7 Things That Were Better in the 90s—And Still Are

The 1990s had a vibe that was hard to fake. No one was glued to a screen all day. Kids played outside, movies came on VHS, and music had heart. It wasn’t perfect, but it had charm. And even with all the tech and trends today, some 90s things still hit better. They were built to last—physically or emotionally. If you grew up in that decade, you probably feel a bit of this already. If not, it’s never too late to enjoy the best of it.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Before streaming, you had to wake up early to catch your favorites. It was a weekly ritual—bowl of cereal in hand, blanket on the floor, and hours of Bugs Bunny, X-Men, or Animaniacs. Cartoons today are slick, but 90s shows had a mix of fun, wit, and soul that’s hard to beat. Plus, they weren’t just ads for toys. Some even taught basic life stuff in a fun way. It was screen time you looked forward to—and then ran outside after.

Physical Music Collections

There’s something powerful about holding a CD or cassette. You picked it, paid for it, and played it start to finish. No skipping. No endless shuffle. Just you and the album. Cover art mattered. Lyrics came in the case. And mixtapes? They were pure love. Music wasn’t just sound—it was a full moment. Today, playlists are easy, but that ease can make music feel disposable. The 90s gave it weight.

Hanging Out in Person

You had to call the house phone. You had to show up. No text saying “running late”—you were either there or not. That made meetups feel real. Whether it was hanging out at the mall, riding bikes, or just walking around the block, time with friends was face-to-face. That kind of simple connection builds real bonds. Now, it’s easy to stay in touch—but also easy to stay distant. The 90s were slower, but somehow deeper.

Affordable Fun

You didn’t need much to have a good time. A few bucks could get you into an arcade or the movies. Renting a game or video was a whole weekend plan. Most toys didn’t need batteries. Even snacks were cheaper and more fun—remember Dunkaroos or 25-cent gum from a machine? You made do with what you had, and somehow it felt like more. Today’s fun can come with big price tags, but in the 90s, joy came cheap.

TV Shows You Had to Wait For

Appointment TV was a thing. You waited all week for your favorite show. “TGIF” lineups and prime-time drama gave your week structure. And missing an episode? That meant real FOMO—no rewinds, no spoilers, just genuine suspense. Waiting made it special. Binge-watching is fast, but the 90s gave you space to enjoy the ride. Some of those shows still hold up, too. Just try watching Fresh Prince or ER again—you might get hooked.

Simpler Tech (That Just Worked)

Game Boys. Landlines. Polaroids. VCRs. These weren’t sleek, but they were solid. You didn’t need software updates or extra cables. You just turned it on and it worked. Kids in the 90s knew how to blow on a game cartridge to fix it, or rewind a tape with a pencil. There’s joy in that simplicity. You didn’t worry about viruses or your phone spying on you. Tech didn’t own you—it helped you have fun.

Style That Wasn’t Trying So Hard

Denim everything. Scrunchies. Windbreakers. Big shoes. The 90s were comfy and loud in the best way. It was okay to mix colors, clash prints, or just wear overalls and call it fashion. Grunge was cool because it didn’t care. Today, trends move fast and feel polished. But 90s style still finds its way back into closets—and for good reason. It was honest. It was fun. And it didn’t take itself too seriously.

Conclusion

The 90s weren’t perfect, but they had staying power. In a world moving fast, these things remind us of how good simple, real moments can feel. From Saturday cartoons to music with soul, there’s a reason people keep coming back to 90s vibes. You can stream the shows, wear the clothes, or start a mixtape just for fun. Whether you lived it or just love it, these things aren’t stuck in the past—they’re still worth keeping close.