YOUR FAVORITE MTV SHOWS ARE ON PARAMOUNT+

The 17 Best Nickelodeon Theme Songs, Ranked

No. 1 might surprise you.

If you're a '90s kid, chances are you've been asked "Nickelodeon or Disney?" at least once in your short lifetime. Whether you were a Nick purist or a faithful disciple of House of Mouse, you can't deny that Nickelodeon had a little something for everyone. ("Salute Your Shorts," anyone?)

Shows like "All That," "Kenan & Kel" and "Drake & Josh" defined our childhoods -- and we wouldn't have it any other way. How else would we know what a "catdog" is? Or that squirrels can live under the sea with sponges and squids? And most importantly, that Josh Peck would grow up to be a total hottie?

Since we already ranked the 17 best Disney Channel theme songs of past and present, we decided it was time to do the same with our favorite Nickelodeon opening tunes. And it was no easy feat. See if your favorite made the cut, below:

"Rugrats"

Memorable? Yes, of course. But there aren't any lyrics, so this is where it stays.

"Victorious"

We debated between Victoria Justice's "Victorious" theme -- "Make It Shine" -- and Emma Roberts' "Unfabulous" opener for way longer than we should have, but ultimately, Justice came out on top. Don't worry, Roberts is still bae.

"Doug"

Major props for those harmonies.

"SpongeBob Squarepants"

Admit it. You still know every word.

"Rocko's Modern Life"

That was a hoot, indeed.

"iCarly"

The only thing that makes this better is knowing Drake Bell provided the background vocals.

"Hey Arnold!"

Despite not having any lyrics, this theme has something even better: Helga Pataki. #TeamHelga

"Salute Your Shorts"

The only wakeup call we need in our lives.

"Rocket Power"

We've never wanted to surf and skateboard and live in Hawaii more.

"CatDog"

It's so twangy!

"The Naked Brothers Band"

Two words: Nat Wolff. We always knew he was going to be a star.

"Kenan & Kel"

All '90s kids know who loves orange soda. And if you don't get that reference, well, we feel sorry for you. The only thing we don't love about this Coolio song is how short it is.

"The Adventures of Pete and Pete"

Who knew one guitar riff could harbor so much nostalgia? We miss those halcyon days. Just put this song on repeat and quietly weep.

"Drake & Josh"

We bumped "I Found a Way" up a few spaces because of Josh Peck's incredible transformation into a heartthrob. That, and it's a hella catchy tune.

"Zoey 101"

Britney Spears is listed as a "co-writer," which automatically put "Follow Me" in the top three.

"All That"

Fresh out the box, "All That"'s theme song -- sung by TLC -- is arguably the most memorable tune for any '90s kid. But that doesn't make it no. 1 on our list.

"As Told By Ginger"

"As Told By Ginger" was the kind of show you could enjoy with your mom, so its mellow, adult contemporary theme felt appropriate. It's the kind of song that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Slay, Macy Gray. SLAAAAAAY.

Latest News