The 90s and 2000s were the golden age of animated greatness. Saturday mornings meant cereal bowls and back-to-back cartoons, while after-school TV slots gave us characters who weren’t just fun—they felt like friends. This era wasn’t just about zany antics and bright colors; it was a time when animation pushed boundaries, tackled real emotions, and gave us characters with heart, humor, and lasting impact. From superheroes in pigtails to underwater optimists and sarcastic teens, these icons weren’t just part of shows—they were the shows. They made us laugh until we cried, taught us how to stand up for ourselves, and reminded us that being different was something to celebrate. Whether you were glued to Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, or somewhere in between, these characters helped shape an entire generation of kids—and their influence still echoes today. So, dust off your old VHS tapes, grab a juice box, and join us as we count down the 10 cartoon characters from the 90s and 2000s who defined the era and earned a permanent place in animation history.
#10: Bubbles (The Powerpuff Girls)
Don’t let the baby-blue dress and pigtails fool you—Bubbles is tougher than she looks. As the sweet, sensitive heart of The Powerpuff Girls, Bubbles brought depth to a show full of punches and explosions. She talked to animals, loved her stuffed octopus, and could melt your heart with a single “aww.” But when it came time to throw down, Bubbles packed a surprisingly powerful punch—literally. Her emotional intelligence, compassion, and fierce loyalty made her a standout in a show full of strong personalities. She showed a generation that being soft doesn’t mean being weak. In fact, it can be your greatest strength.
#9: Dexter (Dexter’s Laboratory)
The boy genius with a secret lab under his house, Dexter was every young science-lover’s dream. With his thick accent, white lab coat, and endless experiments, Dexter was constantly working on mind-blowing inventions—until his bubble-headed sister Dee Dee inevitably ruined them. Dexter’s Laboratory wasn’t just fun; it was smart, visually bold, and full of hilarious sci-fi tropes. Dexter’s constant struggle for order in a chaotic world (especially from Dee Dee’s antics) made him strangely relatable for anyone who just wanted five minutes of peace to finish a project. He brought a whole new level of intelligence to the cartoon scene.
#8: Kim Possible (Kim Possible)
Kim Possible was the ultimate teenage icon—cheerleader by day, world-saving secret agent by night. Balancing school, villains, and awkward teenage moments, Kim was proof that girls could be both fierce and fashionable. With her green cargo pants, signature red hair, and catchphrase “What’s the sitch?”, Kim stood out as a smart, confident role model. The show’s mix of action, humor, and heart (plus Ron Stoppable and Rufus the naked mole rat) made it an instant classic. She wasn’t just a character—she was a symbol that young girls didn’t have to choose between brains, beauty, or bravery.
#7: SpongeBob SquarePants (SpongeBob SquarePants)
He’s the sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea—and became the face of a generation. SpongeBob’s infectious optimism, goofy voice, and slapstick humor made him a household name. Whether flipping Krabby Patties, annoying Squidward, or jellyfishing with Patrick, SpongeBob brought endless laughs and quotable lines (“I’m ready!” “Is mayonnaise an instrument?”). What’s more, the show cleverly blended absurd comedy with surprisingly touching moments. SpongeBob’s boundless energy and positivity were a reminder that joy can be found in the simplest things—even working at a fast-food restaurant underwater.
#6: Daria Morgendorffer (Daria)
In an age of loud cartoons, Daria was the eye-rolling, monotone voice of reason we didn’t know we needed. A high schooler with sharp wit and sharper sarcasm, Daria cut through the nonsense of pop culture and peer pressure like a hot knife through angst. The show tackled teen issues, family dynamics, and the absurdities of suburban life through Daria’s deadpan lens. She wasn’t out to be liked, she was out to be herself. And in that, she became a countercultural icon—a hero for anyone who ever felt like they didn’t fit in and didn’t want to.
#5: Ed, Edd n Eddy (Ed, Edd n Eddy)
Technically a trio, but impossible to separate, Ed, Edd (Double D), and Eddy were the kings of suburban schemes. Each episode of Ed, Edd n Eddy saw the boys concocting wild plots—usually to scam their peers out of jawbreakers—only to end in hilarious disaster. With slapstick animation, surreal comedy, and a surprisingly deep portrayal of friendship, these three became the ultimate underdog team. Ed’s dumb strength, Double D’s neurotic smarts, and Eddy’s scheming spirit gave every kid someone to identify with—or laugh at. It was chaos in the cul-de-sac, and we couldn’t get enough.
#4: Tommy Pickles (Rugrats)
A baby with more guts than most adults, Tommy Pickles led his diaper-clad crew on epic backyard adventures. With a screwdriver in his diaper and courage in his heart, Tommy turned everyday moments into quests of imagination. Rugrats perfectly captured childhood wonder—and Tommy was its brave, bald-headed captain. He wasn’t loud or flashy, but he had an unshakable sense of loyalty and curiosity. Whether navigating baby politics or outsmarting Angelica, Tommy reminded us that even the smallest among us can lead the way.
#3: Raven (Teen Titans)
With her dark cloak, glowing eyes, and sardonic wit, Raven quickly became the fan-favorite of Teen Titans. More than just the team’s magic-wielding goth, she was layered with emotional complexity. Her struggle to balance her dark powers and inner turmoil with her loyalty to her friends made her one of the most relatable characters of the era. She wasn’t interested in being the center of attention—she just wanted control over her destiny. For a generation of kids dealing with their own emotional storms, Raven’s quiet strength and personal growth hit close to home.
#2: Bugs Bunny (The 90s & 2000s Versions)
Though Bugs is a classic from way back, the 90s and 2000s gave him a modern glow-up. Through Tiny Toon Adventures, Space Jam, and The Looney Tunes Show, Bugs remained the slick, wisecracking rabbit we knew—but now with updated humor and animation. His timeless wit, love of disguises, and ability to outsmart anyone (especially Elmer Fudd and Daffy Duck) ensured that new generations found him just as entertaining. He wasn’t just a relic from the past—he proved cartoons could evolve without losing their charm. What’s up, indeed.
#1: Avatar Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Aang was more than a cartoon hero—he was a spiritual, emotional, and moral compass wrapped in airbending brilliance. Avatar: The Last Airbender was a masterclass in storytelling, and Aang’s journey from reluctant kid to world-saving Avatar was its soul. He balanced goofy charm with heartbreaking depth, especially when forced to confront war, loss, and the responsibilities of power. Unlike typical action heroes, Aang chose peace, empathy, and wisdom—even when it was hard. His story wasn’t just about bending the elements—it was about bending expectations of what a cartoon protagonist could be.
