Common Sense Media Review
By Li Lai
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fighting, smoking, kissing in Jim Henson's Ninja Turtles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Parents say that this film remains a beloved classic, cherished for its entertaining blend of slapstick humor, martial arts action, and strong family values, with messages about the importance of communication and love within families. While some parents noted moments of mild violence and language that may be unsuitable for very young children, many felt the overall themes and character development made it a worthwhile watch for kids, fostering discussions about choices and consequences.
- family values
- humor
- mild violence
- positive messaging
- classic entertainment
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a beloved classic that is particularly enjoyable for fans of the franchise, although opinions differ on its suitability for younger audiences due to its humor, mild swearing, and action scenes. Many praise the film for its entertaining blend of character personalities and humor, while others caution that it may not be suitable for very young children due to some mature themes and violence.
- classic family film
- mixed suitability
- entertaining characters
- humor and action
- some mature themes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES follows four mutant turtle brothers—Leonardo (voiced by Brian Tochi), Donatello (Corey Feldman), Raphael (Josh Pais), and Michelangelo (Robbie Rist)—who emerge from the sewers of New York City to battle the criminal Foot Clan. When their beloved master, Splinter (Kevin Clash), is kidnapped by the villainous Shredder (played by James Saito and voiced by David McCharen), the turtles team up with reporter April O'Neil (Judith Hoag) and vigilante Casey Jones (Elias Koteas) to rescue him.
Is It Any Good?
Great practical effects and grungy New York City visuals make this an enduring comic book movie. Jim Henson's Creature Shop created the animatronic costumes in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie, which feel tangible in a way that computer effects often don't. The visual effects also add to the nostalgia factor, seen during scenes that show the Foot Clan's underground hideout packed with arcade games, kids smoking cigars, and product placements for Burger King and Mountain Dew—the perfect image of teen rebellion in the 1980s and '90s.
While the movie is definitely entertaining and lively enough to keep kids engaged, it does have some problems to consider. Japanese characters fall into "foreign villain" or "wise mentor" stereotypes, complete with heavy accents voiced by White actors. And even though April is smart and brave, she's the lone woman in a sea of male characters, and she still ends up needing to be rescued. These issues don't ruin the movie, but they do warrant some discussion.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the young Foot Clan recruits in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle: The Movie. What does the film say about alienation and belonging? Is this a realistic depiction of how young people get drawn into gangs? What's the difference between a positive found family (such as Splinter and the Ninja Turtles) and a toxic one (such as Shredder and the Foot Clan)?
What kinds of conflicts show up in the film? How are they solved? What about the fight between Raphael and Leonardo? How is the bigger fight against the Foot Clan resolved? What are some ways to solve problems without resorting to vigilantism or violence?
How do the practical effects in this film compare to modern CGI? Do you prefer the visuals of this movie, or of the mid-2010s remakes? Why?
Do you consider April a "strong female lead"? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 30, 1990
- On DVD or streaming : February 28, 1998
- Cast : Elias Koteas , Josh Pais , Judith Hoag , Kevin Clash
- Director : Steve Barron
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Adventures , Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, some harsh words
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : January 3, 2026
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