With the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem this week, it’s the perfect time to look back at the past cinematic outings of the iconic heroes in a half-shell. While the quality of the films has varied throughout the years, they hold a special place in the hearts of many fans. Here are the best Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies ranked.
Coming in at number seven is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993), which takes our heroes on a time travel adventure to feudal Japan. Unfortunately, the film lacks energy, with poorly executed fight scenes and subpar acting. Even the costumes are worse than previous installments. The franchise had already lost its momentum by this point, making it the lowest ranked film in the series.
Next is TMNT (2007) at number six, which attempted to revive the turtle wave with a big-screen animated extravaganza. However, it failed to capture the interest of audiences and was considered a disappointment. The animation, voice acting, and story all fell short, resulting in a lackluster film that couldn’t generate much excitement.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016) takes the fifth spot. While the film introduces beloved characters like Krang, Bebop, Rocksteady, and the Technodrome, it suffers from a shoddy script and flaccid performances. The overreliance on CGI and Transformers-esque aesthetic also detract from the overall enjoyment. However, the film’s heart is in the right place and it deserves credit for its attempts to please fans.
At number four is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991). The sequel entertains as a goofy piece of early 90s cinema, featuring memorable elements like Vanilla Ice and Super Shredder. While the overall design and changes to the cast may have been unnecessary, the film still manages to deliver an entertaining experience, particularly for those driven by nostalgia.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) takes the third spot and offers a mix of action, style, and substance. Despite the divisive Michael Bay aesthetic and controversial turtle designs, the film captures the essence of the original 1990 flick. It features competent action sequences, distinct character personalities, and genuine stakes in the third act. While far from perfect, it represents the right approach to the material.
Taking the number two spot is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. While the film may seem unconventional with its prepubescent turtle children who talk like YouTubers, it manages to deliver an infectiously entertaining experience. The tone is goofier than previous installments, but there’s still heart, wit, and fun that sets it apart from the others. Audiences may need to adjust to the new take, but it offers a fresh and unique direction for future turtle adventures.
Finally, the top-ranked film is the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990). This live-action adaptation of the cartoon/comic book remains the best to date. Despite its dated puppetry and production, the film captures the magic of the franchise. It delivers effective comedy, fierce fight sequences, and a gritty New York City setting. The performances, particularly Judith Hoag as April O’Neil and Elias Koteas as Casey Jones, are memorable. Director Steve Barron stays true to the material, creating a quality picture for fans to enjoy.
In conclusion, while the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies have had their ups and downs, they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many fans. Each film brings its own unique elements and experiences, but the original 1990 live-action adaptation remains the best of the bunch. With the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, fans can look forward to a new take on their favorite heroes in a half-shell.
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