Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) - Every Ninja Turtles Movie Ranked, Reviewed, & Recapped

We rank, review, and recap the first TMNT movie.
Intro Video by: / cameronken
Intro Music by: / carterharrell
Time Stamps -
00:00:00 - Start
00:44:00 - Plot
01:43:40 - haiku in review
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Every day Greg Miller, Tim Gettys, and Nick Scarpino talk about the biggest stories in nerd culture.
Music by Tonedeff - www.QN5.com

[@luciddre4m]

Wise man say: "Forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza."

[@skthechef8075]

I can remember watching this in the theater as a small child....no bigger than a pumpkin.

[@groat7355]

This movie is a masterpiece The blasphemy here is unforgivable

[@ByronGreen12]

To Kevin's question about why is Danny there the first time they go to April's is because Danny has been skipping school so his dad is "forced to make sure he goes everyday"

[@johnnydi2203]

It's easily the best TMNT movie, no nostalgia required. The story is taken straight from the first 11 issues of the Mirage comic book, sprinkled with elements of the original cartoon. It could be improved upon, but it isn't likely that will happen. The director had a cut of the movie with a slightly darker tone, cut scenes, and a different soundtrack. Fans have been wanting it released for quite a while.

[@pinoyguy75]

I had no idea that Jim Henson and his team made the costumes. No wonder they look good

[@epzzz]

Splinter was originally a rat in the comics. It's the cartoon that changed it.

[@johnnydi2203]

Tim, the characterization is subtle. Notice how Mikey doesn't really give a second thought to Splinter's passing while it weighs on Donatello's mind. Or even the way, Leonardo sits straight and upfront when Splinter is addressing them, while Raphael broods in the back of the room. Leonardo shows a dedication to looking out for his brothers, as we see him tend to Raphael in the tub. Some nice little touches here and there.

[@skthechef8075]

That whole coming together through adversity scene was amazing to me as a kid.😁

[@lexis4490]

And you get that while the actors are in rubber suits. Truly amazing.

[@langleymneely]

I find it fascinating and hilarious to see anyone look at this film and think the Turtles franchise gets better after this!? This is the pinnacle of Ninja Turtles film quality believe it or not.

[@mariopresents4886]

they didnt retcon splinters oringin, that was his origin in the comics

[@_SomeGuyOnline]

I was surprised to see that Greg didn't show up as Master Splinter 😂 And fun fact: You can see a dude holding a camera or a boom mic in the background of one of the scenes inside of April's apartment. Check it out.

[@AristoMatt]

Not sure I get what Andy's deal with the tone is. The characters are teenagers. They want to have fun. I'm not sure if he really knows what Ninja Turtles is about... This is the darkest movie, and if he didn't think it was dark enough he's in for a rough ride. Also: • Charles is working against April because he's being pressured by the Police Chief. • I really liked Casey Jones. His friendship and acceptance of Raph, Splinter and the others is really nice. • Splinter's back story is not retconned. It follows the comic origin. The cartoon is actually the retcon. • Cartoon Splinter hung out with turtles and rats. Obviously, when he got hit with the ooze he had most recently been with a rat. • Casey Jones does introduce himself to Splinter while he's freeing him.

[@lexis4490]

I loved the tone of this movie. I felt this is one of those movies that does not talk down to kids.

[@TheAndyCortez]

My deal with the tone is that at the 43 minute mark there's an upbeat fight scene with whimsical music and then it becomes the most serious, dramatic movie when theyre on the run. What's so hard to understand about that? You're right tho I may not know what Ninja Turtles is about it's so deep and thematic.

[@kdiamond12]

@@TheAndyCortez 😂

[@pgdunphy]

I LOVE this movie. Top 5 love. I worked with a grip who worked on this movie and he said shooting the central park scenes in 1989 was SCARY hahah

[@HUDZHERRELL]

This movie is a straight 10/10 and I won’t hear anything to the contrary. Before anybody claims that it is just nostalgia, I watch this at least once a year and I wasn’t born until years after it came out.

[@StyAzores]

Agreed

[@ieyke]

You guys CLEARLY think this movie is supposed to be bad, so you're trying real hard to be harsh about it, but the reality is that this first movie is REALLY good, if not great. The sequels though.....nope. Those are terrible. The original is the 23rd best superhero/comicbook movie of all time.

[@MrXmoda]

Noooooo shot

[@ThePhenomf4]

@@MrXmoda I just finished their “review” and Phillip is spot on. These guys are clowning on it because they think it’s supposed to be a bad movie and are playing it up for entertainment.

[@vingrier87]

The pizza hut commercial on the vhs. That is a time machine to my childhood

[@War624]

I can't believe that Nick is being the nitpicky one here. Lol.

[@MikeHeldTheWorld]

You guys should do Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I know it wasn't released theatrically but it's actually a pretty solid movie. Be cool in review crossover.

[@gabstoppaz]

Agreed!

[@War624]

If only for the Batman vs Shredder fight in the beginning. So cool.

[@Scotty220]

What a movie! Still holds up today! And what a theme song! Turtle Power!!

[@mexicanadian0846]

Going to listen to T.U.R.T.L.E. Power right now by Partners in Kryme

[@V3tron]

its okay to like this movie guys without looking for why it sucks this move is a classic.

[@gzz8551]

Pointing out the flaws is fair.

[@DeanOSupremo32]

Best Turtles movie and it probably won't be surpassed for a long time if ever. Jim Henson effects hold up. Live action with suit actors makes it feel somewhat grounded. Great mix of serious, emotional, and humorous. Amazing music. Growing up I loved 2 because it kid centric and fun but as I got older I saw how well done Turtles 1 is. I feel like they were a little harsh on it.

[@TheRealGarate]

I know you guys have a theatrical only rule, but Turtles Forever might be worth considering. It was the movie for the 25th anniversary of TMNT. I remember it being good 🤔

[@wyattcampbell2077]

If we were to include that then we should include the Christmas special

[@marklindsey6175]

"Anyone can kick..." Ha. P.S.! This was the most emotional movie I ever saw as a kid. We had this on VHS (but recorded off her T.V. by my grandmother (God bless her!)and I watched this more times than I can remember!

[@AntonioGuillen316]

This is a masterpiece - period

[@ThePhenomf4]

Don’t forget Michael Jai White was one of the footclan extras in one of those scenes with Sam Rockwell

[@angelosanchez1475]

No one would watch a conversation with Tim

[@ShadyGFella]

LOLOLOL

[@VitzPatel]

Any one can cook, and any rat can learn ninjutsu

[@urielfernandez4366]

The memories that rushed into my head when I watched this. Haha I was quoting it the entire time 🤣☠

[@phammo]

I love this movie! It's the only movie I know word for word haha. A great bit I like to incorporate with my friends is the one with Casey and Donny on the farm where they insult each other in alphabetical order.

[@fackos88]

Been going back and watching all the In Reviews for movies I like and honestly, can you make a shirt with "I thought we weren't calling it a blouse?" in the TMNT font. Kevin is such a treasure.

[@moogotony8579]

Now that you bring it up, I probably learned about penicillin from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

[@trentfarrell]

I did not expect the deep José Canseco lore. A+

[@lokithor99]

My friend swears up and down that the ooze that transforms the turtles is the same ooze that got into Matt Murdocks eyes and made him Daredevil

[@battlesat6]

It is.

[@DrPantsMD]

Unofficially, it is. The comics had a pretty clear homage to Daredevil and his origins being involved in the turtle's origins. There's a reason there's a ninja clan called The Hand in Daredevil lore and a ninja clan called The Foot in TMNT lore.

[@timsisco3742]

Love this movie and I'm 34 and showed it to my 13 year old brother (either last year or a year before so when he was 11-12) and he loves this one.

[@bennetthasty7886]

The ooze works in mysterious ways

[@joselobo56]

You guys don't know squat about TMNT. I'm already predicting that you guys will rank the bay movies at the top of the list. TMNT (1990) is the greatest iteration of the turtles. Period.

[@IncrediBurch]

After all the theatrical movies, you guys should totally review the animated special “Turtles Forever” to cap it all off. As a TMNT fan, it would be the perfect capstone for this review series :)

[@jrrollins84]

Fun fact: The actor who played Raphael, is the boss who fired the Joker.

[@denisj458]

Banger episode could listen to TMNT chat for hours

[@thedefinitionisthis]

I still love this movie. Underrated comic-book movie overall. Definitely the best TMNT theatrical film, and the only one to successfully get the tone of the original comics, while blending in elements of the cartoon. My personal ranking of all the theatrical TMNT movies (and I know I'll catch flack a bit) 1.) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) 2.) Out of the Shadows (I don't care; this Corrected everything wrong with the 2014 movie. If the '90 film captured the spirit of the comics, OttS captured the spirit and tone of the '80s cartoon) 3.) TMNT (The monster storyline reeeeeally keeps this one from being truly great. Because the reunion of the Turtles, and the Leo/Raph dynamic is really at its best here) 4.) Secret of the Ooze (dumb fun, no more, no less) 5.) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)... This is just not a good movie, and suffers from the Transformers problem, in that the humans are the focus; not the Turtles 6.) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. I love watching this for dumb fun & nostalgia, but this was pointless, even at the time it came out.

[@ThePhenomf4]

I completely agree with this list. Out of the Shadows was a fun movie and I think they nailed Beebop, Rocksteady and came real close with Krang, although Shredder was a joke. I definitely got cartoon vibes and that was more than I expected going into it after seeing the travesty that was the 2014 Bay-Turtles.

[@HermitHomeboy]

I saw this so early as a child that the Ninja Turtles movie introduced me and brother to pizza. It looked so damn good in this movie!

[@forceinept7369]

That Nolan intro got me

[@joehaley1147]

Can't wait for people to find out the latest TMNT movies aren't actually directed by Michael Bay (he was a producer).

[@dementedavenger2784]

Ya but his stink is all over them

[@tonydub98]

They’re basically Michael Bay movies though

[@HonkeyKong54]

That changes nothing. Micheal bays ooze is all over those dogshit films.

[@davidcortez1214]

Just saw this a few days ago..still great to me.

[@showtime1285]

How u guys have so many problems with this but enjoyed the new mortal kombat:/baffles my very mind. Yes baffles

[@mullaoslo]

I genuinely hate the opinions of all the crew except nick and Greg when it comes to anything pre 2005.. They don't get the references, 9 out of 10 times they go in wanting to hate it just because it's old and they keep trying to push today's values into the 80s and 90s..

[@yitoji]

This movie has better fight choreography than the latest Mortal Kombat movie

[@lexis4490]

And better filmed.

[@SikGamer]

Mentioning surf ninjas got a big smile out of me I loved that movie

[@jlazarus984]

So many great lines I still quote to this day.

[@SikGamer]

@@jlazarus984 I feel it doesn’t get talked about enough

[@The_RedVIII]

What the fuck is are you guys talking about. This movie is perfect and holds up. One of the greatest still.

[@mjspresents]

This was a great flick. I don't have the tonal issues because 90s movies are nothing but tonal issues. My problem with modern movies post TDK is the obsession with tone that leaves out character. When you get to that campfire sequence, it's meaningful because of all the build up to that moment. Movies today don't take that time so they lose effective emotional build up.

[@tylerwallis6654]

Sam Rockwell in the Foot Clan!!

[@Dad_Brad]

I think they were shooting both TMNT & T2 when they invaded Kuwait. The nostalgia of the era..

[@mexicanadian0846]

Andy make up your mind. This movie is too dark. Godzilla vs. Kong is too neon. WHAT DO YOU WANT MAN!!! WHAT! DO! YOU! WANT?!?!

[@ShabeRaven]

The reason NARC scared Nick as a kid is because that arcade cabinet was the loudest fucking thing in every arcade.

[@rpettus0120]

TMNT in review!!!! COWABUNGA DUDES!!!!!

[@Phillipguy034]

When the foot clan are diving head first into street gutters. Good lord

[@CheefChaos]

This and number 2's Cassette Tape/album was everything

[@dementedavenger2784]

Foot Clan were definitely robots. That's why Leo could cut them up

[@withanx]

I can still sing the complete song from the Pizza Hut commercial that is at the beginning of the original VHS.

[@taoloveu]

One of the greatest genre movies ever made

[@marveltominatgoogle]

Just had a random yet, IMO, fantastic thought. Kinda Funny should do a one-off Power Rangers the Movie 1995 In Review. I think it'd be amazing!

[@AlBeQuirky]

It has been amusing just 12 minutes into watching this how almost everyone is surprised at all the information being pumped out from Tim by hearing it for the 1st time. The 1990 movie is a hybrid between the 1987 TV series and the original comics. There weren't really personalities for each of the turtles in the comics; those were implemented into the TV series. Some aspects were pulled from the comics and others the cartoons.

[@renegadewolf3633]

The TMNT movies were amazing when I was kid well not so much the 3rd one but I watched the first 2 over an over until I was 10 or 12 years old. I wanted so bad for the the Bay turtles to be good because of that, but sadly a complete disappointment for me. I looking forward to your opinions on the rest of the movies. I thought the CG one was actually pretty good and they should of continued with that one.

[@Covette01]

Been waiting for tmnt in review since the in review series started. The Bay movies are pretty damn great. Excited to see them tear them apart but hopefully be pleasantly surprised by them

[@JaK2882]

No Greg on this either eh? 😕

[@HylianGuard37]

Kinda surprised this movie is 1990 I was born in 93 and I grew up watching it. So first time I can remember watching this it must have been 6 years old. Felt more contemporary than that.

[@LemonsOnFire]

I have the same feeling. I was born in 95 and I remember renting these movies all the time growing up.

[@kdiamond12]

I watched this on fox kids in mid-late 90’s, it was rerun on there a lot along with all the Saban shows

[@Windytune]

I know the KF crew thinks Kevin’s f-ups are old, but it adds to the content IMO.

[@bennetthasty7886]

Was Batman making a dig at Casey Jones with the I don’t wear hockey pads quip in the Dark Knight?

[@richardlavignasse6678]

Send Kevin on a mandatory week long vacation. I have a room for him in my home in the great white north. I treat you right Kev-Kev.

[@gp63]

All the Turtles have district character traits here, though obviously Raphael is the most developed. Leo was mostly serious and focused as leader, Mickey was kind of childish and care-free, Raphael was hot-headed, moody and sarcastic. Not sure I can recall Donny's personality, he was kind of just there and didn't really come off as the 'brains' of the group like he traditionally is. Would have to watch again upon seeing this in-review.

[@johnr.hufstetleriii7715]

I'm so hyped for this!! I was hoping this franchise would make the kf reviews and here we are. let's go!!

[@CaptainMaakasu]

You should also add TMNT Forever and Batman vs. TMNT to the list, those are the best TMNT movies ^^

[@EdensukoV]

That introooooo

[@deathtone1614]

Best movie in series of films. 1>tmnt>2>3>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>the bay films

[@jasonc2341]

What Nicky fails to realize it that martial arts is easy and can totally be mastered by simply watching another master do it.

[@GandalfGreyhame3]

The Mummy in review!! Please!

[@Orson_Welp]

Folks in the comments giving this an unironic 10/10 - You get like 10-20 of those, lifetime. Do you really want to waste one on: "SPLIIIINNTEEEEEEEEERRR!"?

[@theonlymoxeris]

Hell yes!

[@contreezy7287]

FINALLY

[@lexis4490]

I am kind of disappointed you didn't do the Saw franchise. Talk about connected story, although the franchise does go down hill.

[@ItalianStallion219]

Fun fact about this movie in high school my drama teacher played Leonardo for like half the movie lol

[@maynardofthejungle8031]

There is so much good stuff in this movie but it jus ends up being cheesy and weird. Still super enjoyable, especially all the cinematography hat tips to other movies

[@ToastyBunsMcGee]

I recognize that it’s not a good movie, but I love it. This movie is junk food. Sit down, order a pizza, and throw on a blanket.

[@bendecidospr]

Man, I watch this movie every year or few years, and I still love it. Can’t agree that its not a good movie. The sequels, however, are terrible, especially the third one

[@shaunatello]

Can we just tack on Surf Ninjas into this in review? Kwansu dudes!

[@HM-yk7fg]

Please do Lethal Weapon in review and let someone who doesn’t give a shit about the series at all half ass the plot to make Nick understand what it’s like.

[@sebastianfox1455]

and include Lethal Weapon 5 made by Always Sunny plssssss

[@matthewwalsh1468]

Jim Henson had to die so that Kevin could be born...the Lord giveth & the Lord taketh away!! 😝

[@zacharyr2771]

Top 4

[@GunJam_]

19:53

[@showtime1285]

Top 5 superhero movies👍

[@RLSmith-uo9zs]

Hang on... Did Kevin and Tim grow up together?

[@TheRealGarate]

Everyone knows Jose Canseco is the red ranger 😉

[@AloisWeimar]

K-I-N-D-A F-U-N-N-Y Power !

[@johnsantisteban7362]

Lots of NY slander, I ain't with that shit 🤣 lol. Love ya KF crew

[@jesusgonzalez-ji6cm]

Vigilandy

[@nobodyexceptme7794]

TOTALLY TUBULAR!

[@escoofimpakt]

Jose Conseco was supposed to fight in this MMA fight but instead he sent his brother to fight in his place and they were both caught when people noticed they have DIFFERENT TATTOOS! hahahahah

[@conorsmyth6199]

This movie is still the greatest tmnt movie ever and to this day still makes me laugh, I own all 3 movies on dvd and the amazing neca figures.Also the music to this movie is so suspensful and shredders music is just terrifying.10/10.

[@falcon64z8]

Yo can you guys add Surf Ninjas to this in review kind of like what you guys did with balls of fury?

[@eastbluedrew1664]

power rangers in review please

[@pgs9407]

I lost a SAI!!!!!!!!!