What exactly are underrated 90s cartoons? Everyone remembers the animated juggernauts of the 1990s — Batman: The Animated Series, Rugrats, Dexter’s Laboratory, and X-Men. But for every Nickelodeon or Fox Kids classic that made it big, there were a handful of under-the-radar cartoons that either flew too weird or too smart for their time.
So let’s dive deep into the VHS bin and resurrect ten underrated 90s cartoons that deserve a second look (or maybe a streaming deal).
1. The Pirates of Dark Water (1991)
Why it’s underrated: An epic fantasy adventure series that was ahead of its time.
This Hanna-Barbera series combined swashbuckling action, otherworldly creatures, and a dark post-apocalyptic setting. Its overarching plot — following Ren, the prince of Octopon, on a quest to stop an evil substance called “Dark Water” — was surprisingly serialized for its era. It only ran for 21 episodes and left fans hanging, but its world-building and unique tone still hold up.
Where to stream: It is not on streaming, but is available on DVD and digital downloads.
2. Mighty Max (1993)
Why it’s underrated: Surprisingly deep for a show based on a toy line.
Inspired by the Polly Pocket-style “Mighty Max” playsets, this show told the story of a boy destined to stop ancient evils with the help of his Viking guardian and wise fowl mentor. It wasn’t afraid to get dark — with themes of fate, death, and sacrifice — and its finale left fans talking for years.
Where to stream: The series is currently unavailable.
3. Gargoyles (1994)
Why it’s underrated: Everyone who watched it swears it was Shakespearean — because it literally was.
While Gargoyles has a cult following, it never hit mainstream levels of popularity. Featuring deep lore, complex characters, and arcs involving betrayal, redemption, and time travel, it was *Batman: The Animated Series*’s darker, mythological cousin. And yes, it featured characters named Goliath, Macbeth, and Titania. This wasn’t your typical Disney cartoon.
Streaming on: Available on Disney Plus.
4. ReBoot (1994)
Why it’s underrated: The first fully CGI cartoon that took huge risks with storytelling.
Set inside a computer system called Mainframe, ReBoot started as a light episodic adventure before taking a shockingly dark turn in later seasons — complete with character deaths, time skips, and post-apocalyptic settings. While its early CGI hasn’t aged gracefully, the storytelling ambition absolutely has.
Streaming on: As of writing it is on Pluto TV and Tubi.
5. The Tick (1994)
Why it’s underrated: Brilliant superhero satire long before Deadpool or The Boys.
The Tick was absurd, hilarious, and totally bizarre. With villains like Chairface Chippendale (who literally had a chair for a head) and Die Fledermaus (a Batman parody), it lovingly skewered every superhero trope. It was canceled too soon, but its influence is still felt today in offbeat hero shows.
Where to stream: At the time of this post, it’s not available anywhere and is not even on physical media.
6. Eek! The Cat (1992)
Why it’s underrated: Pure slapstick chaos that wasn’t afraid to be totally weird.
This Fox Kids staple followed the overly helpful Eek, a purple cat who just wanted to do good — but always ended up in catastrophic situations. It featured insane physical comedy, meta jokes, and tons of pop culture parodies. It even had spin-offs like The Terrible Thunderlizards tucked into the same runtime.
Where to stream: At the time of this post, it’s not available anywhere and is not even on physical media.
7. Skeleton Warriors (1994)
Why it’s underrated: It looked like a metal album cover… and played like one too.
Visually stunning with gothic aesthetics and bone-armored villains, Skeleton Warriors took itself surprisingly seriously for a toy-based cartoon. The conflict between the living and the undead was set against a surprisingly mature theme of power, corruption, and redemption.
Where to stream: At the time of this post, it’s not available anywhere and is not even on physical media.
8. Bucky O’Hare and the Toad Wars (1991)
Why it’s underrated: A space opera starring a green rabbit and his sentient ship crew? Sign us up.
Based on a comic book, Bucky O’Hare took animal-based sci-fi to new levels. Think Star Wars, but with a rabbit captain, a psychic duck, and a war against evil toads. The animation was slick, the world-building rich, and the merchandise sadly short-lived.
Where to stream: At the time of this post, it’s not available anywhere and is not currently in print on physical media.
9. The Maxx (1995, MTV)
Why it’s underrated: Abstract, adult, and artistically experimental — this wasn’t Saturday morning material.
Part of MTV’s oddball animated lineup, The Maxx adapted Sam Kieth’s comic in all its surreal glory. It followed a homeless man who believed he was a superhero in an alternate dimension, protecting a social worker from mysterious forces. Confusing, beautiful, and emotionally raw.
Where to stream: Not currently streaming, but is available for purchase both digitally and on DVD.
10. Freakazoid! (1995)
Why it’s underrated: A chaotic comedy masterpiece that never found the right audience.
Created by Steven Spielberg’s animation team, Freakazoid! mashed superhero tropes with rapid-fire comedy and fourth-wall breaks. Think Animaniacs meets Deadpool. It was too smart for kids, too wild for adults — and too early for the internet humor era it clearly belonged in.
Where to stream: Not currently streaming, but is available for purchase digitally.
Final Thoughts
The 90s were a golden age of experimentation in animation. Studios were willing to take risks, tell serialized stories, and dive into strange, sometimes dark territory. These cartoons may have been overshadowed by bigger hits, but their cult followings and storytelling ambition make them worth rediscovering.
So next time you’re scrolling through your favorite streaming service, skip the usual nostalgia trip and check out one of these hidden gems from the past. You might just find your new old favorite.
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