The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been entertaining fans for almost four decades,
evolving from radical party dudes into gritty dystopian heroes - and everything in between.
With each iteration, different aspects of their personalities and backstories
have been emphasized, resulting in a multitude of versions that contribute
to an overall sense of Ninja Turtle-ness. Despite the lack of an official "definitive"
version, fans have accepted every new comic, television show, and movie as part
of the complicated Turtle canon. However, some adaptations stand out as better than others. With
a new movie right around the corner, it's the perfect time to rank every Movie and Animated
incarnation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I’m Andrew with WickedBinge. And this is
every TMNT Movie and Animated incarnation from worst to best.
Okay, as usual - we’ll be starting with The Worst and working our way up. And at the bottom of our
list, we have: Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have had a long
and successful history in comics, movies, and cartoons since their debut in 1984. However, their
only attempt at a live-action TV show, "Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation," was a disappointment.
Produced by Saban, creators of "Power Rangers," the show focused on overacting and lacked heart,
with every creative aspect turned up to an extreme. Despite introducing Venus de Milo,
the first female Ninja Turtle, the show ultimately only gave fans a few things to appreciate.
The show's writing lacked sincerity, opting for shallow and contrived
plotlines. And the Turtles' emotional depth was sacrificed for cheap jokes and one-liners.
And again, we can’t over-emphasize the over-acting… (show a clip of overreacting)
Moving onto TMNT III… "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
III" was the last of the original, live-action New Line Cinema TMNT movies. It continued the
trend set by "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze," in which every
successive movie cut out more and more realism and emotion to make room for slapstick comedy.
The franchise's success was due predominantly to its almost $6 billion (at that point) in
merchandise sales, most of that being action figures. Since kids were driving
the Turtles' success, the movies began to play more to their market.
Yet for some reason, the film's creators chose to set their most childish movie to date in
feudal Japan, in the midst of an English incursion and a trade dispute. The bland
attempts at historicity left most of the movie's setting, plot, and characters with little to say,
do, or emote. Most just grunt or scowl as they go about their grim,
medieval lives, making the Turtles' teenage banter seem alien and rude.
Still, the film manages to capture a small portion of what made "The Secret of the
Ooze" so fun, and that's a small victory. Next, we have the Michael Bay Reboots…
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot movies released in 2014 and 2016,
produced by Michael Bay, are known for their excessive style but failed to
impress fans and critics. Even the cast members had a terrible time during the
filming process. While the movies were financially successful, they failed to
leave a lasting impression on most people and didn't leave any scope for a third installment.
It's challenging to identify the exact reason behind the disappointment with "Teenage Mutant
Ninja Turtles" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows." Most likely,
the issues with both movies were just enough to throw off the entire experience. Fans have pointed
out major issues with the designs of the mutant characters, the wooden acting of the human cast,
and the striking similarity of the first movie's plot to "The Amazing Spider-Man" released in 2012.
Megan Fox's casting as April O'Neil was met with mixed reactions from fans. Some praised
her performance, citing her charisma and screen presence, while others criticized her acting
and the portrayal of the character. Some fans felt that her character was
poorly written and lacked the intelligence and resourcefulness that April O'Neil is known for
in the comics and previous adaptations. Other problems include forced humor,
lackluster fight choreography, and erratic pacing. At one point, Michelangelo attempts to distract
the humans by performing a dance in a makeshift disco ball costume. The scene plays out as a
comedic moment, with Michelangelo dancing and the other turtles and human characters looking
on in disbelief. If we’re being generous, these types of jokes are very hit-or-miss.
Though, the elevator beatbox scene is unforgettable.
Moving onto Rise of TMNT. Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
is a 2018 animated TV series that reimagines the classic TMNT characters with new designs and
personalities. While it's commendable for taking creative risks and trying something different,
the show falls short in several key areas. One of the biggest issues with Rise of TMNT
is its characterizations. The turtles are now depicted as more childish and goofy, which can be
grating and annoying at times. Additionally, the personalities of the turtles are less distinct,
making it harder to differentiate them from one another. The changes to the characters
may appeal to a younger audience, but long-time fans of the franchise may find them off-putting.
The animation style of Rise of TMNT is also a point of contention. While it's colorful and
flashy, it can be too frenetic and distracting at times. The action scenes can be difficult to
follow due to the constant movement and rapid cuts. Furthermore, the character
designs, while unique, can be jarring to fans accustomed to the classic look of the turtles.
Another issue with the show is its writing. The dialogue can be overly simplistic and dumbed down,
which can be a turnoff for older viewers. The plots of the episodes can also be formulaic
and predictable, lacking the depth and complexity of previous TMNT series.
Overall, while Rise of TMNT is a bold attempt to revitalize the TMNT franchise for a new
generation, it falls short in its execution. The characterizations, animation style, and writing
all leave something to be desired, making it a less-than-stellar addition to the TMNT canon.
Real quick, let’s talk about Turtles Forever.Turtles Forever is a 2009 animated
television movie that serves as a crossover between the 1987 and 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles animated series. The movie starts with the 1987 Turtles and their allies encountering
their counterparts from the 2003 series, who have been brought into their dimension. As
the two teams work together to figure out how to return the 2003 Turtles to their own dimension,
they come up against their shared enemy, the evil Shredder from the 1987 series and the
Utrom Shredder from the 2003 series. Overall, Turtles Forever is a fun and
enjoyable movie that pays tribute to the different iterations of the TMNT franchise. It's exciting
to see the different versions of the Turtles interacting with each other and trying to work
together despite their different personalities and styles. The animation is also impressive,
especially in the way it blends the different styles of the two series.
However, the movie does have its flaws. Some fans may be disappointed that certain characters and
storylines from the two series are left out or only briefly mentioned. The plot
can also be somewhat convoluted at times, particularly in the way it tries to explain
the differences between the two versions of Shredder and their various origins.
In addition, the movie does rely heavily on nostalgia and references to the previous series,
which may not be as enjoyable for viewers who are not familiar with the earlier iterations of
the franchise. Some of the humor can also be hit-or-miss, and some of the
jokes may fall flat for certain viewers. Moving onto TMNT 2: The Secret of Ooze.
Released in 1991, "TMNT 2: The Secret of the Ooze" is the second film in the
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. The movie follows the adventures of the
four turtle brothers as they try to stop the villainous Shredder and his
Foot Clan from getting their hands on a mysterious substance known as "ooze."
The film features the same beloved characters from the first film,
including the wise Master Splinter, April O'Neil, and Casey Jones
. It also introduces new characters, such as the villainous duo Tokka and Rahzar,
who were created using the ooze. It’s full of action-packed fight scenes,
with the turtles showcasing their martial arts skills and signature weapons. The humor
and lightheartedness that made the first film so popular are also present, making "TMNT 2" a fun
and enjoyable watch for fans of the franchise. However, some viewers may find that the movie
doesn't quite live up to the original. The plot is somewhat simplistic, and the dialogue and acting
can be cheesy at times. Additionally, the film takes some liberties with the established TMNT
lore, which may not sit well with hardcore fans. Let’s talk briefly about the 2007 TMNT movie.
This was a notable departure from the previous live-action films, opting instead for computer
animation. The story was a bit darker and more serious than previous incarnations,
focusing on the Turtles' struggle to come together and save the world from an ancient
evil. While the animation was impressive, the movie suffered from a lack of character
development and some uneven pacing, making it a mixed bag for fans of the franchise. Overall,
it's a decent addition to the TMNT movie canon, but not quite on par with the original 1990 film.
Moving onto the 1990 TMNT Movie. Say what you want about this one,
it’s sort of an important piece of history. Yeah, it’s goofy,
but it’s a fun and action-packed adventure that will appeal to fans of the franchise.
The film does a great job of bringing the turtles to life with impressive animatronics and puppetry,
and the action scenes are well-choreographed and exciting to watch. The movie also
manages to balance its humor and darker themes, making it a great family film.
However, some viewers may find the film's plot a bit simplistic,
and the acting can be a bit over-the-top at times… to say the least. Additionally,
the movie's special effects and visual style may feel a bit dated to modern audiences… but you
really should try to watch these types of movies through the lens of the year they were produced.
At the end of the day, it’s a classic piece of 90s nostalgia that still holds
up as a fun and entertaining film. Nothing wrong with a little action-comedy that
doesn’t take itself too seriously. Let’s talk about Batman vs. Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles. An animated film that sort of popped up out of nowhere.
The plot follows the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as they arrive in Gotham City and
team up with Batman to stop a joint plot by the Foot Clan and some of Batman's greatest
villains. The film features a wide array of characters from both franchises, including Robin,
Batgirl, Shredder, and the Joker, and it's a joy to see them all interact on screen.
One of the standout aspects of the film is its animation style. The characters
are rendered in a more traditional comic book style, with bold outlines and vibrant colors
that make them pop on the screen. The action sequences are also expertly choreographed,
with each character utilizing their unique skills and abilities in creative and exciting ways.
Another great aspect is the humor. The Turtles and Batman have very different personalities,
and their interactions are often played for laughs. There are also plenty of Easter eggs
and nods to both franchises, making it a treat for fans of both series.
Next, we have the 2003 Fox TMNT cartoon.
The 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon by Fox is a beloved and iconic
iteration of the franchise. Running for seven seasons, the show follows the
four turtle brothers as they battle their enemies and protect the city from danger.
One of the most notable aspects of this series is its darker and more mature tone compared to
previous versions of the TMNT franchise. The show explores complex themes such as identity,
betrayal, and loyalty, and isn't afraid to tackle heavy subject matter.
One example of a darker moment in the 2003 Fox TMNT cartoon is in the episode "Same As
It Never Was," which takes place in an alternate future where the
turtles have failed to stop an alien invasion. In this episode, we see a dystopian version of
New York City that has been ravaged by war and destruction. The turtles are no longer
the carefree heroes we know them as, and instead, they are hardened survivors who
have lost many of their friends and loved ones. The animation style is also a standout feature
of the series. The character designs are sleek and stylish, and the fight
scenes are fluid and dynamic, making for some truly impressive action sequences.
In terms of storytelling, the 2003 TMNT series is known for its strong character development. Each
of the turtles has their own distinct personality and backstory, and the show does an excellent
job of fleshing out their individual arcs and exploring their relationships with each other.
The 2003 TMNT cartoon is a fantastic entry in the franchise, offering a darker and more mature take
on the classic characters while still retaining the heart and humor that have made the turtles
so beloved over the years. And on that note, let’s
move onto the original cartoon. We’re giving The Silver Medal to The 1987 TMNT cartoon.
The 1987 "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" cartoon is a beloved classic that helped
to launch the Turtles franchise into worldwide phenomenon status. The show ran
for 10 seasons and 193 episodes, and it's not hard to see why it was so successful.
One of the biggest strengths of the show was its perfect balance of humor
and action. The Turtles were a hit with kids for their wisecracks and playful attitude,
but they were also formidable fighters who took on the bad guys with skill and strategy. The show's
action sequences were well choreographed and always kept the audience engaged.
The characters themselves were also well developed, each with their own distinct
personalities and quirks. Leonardo was the serious leader, Raphael was the tough guy
with a heart of gold, Donatello was the genius inventor, and Michelangelo was the fun-loving
party dude. The show's villains were equally memorable, with the likes of Shredder, Krang,
and Bebop and Rocksteady becoming fan favorites. The animation style was also a standout feature of
the show. While the animation may not hold up to today's standards, it had a unique look and feel
that was unlike anything else on TV at the time. However, the show did have some flaws. Some
episodes were formulaic and predictable, with the Turtles battling the same villains over and over
again. The animation quality was not consistent, with some episodes looking much cheaper than
others. And while the humor was a big part of the show's appeal, some of the jokes may come
across as a bit cringey to modern audiences… but you can’t really hold that against it.
The 1987 "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" cartoon is a classic that still holds up as a fun
and entertaining watch for fans of all ages. It had a significant impact on popular culture,
as it helped to establish the franchise as a household name. The show's distinctive style
and humor influenced subsequent TMNT adaptations and even other cartoons. Its success also paved
the way for other animated series based on comic book properties, helping to legitimize
the medium as a viable platform for storytelling. It might be a bit controversial to rank it higher
than the original, but we’re giving the Gold Medal of TMNT cartoons/movies to
Nickelodeon’s 2012 cartoon series next. The 2012 Nickelodeon TMNT series was a
well-received reboot of the franchise, bringing fresh energy to the series.
One of the standout features of the show was its attention to character development. Each
of the Turtles was given a unique personality and backstory, making them more relatable and
three-dimensional than in previous iterations of the franchise. The show also explored the
relationships between the Turtles and their allies, such as April O'Neil and Casey Jones,
as well as their enemies, such as the Shredder and his Foot Clan.
The action scenes in the show were expertly crafted, featuring a blend of martial arts,
acrobatics, and sci-fi gadgets. The fight choreography was well thought out and executed,
making for exciting and visually impressive battles. The show also made use of creative
camera angles and special effects to enhance the action scenes.
The show's writers also did a great job of balancing humor and drama. The show
could be silly and lighthearted at times, but also had plenty of emotional depth and
serious moments. This helped to keep the show engaging and relatable for viewers of all ages.
Overall, the 2012 Nickelodeon TMNT series was a well-crafted reboot of
the franchise that successfully brought new life to the beloved characters. Its
strong character development, well-crafted action scenes,
and clever blend of humor and drama made it a standout entry in the TMNT canon.
But let us know in the comment section which TMNT is your favorite. And make sure to hit
that notification bell so you can binge our other videos. But most importantly, stay wicked!