TMNT Evolutions: Ranking Raphael's On-Screen Designs

Delve into the fascinating evolution of Raphael, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as we meticulously analyze and rank every on-screen depiction of this iconic hero. From animated series to blockbuster movies, we'll unravel the evolution of Raphael's appearance and design elements. Join us for an in-depth exploration of how this pizza-loving, sai-wielding hero has transformed across various on-screen adaptations. Uncover the differences, nuances, and rankings in this comprehensive breakdown of Raphael's on-screen journey!
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#TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles #TMNT #NinjaTurtles

[@THEOLDTURTLEDEN]

8 Things - TMNT Mutant Mayhem Set Up For The Future kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGK8pHtmop5rgpI

[@smoothwaveproudctions6678]

This might be a of hot take but I actually love the Pirate style headband for Raphael, it really fits his gruff and tough personality so well ,and personally I hope they keep giving him that headband to him in newer versions too

[@isaiahedmonson5832]

I think he the only one who can wear that and look great in it 😊

[@mirtaabreu7124]

​​@@isaiahedmonson5832 Mikey can pull it off

[@_Donatello_.]

​@@mirtaabreu7124 Agreed.

[@matthewscorner2990]

Personally, I think it only works when Raph himself is big, like in the Bay movies or Rise. In the case of Mutant Mayhem and the Fortnite skin, it doesn't work as well.

[@contra7631]

For me 2012 turtles is S tier.They did very good job with the design.They look badass in that show.Specially in the action scenes.

[@Ayyshaddy]

yea

[@madelinemcmillan4020]

feels like all the younger ones are just biased for the most recent adaptation

[@lil_thanos6213]

Facts 2012 was the best show, and one of the best character designs

[@mohameddiop409]

​@madelinemcmillan4020 bro the 2012 show came out 12 years ago. And let's not forget about people that are biased for the 87 show

[@amitavrashmi17]

​@madelinemcmillan4020 there is much more bias towards the 87 design than the others and 2012 was more than a decade ago

[@djorgedelgado]

For me rise Raph is S tier, I love the snapping turtle idea because snapping turtles are very aggressive, and I just relate to that Raphael being the older brother.

[@user-wx1kt6rb3r]

Raphael in Rise looks so cringe to me. I like the idea of the snapping turtle Raphael but to me the whole show in general is a step down comparable to Teen Titans 2003 to Teen Titans Go. Cringe unbearable episodes. #notmyturtles. same with the new ninja turtle movie except the movie is a lot worse and unwatchable.

[@djorgedelgado]

@@user-wx1kt6rb3r and that’s okay. That’s your opinion.

[@user-wx1kt6rb3r]

@@djorgedelgado Yeah no shit. thats why I said “to me” twice.

[@mysterygamermgclues8864]

@@user-wx1kt6rb3r eat a snickers bar and calm down

[@djorgedelgado]

@@user-wx1kt6rb3r okay, I know that. And I’m saying I agree with you. You don’t gotta be a dick about it

[@TellItAnimated]

The OG animated series and the first live-action versions are the goats in my book currently, but there's been fun ones in some of the other shows and movies too

[@boundless9970]

Will you make the animated variants of Ninja turtles?

[@ShowaHeiseiGoat]

WASSS UPP

[@albertross2456]

Agree. Also, I can't stand what they've done to Michaelangelos personality. He is supposed to be a California surfer dude

[@Mackadeedee]

Yay it’s tellitAnimated

[@Karder-tj3lu]

In 2014, Rafael should be at a

[@Ultra_Blader]

I grew up with the 2012 version but honestly I really like the 2003 and 2007 designs the most

[@Mr.WheeIer]

bro thats me also 😂

[@Ayyshaddy]

i grew up with both. i agree but i think 2012 was a better story for me. but i love the 2007 styles

[@Bigman0909]

Im gonna be honest im not a fan of the copy and paste turtles with different colors and weapons The more recent designs like 2018 are S tier , you can tell his personality just by one look at him, he’s the muscle of the group hes rash and rowdy and snappy like a, well snapping turtle It just expands on the base concept really well and the fact that you can tell how he carries himself with one glimpse is a sign on good character design

[@THATRANDOMDUDE99999]

Fun fact that you missed about 90s Raph, he actually has a few injuries on the back of his shell if you look closely. It's not noticeable when you're not paying attention, but I think it's a great detail.

[@casual35]

Yes, I noticed it from day one. I gives him a past of many solo fights. Perhaps they could be slash marks from Leo's Katanas?

[@starnblack09]

I mean, in the tnmt franchise leo and raph fight alot

[@Berenice0801]

I really think the 2003 Raph is the best, because this version is relatively mature compared to other versions

[@chrisp4643]

Yep alongside his heavy NY accent & dark green, it makes Raph feel more gritty/badass. That & 1990 film are best ones imo

[@Mondo_182]

The original TMNT live action movie nailed the eyes. They have depth and the glares off the pupils make them like so lively and soulful

[@brunoramos9747]

His attitude is what made him special

[@roseville412]

I love the last 4 Raph design. 2012 Raph really was a great design, short and defined, with those green eyes. One of my favorite parts of the show. Rise is so much fun, stylized and ginormous. I wouldn't recommend ever doing something like that again, but it is actually my favorite Raph design ever. The Batman design was really gruff looking, really adds to the Raphael vibes, and looked cool in that style. The Mutant Mayhem one is my 3rd favorite, also very stylized. He was visibly more muscular than his brothers, which added to it a lot.

[@GeekOwtLowd]

TMNT 1990 wins every top ten.

[@lukebaxter3252]

I'm gonna be bias when I say that my favourite design is the original 2003 Raph. It's classic, simplistic and looks strong. I just love the design. And I do agree that the full head covering bandana isn't my thing.

[@brunoramos9747]

You can tell he is a true fan. This is my favorite turtle

[@NoOne-lc8qj]

I REALLYYY like rise design

[@myrap3]

Me too :) I think most people like the formula to stay the same, which is 1000% understandable, but I like the unique and creative twists. I think Rise does a great job of taking a bunch of liberty with design and characterization and STILL making me think "this is Ninja Turtles" in the end. Nostalgia is good, but new and different isn't bad either. The inclusion of both the old and the new in Rise is reeeeeaalllyyy facinating and satisfying to me. Raph's design in particular, I love the shapes and angular spikiness and bulk. It's a very satisfying look to me as an artist. Plus I love that he's huge haha, I personally quite enjoy that new element and the dynamic with his brothers

[@NoOne-lc8qj]

@@myrap3 couldn't agree more I would also add that i love gentle giants and he could just be my favorite one

[@myrap3]

@@NoOne-lc8qj Same here, 100% haha

[@PupZero]

The og movie designs are such classics, i have to go with those as my favorites

[@Mondo_182]

I haven't rewatched the 2003 cartoon but have fond memories. Also the game for that series was a fun beat 'em up!

[@nicksorenson940]

Couldn't agree more on your S and A rankings. The 1987/2003 cartoons and 90s live-action movies (especially when the suits were done by Jim Henson's Creature Shop) are still among my top favorite TMNT iterations as well design-wise, and the Batman vs TMNT and Mutant Mayhem movies are the most that I've liked design-wise out of the Nickelodeon era of TMNT stuff so far.

[@maxface9]

Man I wish you’d do this sort of stuff with villains or allies designs. Turtles are always slightly different but other characters are radically redesigned

[@LionelRGuy]

Daaaaaaamn, Next Mutation Raph gettin' done DIRTY. One of the best designs he's ever had.

[@williamkerfoot8039]

It's funny how people complained that the 2003 turtles looked like they were on steroids back then. They only had to wait 11 years to see what that really looked like.

[@buckycharms5393]

YESS!!! I missed the ranking videos. I love them

[@billykelly7338]

I think u should have included voice as a part of their design because that’s very important

[@BobbyMoore2-mp8wb]

Raphael looks awesome in TMNT out of the shadows movie 😊

[@king98popculturecorner]

When it comes to the cartoons I’d probably go with the 2003 design being my favorite followed by the 2012 design. The 1987 design ain’t bad in my opinion,it’s just not my favorite. As far as live-action,imma go with the original movie design.But when it comes down to his 2007 film look vs his mutant mayhem look,kinda tough for me to decide. Obviously the 2007 design looks more mature while mutant mayhem looks very young. However,it works because they are young teenagers and Seth Rogan wanted to focus on the adolescent aspect of the turtles in that film. At the end of the day,good design or bad design,Raphael will always be my favorite turtle.

[@xCHOPP3R]

the Michael Bay Raph is my favorite. I always liked how he was larger than the other turtles. I also like how each turtle is noticeably different looking, making them more unique. prob my fav tmnt look.

[@Multiversal2010]

This is great, I love this style of content, you should do more!

[@THEOLDTURTLEDEN]

100%

[@emanuelferreira6875]

The best one, as a name that doesnt end in an o

[@Dathousand]

Ha! Good joke/reference

[@hezekiahramirez6965]

Ten flips! Now!

[@jaceyneubauer6522]

1990s imperfections is what people loved about it it was my favorite movie as kid the imperfections makes feel more real

[@editorodriguez6554]

The OG cartoon and the 1990 live action should both be top tear because that’s why it all started for cartoon and for live action, and they were simply just the best

[@georgeowain]

If you do a Donatello one. Don't forget to include the Direct Line Donni.

[@jaycemcqueen306]

Grew up with 2003 but 2012 is the best by far. Everything else is either too similar or wayy too different.

[@rooseveltNovember]

I kind of wish you mentioned that the Rock Star turtles didn't have shells. I think that earned them their own tier separate from the Christmas turtles. They got a Z tier on that thing?

[@Meepmop2345]

D Tier for Rise Raph is CRIMINAL, hes one of the best designs out of the turtles I’ve seen.

[@TMNT_1987_]

This is the PERFECT ranking.

[@nathanielschwartz425]

7:48 As a huge lifelong Godzilla fan I can relate to you on that.

[@dyeany2]

Can't wait to see the Leonardo rankings!

[@isaiahedmonson5832]

Love all versions of him 2012 is one of my favorite

[@MasterAintSoYoda]

The Michael bay version of the turtles just looks like ADULT MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

[@ChaosSpriteAnimations]

didn’t the mirage 1984 turtles have the type of frog legs that you mentioned with the 2007 movie. but this tier list is accurate to me so I like it.good video

[@HFalconYT]

This was really cool seeing this. Would you be willing to do one on Splinter? I think that would be interesting to see.

[@garveyneal1672]

Can you do Rankings of other TMNT on-screen designs?

[@georgeowain]

I just realised. There is one Raphael design missing from this vid.

[@itsuochiro8426]

We are almost of the same mind here! 😄 I Liked your explanations and I do agree with you. I love Raphael, especially the s-rank versions you chose. Well done! 👍"I love being a turtle!"

[@Webhead123]

1990 Raph was perfection. While some of the other designs had their charm, none could overtake it.

[@AlphaProto]

The big calves and forearms are inspired by tortoise limbs, not frogs. You forgot the Out of the Shadows game designs.

[@tj.henderson]

He's only gonna do ones from shows and movies

[@seangotti3]

That's what I was thinking, those aren't frog limbs they are how real turtles limbs are

[@tyronleung5276]

How is the michael bay cgi better than next mutation textures?

[@TheZachattack200]

22:04 You did good with the zooms! 😂

[@TheHumanBurger]

The Michael bay designs are the definitive versions of the turtles for me

[@VeotheVillain]

I feel like more people are afraid to admit that those designs are some of the best to ever come out for the turtles just because of the director and the writing of the movie

[@fmyt2009]

Raph is the goat

[@abrahammorrison6374]

Raphael is the strongest turtle. Got Sean Astin's and Rob Paulsen's autograph on a Raphael POP.

[@Wxyver_n]

I grew up with the 2007 turtles and I loved Raph's design in that movie. Especially his Nightwatcher outfit.

[@KAIJUEXPERTAL]

Those concert/TMNT Xmas special designs look like if you mixed Fnaf with TMNT honestly that would be a good action figure crossover tho

[@boogeymechas]

Ngl i fw raph having the bandana look it fits him

[@alexhickenbottom2820]

I don’t consider those liver spots, I always thought of them as freckles, they are teenagers not Father Time like Splinter.

[@yuri42berofficial]

You gotta admit that the 2014 designs are kinda cool

[@cucublueberry8078]

23:52 this is not the movie version of Raphael. All the rise turtles got a power upgrade during the season 2 finale.

[@z1andonlymig448]

THE DOORAG IS ELITE

[@cucublueberry8078]

Oh no.... Where's rise Raph in the thumbnail? 😢❤️

[@bahamut7028]

One of my favorite Turtles Short temperate Raphael 2003 is the best

[@lma3210]

I agree with Ralph being bigger than his brothers, but not absolutely gigantic compared to the rest.

[@brunoramos9747]

If you see the cover of the first Nintendo game made all the turtles are wearing red that is their original color

[@bandobrando3]

My favorite animation styles are from the 2012 from the Nickelodeon show and the TMNT Vs Batman movie are my favorite hands down 😭. The 2003 animation style was equally great before the upgrades.

[@Neon_leon_1]

Hold on let me nerd out for a min rise raph has that symbol on his belt to stand for the mad dogs which is the team name they had before they thought up of the teenage mutant ninja turtles in the movie

[@P3nguinOfMischief]

I fully disagree with you when it comes to tank/brute build Raphael’s I think it keeps him apart from his brothers and that’s a good thing in my opinion. But it is just opinions after all. Same with the Bay Turtle designs as well, I prefer them to the TMNT 2 - TMNT 3 live action movie designs and I’d put him in a solid A Tier for my list. I grew up with that design so I guess it’s just what I like. Lol

[@P3nguinOfMischief]

Again the full bandana is still really awesome. They’re trying to make things different. And that’s a good thing

[@TheWOLVRINE616]

⁠​⁠@@P3nguinOfMischiefthe full bandana is so cool for Raphael

[@VeotheVillain]

Not really sure why some turtle fans despise change, tbh the turtles having different body types and accessories is what makes turtle designs fun, not having them be palette swapped versions of eachother. Ralph with a bandana is one of the best changes to ever happen to the character and should be the status quo going forward, just like Donnie having glasses/goggles. I think he just doesn’t like certain things because he grew up with the palette swap turtles

[@johnmarston421]

Putting mutant mayhem above 2007 one is just straight war crime

[@dano.dazombie_official]

Im gonna have to agree with your rankings but I think the all look great knowing they are from different dimensions so its fine to me

[@rainee6217]

the christmas special raph gives me the heebiejeebies

[@VeotheVillain]

Ik we all have our own opinions but it’s hard to see anybody not liking the full head band a for Ralph, it fits so well and should be a staple to the character going forward. I can understand people not liking Raph being the size of hulk but he should always be at least a little more muscly and taller then his brothers, he doesn’t have to be gigantic tho

[@Ardude641]

This is great man can you do another for the rest of the turtles

[@theotakux5959]

Gotta confess, I love the Next Mutation design, absolute B-tier for me. The show left a lot to be desired, but the design was great.

[@Ultra_Blader]

Whatever you like bud…………

[@mrfunatparties6763]

Yeah too me it looked pretty good but the head but I guess it would look odd if it also didn't look muscular

[@Icegaze88]

Please Turtle Den, could you please make a video ranking your favorite designs in TMNT comics? From the 1984 Mirage designs to the latest in the IDW comics. Thanks in advance!

[@WLowry]

Favorite versions of Raph are the 1987/red sky versions, the first live action movie & 2003 version

[@iles.s]

2012 RAPH IS MY FAVORITE. THEN 1990S THEN THE OG TURTLE CARTOON THEN RISE

[@WLowry]

Can't wait to see your videos on Donatello and Mikey. Just finished watching your video on Leo

[@orinanime]

S Tier - 1990 movie, Ooze, Red Sky, TMNT03, A Tier - TMNT87, B Tier - TMNT12, BvTMNT, TMNT3, TMNT07, C Tier - NTNM, TMNTMM, BttS D Tier - Concert Specials, Rise, FF F Tier - bayturtles

[@sharktopusvonjr2374]

2007 should be 3 spots ahead

[@antwonsmith8931]

I love the first live action version of Raphael.

[@dizznotdizzy]

call me crazy but the michael bay ninja turtle designs are my absolute favorite designs ever for all the turtles. its so sick to me and i love all the small details and gear and stuff

[@ClutchKills]

Personally love the full bandana on him

[@raphaeltrevisan1733]

Which cartoon was the one found around 14:15?

[@imitationsofmyself]

Alan Ritchson played the best Raphael in TMNT 2014 by far. The voice was spot on. Raphael was ruined in 2016 movie but thay wasn't Alan's fault. I loved the design of the 2014 Raphael.

[@PEDROgalan-dj9iu]

Raph is the best

[@4fortune1984]

The best Turtle, love the Raph from the Michael Bay design but the attitude from the original movie

[@shelbybayer200]

2003 and 2012 are my favorites

[@DanielSmith-xl5dz]

I say MM Raph deserves to be in Tier S along with 2007 & 2012 As for Rise Raph, he deserves to be in Tier F both show & movie

[@Luka1180]

Nothing will ever top the designs they had in the 1990 movie.

[@user-pr8gx3vb9h]

The current idw comic book versions of the team are a combo of each previous comic book and animated version of the team.

[@ellestar2306]

Solid Raph ranking.

[@HORRORDOLLZ]

i rly liked 2012. grew up with it. dad and his brother grew up with original, comments, first live and ect. i like how they all ended, but 2012? the whole mutant shredder just kinda was dumb. i don’t remember s5, but ive seen clips. i get its good for kids to understand death happens and its ok to cry.. but just? they could’ve done anything else i feel.

[@Therealninjaturtle]

I mostly like the muscular design’s

[@breannav9088]

Can you do Mikey next? He’s my fav🧡🧡

[@JaTurtle515]

I’m waiting for this video but for Donny.

[@hectorc3353]

Nice video

[@Bunnygottalive]

2012,2018,and even 2014 (Michael Bay) I appreciated (I’d change some stuff but for some reason I kinda liked it). Those are my favorite ❤

[@normanmccultureboy6492]

Do the next tier on Donatello and Michelangelo

[@classifiedinfo9853]

I think Michael Bay did awesome designing Raphael. Though he is the bulkiest in the group, I believe it showcases his tough-guy personality. The other versions are cool, but some make him look like a wimp. I think the over the head bandana is a cool touch. Ill say this, the sunglasses was overdoing it. The 2012 Raph is nice, but it got ruined when he started dating Mona Lisa. That turtle was the skirt in that relationship. Anyway, if the Michael Bay version had a girl (which would be epic), his design would increase a hundred fold. So no disrespect, but Michael Bay version should at least be in the top 2. You got 2007 right so i wont bash you for that. But, come on, ladies, that Michael Bay Raph is a heartthrob.

[@_The_Worst_]

Interesting🐢analysis...🤘🏼💯✔️

[@bonsloweffect1449]

Where are the ones at 14:17 from? I tried looking for them

[@ChaosSpriteAnimations]

those summer shorts in 2016. This one is called turtles in time. to me they are pefect designs.

[@tyronleung5276]

The torso front part of the shell is called a plastron,.the back part of the shell is called a carapace the side part of the shell is called schutes