical
Eddy Money-minded, ambitious, the head honcho

These legendary cartoons put the ’90s on the map and carved their place in cartoon history. For more iconic cartoon stuff, why not check out characters whose names start with S here or those starting with B here?

Classic Characters from the 90s

King of the Hill

If you’re a fan of 90s sitcoms, chances are you’ve laughed along with ‘King of the Hill.’ This animated gem entertained us from 1997 up until 2010, gaining a devoted following for its wit and spot-on take on American culture. With guest appearances by stars like the amazing Alan Rickman and the ever-charming Johnny Depp, the show had viewers glued to their screens back in the day.

Show Name Years Aired Fabulous Guest Stars
King of the Hill 1997 – 2010 Alan Rickman, Johnny Depp

X-Men: The Animated Series

Rolling out in 1992, ‘X-Men: The Animated Series’ became a fan-favorite thanks to its thrilling plotlines and cool characters. Whether you were rooting for Magneto or loved the spunk of Jubilee, this show had something for everyone and remains a beloved part of our Saturday morning memories.

Show Name Year Debuted Awesome Characters
X-Men: The Animated Series 1992 Magneto, Jubilee

Curious for more quirky characters? Check out our features on cartoon characters with glasses and cartoon characters with red hair.

The Simpsons LGBTQ Representation

‘The Simpsons,’ everyone’s favorite dysfunctional family, was ahead of the curve with LGBTQ representation in the 90s. The show opened doors for other cartoons and not just pushed envelopes but shredded them. This contribution to the world of animation made a significant impact, giving rise to stories where queer-coded characters in Disney often took the stage as memorable villains.

Adventure Time LGBTQ Representation

Though ‘Adventure Time’ graced our screens in 2010, its LGBTQ narratives sprouted from seeds planted in the 90s. Marceline the Vampire Queen and Princess Bubblegum’s storylines enriched the narrative, especially with the creative genius of Rebecca Sugar behind the scenes. If you adore bold characters, this show was a masterpiece cheering for diversity and love.

Show Name Year Premiered Iconic Queer Characters
Adventure Time 2010 Marceline, Princess Bubblegum

For those into unique character vibes, try our talks on cartoon characters with bangs or cartoon characters with mustaches.

By reliving these classic moments, it’s easy to see how 90s cartoons weren’t just about laughs but also about breaking new ground in storytelling and character progression. For more nostalgia, peek at our lists of cartoon characters from the 80s and cartoon characters starting with b.

Voice Behind the Characters

Voice actors aren’t just a bunch of folks talking into microphones – they breathe life into our favorite cartoons, adding layers and charm that make these figures unforgettable across the years. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and check out some legendary voices from the 90s and how their casting shaped these cherished characters.

Notable Voice Actors

The 90s were lit with voice actors who left a darn good impression on animation. Here’s a shout-out to some of the cool cats behind your beloved cartoons:

  • Tom Kenny: Ever notice that iconic giggle from SpongeBob SquarePants? Yeah, that’s Tom Kenny. This guy nabbed two Daytime Emmys for spinning SpongeBob into the sponge everyone loves (BuzzFeed).

  • Dan Castellaneta: It’s hard not to know Homer Simpson from The Simpsons. Dan’s voice work turned Homer into the hilarious headslap-icon we can’t forget. Plus, Homer’s name? Inspired by Matt Groening’s dad.

  • Lily Tomlin: Ms. Frizzle! Lily’s voice, all warm and full of spark, drove home the magic in The Magic School Bus. She snagged that gig by sending a demo tape that wowed Scholastic (BuzzFeed).

  • Multiple Voices for Sailor Moon: Sailor Moon’s voice switched up with different actors like Kotono Mitsuishi and Terri Hawkes, bringing her to life on both sides of the pond.

Character Voice Actor(s) Show Awards/Notes
SpongeBob SquarePants Tom Kenny SpongeBob SquarePants Two Daytime Emmys
Homer Simpson Dan Castellaneta The Simpsons Named after Matt Groening’s dad
Ms. Frizzle Lily Tomlin The Magic School Bus Positive tape feedback got her hired
Sailor Moon Various (Kotono Mitsuishi, Kae Araki, etc.) Sailor Moon Adaptations in language and culture

Impact of Voice Casting

Voice actors are the secret sauce of cartoon success. Their unique touches bring characters to life, creating emotional connections and fond memories. Let’s dive into some big-time effects of smart voice casting:

  1. True to Character: Picking the right voice actor means you can almost see the character’s personality jump out of the screen. Tom Kenny gave SpongeBob that signature laugh and sunny vibe that’s all his own.

  2. Audience Bonding: Characters with familiar voices feel like old friends. Pioneering voices like Lily Tomlin’s Ms. Frizzle make you eager for the next magical bus adventure.

  3. Staying Power: An unforgettable voice keeps characters kicking for years. Dan Castellaneta’s Homer Simpson is a legend in pop culture – you’ll hear his “D’oh!” echoing around every corner of the world.

  4. Language and Culture Magic: Characters like Sailor Moon thrive through various voice adaptions, letting them click with fans everywhere, no matter what language they speak.

For more profile on these characters, check out cartoon characters that start with “A” or cartoon characters with bangs.

When we soak in how important voice actors and casting are, we see what makes those 90s cartoon icons still beloved today.

Enduring Legacy of Cartoon Characters

Cultural Relevance

Remember those Saturday mornings glued to the TV? Cartoon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants burst onto the scene in 1999 and still have us chuckling today. Yep, SpongeBob’s not just a yellow sponge; he’s a pop culture goldmine, especially for Gen Z. Memes, gifs—name it, and he’s all over it (BCS Chronicle). This shows how these characters aren’t going anywhere; they’re weaving through generations like it’s the easiest thing ever.

Merchandise and Spin-offs

Talk about money-makers! These characters aren’t just living on screen; they’re ruling our shopping lists too. Take SpongeBob—he’s raked in a jaw-dropping $13 billion from merchandise by 2018. We’re talking about everything from action figures to pajamas, and yes, even SpongeBob mac and cheese. They keep us buying, and we keep wanting more.

Character Merchandise Sales ($ billion)
SpongeBob SquarePants 13
Mickey Mouse 5
Bugs Bunny 3
X-Men 2

Evolution of Character Design

Character design in cartoons is its own wild ride. Ever wonder why you feel a connection with SpongeBob or Bugs Bunny? Credit their creator’s creativity and knack for blending human traits with funky animal looks. Stephen Hillenburg, who cooked up SpongeBob, took real sea creatures and gave them a personality twist (BCS Chronicle). It’s this magic mix that makes them relatable and keeps us coming back for more. Characters like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny are prime examples of this timeless trait fusion (Toons Mag).

If you’re curious about quirky character styles, check out our stuff on cartoon characters with glasses and cartoon characters with red hair.

Looking back at their cultural significance, merchandise dominance, and evolving character designs, cartoon characters from the 90s are more than just drawings on a screen. They’re timeless icons, marking their territory in our hearts, wallets, and pop culture history.

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