Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie (2022)
Story overview
In this animated action film, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles face their biggest challenge yet when a visitor from the future arrives with an urgent warning. Leonardo must step up as a leader to guide his brothers Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo against a dangerous alien threat. The movie combines fast-paced adventure with themes of teamwork, responsibility, and brotherhood as the turtles work together to protect their world.
Parent Guide
An animated action adventure with cartoon violence and positive themes of teamwork and leadership.
Content breakdown
Cartoon-style martial arts action with characters fighting alien creatures using non-lethal weapons. Some perilous situations but no graphic injuries.
Alien creatures and futuristic threats may be intense for sensitive viewers, but presented in animated style.
No concerning language noted for this animated feature.
No sexual content or nudity in this animated action film.
No substance use depicted.
Some tense action sequences and themes of responsibility may create emotional engagement.
Parent tips
This animated movie features cartoon-style action violence typical of superhero adventures, with characters fighting alien creatures using martial arts and futuristic weapons. The TV-PG rating suggests some scenes may be intense for younger viewers, particularly during action sequences with peril and mild sci-fi elements. Parents should note the film includes themes of responsibility and leadership that could spark positive conversations about teamwork and facing challenges.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What was your favorite turtle?
- How did the turtles help each other?
- What was the silliest part?
- Did you see any teamwork?
- What colors did you notice most?
- What made Leo a good leader?
- How did the turtles solve problems together?
- What would you do if you saw something scary?
- What was the most exciting part?
- What did you learn about working as a team?
- What leadership qualities did Leo show?
- How did the turtles balance their different personalities?
- What does it mean to be responsible for others?
- How did the future visitor change the story?
- What makes a good team member?
- How did the movie handle the theme of responsibility?
- What did you think about the leadership development?
- How did the sci-fi elements enhance the story?
- What messages about brotherhood stood out?
- How did the animation style affect your viewing experience?
🎭 Story Kernel
Beneath the mutant mayhem lies a poignant exploration of chosen family versus blood ties. The Turtles' journey isn't about becoming heroes—they already are—but about confronting the trauma of their origin. Leo's leadership crisis stems from his fear of failing this makeshift family, while the villain's motivation reveals how biological connection can become toxic obligation. The film argues that family isn't defined by shared DNA but by shared sacrifice, with the Turtles' victory coming not from defeating the villain but from choosing each other over easy answers about their past.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The animation style blends anime-inspired kineticism with comic book framing, creating a visual language where motion tells character. Fight scenes use exaggerated perspective shifts to emphasize the Turtles' unique fighting styles—Raph's brute force shown through low-angle shots, Donnie's tech visualized as geometric overlays. The color palette shifts from the Turtles' signature neon in their lair to muted grays in the villain's realm, visually separating found family warmth from cold biological obligation. Camera work during emotional moments adopts tighter framing, making the sewer feel claustrophobic during conflicts but expansive during bonding scenes.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
The film's unique animation style required developing new software to blend 2D comic book effects with 3D models, particularly for the mystical elements. Voice actor Ben Schwartz (Leonardo) improvised several of Leo's anxious one-liners that made it into the final cut. The production team studied actual New York City sewer layouts for the lair design but took creative liberties for the more fantastical locations. Notably, this marked the first TMNT film where all four Turtles were motion-captured separately to ensure distinct physicality in their movements.
Where to watch
Choose region:
- Netflix
- Netflix Standard with Ads
Trailer
Trailer playback is unavailable in your region.
