Ranking the TMNT movies

[primetime34]

A little background. I have been a turtles fan since the original series (which I watched as a child). I'm pretty new to the comics (just the last 2 years) though.
I am just about finished re-watching every single TMNT movie, TV series, and reading all the main comic series. I thought it might be fun to share my rankings of each here. I'll put a few of my thoughts on it as well. I'll go in reverse order.

8. Turtles 3 - Turtles in Time - I just didn't really like this one. Too campy...the animatronics aren't as good (definitely could tell it wasn't Jim Hansen). Would I watch it again? Only if somebody really wanted to turn it on.


7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) - I was excited to see a new TMNT movie. However, there are some things that definitely disappointed me. It felt like this was more of an April movie (because Megan Fox I'm guessing) than a Turtles movie. The obvious addition of the other Shredder disconnected me from the plot quite a bit. Plus...they're just too big!


6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows - I like this a little better than it's predecessor. There was certainly more of a TMNT focus in this one. Plus it had Bebop and Rocksteady, so that is always a plus for me. I'm was disappointed that they chose to end this series after this movie though.


5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 - More nostalgic than anything. I was a little disappointed with a change in Aprils. The final fight with Super Shredder wasn't as good as I wanted. I didn't like that they weren't allowed to show weapon use. I did (and still do) enjoy seeing Vanilla Ice do Ninja Rap (huge nostalgia pop for me). I would have preferred Rocksteady and Bebop over Tokka and Razar, but I liked the addition of those two.


4. TMNT - This CGI movie really was a sleeper for me. I went into it with pretty low expectations and they were exceeded. I liked that they created a movie beyond the Shredder...which is something that a successful TMNT movie franchise will have to do if they want to be a multiple movie franchise. I'm not sure why this one didn't do as well (commercially), but I really enjoyed it. Plus, the Raphael (my favorite turtle) and Leonardo fight was pretty amazing. One of the best scenes from any of the turtle movies in my opinion.


3. Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - This movie starts a new tier of turtle movies that are the cream of the crop. I love this movie. I wish it followed the comic a little better (I missed having Splinter in it) but it really was a fantastic movie. I appreciated that each turtle was able to really have a moment where their unique personality traits were able to shine (or multiple for Michelangelo). I haven't heard if there are any plans to make a sequel (or two) based on the comics, but I would absolutely love to see that. It was dark when it needed to be, gave a serious Shredder villain, but had enough humor to make it feel like the majority of the turtles movies that I have watched. If you haven't seen this one, go out of your way to do so.


2. Turtles Forever - Are there problems with this movie? Sure. I wish the original voice actors from the '87 series could have been in this movie. However, even with that aside, this takes a fantastic version of the turtles (2k3) and combines them with what started my fandom with the turtles (original '87 series). Was it a nostalgic nod to those of us who grew up watching the original series? Sure! However, I feel it was done it a tremendously effective way. Including the original Mirage turtles in it was amazing as well. This is the turtles movie I have probably watched the most (my children love it!). In fact, just typing this makes me want to sit down with them and watch it again!


1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) - I'm sure it is cliche to have this one on the top of a list, but there is a reason why it is on the top of so many lists. I remember there being TV commercials that ran during the day to win free tickets to this movie, which I was able to win. My parents took my brother and I to see this one in the theater. I loved it then and I love it now. It shows the seriousness of what the turtles face, but still has the humor that hooked a child like me to watch the tv show. I, like Splinter, have always preferred "Cowabunga"!

What are your thoughts on my list? Any choices you agree with? Vehemently disagree with? Let me know!