10 Best ’90s Shows to Stream on Netflix

10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix

As a ’90s kid myself, I can confidently say that the two shows you’ve mentioned had a profound impact on my childhood and shaped a significant part of my formative years.


The ’90s is often regarded as one of history’s most impactful decades, a viewpoint that may be contested by those who lived through other periods, but it remains undeniable that the ’90s have left an indelible mark on popular culture over the past 25 years. This era was characterized by unforgettable music, movies, and television shows.

In the ’90s, there was an abundance of beloved television shows that have left a lasting impression. For instance, children will recall Nickelodeon hits like “All That” and “Rugrats,” as well as “Dexter’s Laboratory” and “Courage the Cowardly Dog” on Cartoon Network. Anime enthusiasts can’t forget “Sailor Moon,” the genesis of “Pokémon,” and “One Piece.” Lastly, the classic sitcoms such as “Friends,” “Home Improvement,” and “Boy Meets World” also graced our screens during this decade. If you’re yearning for a ’90s marathon on Netflix, there’s something to satisfy every taste.

10 YuYu Hakusho (1992 – 1994)

10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix

Since its premiere in 1992, YuYu Hakusho has been an anime that many fans revisit for a trip down memory lane. Not only is it regarded as one of the best anime from the ’90s, but it’s also considered one of the greatest animated series ever made, with IGN placing the series at number ten on their top 100 greatest animated series of all time list. As per Animage Anime Grand Prix, YuYu Hakusho was awarded as the best anime in both 1994 and 1995.

Spirit Gun Is Plenty of Fun

As a die-hard cinephile, I can’t help but rave about YuYu Hakusho – a tale that revolves around me, a teenage soul, who met an untimely end while saving a kid’s life, only to be miraculously resurrected and bestowed with the title of “Underworld Detective.” This new role comes with a mission: unraveling supernatural mysteries in the human realm. It’s a rollercoaster ride filled with pulse-pounding action and exhilarating adventures that have left countless fans awestruck. One aspect that truly stands out is the captivating villains, many of whom have been hailed as some of the most memorable characters in the show. And let’s not forget, YuYu Hakusho played a significant role in cementing Cartoon Network’s Toonami as an iconic beacon for anime enthusiasts everywhere.

9 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993 – 1995)

10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix

People born in the 90s who claim they didn’t try to learn karate from watching Mighty Morphin Power Rangers must either be dishonest or never tuned into the show. Yes, Power Rangers was cheesy with its weak dialogue, flamboyant special effects, and excessive action. However, that’s part of its charm. It isn’t a show meant for deep analysis. The plots are straightforward – good guys triumph by fighting off incredibly wicked villains. There’s not much more to it than that.

Easy to Understand & Even Easier to Market

The Power Rangers television series proved to be an extraordinary marketing triumph. It generated numerous spin-offs and achieved such popularity that by the time the franchise reached its 10th birthday, toy sales had surpassed six billion dollars. By the end of the ’90s, it seemed like everyone – including grandmas – knew about Power Rangers. However, having a profitable product doesn’t automatically guarantee high-quality movies and TV shows. Instead, it offers a straightforward narrative that appeals to children.

8 Goosebumps (1995 – 1998)

10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix

Goosebumps and Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” were a significant contributor to many ’90s kids’ night terrors. Despite their special effects being somewhat cheesy and exaggerated for some, they remain as chilling today as they did in 1995. The budget for each episode might have been limited, but the fear and ambiance they managed to create in each episode are exceptional.

Inspiring a New Generation of Horror Fans

The show is based off the popular book series. Fans of Goosebumps have praised the creators for bringing the stories to life. The show was so popular it inspired the Goosebumps movie series starring Jack Black and a new TV show on Disney+ starring Rachael Harris and Justin Long. The whole series may not be on Netflix, but enough memorable episodes are available for a good binge session.

7 The Powerpuff Girls (1998 – 2005)

10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix

Sugar, spice, everything nice, and chemical x, is not just the recipe for creating three superheroes, it also makes for a super fun show. The Powerpuff Girls weren’t just super adorable, although they were that. They also brought plenty of laughs and action to the small screen. There’s a reason they’ve remained so iconic.

The Original Girls Get It Done

This animated series primarily revolves around Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, who were meant to be the ideal daughters, yet due to an unintended addition of chemical X, they possess extraordinary abilities and serve as the official protectors of Townsville. Each Powerpuff Girl has a unique character that adds comedic flair to their action-packed battles against villains. Remarkable characters like Mojo Jojo and HIM are among the memorable adversaries in this popular series.

6 Martin (1992 – 1997)

Have you happened to miss out on the fact that Martin Lawrence starred in a TV series? If so, don’t fret, many others share your oversight, but it’s regrettable as the show is quite entertaining. In the sitcom Martin, Lawrence portrays an eccentric disc jockey cohabiting with his lively girlfriend, a role played by Tisha Campbell.

Why Did Martin Go Away?

The television series “Martin” initially made a powerful debut, but unfortunately faltered during its last two seasons. The final season was particularly tumultuous as Tisha Campbell sued Martin Lawrence and the producers, alleging sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and physical intimidation. As a result of these incidents, Campbell did not appear on the show until the lawsuit was resolved and requested to be excluded from any scenes with Lawrence. Despite these challenges, “Martin” still maintains a dedicated fanbase, and a prequel series titled “Young Martin” is currently being developed.

5 The Magic School Bus (1994 – 1997)

10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix

Buckle up, everyone, as you never can predict where Ms. Frizzle might whisk her pupils off to on their magical school bus adventure! Inspired by the beloved children’s book series, The Magic School Bus presents us with a class under the guidance of Ms. Frizzle, voiced by Lilly Tomlin, who always has the most extraordinary excursions planned for her students in their enchanted school bus. This bus is nothing short of amazing; it can shrink to microscopic proportions, transform its passengers into animals, and even rewind time!

Makes Science and History Fun

The animated series “The Magic School Bus” was highly appreciated by both critics and children. It was frequently put forward for Daytime Emmy Awards, and Lilly Tomlin received an Emmy for her portrayal of Ms. Frizzle. Many students from the ’90s probably cherish memories of catching a few episodes during school hours. In 2017, Netflix brought “The Magic School Bus” back to life with Kate McKinnon, a former SNL cast member, taking on the role of Ms. Frizzle’s sister, Fiona Frizzle, keeping the magic alive for a new group of fans.

4 The Jamie Foxx Show (1996 – 2001)

Just like Jamie Foxx, who later became renowned by winning an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy, he initially starred in his own sitcom, known as “The Jamie Foxx Show”. This show played a significant role in boosting the actor’s career and was one of the early successes on The WB Television Network. It focuses on Foxx’s character, an aspiring musician aiming to establish himself in Los Angeles, but it didn’t manage to amass a large fanbase.

Why No Love for Jamie Foxx?

The Jamie Foxx Show epitomizes an uncomplicated and risk-free approach to television entertainment. It offers ample humor and commendable acting by both Foxx and Garcelle Beauvais, but it lacks the complexity often found in more profound productions. Essentially, it’s a playful comedy that doesn’t delve deeply into heavy themes or societal issues. Instead, it focuses on delivering enjoyment without attempting to lecture its audience about life or broader topics. While it provides an entertaining experience, it might not be remembered as a significant milestone in Foxx’s career.

3 Sex and the City (1998-2004)

10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix

Sex and the City found its footing in the early 2000s, but it originally premiered in the late ’90s. The series centers around Sarah Jessica Parker, who along with her friends, explore life in New York City, discussing topics like sexuality, friendships, and femininity. This groundbreaking show was ahead of its time, facing censorship in certain countries, yet remains impactful for its audience.

Steamy Conversations, Powerful Message

Sex and the City wasn’t everyone’s favorite, but it certainly struck a chord with many – it amassed an impressive 50 nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards, taking home the prize twice in the Outstanding Comedy Series category. Its stars, Sarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon, were also honored with Emmys for their acting prowess. To top it off, TIME Magazine included Sex and the City among its list of the 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.

2 Pokémon: Indigo League (1997 – 1999)

10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix

The sensational TV series known as “Pokémon” was adored by many children of the ’90s. This show significantly contributed to the global craze surrounding Pokémon. While it was the battles that initially drew in ’90s kids, one might say it was the characters that kept them hooked.

It’s More Than Just Pokémon Battles

Ash, Brock, and Misty significantly influenced the lives of ’90s children. They were the characters we admired and aspired to embark on our very own Pokémon adventures. The series not only captivated us, but it also brought to prominence Pokémon that weren’t particularly popular among card collectors and gamers, transforming them into beloved figures within the franchise. Truly, those were magical times for ’90s kids, and while the Pokémon Go craze in 2016 offered a powerful wave of nostalgia, it failed to match the sheer excitement that children felt watching this show.

1 Seinfeld (1989 – 1998)

10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix10 Best '90s Shows to Stream on Netflix

The sitcom named after Jerry Seinfeld, often referred to as the standout show of the ’90s, was a comedy series that became famous for its focus on everyday life. It held its own against popular shows like Friends, Frasier, That ’70s Show, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

A Show About Nothing Turned Into a Classic

In a poll conducted by the Writers Guild of America, “Seinfeld” was ranked as the second most brilliantly scripted TV show ever produced, trailing only “The Sopranos.” This iconic sitcom took home 10 Primetime Emmy Awards and 3 Golden Globe Awards. Furthermore, it catapulted Jerry Seinfeld’s co-stars, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, and Jason Alexander, into the pantheon of television legends.

One of the great advantages of watching “Seinfeld” is that you can start almost any of its 180 episodes spread over nine seasons, and still follow along seamlessly. The show’s legendary humor and recurring jokes have stood the test of time, making it a perfect choice for a marathon viewing session.

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2024-10-20 00:02