Entertainment
These 8 Classic ’90s Cartoons Are Ready for a Reboot in 2026
Everyone claims to want new, original series and movies, but when looking at the numbers, the most popular series are sequels, remakes, or reboots. This proves that the demand for millennial and Gen Z nostalgia is at an all-time high in 2026, with fan-favorites such as X-Men: The Animated Series and Ren and Stimpy getting modern reboots. Like it or not, reboots and remakes are extremely popular and here to stay.
That being said, there are a slew of ’90s cartoons that deserve a second life, which is why this list will highlight eight cartoons that should get rebooted in 2026. Based on popularity, nostalgia, potential, unresolved story points, modern appreciation, and overall quality, these cartoons were some of the best of their time, and fans would appreciate a modern interpretation of them.
1
‘Rugrats’ (1991–2003)
The ’90s were a treasure trove of incredible cartoons, being a golden age of the medium, with one of the most popular series being Rugrats. This show views the world from the baby’s point of view, where everything is bigger, more mysterious, and full of adventure. It follows a group of kids, some of whom are cousins and friends, enjoying their time together.
Rugrats is arguably the most popular cartoon on this list, but that doesn’t mean it is the most deserving. Many fans felt content with the ending and number of episodes, meaning there doesn’t need to be a reboot. However, a Rugrats reboot would perform well and be in high demand by fans wishing to relive one of the best cartoons from their childhood. Technically, there was a modern reboot, but it didn’t have the same feeling, and a return to form would redeem that failure.
2
‘ReBoot’ (1994–2001)
Some of the greatest cartoons in history are Canadian, such as Ed, Edd, n’ Eddy, and ReBoot, the latter of which deserves a modern adaptation. Set inside the mainframe of a computer, the show follows Bob (Michael Benyaer), Enzo (Paul Dobson), and Dot (Kathleen Barr) as they fight against unwanted and evil viruses known as Megabyte and Hexadecimal.
ReBoot is one of the greatest Canadian cartoons of all time and was one of the first fully CGI shows, breaking new ground and influencing the medium. ReBoot: The Guardian Code was a letdown, but it reminded fans that they are itching to dive back into the Mainframe, meaning a new remake should happen. With technical advancements in CGI, a new high-stakes series would be awesome, and it would be funny if ReBoot got a reboot.
3
‘Superman: The Animated Series’ (1996–2000)
Superhero cartoons are some of the greatest in the medium, and DC in particular is known for its standout series, such as Batman: The Animated Series. However, another classic in the DCAU is Superman: The Animated Series, which follows Clark Kent (Tim Daly) and his adventures as the Man of Steel, facing off against dangerous villains including Lex Luthor (Clancy Brown).
My Adventures with Superman is an incredible Superman animated series, but with the new DCU starting, a revival of Superman: The Animated Series following David Correnswet‘s Superman would be absolutely brilliant. The movies are great, but more content following characters like Superman and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) in an animated universe would create one of the best animated superhero TV shows. This wouldn’t exactly be a reboot, but rather taking its formula, style, and storytelling, and making something new out of it.
4
‘Dexter’s Laboratory’ (1996–2003)
Other than Rugrats, the next most popular entry featured on this list is probably Dexter’s Laboratory, a true classic of the ’90s that everyone would love to see again. The titular protagonist is a scheming child genius who likes to conduct experiments hidden from his parents. However, they often fail because of the undermining efforts of his rival or his sister, who unknowingly foils his plans.
Dexter’s Laboratory is one of the greatest cartoons of all time, meaning some don’t believe it needs a remake that would potentially ruin it. However, other fans would disagree, saying it deserves a reboot because it is so good. There is hesitation from the creator, Genndy Tartakovsky, especially since the voice actor passed away, but perhaps a legacy sequel would allow for a workaround while being modern, relevant, nostalgic, unique, and enjoyable. It likely will never happen, but fans can still hope that one of the best cartoons will get a revival.
5
‘Freakazoid!’ (1995–1997)
Steven Spielberg is one of the greatest directors of all time, with prestigious movies such as Saving Private Ryan. However, he also tried his hand at animation and delivered an instant ’90s classic in Freakazoid!. The titular teenage superhero fights crime in Washington, D.C., using his powers to defend the city from enemies in bizarre fashion.
Freakazoid! is known for its satirical humor, bizarre style, and over-the-top style, something that fans nowadays would greatly appreciate. This cartoon was ahead of its time, pioneering internet humor with its quirky style and meta-commentary on pop-culture. A modern reboot that satirizes the current landscape with superhero nonsense, especially with the genre’s popularity, would be perfect. A Freakazoid! reboot would be instantly relevant and has tons of potential to be better than the original. This cartoon is distinctly ’90s, and a modern touch would go a long way to renewing interest in this peculiar cartoon.
6
‘Gargoyles’ (1994–1997)
Batman: The Animated Series dominated the ’90s with its groundbreaking story, being an influential cartoon that defined the decade. Everyone tried to replicate its success, including Disney, which produced Gargoyles in retaliation. Originally protecting the world, a curse was cast on the Gargoyles, trapping them in stone for hundreds of years, but after that wait, the curse is undone, and now they roam New York City, adjusting to modern times.
Gargoyles tried to be the next Batman, but it became something entirely different in the meantime, establishing itself as a cult classic that was fresh, dark, and complex. Disney announced a live-action reboot of the cartoon, but fans would appreciate a reboot of the cartoon much more. Gargoyles ended too soon, leaving unfinished business for the story and fans who desperately want to return to the dark storytelling that hooked an entire generation of viewers in the ’90s. The story and complexity was ahead of its time and highlighted dark and philosophical narratives that fans would love to experience again in 2026.
7
‘The Pirates of Dark Water’ (1991–1993)
Most of the cartoons on this list are from the mid-1990s, but that doesn’t mean the early ’90s were barren of shows, with one of the best being The Pirates of Dark Water. With his father, the king, dying, the prince sets off on a nautical adventure to find the thirteen treasures which are rumored to be able to save his father. He and his crew travel the seas on a perilous quest, often facing evil forces who want the treasures for nefarious reasons.
The Pirates of Dark Water is one of the more forgotten series nowadays, which is exactly why a remake would reinvigorate interest and revive this classic cartoon. Despite that, it is one of the most requested reboots of all time since it was cancelled after 21 episodes, leaving the prince five treasures short of his goal. The Pirates of Dark Water never concluded, which is why a modern reboot could bring back this prestigious cartoon with layered storytelling and high-fantasy stakes. The Pirates of Dark Water is the most deserving cartoon of a reboot on this list, as fans have been waiting decades to see the conclusion of their favorite show.
8
‘Recess’ (1997–2001)
Recess is one of the most quintessential ’90s cartoons, capturing the decade perfectly, making it a common rewatch for fans wanting to experience the good times and nostalgia from the ’90s again. It follows the troublemaking antics of a group of friends in fourth grade as they go about their daily lives. During recess, there is a whole society with government, rules, and laws, creating a dynamic world that the kids live in.
As one of the most definitive ’90s cartoons, it is also one of the most nostalgic, meaning fans would love to dive back into this world. School life has changed dramatically, and a reboot could either follow the same group of kids in a later grade during the 2000s or a new group of students in elementary during the 2020s. The evolution of playground politics would be fascinating to investigate. There is modern potential as well as nostalgic interest in a Recess reboot, making it a ’90s cartoon that needs a modern revival. The ’90s was a golden age of cartoons, and shows like Recess reflected that, so the least fans can get in return is a 2026 reboot of some of these classic cartoons.
Recess
- Release Date
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1997 – 2001-00-00
- Directors
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Chuck Sheetz, Howy Parkins, Susie Dietter
- Writers
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Bart Jennett, Mark Drop, Holly Huckins, Ford Riley, David Pitlik, Michael L. Kramer, Mark Archuleta, Peter Gaffney, Jonathan Rosenthal, Jack Monaco, Joe Ansolabehere, Jonathan Greenberg, Steve Bannos, Catherine Lieuwen, Rachel Lipman, Richard Whitley, Paul Germain, Etan Cohen, Jeff Wright, Gil Evans, Katy Ballard, Chad Einbinder, Brian Hamill, Nick DuBois
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Rickey D’Shon Collins
Vince LaSalle (voice)
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Ashley Johnson
Gretchen Grundler (voice)
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Jason Davis
Mikey Blumberg (voice)
