Best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Movies (November 2025)

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The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are a classic from the late 80s and early 90s that many people fondly remember from their childhood. These movies are a fun trip down memory lane and a surprisingly good way to recall the names of famous Italian Renaissance artists – perfect for impressing your friends with trivia! Whether you’ve loved the ninja turtles for years or are just discovering these pizza-loving heroes, here’s a guide to the best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movies.

What are the best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies as of 2025?

Okay, so I’m about to share my personal top five favorite TMNT movies. Just a heads-up, this is totally my opinion, and honestly, every fan I know has a different list! Don’t overthink it – it’s all about having fun and enjoying the Turtles, right?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

The first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie introduces Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael – four turtle brothers who fight crime. Trained by their wise rat teacher, Splinter, they battle the villainous Shredder and his Foot Clan.

Okay, let me tell you about this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. It really nails the feel of the original cartoon and comics, but with a serious boost from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. We’re talking incredibly detailed, full-body puppet suits – genuinely impressive, and a little spooky if you look too closely. Henson apparently considered it his most challenging creature work, and he was still perfecting things right up until his untimely death just two months before it hit theaters. Now, let’s be real: this isn’t a critical masterpiece. It can actually be a bit frustrating if you’re watching it with adult eyes. But for those of us who grew up with it, there was real magic here. If you’re revisiting it now, I’d say leave your cynicism at the door and tap back into that childhood joy – that’s when it really shines.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

I absolutely loved the new TMNT movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem! It’s such a fresh take on the turtles, and it’s really clever about acknowledging everything we already know and love. What I found really cool is that it’s an origin story, showing us how they first became the heroes we know – all thanks to that famous ooze! The movie perfectly captures their longing to be normal teenagers and experience life outside the sewers, but their dad, Splinter, is understandably worried about how humans will react. Ultimately, it’s a really touching story about finding acceptance, both from the outside world and within yourself.

This new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie features a unique approach: actual teenagers providing the voices for the turtles, along with Jackie Chan as Splinter. Voice acting can sometimes be weak in these films, but this version really delivers thanks to its talented cast. The animation style is also a plus, giving the action and humor a cool, comic book feel. If there’s one downside, it’s that the characters could have been explored a bit more deeply. We get their beginnings, so a little more focus on their individual journeys would have been great. Overall, though, it’s a strong entry and easily one of the best TMNT movies yet.

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Batman Vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019)

Can you believe it? Batman is in a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie! It all started with a comic book crossover. The story begins with the Foot Clan joining forces with Ra’s al Ghul in Gotham City, forcing Batman and the Turtles to team up and stop them. But before they can work together, there’s a funny scene where Batman quickly defeats the Turtles in a fight, showing they still have some skills to develop.

It’s true that the combination of dark, serious themes and lighthearted humor might seem strange, but it actually works surprisingly well and is a lot of fun. It’s like mixing the dangerous world of Gotham City with the Turtles’ playful energy – a potent combination! However, it’s not always easy for Batman and his crew to work with the Turtles’ unique personalities. Hopefully, by now you get the idea that this is a genuinely enjoyable experience.

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Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie (2022)

The movie Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continues the story from the popular Netflix series. It begins when the Turtle brothers encounter Casey Jones, a new friend who has traveled from the year 2044. Casey brings urgent news: a dangerous alien race known as the Krang is planning to invade Earth.

This TMNT movie is surprisingly good and doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It’s a lot of fun and has more memorable lines than many of the other films. The final fight is particularly impressive! If you struggled to get into the original TV show, this movie is a much more engaging and fast-paced experience – a wild ride from start to finish.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)

Picking up where the 2014 reboot left off, Out of the Shadows delivers even more action and stunning effects. The movie also captures the fun, lighthearted spirit that fans of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoons will love. The story quickly kicks into gear as Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael resume their duty of protecting New York City. The villain Shredder returns, breaking free with help from scientist Baxter Stockman, and unexpectedly finds himself teaming up with Krang after being transported to another dimension.

Even though the movie can be a bit over-the-top with its action and special effects, it’s fun how fully it embraces its silly idea. Bebop and Rocksteady, the turtle’s goofy sidekicks, are a highlight, turning every scene into a comedy bit. Megan Fox returns as April O’Neil, once again caught up in the turtles’ adventures. The movie does occasionally struggle to find a balance between being silly and being overly dramatic, but it’s also smartly self-aware. It knows it’s a cartoon about giant mutant ninja turtles, and it doesn’t try to be anything else, which is great.

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How we picked the best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movies

It’s hard to go wrong with any Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie – they’re all fun! But some are definitely better than others. We’ve chosen the ones that fans consistently love, have great animation, and are full of memorable lines. These movies are not only entertaining, but also well-written and deliver on the action.

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2025-11-05 03:49