The 1990s was a decade marked by innovative music, entertaining pop culture, and evolving styles. However, one of the best things to come from this upbeat era might just be its TV shows. At a time when technology was quickly evolving and improving, the ’90s saw shows with new characters, storylines, and drama, now more clear and accessible than ever before.
But as time passes, it’s easy to forget just exactly what happened in every episode of your favorite show. The one thing you will never forget, however, is the show’s theme song. Whether it was a catchy, wordless-tune, or an original song, theme songs help to define the television shows of the decade, some of which are still on the air today.
FromSpongeBob SquarepantstoDawson’s Creek, we take a look back at some of the shows from the decade with theme songs that are too good (or too annoying) to forget, even 20 years later.
15South Park (1997)
The first entry on our list goes to the raunchy, adult cartoonSouth Park, a show which certainly doesn’t shy away from controversy. The show follows four childhood friends, Stan, Kyle, Eric (who goes by his last name, Cartman), and Kenny, as they engage in crazy shenanigans in the town of South Park, Colorado.
The show opens with an original song about the town, where images and characters from the show flash by as the song plays. The song is actually performed by the well-known band Primus and has become a highly recognized and beloved aspect of adult television. Both the show and its original theme song have certainly stood the test of time and are still on the air today!
14Twin Peaks (1990)
Unlike some of the other entries on this list, the introductory song toTwin Peaksis calmer, more melodious, and slightly understated by comparison. The series follows a team as they investigate the death and suspected murder of one of the town’s teens. The show features elements of horror, classic detective fiction, as well as fantasy, making it one of the heaviest dramas on this list.
The theme song, however, uses synths and drums to illicit the feeling of mystery that the show is all about. Though subtle, this theme song is one that certainly cannot be forgotten.
13Pokémon (1997)
ThePokémonfranchise has become a wildly successful phenomenon since the original show aired in 1997. The show follows Ash Ketchum and his buddy Pikachu as they look to gain new skills and meet creatures along the way. The series has spurred playable cards, video games, and merchandise of everyone’s favorite little pocket monsters.
Yet, the original theme song is arguably one of the most recognizable aspects of the show. With its upbeat nature and slamming electric guitar, this song certainly sets the tone for a series full of action and adventure!
Related:Best Comedy TV Shows of the 90s, Ranked
12SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?SpongeBob SquarePantsof course! The 1999 kids' television show introduced the world to everyone’s favorite undersea critters like Patrick Star, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, and the titularSpongeBob SquarePants. Every episode, we follow the crew on zany adventures in Bikini Bottom and see SpongeBob in his day-to-day as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab.
This theme song is one that truly lives rent-free in the minds of millions. This original song is sung by a bearded pirate, repeatedly saying the titular character’s name; ’90s kids all over just can’t seem to forget the semi-annoying but silly theme song even 20 years later!
11Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers (1993)
It seemed like every young kid in the ’90s wanted to be as cool as the power rangers. Another kids' show, theMighty Morphin' Power Rangersfollows the titular group as they train to become the best fighters and defeat different villains in each episode. Each dressed in a different color, the fighters have distinct powers but all work together to meet their ultimate goals in the series.
Its theme song features ripping guitar riffs and explosive lyrics, similar to the power rangers themselves. The specific line “go, go power rangers” has since become a key aspect of the brand, helping to set these ninja-like fighters apart from other action figure toys of the decade.
10Baywatch (1989)
ThoughBaywatchstarted its run in the 1980s, the show has since become a staple of the 1990s, thanks in part to its iconic cast and even more iconic theme song. Here, audiences follow a group of lifeguards as they patrol beaches on the West Coast and in Hawaii.
The song “I’m Always Here” opens with intense drums that help hammer home how action-packed the series is. Furthermore, the lyrics do the same, assuring viewers that the Baywatch lifeguards will always be there to help a person in need, something that they do in nearly every episode.
9The X-Files (1993)
The X-Filesis certainly one of the heavier shows on this list. The series follows two investigators as they look into unsolved crimes, many of which have some supernatural element to them. Facing danger and working diligently to solve the mystery, viewers are taken on a wild ride, one that can at times,get grim and scary.
The theme song is one that many often hear around Halloween; with its dark and mysterious nature, the song conveys a sense of unrest, accompanied by an eerie whistle played overtop of minor scale notes. It is as creepy as it is unique, making it one of the most unforgettable musical introductions on this list.
8Dawson’s Creek (1998)
Dawson’s Creekis one of the many teen dramas that follows a group of friends through their youth in a fictional Cape Cod town called Capeside, Massachusetts. One of the most defining aspects of the show was its love triangle, which included three of the four main leads.
“I Don’t Want to Wait” is the iconic opening song to this drama series. Performed by Paula Cole, you may have heard this song outside its popular television show, making its way to radios and iPods throughout the ’90s and still today. It is catchy, emotional, and helped catapult the show to widespread acclaim and success.
Related:The Best Forgotten ’90s Cartoons, Ranked
7Law and Order (1990)
Law and Orderis another entry that has certainly stood the test of time, still being aired today. The series tackles a wide range of topics, all of which pertain to the criminal justice system in the city of New York. Episodes are split into two parts, where the first part shows a suspect being investigated and ultimately apprehended, while the second part follows their experience in the court of law.
Though this song is entirely wordless, the beat is completely unique; when viewers hear the first sound of the bass, they know exactly which show they are watching. The song is as subtle, sly, and mysterious as the show itself is; it portrays a seriousness that is both necessary and effective in showing that this series means business.
6Full House (1989)
Full Houseis another entry that technically arose from the 1980s, however, the show saw most of its run and grew to massive popularity in the 1990s. Here, we follow a single dad as he attempts to raise his three daughters with the help of their two uncles. The family was shown to be idealistically tight-knit, with some major lessons being taught throughout each episode. The series alsoshowcased some amazing talentas well including John Stamos, who played Uncle Jesse, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who split the role of baby Michelle.
Every episode opened with a heartwarming tune called “Everywhere You Look,” which included lyrics that spoke on the importance of having people to lean on as well as a place to call home. The song perfectly encapsulated what the series itself stood for and let audiences know that this family would be there to support one another through it all.
