Happy Hardcore is a subgenre of electronic dance music that emerged in the mid-1990s, evolving from Oldskool Rave Hardcore. It is characterized by its fast tempo (typically 160-190 BPM), uplifting melodies, and childlike elements, combined with distorted Roland TR-909 kick drums inspired by Gabber.

The genre gained worldwide popularity in the mid to late 1990s, despite being produced by a relatively small group of dedicated UK producers, along with some Dutch and German contributors. These producers created a vast amount of music under various aliases, often reusing similar drum kicks, leads, and breakdowns.

Happy Hardcore is closely associated with the candy raver subculture, known for their colorful and eccentric fashion, including phat pants, funfur, rainbow colors, and numerous accessories. This aesthetic became iconic in the rave scene, particularly in the late 1990s.

The genre's popularity peaked around 1997, after which it began to sound more formulaic. Anabolic Frolic's Happy2bHardcore compilation series, released from 1997 to 2007, serves as a comprehensive snapshot of the genre's evolution.

By the late 1990s, both producers and fans began to tire of the cutesy melodies and singalong choruses. This led to the development of Freeform, a harder-edged offshoot that incorporated elements from NRG.

While Happy Hardcore is no longer as prominent, it has left a lasting impact on electronic dance music culture. The genre remains open to potential revival through retro-inspired productions, as has been the case with many other electronic music genres.

As of February 2025, Happy Hardcore continues to have a niche following, with some modern producers and DJs incorporating elements of the genre into their work, keeping its spirit alive within the broader electronic dance music scene.