The BEST C A

The 1990s were 30 years ago. Let that sink in while you enjoy our list of animated childhood favorites.

BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD

One of MTV’s greatest creations initially stood out thanks to shock value and controversy. As time went on, the show’s quality increased, and it figured out how to relay the idiotic adventures of these two teenage losers in a way that was, at times, smarter than its protagonists. The commentary as they watched music videos hit that sweet spot where they were constantly stupid but in profound ways. That it has returned twice in this century is a testament to how these ’90s poster boys are truly timeless.

– Gavin Jasper

THE REN & STIMPY SHOW

Ren & Stimpy could be both smart and irreverent while also being really disgusting and occasionally a little bit harrowing. Following the adventures of Ren, the psychotic chihuahua, and Stimpy, the idiot cat, the pair go to space, re-enact classic tales, come up with mad inventions, and frequently break the fourth wall. Weird highlights included the time Stimpy gives birth to a fart, the Happy Happy Joy Joy machine, and the time Ren’s teeth fall out and he tries to attract the nerve endingfairy, who gifts a ball of lint instead of a $100 bill… – Rosie Fletcher

Gravedale High

There were only 13 episodes of this Hanna-Barbera cartoon, so it remains a perfect ’90s nugget. Rick Moranis stars as headteacher Schneider, the only human in a school populated by teen versions of classic movie monsters. Vinnie Stoker is the cool greaser vampire, Blanche is the Southern Belle Zombie, Reggie Moonshroud is the anxious werewolf, and Cleofatra is the plus-sized mummy voiced by Rikki Lake (yes, it hasn’t all dated that well). See also Galaxy High School from the late ’80s, created by Chris Columbus; all 13 episodes are worth a watch. – RF