On June 5th, 2026, Paramount Games Studios announced that, in conjunction with Platinum Games, they will be developing a video game adaptation of the 2020 Ninja Turtle comic run, written by Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz, "The Last Ronin". The comic is set years in the future, after all the turtles have been murdered except for one, now more motivated than ever to get revenge.

The game's announcement will usher in a new generation of TMNT fans, eager to find an entry point into the world, but with over forty years of history and nearly ten different mainline movies featuring five different iterations of the characters, it can feel more than a little daunting, leaving many to feel unsure which films are essential viewing and which are better left in the sewer.

Over the past two weeks, I've taken on the task of watching every TMNT movie to compile a list of the top four feature films I'd recommend to someone entering the world of the turtles. What follows is my spoiler-free, nostalgia-free ranking of the four best Ninja Turtles movies to date.

#4: TMNT(2007)

TMNT (2007), directed by Kevin Munroe, is an interesting moment of exploration in the turtles' filmography. The movie begins closer to the end of the turtles' story, with their arch-enemy, the Shredder, already defeated and Leonardo (James Arnold Taylor) sent to the jungles of Costa Rica by Master Splinter (Mako Iwamatsu), instructed only to return once he's become a better leader. In his absence, Michelangelo (Mikey Kelley) and Donatello (Mitchell Whitfield) have retired from crimefighting, while Raphael (Nolan North) has taken on a new persona to bring justice to the streets of New York on his own.

The first thing audiences will notice about this film is that it is notably darker than other entries, both visually and thematically. The movie takes place mostly at night and has a very strong neo-noir aesthetic. The wacky comedy one may expect from Ninja Turtles is largely absent from this film, though not to say this movie isn't funny; the comedy is simply more understated.

This entry primarily stands out for its character work, especially between Leonardo and Raphael, whose conflicting ideas of leadership have always been a core theme of the turtles, and are handled phenomenally in this movie. I recommend this film especially to fans of Raphael, as he is definitely the main character, and his relationship and mutual respect with Casey Jones (Chris Evans) is a treat to watch.

Of course, this film is not without its flaws, as a lackluster plot takes away from spending more time with the characters we're meeting. While the primary antagonist, Ethan Winters (Patrick Stewart), is surprisingly nuanced and interesting, both his stone generals and the foot clan are unfortunately bland yet get a lot of screentime. Aside from the villains, fans of Donatello and Michelangelo will likely be disappointed by this film, as neither is given much to do.

Overall, while TMNT (2007) definitely has its audience and charm, a cookie-cutter plot and villain make it far more forgettable than the fourth-place entry, which is perhaps the most iconic film in franchise history.

#3: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

1990 saw the Turtles' first exploration into live-action film, and while today some may find the Turtles' design a little uncanny, personally, they represent the campiness and charm the original trilogy is known for, a mindset essential for the enjoyment of this film.

Unlike the 2007 attempt, the 90s Turtles are much earlier in their journey, having not defeated the Shredder (James Saito) nor met ace reporter April O'Neil (Judith Hoag) or her love interest (and my personal favorite character of the trilogy), Casey Jones (Elias Koteas). Still, the movie wastes no time getting the ball rolling, following April as she investigates the mystery of the turtles, who must put a stop to Shredder before he amasses an army of juvenile delinquents known as the Foot Clan.

I prefer this film much more than its two sequels; it has some solid action, good jokes (mostly via references I assume were relevant during the Bush administration), and the story has a solid emotional core, with heartwarming messages of fatherhood, family, and acceptance. The story feels very complete, could have stood alone without a sequel, and does a good job of bringing the turtles to the big screen for the first time. This movie is perfect for anyone wanting to get a feel of the classic Turtles formula, and with an itch for a strong nineties aesthetic.

Unfortunately, this movie is far from perfect. If you aren't ready for some cheesiness or to roll your eyes now and then, it might not be your cup of tea. And an unfortunate trait it shares with the 2007 entry is that Mikey (Michelan Sisti) and Donnie (Leif Tilden) aren't given much to do in this film, and at times they feel borderline interchangeable (an issue quickly remedied in the sequel: TMNT Secret of the Ooze). Thankfully, the next entry is the first on the list that ensures every turtle gets time to shine.

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

Rise was one of the most pleasant surprises of my watch-through; it was also the only film that directly ties into a TV show, that being "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2018)", and while I watched and loved the first season a few years ago, I definitely wouldn't describe it as required viewing to enjoy this movie, as the writers do an excellent job at explaining any relevant story changes.

The biggest of these changes is the inclusion of the Turtles' mystic weapons, imbuing their traditional Swords, Sais, Staff, and Nunchucks with spectacular superpowers. And I say spectacular for a reason, because seeing the turtles using their abilities on the big screen is nothing short of a spectacle, and provides for the best action sequences in any Ninja Turtles movie to date, full stop.

Rise also has a uniquely intense tone, as it follows a "Days of Future Past"-esque storyline that begins in an apocalyptic future overrun by the evil alien race known as the Krang; wherein the only two surviving turtles sacrifice themselves to send Casey Jones (Haley Joel Osment) back in time to warn the turtles of today about what's to come and how to stop it.

As promised, this film allows time for each turtle to breathe, and while Raph (Omar Benson Miller) and Leo (Ben Schwartz) still get the most time in the spotlight, Mikey (Brandon Mychal Smith) and Donnie (Josh Brener) each have their moments to shine; and the more serious tone allows the audience to really get a feel for how much the turtles mean to one another, and why it matters that they're not just a team, but a family.

My only nitpick is that in both the film and the show, Raphael and Leonardo's personalities feel swapped, with Raph being the thoughtful leader and Leo being the arrogant hothead. While it doesn't necessarily subtract from the film, I can't help but feel that if the two's roles were reversed, the characters' personalities would be more in line with their histories.

Aside from that, I really have no issues with the film. It has the best turtle action we've seen, yet stays grounded enough to allow for some absolutely tear-jerking emotion, all while showcasing truly stunning animation that is second only to the best Ninja Turtles movie of all time.

#1: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

Securing the first place spot is what, to both me and most fans, is the best Ninja Turtles movie of all time. The film acts as a modern reboot of the characters, requiring zero knowledge of their histories or dynamics. The comedy and connection between the turtles feel genuine, and the story is fresh, showcasing a villain never before showcased in a Ninja Turtles movie.

The film yet again takes place at the beginning of the Turtles' story, showcasing them meeting a young April O'Niel (Ayo Edebiri), who is eager to prove herself as a reporter to her classmates and help the Turtles prove themselves as heroes to the world. She convinces them to use their skills to stop a criminal ring that has been terrorizing the city. However, things take a turn for the worse when the turtles realize they may not be New York's only group of mutant vigilantes.

For me, this was the funniest entry in the franchise, with multiple jokes that made me laugh out loud even on re-watch. It's also important to note a uniquely commendable achievement of Mutant Mayhem: how well the turtles feel like real teenagers. Talking, joking, and referencing pop culture in many of the same ways my friends and I do. While for some the inclusion of phrases such as "rizz" and "Molly-whopping" may feel like pandering, I have to give the writers and voice actors credit for how well they mimicked modern teenage life.

The film does an amazing job of characterizing each of the turtles. Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu) is an anxious but inspiring leader, Raphael (Brady Noon) is a daredevil brawler, and Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.) is an energetic sweetheart, while Donatello (Micha Abbey) is an insecure but capable ally.

The most obvious standout of this film is the animation done by Mirkos Animation Studios, which gives the film a fresh and exciting coat of paint that lets the designs of each character shine and provides for some iconic action sequences. The stunning visuals and script, when mixed with the all-time soundtrack featuring titles such as "No Diggity" and "Can I Kick It," ensure there's never a dull moment in the 1hr and 39-minute runtime.

While finding flaws isn't easy, it isn't impossible. I personally don't enjoy the changes made to the turtles' backstory, which revoke their connections to feudal Japan, as one of my favorite aspects of the turtles is the fish out of water element that comes with placing traditional ninjas in an urban setting.

However, this is, of course, more than made up for by easily being the most fun, audience-friendly adaptation of the turtles in franchise history.

If you or someone you know is thinking about picking up the new Ninja Turtles video game, consider checking out these four films, as they each do a great job at introducing audiences to the rich world of the TMNT in their own unique way.

Want a more grounded and dramatic interpretation of the turtles? Try the 2007 film. Want the opposite and prefer a more classic, wacky version? The original 1990 debut sounds like what you're looking for. If you're craving some wild action that still tugs at your heartstrings, Rise has what you're looking for. And of course, if you want the most well-rounded interpretation or simply aren't sure where to start, I can't recommend Mutant Mayhem enough. Cowabunga!