There’s no doubt that the 90s was a golden era for kids’ TV shows. But what made these shows even more special was their catchy theme songs. These tunes transported us into magical worlds of fantasy and adventure and stayed with us long after the show ended. So, get ready to feel nostalgic as we take a trip down memory lane with the best theme songs from 90s kids’ shows.
1. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
This show about a streetwise teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to live with his wealthy Aunt and Uncle in Bel-Air is nothing short of iconic. Its theme song, sung by the show’s star Will Smith himself, puts a refreshing spin on the classic rags-to-riches story. With its upbeat tempo, catchy hook, and smart rhymes, the song perfectly captures the show’s essence. “Now this is a story, all about how, My life got flipped turned upside-down, And I’d like to take a minute, Just sit right there, I’ll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air.” It’s hard to resist the urge to sing along.
2. Animaniacs
Animaniacs was a zany cartoon that followed three wacky siblings, Yakko, Wakko, and Dot, who caused chaos wherever they went. Their theme song, which was a tongue-twister in itself, was just as quirky as the show. With its jazzy music and fast-paced lyrics, it was impossible not to be impressed by the sheer amount of words the singer was able to fit in. “It’s time for Animaniacs!/And we’re zany to the max/So just sit back and relax/You’ll laugh ’til you collapse.” The show may have been for kids, but the clever writing and humor appealed to all ages.
3. Saved by the Bell
This show about a group of high school friends navigating the ups and downs of adolescence was a must-watch for every 90s kid. Its upbeat and catchy theme song, sung by Michael Damian, set the tone for the show. “When I wake up in the morning/And the alarm gives out a warning/I don’t think I’ll ever make it on time/By the time I grab my books/And I give myself a look/I’m at the corner just in time to see the bus fly by.” Its relatable lyrics perfectly captured the struggles of being a teenager. It’s no wonder this show became so popular and spawned multiple spin-offs.
4. Pokemon
Pokemon was more than just a kids’ show; it was a cultural phenomenon. Its theme song, which became a hit in its own right, was an adrenaline-fueled anthem that got you pumped up for the adventures that lay ahead. “I want to be the very best/Like no one ever was/To catch them is my real test/To train them is my cause/I will travel across the land/Search far and wide/Each Pokemon to understand/The power that’s inside.” The song perfectly captured the show’s spirit of exploration and adventure, and it’s safe to say that it’s impossible to hear this song without feeling the urge to shout “Gotta catch ’em all!”
5. DuckTales
Life is like a hurricane, here in Duckburg! The theme song of DuckTales is one of the most recognizable in the history of kids’ TV. It follows the adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his three nephews as they explore the world and search for treasure. The song’s catchy melody and sing-along chorus make it impossible not to tap your feet. “Life is like a hurricane here in Duckburg/Race cars, lasers, aeroplanes, it’s a duck blur/You might solve a mystery/Or rewrite history/DuckTales! Woo-oo!”
6. Rugrats
This show about a group of adventurous babies and their experiences was one of the most popular children’s shows of the 90s. Its theme song, written by Mark Mothersbaugh, was just as unforgettable. With its playful synthesizer melody and childlike voices singing nonsensical lyrics, the song was perfectly suited to the show’s young audience. “Ah, ah, ah!/Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo!”/The catchy tune is nearly impossible to get out of your head. If you grew up watching Rugrats, you’ll remember humming this tune all day long.
7. Power Rangers
The Power Rangers theme song was a rock n’ roll anthem that got you fired up and ready to fight evil. The show, which featured a group of teenagers who morphed into superheroes to battle villains, was a hit with kids all over the world. The song’s shredding guitar riff and catchy lyrics were enough to make anyone want to join the fight. “Go, go Power Rangers!/Mighty Morphin Power Rangers!/Go, go Power Rangers!/You Mighty Morphin Power Rangers!” Even today, it’s hard not to feel the urge to morph into action when you hear this song.
Conclusion
The 90s was a magical time for kids’ television, and the theme songs were an integral part of the experience. These songs transported us into fantastical worlds of adventure and imagination and stayed with us long after the shows ended. They were catchy, upbeat, and above all, fun. Hopefully, this trip down memory lane has brought back some fond memories and reminded you of the special place these shows hold in our hearts.
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best theme songs from 90s kids’ shows. If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to relive these classic shows, why not make it a weekend project? Introduce your kids or younger siblings to the shows you grew up with and see if they enjoy them as much as you did. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up singing along to the theme songs together.
