Do you also have the title tune “Prince of Bel Air”, “Sailor Moon” and “Alf” in mind? Then check out the hit list of the 20 most popular children’s series of the 90s. Pure feeling of nostalgia – promised!
Whether it was “Pokémon”, “Sailor Moon” or “Lady Oscar”, the 90s offered numerous children’s programs that sweetened our afternoons in front of the television. We have the The 20 most popular children’s series of the 90s dug to refresh your memory and bring back childhood memories. Well, do you all know that?
1. Sailor Moon (1992-1997)
“Hold the moonstone and feel the power…” – the Japanese anime series Sailor Moon hit the nerves of the time and got off to an almost lightning start in the nineties. The series is based on the manga of the same name, available in 18 anthologies. Sailor Moon definitely belongs to the best children’s series of the 90s list.
2. Fresh Prince of Bel Air (1990-1996)
Probably most people rooted for teenager Will in the 1990s, who was sent to his wealthy relatives in Bel Air – and there with his easy-going ways he repeatedly pissed off. This teenager was played by Will Smith, who made his acting breakthrough with his role as ‘The Fresh Prince’.
3. Tabaluga (1997 to 2004)
Tabaluga is also one of the most successful children’s series of the 90s and was conceived by German rock singer Peter Maffay, children’s songwriter Rolf Zuckowski and Maffay lyricist Gregor Rottschalk. The animated series was successfully broadcast in 100 countries, in 2018 “Tabaluga – the movie” was released in cinemas.
4.Dragon Ball Z (1989 – 1996)
Dragon Ball Z is the sequel to the Dragon Ball anime series and, like it, is based on the 42-volume manga series “Dragon Ball”. The story revolves around the main character Son-Doku, who is now grown up. A must for manga fans, even today.
5. Sabrina – totally bewitched! (1996-2003)
Sabrina Spellman lives with her aunts Hilda and Zelda, from whom she learns on her sixteenth birthday that she is a half-witch. From this moment on she learns how to use her magical powers. Does she look familiar? In 2018, “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” was released, a dark remake of the character of Sabrina, which, however, is not meant to be suitable for families.
“Sabrina – totally bewitched”: The half-witch Sabrina with her cat Salem.
© United Archives / imago images
6. Pinky and the Brain (1995 – 1998)
Who does not know her? Pinky and the Brain is about two talking lab rats who try to take over the world in each episode and fail miserably. After four seasons, the US animated series was canceled in 1998.
7. Captain Balu and his daring crew (1990 – 1991)
Established Disney characters have been adapted for Captain Balu and his daredevil crew, in this case from The Jungle Book. The story revolves around the bear Balu, who goes on many adventures as a pilot. The first episode was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Show in 1991.
8. Alf (1988-1991)
The alien Alf, who ends up in the Tanner family’s garage with his spaceship and then lives there, is well known to everyone. Based on the 102-episode sitcom, two animated series and a feature film followed, starring Alf from the planet Melmac.
9. Pokemon (1996-present)
The Pokémon franchise is known worldwide for its children’s series, computer games, movies and trading cards. The animated series has been in production since the 90s with no end in sight. A music album “Schnapp ‘dir alle” was produced for the series, which sold 600,000 copies and went gold three times in Germany.
10. When the Animals Left the Forest (1993-1995)
The animated series The animated series is based on the book series The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann. A dramatic children’s series about the destruction of natural habitats by man and the subsequent escape of animals. Because during the escape from the Talerwald to the white deer park, the animals have to face numerous dangers.
11. Chip and Dale (1989-1990)
Things are a little more cheerful in the Disney series Chip and Dale. In 65 episodes, the two squirrels and their friends Trixi, Samson and Summi fight crimes of all kinds. Their main opponent: Al Katzone, a gang boss and his henchmen Kralle, Warze, Molly and Ratzo.
12. Adventures with Timon and Pumbaa (1995 – 1999)
The 1994 film ‘The Lion King’ has long been regarded as the most successful classic animated film of all time. No wonder the creators decided in 1995 to create a spin-off for Timon and Pumbaa centered on the duo of the same name – a meerkat and a warthog. Of course, other characters from the main film have guest appearances as well.
13. Ducktales (1987-1990)
This Disney series was created in the 80s and consists of around 100 episodes over two seasons. Ducktales is about Scrooge McDuck, Donald and his three nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie. Gyro Gearloose, Gustav Gans and Gundel Gaukeley, who can be seen in the comics, also have guest appearances.
Dagobert and Donald with his nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie in Duckburg.
© United Archives / imago images
14. Dinosaurs (1991-1994)
Dinosaurs are also among the most successful children’s series of the 90s. The series revolves around the humanized Sinclair family of dinosaurs, represented with full-body puppets. Similar to the Flintstones, the Sinclairs live in a fictional Stone Age world dealing with everyday events and problems.
15. Alvin and the Chipmunks (1983-1990)
This animated series for children is about Alvin and his two friends, Simon and Theodore, with whom he forms a musical group. The three singing squirrels are managed by their human adoptive father David. The series was followed by several theatrical films produced in the 2000s.
Alvin, Simon and Theodore: the three singing squirrels from “Alvin and the Chipmunks”.
© Everett Collection / imago images
16. Lady Oscar – The Roses of Versailles (1995)
Of course, the Lady Oscar series dates back to the 1970s, but it was first broadcast in Germany in 1995. This also applies to other animated series such as Mila Superstar or Die Kickers. The series is set in France shortly before the French Revolution and contains historically accurate information about the era and her personalities: despite all the fiction.
17. Disney’s Gummy Bear Gang (1985 – 1991)
Disney’s Gummy Bears is an animated series about six gummy bears who live in a medieval-style fairy tale world. Six seasons, 65 episodes, 22 minutes and 94 individual stories make this 90s children’s series the Disney series with the most seasons produced.
18. Teletubbies (1997-2001)
The Teletubbies were a hit, especially with the little ones. Today we still have the title song about Tinky-Winkey, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po in our heads when we look at the four chubby figures with their antennae on their heads. The four friends live in a surreal garden world centered around the Teletubbie house.
19. Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles (1987-1996)
The Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles children’s series is based on the comics of the same name, which were already very popular before the series was produced. To make the series suitable for children, however, compromises had to be made as the comics are much more violent.
20. Alfred J Kwak (1989-1990)
Who does not know her? Alfred Jodocus Kwak – the little yellow duck who lives in an updated hoof in Bigwaterland. Always brave, concerned and full of energy. The animated series, which has 52 episodes, was broadcast on German television between 1990 and 1993.
Alfred Jodocus Kwak with his girlfriend Winnie Wanna.
© United Archives / imago images
