My Ranking of the TMNT Movies
Been wanting to rank the TMNT movies for a time. Needed some distraction today so figured, why not?!
10: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Okay, so while this is in the last place, I don't hate it. I don't think it's a bad movie. It's well made, the characters are good and I think the message of fitting in is delivered fairly well.
I just don't think it's meant for me. The slang irritates me (but absolutely makes sense why they use it), I can't get behind the art style (even though it clearly is done by people with talent) and the film overall is just too busy. Not a bad intro for new fans at all, though!
The animation, especially of New York, looks gorgeous. The idea of it being a bit later in the turtles' lives is a fun one and allows us to explore some new avenues.
But the film squanders so much. The monsters could have been interesting. Winters could have been interesting. Including anyone outside of Leo and Raph could have been interesting.
But this is easily one of my least favorite Splinters. Leo is so obnoxiously arrogant. Donnie and Mikey are practically ignored outside of a few appearances.
Definitely one of the best Raphs but I weep at what could have been.
8: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
So, I have fun with this one. It absolutely has its flaws but I enjoy it. I like the turtles' interactions, I don't mind April's tie into their past. Don't even mind Erick Sacks to be honest.
Action is solid. Elevator scene is cool. One of the best Raphs, he's number 3 in my list. And it was cool to see a version of Vernon in live action.
Hate the revamp of how they learned their skills but didn't mind Splinter otherwise. Could have done without the sexualization of both April and Mikey and Shredder was absolutely shoed in but it is far from the worst movie.
7: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III
I know, I know but I don't hate this movie. It doesn't nearly match up to the first two but if they ever re-release this one in theaters like they did one and two, I'd buy a ticket.
Suits suck, no argument there and Casey is criminally underused. I don't mind tje goofy antics bevause its very 87 cartoon-esque but totally get how it would infuriate some.
I like Mikey dealing with a crush. It feels in character and as he is the most social turtle, him enjoying being accepted also makes a ton of sense.
Raph's relationship with Yoshi is also adorable. It felt like a full circle for Raph's anger: movie 1 uncontrolled, movie 2 beginning to understand it, movie 3 guiding another.
And, minor thing but I love the "Leo, high foot!" That Donnie does and it has become part of my story canon as a fun thing the brothers do.
Totally get the grips but honestly, I don't think it's as bad as most people think.
6: Rise of the TMNT: The Movie
While I like Rise, it's not one of my favorite TMNT cartoons so I was surprised by how good this movie was and more importantly, how emotional it got.
This version of the Krang are pure nightmare fuel and I was shocked how dark they actually got. The scenes in their prison dimension is just...*shudder*
And I love seeing my Mikey prevail and say "no, we're getting our brother back!" The final scene with the three brothers ripping reality open to save Leo just melts my heart.
Honestly, what really holds this one back is that Leo before his character growth is downright insufferable and I found it really hard to like him.
5: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
They basically fixed most of my problems with the first movie and added some new stuff! Especially regarding Mikey's characterization. He is much of the empathic character I know and love.
The brotherly conflict and clash of ideals is also a great conflict. The division between them adds some understandable tension.
Seeing Bebop and Rocksteady in live action was great and just like last time, action scenes were stellar. We got a great protective brother moment, too! "Nobody. Messes. With. Mikey!"
Leo is a bit of a dick through most of the movie though and it doesn't really make sense compared to his actions on the last movie. He improves near the end but I wish we saw more of him being the caring but competent leader than what we got.
Overall, massive improvement and I'm sad we didn't get a third one.
Been wanting my two favorite turtle series to cross over since forever! When I heard about this project, I thought it was a joke for the longest time.
The detail they put into replicating the 87 world in look was awesome. You can tell they studied the look and background details and it looks amazing.
The plot--a multiverse story that leads us back to the original Mirage comics world? Brilliant! And all the easter eggs! Seeing just a brief look into all these other worlds? Awesome!
But they really did my 87 Turtles dirty. They had individual personalities and when things got serious, they would be serious. They wouldn't run from a fight. You can really see Laird's distain for the 87 series here which is unfortunate. So, that drags this one down in my ranking. But I do still really enjoy it.
3: Batman vs the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
I love both these properties and this was so well done. You can tell the people behind it really loved and respected both medias.
I adore the personalities on just about everyone here. They poke fun at both properties and it's done with respect. You can see how both sides how they grow from their interactions.
Honestly, my only real gripe is that Batman's first fight with the turtles was much more one sided than it should have been, especially considering Batman took a major injury from Shredder. No issue with Batman winning--he is older and more experienced but especially four-on-one, he should have struggled more than he did.
I wish we'd seen Nightwing show up but I still have hope for the future!
2: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Honestly, my first and second favorite will swap places depending on my mood. But, overall, the original movie is typically in second place.
This whole thing is so good. The suits are amazing, the acting is great and the emotional plotline really tugs at the heart. The turtles talking to Splinter at the campfire still just punches me in the gut.
The final battle in the sewers against the Foot is hilarious and so much fun. It really captures the personalities so well.
It has my favorite Casey Jones and one of my favorite Aprils. Honestly, even the anti-climatic ending--while it could have been improved--I enjoy the message.
Overall, no complaints, I just like my number one a smidge more.
1: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze
Yeah, the sequel beats out the original but just barely. And like I said, depending on the mood, it may swap with the first movie.
Truthfully, my love for the 87 cartoon is what bumps this up a lot. It definitely has that feel while not losing all that gritty edge.
I like Keno. Might be a weird take but I do. Wish we had still got Casey too but Keno adds a fun dynamic especially him and Raph. I also really like Professor Perry. He's this eccentric nerd and I love it. Can definitely see where we originally was going to be Baxter. Reminds me of cartoon 87 Baxter.
This is my favorite movie Donatello. I love the more insightful take and his struggle over meaning, but he also keeps his humor. Him and Mikey crack me up all day.
Is the first one better made? Probably, better story? Absolutely. But, this movie is pure, unadulterated fun.
