Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III

film

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III

1993

The four turtles travel back in time to the days of the legendary and deadly samurai in ancient Japan, where they train to perfect the art of becoming one. The turtles also assist a small village in an uprising.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? PG-rated fantasy action includes repeated martial-arts combat, weapons, peril, kidnapping, a burning building, battle scenes, and a death, but the tone is comic and consequences are limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

Part of the toy-linked Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, though the story itself does not prominently promote products or shopping.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Walker is knocked into a river to his death during the climax; the death is action-related rather than a major grief storyline.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

There is no blood or realistic injury shown; combat is sanitized for a family audience.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild insults or character banter appropriate for the era and age rating.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very light elements, primarily focused on character appreciation and friendship bonds.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Characters face kidnapping, imprisonment, armed villains, a burning building, battle danger, and time-travel peril, softened by comedy and fantasy.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent martial-arts fights, sword combat, armed attacks, rebellion, palace assault, and battle action; violence is generally stylized and adventure-oriented.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly face armed forces, imprisonment, fire, battles, and difficult choices to protect others and restore justice.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Time travel, inventive problem-solving, an unusual historical setting, disguises, and the Turtles’ imaginative teamwork strongly encourage playful creativity.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The cast and story include American protagonists and multiple Japanese characters with distinct roles and agency, though representation is shaped by a fantasy adventure.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The feudal-Japan setting and samurai context may prompt historical curiosity, but teaching real history is not the film’s main purpose.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

The Turtles protect villagers, rescue Yoshi and prisoners, and build trust; compassion and cooperation help the rebellion succeed.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story supports helping oppressed villagers, opposing tyranny, loyalty, responsibility, cooperation, and resolving conflict through courage and sacrifice.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The Turtles rescue prisoners, defend villagers, save a child, and oppose exploitation, though they also engage in frequent vigilante combat.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating