Where to start
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
7 versions · originally a series, 1987
Themes: Mutant Animals, Secret Identity, Teamwork, Good vs Evil, Underdog Story.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles chronicles the enduring bond of four anthropomorphic brothers fighting to protect New York City's shadows.
✦ Most fans start here
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
The original tv
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Series · 1987
The 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series serves as the definitive origin point, establishing the lighthearted, iconic dynamic between the brothers and their mentor Hamato Yoshi in New York.
1990 film
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Film · 1990
The 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film offers a gritty, practical-effects-heavy take on the team's origins, perfect for viewers who prefer a grounded, action-focused interpretation of the classic Foot Clan rivalry.
1991 film
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze
Michael Pressman · Film · 1991
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) doubles down on the franchise's sci-fi roots, focusing on the mysterious chemical origins of the team and their ongoing Shredder conflict.
1993 film
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III
Stuart Gillard · Film · 1993
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993) leans into experimental storytelling, sending the brothers back to feudal Japan to engage in samurai culture, suitable for those interested in the franchise's most unconventional outings.
2007 film
TMNT
Kevin Munroe · Film · 2007
The 2007 TMNT film explores the emotional fallout of a team fractured after their greatest victory, focusing on the internal struggle of the brothers to reunite under Splinter's guidance.
2016 film
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
Film · 2016
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016) delivers a high-octane spectacle, prioritizing classic villain team-ups like Bebop and Rocksteady for fans of blockbuster, effects-driven superhero cinema.
2023 film
✦ Start hereTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Jeff Rowe · Film · 2023
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) provides a vibrant, modern perspective on the teenage experience, capturing the brothers' earnest desire for social acceptance and their struggle to be recognized as heroes.
Common questions
What order should I watch the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies in?
To follow the release order, begin with the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, followed by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. Later releases like TMNT, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem are standalone projects.
Is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem a direct sequel to the 1987 show?
No, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is not a sequel to the 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series. It is a separate animated film released in 2023 with its own unique visual style and narrative continuity, distinct from the original 1987 television production and the live-action films.
How many live-action movies are there following the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
There are five live-action films in total. This includes the original 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. Additionally, the list includes the 2007 film TMNT and the 2016 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.
Should I watch the 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles before watching the newer films?
Watching the 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series provides context for the franchise origins, but it is not required for viewing the movies. The films, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem or the 1990 movie, are designed to be accessible to viewers regardless of their history with the show.