The ’90s was a golden era for television, providing us with some of the most memorable theme songs that instantly take us back to our favorite nostalgic moments. Be it sitcoms, teen dramas, or crime dramas, these theme songs were the heartbeat of those shows.
From iconic claps and unforgettable raps to catchy beats and soulful melodies, here’s a nostalgia-packed list of 25 ’90s live-action shows’ theme songs that still make us smile (and sing along) to this day. I challenge you to read this list and not mentally sing along to any of these theme songs.
1. “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince) “Now, this is a story all about how…” Everyone instantly knows the opening lines, and it only gets better from there.
2. “Friends” (I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts) No ’90s list can be complete without this anthem. If the catchy clapping bit alone is enough to give one the feelings of nostalgia, I don’t know what would.
3. “Saved by the Bell” (Saved by the Bell Theme by Scott Gale) This upbeat tune instantly takes you back to Bayside High, catching up with Lisa, Slater, Jessie, Zach, and Kelly.
4. “Living Single” (Living Single Theme by Queen Latifah) Catchy, soulful, and empowering, this theme perfectly captures the essence of friendship and independence.
5. “All That” (All That Theme by TLC) – This theme song by TLC was, and perhaps still is, the coolest intro to a sketch comedy show. It’s hard not to sing along or rap Left Eye’s part.
6. “The Nanny” (The Nanny Theme by Ann Hampton Callaway) This catchy, jazzy theme song introduces us to the quirky journey of Fran Fine from a bridal shop in Queens to becoming the nanny for the Sheffield family. It’s fun and memorable.
7. “Gullah Gullah Island” (Gullah Gullah Island Theme by Ron Daise and Natalie Daise) This lively and fun educational theme welcomes viewers to the vibrant world of Gullah Gullah Island where we can, “come and let’s play together”
8. “The Parkers” (The Parkers Theme by Kim Whitley and Countess Vaughn) This fun and energetic song perfectly captures the hilarious mother-daughter duo’s unique dynamic.
9. “Sister, Sister” (Sister, Sister Theme by Tia and Tamera Mowry) Twins separated and then reunited—this memorable theme is as heartwarming as the show itself.
10. “Moesha” (Moesha Theme by Brandy) “Mo to the” This is a smooth, soulful theme song by Brandy that sets the pace for a teenage girl through maturity.
11. “Martin” (Martin Theme by Tisha Campbell) This upbeat theme song, fully captures the laughs and energy that come with Martin Lawrence.
12. “Family Matters” (As Days Go By by Jesse Frederick) This theme song just warmed your heart as it perfectly captures the ideals of family and togetherness; it is a ’90s staple.
13. “The Jamie Foxx Show” (The Jamie Foxx Show Theme by Jamie Foxx) This catchy R&B-infused theme perfectly captured the comedic and musical essence of the show, featuring Jamie Foxx’s smooth vocals.
14. “Nickelodeon GUTS” ( GUTS Theme) This high-energy, adrenaline-pumping theme song fully represents the excitement and competitiveness of the athletic challenges faced by contestants of this action-packed show. Listening to this song inspired every kid to have GUTS!
15. “Law & Order” (Law & Order Theme by Mike Post) This is an iconic, suspenseful instrumental theme that sets up the stage for dramatic courtroom and investigative scenes.
16. “The Wayans Bros.” (The Wayans Bros. Theme by Waynehead) With its funny and memorable lyrics, this theme song perfectly encapsulated the comedic style of the show.
17. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Theme by Nerf Herder) – This powerful and high-energy theme set the tone for Buffy’s supernatural battles and emotional struggles that became synonymous with the show’s unique mix of action and heart.
18. “In Living Color” (In Living Color Theme by Heavy D & The Boyz) This energetic theme song captured the essence of this groundbreaking sketch comedy show that pushed boundaries and showcased amazing diverse talent.
19. “The X-Files” (The X-Files Theme by Mark Snow) The eerie, atmospheric theme perfectly captures the sense of mystery and intrigue of this iconic sci-fi series.
20. “Seinfeld” (Seinfeld Theme by Jonathan Wolff) This quirky and instantly recognizable bass line became the soundtrack to one of the most beloved sitcoms of the ’90s.
21. “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” (Are You Afraid of the Dark? Theme) This is a spooky, haunting theme song that sets up the tales of the Midnight Society in just the right way to send chills down the spine of any kids who was brave enough to watch.
22. “Bill Nye the Science Guy” by Bill Nye the Science Guy Theme by Mike Greene) This exciting and educational -fun theme song sparked an enthusiasm for science in many young minds. Its chats, beats, and melody make this unforgettable.
23. “That ’70s Show” (That ’70s Show Theme by Cheap Trick) This rockin’ theme, a rework of Cheap Trick’s “In the Street,” has that laid-back, nostalgic vibe of the ’70s while introducing the offbeat gang from Point Place, Wisconsin.
24. “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (Go Go Power Rangers by Ron Wasserman) This high-energy rock theme song, with its iconic “Go Go Power Rangers” lyrics, hyped up kids everywhere for the action-packed adventures of these colorful heroes.
25. “Sex and the City” (Sex and the City Theme by Douglas J. Cuomo) This jazzy theme song perfectly captures the glamorous and bustling life of Carrie Bradshaw and her friends as they navigate love and friendship in New York City.
With these iconic ‘90s theme songs, it’s impossible not to get caught up in that wave of instant nostalgia when you hear these incredibly iconic ’90s theme songs.
Sing along with friends, dance around the living room, or catch the latest episode with family, these theme songs defined a generation. And while television today has its gems, there’s just something so timeless about how these musical ’90s memories keep on warming our hearts.
What’s your favorite ’90s live-action theme song? Let us know if we forgot any, and stay tuned for our definitive list of the top 25 iconic ’90s animated series theme songs that defined a decade.
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