15 Sports Shows and Cartoons Every ’90s Kid Watched
From action-packed cartoons to game-changing sports shows, these classics were a huge part of growing up in the ’90s.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
The ’90s delivered the most unforgettable sports-themed TV shows and cartoons. This decade blended epic storytelling with fast-paced action. Whether it was animated athletes pulling off impossible moves or real-life sports moments replayed for young fans, these shows made a lasting impact. Here are 15 sports shows and cartoons every ’90s kid remembers.
1. Rocket Power (1999-2004)
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Extreme sports were at their peak, and Rocket Power made every kid want to skateboard, surf, and snowboard. Otto, Reggie, Twister, and Sam tackled crazy adventures while mastering every sport imaginable.
2. NBA Inside Stuff (1990-2005)
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Long before social media highlights, NBA Inside Stuff gave kids an all-access look at the league’s biggest stars. Hosted by Ahmad Rashad, it mixed behind-the-scenes footage, player interviews, and insane dunks.
3. Space Jam: The Animated Series (1996, Special)
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Though it was just a one-time special, the Space Jam hype was real. After Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes took on the Monstars, kids couldn’t get enough of basketball mixed with cartoons.
4. Guts (1992-1995)
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Every kid watching Guts dreamed of conquering the Aggro Crag. This Nickelodeon sports game show put kids through insane obstacle courses, testing their strength and endurance.
5. Hang Time (1995-2000)
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A high school basketball team balancing sports and drama, Hang Time was like Saved by the Bell for athletes. With legendary NBA coach Reggie Theus as their mentor, the show mixed comedy, relationships, and hoops.
6. The Mighty Ducks: The Animated Series (1996-1997)
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Taking the Mighty Ducks movie franchise to the next level, this cartoon reimagined the team as superhero ducks fighting crime. Sure, it had almost nothing to do with real hockey, but that didn’t matter.
7. Legends of the Hidden Temple (1993-1995)
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Not your typical sports show, but Legends of the Hidden Temple was an athletic competition every kid wanted to try. Teams raced through jungle-themed obstacle courses, solving puzzles and dodging creepy temple guards.
8. ProStars (1991-1992)
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Imagine Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Bo Jackson as cartoon superheroes—that was ProStars. This short-lived show had the trio fighting crimes and saving the day using their athletic skills.
9. WWF Monday Night Raw (1993-Present)
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The ’90s were the golden era of pro wrestling, and Monday Night Raw was the place to watch it. From Stone Cold Steve Austin to The Rock, every episode felt like a major event.
10. Recess (1997-2001)
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While not a traditional sports show, Recess had some of the best playground sports moments on TV. T.J. and his crew made four-square, dodgeball, and kickball feel like Olympic-level competitions.
11. American Gladiators (1989-1996)
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Watching contestants battle massive, muscle-bound gladiators in insane challenges was peak ’90s entertainment. Whether it was the Joust, Powerball, or The Eliminator, every event felt larger than life.
12. All That’s “Sports Theater with Shaq” (1994-2000, Sketch Segment)
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Nickelodeon’s All That had a recurring sketch featuring Shaquille O’Neal as a dramatic sports storyteller. Shaq’s over-the-top commentary made even the simplest moments feel epic.
13. The Wild Thornberrys (1998-2004)
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It is not a sports show in the traditional sense, but Eliza Thornberry’s globe-trotting adventures featured extreme sports moments. From surfing with dolphins to running with cheetahs, the show introduced kids to a world of action and adventure.
14. NBA on NBC (1990-2002)
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Before cable took over, the NBA on NBC was the only show on which you could watch basketball. The legendary theme song alone got fans hyped before every game.
15. Beyblade (1999-Present)
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Yes, it was a toy-based anime, but Beyblade turned spinning tops into a competitive sport. The show’s high-energy battles and dramatic rivalries made kids believe their own Beyblades had special powers.