What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III
Stuart Gillard · Film · 1993
If you loved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, start with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987) — a series from the same story. Below: 3 books, 3 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III across media.
If you enjoyed the fish-out-of-water charm of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, you will love these adventurous tales of time-bending heroics.
Start with the source
The source
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Series · 1987
Adaptation
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Film · 1990
Adaptation
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze
Michael Pressman · Film · 1991
Books on the same thread
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin
Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird and Tom Waltz · Book
Explores: Grief and loss, Last survivor, Urban decay.
Since Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III focused on the bond of the brothers, you will appreciate this grim look at what happens when that brotherhood is finally severed.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin Ii—re-Evolution
Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz · Book
Explores: legacy, urban decay, vengeance.
Just as the turtles had to adapt to a new era in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, this story explores how a new generation carries on their legendary legacy.
The Good, the Bad, and the Goofy
Jon Scieszka · Book · 1993
Explores: Friendship, Time Travel, Adventure.
The time travel antics in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III find a comedic parallel in these chapter books, which capture the same spirit of irreverent, fast-paced historical adventure.
Series on the same thread
Samurai Jack
Genndy Tartakovsky · Series · 2001
Shares a thread with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Fish Out of Water.
If the classic samurai aesthetic of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III resonated with you, this journey of a warrior displaced in time offers a similarly intense, epic experience.
Teen Titans
Series · 2003
Shares 2 threads with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Teamwork, Coming of Age.
The teamwork and coming-of-age humor that defined Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III are mirrored in these heroes who balance saving the world with their own quirky, youthful dynamics.
Ninja Warrior
Series · 1997
Explores: athleticism, perseverance, competition.
Much like the rigorous training sequences in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, this competition highlights the incredible physical discipline required to master the art of the warrior.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The lighthearted group dynamics found in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III carry over to this podcast, where improvised storytelling creates a sense of camaraderie during high fantasy quests.
The Teen Commandments
Podcast
Explores: teenagers, adolescence, parenting teens.
While Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III focuses on the turtles themselves, this podcast explores the chaotic, funny, and relatable reality of navigating the teenage years with close friends.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III part of a continuous story with the first two films?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III follows the events of the 1990 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the 1991 sequel Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, though it features a distinct plot involving time travel to ancient Japan.
What order should I watch the movies in if I enjoyed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III?
To follow the franchise progression, you should watch the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie first, followed by the 1991 sequel Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, and finally Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III to see the turtles travel back to ancient Japan.
Does Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III relate to the 1987 animated television series?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III is a live-action film directed by Stuart Gillard and is separate from the continuity of the 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series. The film focuses on the turtles assisting a village in ancient Japan while training with samurai.
How does the plot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III differ from the earlier live-action films?
Unlike the previous films in the series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III centers on a time travel narrative where the turtles are transported to ancient Japan. They must train in the art of the samurai and help a small village stage an uprising against their oppressors.