Television series
Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation
A live-action spin-off that reunites four brothers with a fifth turtle sister, trained in China by a Shinobi master. Imagine 90s Saban cheese meets martial arts adventure: costumes that move like humans in rubber suits, earnest low-budget action, and the kind of earnestness that makes you smile. For fans of late-90s nostalgia and anyone who thought five ninja turtles was better than four.
If you liked this
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie1995
Same era, same studio, same commitment to rubber-suited heroes fighting rubber-suited villains with absolute sincerity. It perfected the formula this show was riffing on.
But The cheese factor is intentional but relentless. If you need your action grounded, this will test your patience.
Darkwing Duck1991
Adventure comedy that doesn't take itself seriously but cares deeply about being entertaining. Sharp writing under the silliness, and genuine affection for its own absurdity.
But It's animated, so if you're here specifically for live-action stunt work, you'll be disappointed.
The Flash2014
Early-90s superhero TV that swings between camp and genuine thrills. Great stunt work, practical effects you can see the love in, and a hero who's having fun.
But It takes itself more seriously than *Next Mutation*, which some will prefer and others will find less fun.
Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation
The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
Kung Fu: The Legend Continues1993
Like *Next Mutation*, it's a 90s TV series about martial artists reunited across generations, but it's playing it straight and the action choreography is far superior.
A martial arts adventure series with genuine stunt choreography and a multi-generational ensemble. It's earnest without being self-aware, and the action is actually filmed well.
But It's more dramatic and less comedic. If you're after goofy fun, the tone shift might feel like work.
More like this (6)
V.R. Troopers1994
Saban's other answer to Power Rangers. It's got action, comedy, a rotating cast of weird villains, and absolutely no shame about its low budget.
But Even more low-effort than *Next Mutation*. The seams show constantly.
Masked Rider1995
Saban taking another swing at the formula. Alien kid on Earth, disguises, weird monsters, campy dialogue delivered with straight faces.
But It's maybe the weakest of Saban's output. Even forgiving nostalgia has limits.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles1990
The film that started it all in live-action. It's actually good—genuinely stylish action, real emotion, and Shredder is properly menacing.
But It's darker and more serious than *Next Mutation*. If you want 90s cheese, this might feel like a detour.
Cyberchase2002
Similar energy of adventure across worlds with a rotating ensemble cast. It's got charm, genuine humor, and doesn't condescend to its audience.
But It's aimed at kids, so the stakes are lower and the tone lighter than even *Next Mutation*.
Big Bad Beetleborgs1996
Saban's most purely fun effort. Kids find a comic book, get superpowers, fight hologram villains. It knows what it is and commits completely.
But It's even more disposable than *Next Mutation*. The plot barely exists to hang action sequences on.
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky1991
Both are martial arts adventures that prioritize spectacle and stunt work over logic, but *Ricky* is what happens when you remove all restraint and taste.
A Hong Kong martial arts film that's absolutely unhinged—over-the-top violence, practical effects gone gloriously wrong, complete commitment to chaos. It's the anti-blockbuster: ugly, weird, and unforgettable.
But It's genuinely brutal and graphic. The blood is real-looking, the violence is grotesque, and it's nothing like *Next Mutation*'s family-friendly action.
