Before superhero movies dominated theaters, 90s cartoons were where most kids met their favorite heroes. Several of these shows treated superheroes seriously, with ongoing stories, complex villains and cinematic music, and they influenced superhero storytelling for decades.
Quick answer
The best 90s superhero cartoons are Batman: The Animated Series (1992), X-Men (1992), Spider-Man (1994), Superman: The Animated Series (1996), Gargoyles (1994), The Tick (1994), Batman Beyond (1999), Darkwing Duck (1991), SWAT Kats (1993) and Freakazoid! (1995).
The ranking
| Rank | Show | Premiered | Why it's great |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Batman: The Animated Series | 1992 | Noir style, mature stories |
| 2 | X-Men | 1992 | Comic-accurate team and an iconic theme |
| 3 | Spider-Man | 1994 | Serialized storytelling |
| 4 | Superman: The Animated Series | 1996 | Sleek, hopeful Superman |
| 5 | Gargoyles | 1994 | Mythology and long story arcs |
| 6 | Batman Beyond | 1999 | Futuristic Batman |
| 7 | The Tick | 1994 | Hilarious superhero parody |
| 8 | Darkwing Duck | 1991 | Funny, heroic and memorable |
| 9 | SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron | 1993 | Jet-flying cat vigilantes |
| 10 | Freakazoid! | 1995 | Chaotic comedy hero |
| 11 | Iron Man | 1994 | Armored hero |
| 12 | Fantastic Four | 1994 | Marvel's first family |
| 13 | The Incredible Hulk | 1996 | Smash-heavy action |
| 14 | Silver Surfer | 1998 | Cosmic adventures |
| 15 | Captain Planet and the Planeteers | 1990 | Eco-hero team-up |
| 16 | Biker Mice from Mars | 1993 | Motorcycle mice heroes |
| 17 | Exosquad | 1993 | Military sci-fi |
| 18 | Earthworm Jim | 1995 | Video game hero cartoon |
| 19 | Spawn | 1997 | Dark, adult animated series |
| 20 | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | 1987–1996 | Ran through most of the decade |
Some later or edgier shows were aimed at older viewers.
Why 90s superhero cartoons were special
Serious stories
Multi-episode arcs and real consequences.
Comic-book accuracy
Many adapted classic storylines faithfully.
Cinematic music
Orchestral and rock themes gave them blockbuster feel.
Great voice acting
Some performances became the definitive voices of characters.
The toy and merch connection
Superhero cartoons came with toy lines, lunchboxes, video games and costumes. Many kids had action figures of the exact versions of heroes they saw on TV, and some 90s figures are now collectible. See popular 90s toys.
Fun fact: Several 90s superhero shows later received revivals or continuations, proving how lasting their influence was.
Then (90s)
Saturday morning episodes and VHS collections.
Now (2027)
Streaming, revivals and superhero movies that borrow from these shows.
How 90s superhero cartoons changed the genre
Before the 90s, most superhero cartoons were simple: a villain appeared, the hero stopped him and everything reset by the next episode. The 90s changed that. Shows began telling stories across several episodes, giving villains sympathetic backstories and letting heroes make mistakes with real consequences. Kids who grew up with these shows learned to expect superhero stories with emotional weight.
The darker tone came partly from comic books, which had become more serious in the late 80s, and partly from a desire to make shows that adults could enjoy alongside their kids. A sleek, art-deco take on Gotham City, painted on black backgrounds to create shadows, became one of the most influential animation styles of the decade.
Music played a big role too. Instead of cheap jingles, several shows used full orchestral scores or rock themes that felt like movie soundtracks. Combined with strong voice acting, the result was cartoons that felt cinematic, and many of their performances became the definitive versions of characters for a generation.
The influence of these shows can be seen in superhero movies today, from the way villains are written to the way story arcs build across a series. Many modern filmmakers and writers have said they grew up watching them.
Conclusion
90s superhero cartoons set the template for modern superhero storytelling. Start with Batman: The Animated Series and X-Men, then explore the rest. For more 90s animation, see 90s cartoons and Saturday morning cartoons.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best 90s superhero cartoon?
Batman: The Animated Series (1992) is widely considered the best, thanks to its noir style, mature stories and acclaimed voice cast. X-Men and Spider-Man are close behind.
When did the X-Men cartoon start?
X-Men premiered in October 1992 on a Saturday morning kids' block.
What superhero cartoons were on Saturday mornings in the 90s?
X-Men, Spider-Man, Superman: The Animated Series and other superhero shows aired on Saturday morning blocks.
When did Batman Beyond premiere?
Batman Beyond premiered in January 1999.
Are 90s superhero cartoons still worth watching?
Yes. Many hold up well, and several have been revived or continued in recent years.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Batman: The Animated Series (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia: X-Men: The Animated Series (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia: Spider-Man: The Animated Series (opens in a new tab)
Dates and facts were checked against these references. Release dates can vary by region; we use North American dates unless noted. Spotted an error? Tell us.