Summary
Throughout the ’80s, one of the most recognized pop culture franchises was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ninja Turtles quotes have made their way into pop culture. The comics, the animated series, and a hugely successful toy line were a staple for many, and in 1990, the franchise reached new peaks with the release of the first live-action movie.
The turtles received three live-action films throughout the nineties, and they are still mostly loved today. There are many aspects of these films that are looked back on with fondness, with many agreeing that the quotable lines remain the highlight. Whether it is wise teachings from Master Splinter or side-splitting wisecracks from the Turtles, fans have many quotes to choose from, with some standing out more than others.
“Why Can’t I Ever Dream About Harrison Ford?”
April, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
April O’Neil is always an ally of the four turtle brothers, no matter where their story plays out. Some fans might think she takes to the turtles very quickly, and while it’s true that she accepts the reality of mutated turtles who can talk and know martial arts, she still reacts in disbelief when first meeting them.
April’s first encounter with the turtles involves them saving her from members of the Foot. They take her into the sewers to keep her safe and introduce her to Splinter, which April is sure has to be a dream. She laments that her dreams are ones that don’t make much sense to her, wishing she could dream of actor Harrison Ford instead.
“You Guys Must Be Studying The Abridged Book Of Ninja Fighting.”
Raphael, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Foot clan is the major enemy in the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, but the truth is that those Foot soldiers are really teenagers that Shredder and his followers have manipulated into fighting for him. They do study fighting under Shredder and Tatsu, but initially, it doesn’t seem like the teenagers are particularly committed to the fight, but to the rewards they get.
That’s noticeable for Raphael the first time he has to go up against several members of the Foot clan on his own. He calls out their lack of skills as he fights, and wonders just how they’ll be able to beat him. Raphael, however, discovers that the Foot clan’s members can fight him thanks to their sheer number. While he’s busy cracking jokes about their lack of skills, more and more masked teenagers surround him to take him on while he’s separated from his brothers, giving the first look at how large the numbers of Shredder’s followers are.
“Go Ninja, Go Ninja, Go!”
Vanilla Ice and Splinter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret Of The Ooze
For the second Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, the titular characters had cemented themselves as part of 1990s pop culture, and the movie reflected that. Even though the Turtles are supposed to keep themselves a secret from the rest of New York, they end up out in the open at a club where Vanilla Ice is in the middle of performing.
Luckily for them, they are assumed to be in costume, and Vanilla Ice takes inspiration from their moves to coin this refrain as part of his performance. The song is the theme at the end of the movie, and this Ninja Turtles quote gets reused by Splinter when he teases his sons. The music has even been used in later Ninja Turtles projects to reference the scene.
“Anger Clouds The Mind. Turned Inward, It Is An Unconquerable Enemy.”
Splinter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Each of the Ninja Turtles has very distinct personalities from one another to make them stand out. Raphael is the brother who often has trouble keeping his anger in check. While the rest of his brothers can laugh off insults and mishaps, Raphael finds himself stuck on them, growing angrier. His brothers and Splinter both try to help him curb his anger or find an outlet for it, and this TMNT quote about his anger is one of Splinter’s most profound.
Splinter urges Raphael that he needs to find a way to let that anger out. If he keeps his anger bottled up, it only becomes worse. That’s a valuable piece of advice for him, and for the audience, though they might not always realize it.
“Fighting’s For Grownups, And That’s Only If You Got No Other Choice.”
Raphael, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III
Raphael might be one of the most impulsive of the ninja turtles (the other is Michelangelo), but that doesn’t always mean he encourages those younger than him to be just as impulsive. He goes from encouraging teenagers in early movies to infiltrate the Foot Clan to cautioning young kids about the dangers of fighting in the third installment.
Despite his temper and his tendency to leap before looking, Raphael is well aware that not everyone has the same skills – or the same brothers to back them up – that he does.
“Forgiveness Is Devine, But Never Pay Full Price For A Late Pizza.”
Michelangelo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Even those who know very little about the Heroes in A Half Shell know that the Turtles have a deep love for pizza. In the original 1990 film, Splinter gives the brothers something to ponder on, implying that he will not be around forever. Mikey decides to not think about this topic when brought up by Donatello, and instead focuses his attention on the late delivery of his pizza.
When the pizza does arrive, he deducts three dollars from the tab, giving this quote. Not only is the quote humorous with the fake wisdom but the scene itself is loved, as it shows how two of the brothers would deal with grief in their own way.
“I Love Being A Turtle!”
Michelangelo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The four brothers are warriors, they are masters of martial arts, and above all else they are turtles. In one of the final battles in the original movie, Michelangelo uses this fact to his advantage. When chasing after his three siblings, a foot soldier swings a sword at his head from behind.
Mikey ducks down into his shell causing him to miss, and then backhands his assailant. In addition to the slapstick nature of the scene, Mikey delivers the line with childish glee fitting perfectly with his character. The line was even brought back in both sequels, although to many the original use of it will always be one of the best moments in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie.
“You Were You Expecting Maybe the Addams Family?”
Donatello. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III
One quote from the second sequel that is always referenced by fans comes when the brothers are found by Walker’s men. They point out the obvious that they have located the turtles, prompting Donnie to give the snarky remark. Donatello has been known to be the calmest person in the group, not getting into as many fights nearly as much as his siblings.
Regardless, he has also been known to be second to Michelangelo in making sarcastic comments, especially in this film. This instance is among many’s favorite lines in the film and has been called back on more often than other quotes.
“Worst Rescue I’ve Ever Had.”
April O’Neil Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III
While there are plenty of iconic TMNT movies, many fans are split on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. Regardless of their opinions, most agree that there are several stand-out moments. One such moment comes when April O’Neil makes a joke at her own expense. Regardless of the media, April is usually a damsel in distress having to be saved constantly by the Turtles.
When she mistakenly gets sent to ancient Japan, the Turtles once again go after her. At first, they get in just as much trouble as her by losing the scepter they planned on using to get home. April delivers the line, implying that she is well aware of her role and that she is exhausted by the whole thing. This subtle meta-humor is welcome in the film, even among critics.
“I Challenge.”
Shredder, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret Of The Ooze
There are plenty of different adaptations of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but the 1990 film was closer to the comic’s darker tone featuring swearing, violence, and even the supposed death of famous baddie, Shredder. The sequel, however, saw the Turtles’ nemesis return, and he wanted his clan to know it. Shredder’s right hand Tatsu crowned himself as the new leader of the Foot and asked any who challenged him to step forward.
From the shadows comes a sinister voice all too familiar, letting them all know that Shredder is back and wants vengeance against the Turtles. Audiences had already seen Shredder rise, but this showed him in full, and he is just as menacing as ever.
“A Little Too Raph.”
Michelangelo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret Of The Ooze
Before the Turtles discover the Shredder is still alive in Secret of The Ooze, Raphael gets captured and held hostage by the Foot. The remaining trio then goes deep into the compound he is being held in, prompting them to say it’s “A little too quiet” and taking out two of the guards was “A little too easy.”
Then after Donnie points out Raph tied to a post, Mikey exclaims he is “A little too Raph.” Michelangelo has always been mostly comic relief, so it is no surprise when he eases the tension in such a way. This scene is a perfect representation of the character, showing that he can keep things light in dark situations, while not going too over the top.
“Yo, Dude.”
Splinter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III
A relatively simple TMNT quote that has had variations spoken numerous times throughout the series suddenly has new meaning when spoken by Splinter. Splinter loves his children and will do anything to see them prosper. He is strict and has them train to their limits but, like any good father, he knows when to lighten the mood.
When Michelangelo is visibly upset upon returning to the present time in the third film, Splinter gives the line while wearing a lampshade on his head. The scene is not only a callback to earlier in the film, but it shows he knows when to train his sons, and when to have them crack up which is exactly what Mikey does.
“Class Is Pain 101, Instructor Is Casey Jones.”
Casey Jones, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
When fan-favorite character Casey Jones made his appearance in the first film, the filmmakers knew he had to make a big impact. When Raphael goes out on his own, he comes across a couple of punks. He scares them off when they are intercepted by a mysterious man in a goalie mask. Raph intervenes when the man gets too rough, causing the punks to get away.
The man then turns his attention to Raph, giving the above TMNT quote to introduce himself. The scene and line work well introducing the character. Even those who are not familiar will understand what Jones is all about from this scene alone.
“When You Die, It Will Be Without Honor.”
Splinter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Shredder is one of best villains the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have faced, and his rivalry with Splinter had been built up throughout the first film. For a large amount of the runtime, Splinter is being held captive by Shredder, and it all comes to a head when Splinter arrives to save the Turtles from his nemesis.
The Ninja Turtles quote Splinter gives right before Shredder falls to his supposed demise is one that shows that as wise and merciful as he is, he is not one to forgive grudges – especially when someone not only kills his former master but also threatens his children. Splinter cares about family above all else, and won’t even let the menacing Shredder stand in the way of that.
“Cowabunga!”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Splinter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
A running joke throughout the first film is the Turtles attempting to come up with a phrase to say after a battle. The siblings have plenty of iconic catchphrases, but one was missing throughout the film. After the climactic battle with Shredder, they bring the running joke back when Splinter suggests the famous phrase. The brothers all exclaim “Cowabunga!” at the same time, and fans loved it.
“Cowabunga” has been used in practically every version of the Ninja Turtles, but this one takes the cake as many’s favorite example. It was the perfect way to end the film and show that the Turtles were going to stick around for a long time. When new versions of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles use this TMNT quote, it’s this scene that most audiences remember.
