Remember when Saturday mornings meant waking up early for cartoon marathons? The ’90s brought us some of the most memorable animated shows that shaped a generation. From superhero adventures to wacky comedy, these shows created a cultural phenomenon that continues to influence entertainment today.
Some ’90s cartoons are making a comeback with reboots and streaming revivals, while others remain popular topics of nostalgic conversation among millennials. Shows like The Simpsons and South Park have stood the test of time, remaining on air decades after their debut. Others, like X-Men: The Animated Series, are finding new life through streaming platforms and modern adaptations.
Interestingly, recent social media trends suggest these classic cartoons might have benefits beyond entertainment. Some parents report that the slower pace and simpler animation of ’90s shows help today’s children sleep better and experience fewer meltdowns compared to faster-paced modern programming.
Every Classic Cartoon Getting a Reboot in 2025
Nostalgia continues to dominate pop culture, and nowhere is this more evident than in the booming world of animated series. The 1990s were a golden era for cartoons—defined by quirky humor, bold characters, and storytelling that balanced kid-friendly fun with grown-up wit. In 2025, that era is getting a second wind. While not all the reboots are direct continuations, they carry the DNA of ‘90s classics: smart writing, stylized animation, and a deep affection for their roots.
Let’s dive into every major reboot, revival, or spiritual successor connected to 90s cartoons that’s set to make waves in 2025.
Major Reboots & Revivals of ‘90s Favorites
| Title | Status | Platform | What’s New? |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Powerpuff Girls | In development | TBA | Created by Craig McCracken, this new animated version expands Townsville’s world with updated storylines and animation style. |
| Tiny Toons Looniversity | Season 2 completed (March 2025) | Max | A modern update on Tiny Toon Adventures, this series features reimagined character arcs and sharper satire. |
| Darkwing Duck | In development | Disney+ | Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are helming this reboot, blending classic superhero parody with serialized storytelling. |
| King of the Hill | In production | TBA (via Bandera Entertainment) | A time-jumped sequel set in modern-day Texas. Bobby Hill is now 21 and working as a chef. |
The Looney Tunes Universe Returns in Force
Warner Bros. is putting serious energy behind reviving the Looney Tunes brand. Not only are they embracing theatrical releases, but they’re also planting seeds for a broader relaunch in the coming years.
- The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie
Released in March 2025, this is the franchise’s first fully animated theatrical film. Featuring Porky Pig and Daffy Duck in a sci-fi setting, it combines slapstick with surprisingly sharp commentary. - Coyote vs. Acme
Once shelved, this live-action/animated hybrid was picked up by Ketchup Entertainment and is now scheduled for a 2026 theatrical release. The film reportedly blends courtroom comedy with Looney Tunes chaos. - New Looney Tunes Film (TBA)
Warner Bros. Animation has confirmed development of a new feature as part of a larger Looney Tunes revival plan aiming at a 2028 rollout.
Cartoons Revived (or Reimagined) With ‘90s Energy
These shows may not be from the ‘90s, but their tone, art style, or storytelling is heavily influenced by that era.
- Totally Spies!
This early-2000s favorite—fueled by late-’90s spy action vibes—returned to Cartoon Network on January 4, 2025. The revival leans into fashion, humor, and gadget-filled action with more diverse storylines. - Phineas and Ferb (Season 5)
Launching June 5 on Disney Channel and June 6 on Disney+, this new season revives the original formula: science, summer, and subplots that wink at grown-ups. - Winx Club (Netflix Reboot)
A reboot of the magical girl series premieres later this year. It carries visual flair and character archetypes reminiscent of ‘90s shows like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptors. - Pingu (Revival)
The stop-motion favorite is being revived for a new generation. While not a ‘90s-born show, its U.S. popularity peaked in the decade, especially on cable programming blocks like Noggin. - The Amazing World of Gumball (Season 7)
Returning in 2025, this show blends absurdism and pop-culture parody in a way that echoes the wild spirit of ‘90s animation like Ren & Stimpy or Animaniacs.
Superhero & Sci-Fi Spin-Offs Expanding the Landscape
| Title | Platform | Release Window |
|---|---|---|
| Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man | Disney+ | Premiered January 29, 2025 |
| Eyes of Wakanda | Disney+ | Expected August 6, 2025 |
| Marvel Zombies | Disney+ | October 31, 2025 |
| Iron Man and His Awesome Friends | Disney Jr. | Summer 2025 |
| Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ | Disney Jr. | Summer 2025 |
| Devil May Cry (Anime) | Netflix | Premiered April 3, 2025 |
| Lackadaisy (Indie) | YouTube | Expected 2025 |
These shows tap into the serialized, high-concept storytelling that shows like Batman: The Animated Series and X-Men popularized in the ‘90s.
Classic ‘90s Cartoons Fans Still Want to See Rebooted
While not confirmed for 2025, these iconic shows are often cited in fan wishlists and rumors:
- Batman: The Animated Series
Revered for its noir tone and art deco style. Rumors of a continuation have swirled, but no official reboot yet. - X-Men: The Animated Series
With X-Men ’97 now streaming, this is essentially a direct sequel, even if it technically launched in 2024. - Hey Arnold!
After the 2017 Jungle Movie, fans still want a true series revival exploring Arnold and Helga’s teen years. - Doug, Rugrats, Gargoyles, Rocko’s Modern Life, and Animaniacs
Each of these titles had a major impact on kids’ TV and could easily fit into today’s reboot trend with the right creative team.
In short, while 2025 might not be the single biggest year for ‘90s cartoon reboots, it marks a crucial turning point. The animation world is finally embracing the weird, wonderful, and wildly imaginative style that made the ’90s iconic. Whether it’s through direct revivals or shows inspired by the era’s spirit, there’s plenty to look forward to for animation fans of all ages.
Key Takeaways
- Classic ’90s cartoons continue to influence modern entertainment through reboots and streaming revivals.
- Several iconic shows from this era, including The Simpsons and South Park, have maintained their popularity for decades.
- The slower pace and simpler animation style of ’90s cartoons may offer unexpected benefits for today’s younger viewers.
Evolution of 90s Cartoons
The 1990s marked a revolutionary period for animated television, with new techniques and storytelling approaches that continue to influence modern animation. This era saw the rise of distinctive animation styles and characters that became cultural touchstones for an entire generation.
The Impact of 90s Animation Techniques
Animation in the 90s underwent significant technical advancements. Traditional hand-drawn animation remained dominant, but studios began experimenting with early computer animation to enhance visual effects.
Shows like “The Simpsons” pioneered a distinct visual style that prioritized character expression over complex backgrounds. This approach allowed for faster production while maintaining quality storytelling.
Nickelodeon’s “Nicktoons” initiative brought a fresh artistic perspective, with shows featuring bold colors and exaggerated character designs. These techniques gave 90s cartoons their unique, instantly recognizable aesthetic.
Studios began respecting their young audience more, creating multi-layered content that appealed to both children and adults. This approach to animation writing became a hallmark of the decade’s most successful shows.
Notable 90s Cartoons and Their Cultural Significance
Several 90s cartoons achieved iconic status and continue to influence pop culture today:
The Simpsons: Debuting in 1989 but defining 90s animation, this show revolutionized adult-oriented cartoons with its satirical take on American family life.
Tiny Toon Adventures: This series introduced a new generation to Warner Brothers characters, updating classic Looney Tunes for 90s audiences.
Rugrats: This Nicktoon explored the world from babies’ perspectives, combining imagination with relatability.
Batman: The Animated Series: This darker take on superhero animation proved cartoons could tackle complex themes and sophisticated storytelling.
These shows didn’t just entertain—they reflected cultural shifts, tackled social issues, and created lasting memories for viewers. Many have been revived or rebooted, demonstrating their enduring appeal across generations.
Recent Developments in 90s Cartoons
The landscape of 90s cartoons continues to evolve with both revivals of beloved classics and fresh interpretations of nostalgic humor styles. Major networks and streaming platforms are investing heavily in bringing back fan favorites while adapting their comedy for modern audiences.
Reboots and Revivals of Classic Series
Several 90s cartoon favorites have returned in new forms recently. “Hey Arnold!” received a TV movie in 2017 called “The Jungle Movie” that resolved long-standing plotlines, and rumors continue about additional revival projects at Nickelodeon.
“X-Men: The Animated Series” has been reimagined as “X-Men ’97” on Disney+, continuing the storylines from the original show with updated animation but preserving the classic style.
“SpongeBob SquarePants,” which began in the late 90s, continues strong with its main series while expanding through spinoffs like “Kamp Koral” and “The Patrick Star Show.”
Cartoon Network has brought back “Dexter’s Laboratory” and “Johnny Bravo” for limited special events, tapping into millennial nostalgia while introducing these classics to new viewers.
Modern Takes on 90s Comedy
Today’s versions of 90s cartoons often blend the original humor with contemporary sensibilities. Shows like “South Park” and “The Simpsons” have evolved their comedy while maintaining their core identity.
Nickelodeon has experimented with “NickRewind” programming blocks featuring 90s classics with new commentary and behind-the-scenes content. This approach celebrates the original shows while adding modern context.
New series like “Close Enough” and “Inside Job” draw heavy inspiration from 90s adult animation comedy styles, particularly shows like “King of the Hill” and “Daria.”
Digital platforms have also enabled shorter-form content that pays homage to 90s cartoon comedy, including web series and YouTube animations that capture the essence of shows like “Rocko’s Modern Life” and “The Ren & Stimpy Show.”
Frequently Asked Questions
The world of 90s cartoons continues to evolve with exciting developments in 2025. Fans of classic animations can look forward to new revivals, streaming options, and merchandise releases.
What are the recent developments in the revival of classic 90s cartoons?
Several beloved 90s cartoons have seen significant revival efforts in early 2025. Networks have announced HD remasters of fan favorites like “Rocko’s Modern Life” and “Courage the Cowardly Dog” with enhanced visual quality.
Studios are also developing interactive elements for these classics. Some revivals include companion apps that offer behind-the-scenes content and trivia for viewers.
Fan campaigns have successfully influenced some revival decisions. The #BringBackAnimaniacs2025 movement resulted in a new season announcement last month.
Which 90s animated series are receiving reboots or continuations?
“Hey Arnold!” will return with a new series following the characters as teenagers. The show is scheduled to premiere in summer 2025.
“Dexter’s Laboratory” is getting a modern continuation that maintains the original animation style. The new series will introduce Dexter to current scientific concepts.
“Gargoyles” has entered production for a complete reboot with updated storylines. The original voice cast has confirmed their participation in this project.
How have 90s cartoons influenced contemporary animation styles and content?
Modern animators frequently cite 90s cartoons as major influences on their work. Shows like “Adventure Time” and “The Owl House” draw from the storytelling approaches pioneered in 90s animations.
The distinct visual styles of 90s cartoons have experienced a resurgence in recent productions. Hand-drawn animation techniques are making a comeback in response to fan appreciation for the 90s aesthetic.
Many current showrunners grew up watching these cartoons. Interviews with today’s animation leaders often reference how 90s shows shaped their creative vision.
Which 90s cartoon characters have recently been featured in new media or merchandise?
The Ninja Turtles from their 90s iteration have appeared in a crossover video game released in February 2025. The game features original voice actors and authentic character designs.
Characters from “Rugrats” now headline a new clothing line at major retailers. The collection includes both children’s wear and nostalgic adult options.
Limited edition collector figures of “Animaniacs” characters were released last month. These highly detailed pieces sold out within hours of their release.
Are there any upcoming specials or events celebrating iconic 90s cartoons?
A major 90s cartoon convention called “Toon Time Capsule” is scheduled for July 2025 in Los Angeles. The event will feature original creators, voice actors, and exclusive merchandise.
Several theme parks have announced 90s cartoon-themed attractions opening this summer. These include interactive rides based on “Recess” and “Doug.”
A documentary series exploring the cultural impact of 90s animation will debut in April. The series includes rare footage and interviews with animation pioneers.
What streaming services have acquired the rights to broadcast original 90s cartoon series?
Netflix has recently expanded its 90s cartoon catalog with the addition of complete runs of “Tiny Toon Adventures” and “Pinky and the Brain.” The streaming giant has also commissioned special retrospective features.
HBO Max now hosts an exclusive “90s Animation Vault” section. This dedicated area includes hard-to-find series like “2 Stupid Dogs” and “SWAT Kats.”
Disney+ has created enhanced versions of their 90s properties. Shows like “Darkwing Duck” and “TaleSpin” have been restored with improved picture quality and additional content.
