The 90s were a great time for cartoons, but many shows have become nothing but a memory. Here are some you watched but forgot about.

90s Cartoons

1990s nostalgia is everywhere. The decade known for bright colors, grunge music, and Saturday morning cartoons is the subject of nostalgia on television, cinema, and even in fashion. It's often said that these years were among the greatest and most innovative periods in animation, with fondly remembered shows as per our Cartoon Knowledge like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Ren & Stimpy, DuckTales, Batman: The Animated Series, and many more explained below.

The Wild Thornberrys

This charming family-oriented cartoon tended to be overshadowed by Nickelodeon's classic Nicktoon lineup that preceded it. These days, most tend to remember the show most for its crossover with the Rugrats in a 2003 theatrical film. Still, there was a time when The Wild Thornberrys had a decent following, largely thanks to its fun premise and fun jungle setting.

The show stars a girl named Eliza Thornberry who gains the power to speak with animals after rescuing a shaman taking the form of a warthog. Throughout this 5-season odyssey in the wilderness, Eliza and her family embark on various adventures in the wild and occasionally get into hijinks whilst filming a documentary. The show was praised for its endearing, imaginative themes as well as its animal-friendly undertones.

The Pirates Of Dark Water

This obscure cartoon first aired in 1991 as a five-part miniseries titled Dark Water, which was turned into a full series. The short-lived fantasy had one of the most original premises of the era, portraying an alien oceanic world being destroyed by an evil substance called Dark Water. Ren and his crew try to stop it by gathering the lost Thirteen Treasures of Rule and battle pirate lords along the way.

Dexter's Laboratory

One can liken Dexter's Laboratory to Tom Green both being highly popular in the late 90s and early 2000s before largely falling off the radar for most. But, like Green, Dexter's Laboratory holds an appeal and comedic edge which remains innovative and culturally significant over two decades later.

Courage The Cowardly Dog

Courage the Cowardly Dog cartoon jaw dropped with owners. The show Courage The Cowardly Dog revolves around an ironically-named dog who easily manages to get frightened and is taken in by a Scottish couple of a certain age. Cue a slew of wacky antics involving everything from mad scientists and creeping zombies to aliens and monsters.