15 Forgotten 90s Animated Series That Were Ahead of Their Time

The 90s were a golden age for cartoons, filled with a bunch of shows that were so cool and smart, they might have been too much for their time; these series, now almost hidden gems, packed with quirky characters, futuristic adventures, and stories that sometimes made you think twice, are waiting to be rediscovered.

1. Spawn (1997-1999)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

A betrayed and murdered CIA operative deals with the devil, returns to Earth as the reluctant leader of Hell's army, Spawn, and seeks vengeance against those who wronged him while wrestling with the loss of his humanity and the love he left behind.

2. The Critic (1994-1995)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

Jay Sherman, a New York film critic known for his sarcasm and self-loathing, reviews the most laughable films Hollywood can muster, all while navigating the complexities of his personal life, including his relationship with his adoptive family, his son, and his ex-wife.

3. ReBoot (1994-2001)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

In the computer system of Mainframe, Guardian Bob battles viruses and system crashes alongside his friends Dot and Enzo, striving to keep the digital world safe from corruption and destruction in the internet's early days.

4. Gargoyles (1994-1997)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Stone by day and warriors by night, the Gargoyles, led by Goliath, awaken in modern New York to protect the city from various threats, both human and supernatural, while seeking redemption and a new purpose.

5. Daria (1997-2001)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Daria Morgendorffer, a smart and acerbically witty teenager, observes the world around her with a critical eye, offering commentary on the absurdity of high school life, societal expectations, and the trials of growing up with her best friend, Jane Lane.

6. Exosquad (1993-1994)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

In the 22nd century, humanity faces a rebellion from its creations, the Neosapiens, leading the Exofleet, piloted by humans in advanced mech suits, on a crusade across the solar system to reclaim Earth and ensure human survival.

7. The Maxx (1995)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

A homeless man, known as The Maxx, navigates between the real world and an alternate reality called the Outback, protecting his friend Julie from the villainous Mr. Gone, all while questioning his own sanity and existence.

8. Æon Flux (1991-1995)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

The lethal spy, Æon Flux, engages in a series of complex and morally ambiguous missions in a dystopian future, often facing off against her nemesis (and sometimes lover), Trevor Goodchild, ruler of the monolithic society of Bregna.

9. Cadillacs and Dinosaurs (1993-1994)

In a post-apocalyptic world where humans coexist with dinosaurs, mechanic and shaman Jack Tenrec, along with scientist Hannah Dundee, fights to maintain the balance of nature and fend off those who seek to disrupt it for personal gain.

10. Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (1993)

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 83%

Sonic, with his loyal sidekick Tails, races at supersonic speeds to collect rings and thwart the nefarious plans of Dr. Robotnik who aims to conquer the world, ensuring the safety and freedom of his friends and their world.

11. Bucky O'Hare and the Toad Wars (1991)

Captain Bucky O'Hare and his crew aboard the Righteous Indignation combat the Toad Empire's attempts to conquer the Aniverse, navigating through space to liberate occupied planets and thwart the toads' war efforts.

12. Swat Kats: The Radical Squadron (1993-1995)

Disgraced ex-pilots Chance "T-Bone" Furlong and Jake "Razor" Clawson become the vigilante Swat Kats, defending Megakat City from criminal masterminds, monsters, and otherworldly threats with their advanced jet, the Turbokat.

13. Pirates of Dark Water (1991-1993)

Ren, a young prince, embarks on a quest to collect the Thirteen Treasures of Rule to stop the evil substance, Dark Water, from consuming his world, Mer, accompanied by a band of unlikely heroes.

14. Cybersix (1999)

Cybersix, a genetically engineered superhero, battles the nefarious creations of her creator, Dr. Von Reichter, in the city of Meridiana by night, while disguising herself as a male high school teacher by day.

15. Space Goofs (1997-2008)

Five eccentric aliens crash-land on Earth and take up residence in a deserted house, constantly scheming to return to space while keeping their identities secret from the outside world, leading to comedic misadventures.