How the appearance of the Ninja Turtles changed in films and cartoons (16 photos)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are pop culture icons. It is unlikely that anyone will argue with this statement. This brave four mutants became famous not only for their fearlessness, but also for their unique appearance in various screen adaptations.





Since the first film in 1987, the appearance of the four heroes - Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello - has undergone significant changes. The transformations affected their headbands, costumes, weapons and more. However, despite all the changes, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have always remained recognizable and just as cool. Let's see what innovations appeared on everyone's favorite mutants in various parts of films and cartoons.

Animated series "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (1987 - 1996)



IMDb: 7.9

This series follows the adventures of four anthropomorphic turtles who are trained in martial arts and fight against villains. The heroes live in the sewers of New York with their half-rat, half-man mentor named Splinter. Together they protect the city from various threats.

Movie "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (1990)





IMDb: 6.8

The classic story of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, told in film form.

Movie "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Emerald Potion" (1991)



IMDb: 6

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are trying to save New York and its inhabitants from a mutating substance called mutagen, which can turn them into disgusting creatures.

Movie "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III" (1993)



IMDb: 4.8

April buys an antique Japanese scepter at a sale, which in fact turns out to be a magical object that can transport you into the past. A journalist and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles decide to go on an exciting journey to feudal Japan.

Miniseries Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Legend of Superman (1996)



IMDb: 5.5

Thanks to the mutation stone, Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady turn into three terrible mutants. To defeat them, the turtles will also have to go through an unusual transformation.

The series “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Mutation” (1997 - 1998)



IMDb: 4.3

The film tells the story of the exciting journey of the Ninja Turtles to the Kingdom of Dreams and their epic battle with Lord Dragon himself.

Animated series “Mutants Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. New adventures" (2003 - 2009)



IMDb: 7.8

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are trying in every possible way to thwart the insidious plans of Shredder and his mysterious clan. Luckily, they succeed!

Cartoon "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (2007)



IMDb: 6.2

New York is uneasy. A madman named Maximilian Winters is preparing an army of ancient monsters to take over the city. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles need to stop him and quickly.

Cartoon "Turtles Forever" (2009)



IMDb: 7.6

The Turtles meet their counterparts from the 1980s animated series. They need to join forces to defeat two entire Shredders.

Animated series "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (2012 - 2017)



IMDb: 7.9

The classic story of Japanese immigrant Hamato Yoshi, who adopts four turtles as pets. Under the influence of the mutagen, Hamato Yoshi turns into a half-man, half-rat, and his turtles grow to impressive sizes, acquiring human features.

Movie "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (2014)



IMDb: 5.8

The villain Shredder keeps all of New York in fear. The city's future looks bleak until its fearless brothers, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, come to its defense.

Movie "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2" (2016)



IMDb: 5.9

Shredder organizes his escape from prison. Now the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles need to put all their efforts into catching him.

Animated series "Evolution of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (2018 - present)



IMDb: 6.2

A strange traveler from the future arrives on the planet and asks the heroes to help him fight against a terrible alien monster. Of course, the turtles get down to business. In the future, they will not only have to fight a strong opponent, but also discover the mystical powers of the ninja.

Cartoon "Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (2019)



IMDb: 7.1

The Turtles and Batman need to unite for a common good goal - defeating Shredder.

Cartoon "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" (2023)



IMDb: 7.2

This reboot film will tell the story of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, who want to go to the surface and live like people. However, they soon meet a strange villain named Superfly, whom they intend to stop in order to become famous.