Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) is an American superhero film directed by Jonathan Liebesman, based on the beloved characters created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman.
This reboot of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise features a blend of action, comedy, and visual effects, bringing the iconic turtles to a new generation. The film stars Megan Fox as April O'Neil, alongside Will Arnett, William Fichtner, and the voices of Johnny Knoxville (as Leonardo), Tony Shalhoub (as Splinter), and others.
The plot centers around the four turtle brothers—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—who are trained in ninjutsu by their mentor Splinter. They emerge from the shadows to protect New York City from the evil Shredder (played by Tohoru Masamune) and his Foot Clan. April O'Neil, a determined reporter, becomes an ally to the turtles as they work together to thwart Shredder's plans and save their city.
The film was released in theaters on August 8, 2014, following its premiere in Mexico City on July 29. Despite receiving generally negative reviews from critics—who criticized its screenplay and characterizations—the film was praised for its action sequences and visual effects. It grossed approximately $485 million worldwide against a production budget of $125–150 million, making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and heroism while delivering a mix of humor and action that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers. The film's success led to a sequel titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, released in 2016. Overall, this 2014 adaptation reintroduced the turtles to audiences with a modern twist while maintaining the essence of their original charm.