The Best 1990s Adventure TV Series

Updated October 29, 2023 3.6K votes 374 voters

Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best 1990s Adventure TV Series

Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite adventure shows that aired on TV in the '90s

Latest additions: Earth 2, Ocean Girl, Beast Wars: Transformers

Most divisive: Baywatch

The 90s were a a great decade for groundbreaking adventure shows. So, here are the best 1990s adventure TV series, ranked from best to worst by user votes. From great 90s adventure shows about supernatural detectives, to other good 1990s adventure shows that took place on a beach, the rugged inner city, and even outer space. A few of the greatest 1990s adventure TV series were even based on books and comics.

What shows will you find on this top 1990s adventure TV shows list? The X-files shared many extraterrestrial adventures during its nine series run. This great 90s adventure show had such a cult following that Fox announced that it was bringing it back for as a mini-series in 2016. Walker, Texas Ranger was another entertaining adventure series from the 1990s.

Kids were also entertained by 90s adventure shows like Power Rangers and Goosebumps. Other great series that are featured on this list of the best 1990s adventure TV series include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Farscape and JAG.

Which 90s adventure show is your favorite? Give the best series a thumbs up and share some of your favorite episodes in the comments section.

Ranked by

1
The X-Files
Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny, Mitch Pileggi
129 votes
- Premiered: September 10, 1993
Watch for Free with Amazon Prime Free Trial
The X-Files, a trailblazing science fiction drama, delves into the unexplained phenomena investigated by FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). With a blend of suspense, intrigue, and occasional humor, the series explores their pursuit of the truth behind extraterrestrial events and government conspiracies. Its compelling narrative and well-developed characters earned The X-Files numerous accolades, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards. Throughout its 11-season run, the show maintained a loyal fanbase, solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone that continues to captivate audiences and inspire countless other television series in the realm of the paranormal.
2
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan
127 votes
- Premiered: March 10, 1997
Watch for Free with Amazon Prime Free Trial
In a small Californian town lies the seemingly ordinary Sunnydale High School, but beneath its surface lurks an underworld of supernatural forces. Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows the life of Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), a teenager with a destiny to protect humanity as a vampire-slaying warrior. This iconic series is a seamless blend of horror, comedy, and drama, earning multiple accolades throughout its seven-season run. With memorable characters such as Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) and Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon), the show expertly tackles themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery while maintaining a thrilling atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged.
3
Xena: Warrior Princess
Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Connor
134 votes
- Premiered: September 4, 1995
In a mythical world of ancient Greece, Xena: Warrior Princess offers viewers an action-packed adventure laced with drama and humor. The show revolves around the redemption-seeking protagonist, Xena (Lucy Lawless), who is accompanied by her loyal companion Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor). Together, they embark on a journey to protect the innocent from the forces of evil. The series, which originally aired from 1995 to 2001, garnered a cult following and multiple award nominations for its compelling storylines, strong female leads, and impressive stunt work. Xena: Warrior Princess remains a beloved classic, skillfully weaving elements of mythology, martial arts, and timeless themes of friendship and redemption.
4
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton
125 votes
- Premiered: September 28, 1987
Watch for Free with Amazon Prime Free Trial
Exploring the vast cosmos with a diverse crew, Star Trek: The Next Generation invites viewers to embark on thrilling adventures aboard the USS Enterprise-D. This critically acclaimed science fiction series, which garnered 58 Emmy nominations and 19 wins, masterfully tackles complex themes such as diplomacy, ethics, and artificial intelligence. With compelling performances by Patrick Stewart (Captain Jean-Luc Picard) and Brent Spiner (Data), this iconic show delves into the intricacies of humanity while embracing a hopeful vision of the future. As the crew traverses through space, they encounter various alien species and challenges, allowing them to grow and adapt, both personally and professionally.
5
Goosebumps
R.L. Stine, Kathryn Short, Cody Jones
105 votes
- Premiered: November 3, 1995
A chilling journey into the supernatural realm awaits viewers as they dive into the world of Goosebumps, an award-winning anthology television series. Adapted from R.L. Stine's spine-tingling book series, each episode delivers a thrilling narrative that explores the eerie unknown. With its diverse ensemble of characters, including the mischievous Slappy the Dummy (voiced by Ron Stefaniuk), Goosebumps weaves captivating tales that have captured the imagination of audiences young and old alike. Lauded for its innovative storytelling and suspenseful atmosphere, this series continues to be a hallmark of 90s nostalgia, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what lurks around each dark corner.
6
Angel
David Boreanaz, Alexis Denisof, J. August Richards
109 votes
- Premiered: October 5, 1999
Watch for Free with Amazon Prime Free Trial
Angel, a supernatural drama series, expertly weaves a tale of redemption and heroism in the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. The show follows the journey of Angel (David Boreanaz), a vampire with a soul, as he combats malevolent forces and aids the helpless in their battles against evil. With its compelling storylines, the series has garnered critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, including multiple Saturn Awards for Best Network Television Series. Notable guest stars such as Julie Benz (Darla) and Amy Acker (Winifred Burkle) enhance the depth and complexity of the narrative, providing viewers with an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

The X-Files

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Xena: Warrior Princess

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Goosebumps

Angel