Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action-packed animated tale has lots of peril, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a thrilling continuation of the show with stunning animation, emotional depth, and solid character development, particularly highlighting Leonardo's growth as a leader. While it includes some darker themes and mild language, fans recommend watching the series first to fully appreciate the story and relationships portrayed.
- emotional depth
- stunning animation
- character development
- darker themes
- must-watch
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In RISE OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: THE MOVIE, a stranger from the future named Casey (Haley Joel Osment) travels back in time to warn the Ninja Turtles about an alien invasion from a species called the Krang. When he finally finds the team of brothers, it's already too late, and the key they were advised to find has already been stolen. To make matters worse, the Ninja Turtles lose their mystic powers. Leo (Ben Schwartz) has a hard time taking orders from his big brother Raph (Omar Benson Miller). Will the team be able to set aside their egos and work together as a team to stop an alien invasion threatening to destroy the universe? The teen turtles are put to their ultimate test to see if they can rise to the occasion.
Is It Any Good?
Though this is a dark and at times frightening story, it's also thrilling and exciting for longtime fans of the iconic characters. Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie has an impressive bright and colorful 2D animation style that's above and beyond what viewers see in the television series. Action drives the movie from beginning to end, and violence is a big part of that. But the heart-grabbing story of family bonds manages to pack a punch of its own. The brothers argue, as many siblings do, but when push comes to shove, they'll do anything to have each other's backs. The characters have to learn to set their egos aside to help each other and save the world.
Though time travel plays a part in the film, it's more of a side note; it doesn't make things confusing like in many time-travel movies. In previous versions of the franchise, the Ninja Turtles have more distinct characteristics that help to pinpoint who's who and their strengths and weaknesses. In this version, all of the Turtles seem to have Mikey (Brandon Mychal Smith)-like silliness, with little hints here and there about their special abilities such as Donnie's (Josh Brener) genius-level intelligence and Raph's superior strength. This could feel like a watered-down version of the characters for longtime fans of the Ninjas. Still, viewers able to put that aside will likely find a surprisingly captivating story that has laughs as well as emotional twists and turns along the way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the almost constant cartoon action in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie. How much violence is too much for kids? Why is it important to be aware of the impact of violence on children of different ages?
When did you notice the Ninja Turtles using teamwork to achieve a goal? What character strengths are important in a good teammate?
How did the Ninja Turtles model character strengths like courage, leadership, and creative problem-solving?
Why do you think these characters have stayed popular for so many years? If you've seen some of their other movies or TV shows, do you like the changes this one makes to the characters? Do you think this animation style is better or worse? Why?
How do you react to animated violence versus that same level of violence in a live-action movie? Does one seem more frightening than the other? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 5, 2022
- Cast : Ben Schwartz , Omar Benson Miller , Brandon Mychal Smith , Josh Brener , Kat Graham
- Directors : Andy Suriano , Ant Ward
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 82 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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