The 90s were an awesome decade, and like the 80s, a lot happened to define the people who lived through it. Lately, there has been a rising trend of remembering the past and experiencing nostalgia. So let’s take a trip down memory lane and check out our list of things that will bring back the memories.
Cartoons
If millennials can talk about one thing, it’s that the ’90s had the best cartoons and networks. We had great television shows, the cartoons were hilarious (though some haven’t aged well), and the shows featured lessons that still hold up today. It was a great era for media.
Music
This is always debatable because every generation thinks they have the best music. But the ’90s did have some incredible artists. There were so many different genres to explore, from punk, pop, grunge, to R&B. Many people believe that today’s music just can’t hold up.
No Social Media
Many people believe that social media is what’s wrong with the world and even blame it for mental health issues. The argument is that people in older generations were happier because we didn’t live in an age of likes, comparisons, or judgment.
Movies
Another thing to love about the ’90s? The movies! Millennials will remember going to the drive-in or having movie nights at home. If you were lucky, you got to go to the theater and feel like you were a part of the action. Families spent more time together doing activities like movie nights because there was no social media to distract them.
Wrestling
Wrestling is still popular today, but ’90s wrestling was incredible. We had stars like the Heartbreak Kid, The Rock, Stone Cold, and more. During school, everyone would talk about the matches and recite the catchphrases because everyone was glued to the television to see their favorites. You would also find heroic characters being replaced by anti-heroes.
Rollerblades
In the ’90s, rollerblading and skateboarding were the things to do. Rollerblading, in particular, inspired an entire generation. There were movies like Brink and Airborne that featured rollerblading, and everyone was begging their parents to get them a pair. You had cute styles or more edgy looks that would make you stand out.
Grunge
Grunge was seen as the musical counter to the ’80s and was considered a reset to the glitz and glam. Instead of synthesizers, there was a heavier focus on live instruments. It offered a unique sound characterized by intense drumming and sharp riffs. They even called the sound “dirty.”
The Chicago Bulls
One of the most popular teams in the ’90s, they had future Hall of Fame players, were dominant, and had Jordan. They won six NBA championships during that decade and boasted a great team that included Rodman and Pippen. They enjoyed great visibility, and the players were securing massive endorsements.
Consoles
Video gaming was also a huge phenomenon in the ’90s. You’d see debates about the Super Nintendo versus the Genesis, and it was a fun way to experience gaming. Each console had its advantages, and while most people could only afford one, it led to great advances in technology and lively discussions on the schoolyard.
Malls
Malls were incredibly popular in the ’90s. If you were allowed to go after school, you were one of the cool kids; and if you could go on weekends, you had the delight of visiting your favorite stores, hanging out with friends, devouring junk food, and enjoying the excitement of meeting new people.
Optimism
The ’90s were a time before many tragic events occurred, like 9/11. There seemed to be more optimism instead of sadness and fear. Everything changed after such events, but many millennials often say they would go back to a simpler time before these events altered the world.
Playing Outside
Back in the ’90s, you could play outside with your friends without worrying about anything. Most parents would let you play all day until the streetlights came on before finally calling you in. You could knock on a neighbor’s door and hang out whenever—no calling or texting needed.
The Internet
With the rise of the internet, we no longer had to go to the library and search through catalogs for books or spend hours looking for information; everything was at our fingertips. It ushered in a new era for those who loved that learning and information were so accessible.
The Fashion
The fashion of the ’90s was iconic. We wore whatever we wanted without caring about trends. We wanted to be comfortable, and if we wanted to look amazing, we would get decked out. Even those who once “hated” the fashion are now seeing it make a comeback.
Caring About The Planet
We were taught to recycle and care about the planet in school, and Earth Day was always important. Schools held assemblies about the importance of recycling and saving soda cans. We learned that the ozone layer was in danger and that we had to do our part to help fix it. There were even cartoons on the subject—anyone remember Captain Planet?
Remembering The Fun
The ’90s were a time when a generation had fun, held onto hope, and was excited for a brighter future. It was an era of great music, fads, and delicious snacks. No matter what you were doing, you were (almost always) optimistic, and it truly was a great time to be alive. We hope this list brings back fond memories.
