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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Heroes aren't born. They're mutated.

202399 minPGMidcredits score: 87th percentile of all films
Directors
Jeff Rowe, Kyler Spears
Starring
Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon

After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O'Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem streaming on Paramount+ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem earns 7 badges, led by Visual feast and Star-studded.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem worth watching?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem's Midcredits score is the 87th percentile of all films, from 613K ratings across 6 sources. 76% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

87th percentile

Better received than 87% of films

81st percentile among Animation88th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)85th
Approval (how many liked it)86th

72 /100

85th percentile of all films

79th percentile among Animation84th percentile among 2020s

Critics 74 · Audience 72

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.2 — solid but not unanimous.

76% liked it

86th percentile of all films

81st percentile among Animation86th percentile among 2020s
76% rated it 7–1024% rated it 1–6

Critics 95% · Audience 90%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 74 noms overall

80th percentile

612K ratings across platforms

60th percentile among Animation80th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 17% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$70M
Opening weekend$28M
Domestic gross$119M
Worldwide gross$182M

Returned 2.6× its budget — 90th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film's animation style is striking and the turtle brother dynamic is a highlight, even if they differ on how well the rest works.

Fans praised

  • groundbreaking blend of traditional and CG animation with expressive, hand-crafted charm
  • portraying the turtles as genuine teenagers with real sibling chemistry and voice acting
  • fresh, loving update to the franchise that respects its core while modernizing the story

Detractors panned

  • muddled, formulaic plot with two villains and contrived sequel setup
  • over-reliance on pop-culture references and modern slang that feels forced
  • poorly choreographed action that lacks ninja stealth and weight

What stands out

Cinematography85

beautiful, painterly animation blending hand-drawn and CG with expressive camerawork

CharactersDivisive80

turtles are written as relatable teens; Splinter and some villains are underdeveloped

Acting78

voice cast brings distinct personalities and chemistry, though some supporting roles are forgettable

OriginalityDivisive72

fresh take on the franchise's origin, but still hits familiar beats

Humor68

mix of juvenile and clever gags; sometimes hits, sometimes feels forced

DialogueDivisive60

quick-witted and funny at times, but overstuffed with pop-culture references

Plot and storyDivisive45

story is messy and formulaic with a contrived dual-villain setup

Pacing45

jumpy and rushed, with action-packed moments but little breathing room

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is funny, never lets up and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulThrilling
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
PlayfulWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its teen energy and emotional beats straight, with a sincere heart beneath the pop-culture humor and stylized animation.
The rideMostly high-spirited and action-driven, with the emotional weight of acceptance landing in the climax and resolution.
StructureA conventional linear structure with setup, conflict, and resolution, featuring a time jump after the origin.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayA heartwarming, upbeat outing that leaves you smiling and believing in acceptance.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

Why this archetypeThe turtles are on a mission to stop Superfly's plan and win public acceptance, which fits a quest plot, with elements of defeating a monster.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsIdentity · 14% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the turtles' bond with each other and Splinter, their longing for acceptance, and the idea of building a larger community that includes both humans and mutants.
StanceThe film celebrates found family and acceptance, showing that connection and trust win over fear and control.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score
SettingNew York City sewers, streets, high school, and TCRI labs
MusicThe score blends synthetic textures with orchestral swells, giving the film a contemporary, energetic feel without overpowering the action.

Content guide

Is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem okay for kids?

PG

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is rated PG: “Rated PG for sequences of violence and action, language and impolite material” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (40/100), sexual content at minimal (9/100), language at moderate (40/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (7/100) and frightening material at moderate (38/100). Overall it is heavier than 52% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 28 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • New ZealandPG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • Brazil10
  • Belgium14
  • CzechiaU
  • FinlandK-7
  • Hungary12
  • IsraelAll
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoA
  • Netherlands9
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/6
  • PRPG
  • RO12
  • SingaporePG
  • SK7
  • Spain7i
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland10
  • THG
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 16% of all filmsHeavier than 52% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 62%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 13%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 80%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 12%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 53%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 80% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem have?

MovieCove's classifier found 2 depicted content warnings in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem: Gore or body horror (mild), Gun violence (mild). Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

MildGore or body horrorGun violence

Cast and crew

Who is in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem?

Cast

4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Micah Abbey
as Donatello
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Shamon Brown Jr.
as Michelangelo
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Nicolas Cantu
as Leonardo
Brady Noon
as Raphael
Ayo Edebiri
as April O'Neil
Maya Rudolph
as Cynthia Utrom
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
John Cena
as Rocksteady
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Seth Rogen
as Bebop
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Rose Byrne
as Leatherhead
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Natasia Demetriou
as Wingnut

Crew

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What are movies like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem?

Movies like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991), Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie (2022) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993). Of the 12 closest matches, most are superhero films, and most are family adventures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman wrote 4 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem?

1.5K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: warrior. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.