3 Ninjas Movies: Release Order
The 3 Ninjas series consists of four family martial arts comedies released throughout the 1990s. Each film follows brothers Rocky, Colt, and Tum Tum as they spend their summer with Grandpa Mori, who trains them in ninjutsu, leading to various adventures where they must use their ninja skills against different villains.
The original film was a surprise box office hit, earning $29 million on a modest budget and inspiring three sequels of declining quality and success. Interestingly, the third film 3 Ninjas Knuckle Up was actually shot in 1992 immediately after the first film but wasn't released until 1995 due to distribution issues, which explains why the cast changes between films can seem confusing. Each movie tells a standalone story with only loose continuity between them.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
3 Ninjas
Three brothers spend their summers training in martial arts and ninjutsu with their Japanese grandfather. When an organized crime ring becomes too much for the FBI to handle, the young ninjas must use their skills to battle the criminals and escape persistent kidnappers.
3 Ninjas Kick Back
Three young ninja brothers abandon a championship baseball game to travel to Japan and help their grandfather, who is being threatened by an ancient enemy seeking revenge.
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up
Three young ninja brothers must help their Native American friend save his community from an evil businessman who is illegally dumping toxic waste on tribal land. The boys face off against motorcycle gangs and corrupt officials in their quest to find evidence that will stop the environmental destruction.
3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain
Three young martial arts brothers and their tech-savvy friend must use their ninja skills to stop an evil army led by Medusa from taking over an amusement park. With help from a retired TV star, the kids work to thwart the villains' ransom scheme.
Other Film Series
Home Alone
A series of holiday comedy films about kids left to defend their homes against bumbling criminals, beginning with Kevin McCallister's iconic adventures.
Jumanji
A magical adventure series about a supernatural board game that brings its jungle dangers into the real world.
Kung Fu Panda
An animated martial arts adventure series following Po the panda's journey from unlikely hero to legendary Dragon Warrior across four feature films.
Planes
Spin-off duology from the Cars universe following crop duster Dusty Crophopper's journey from aspiring racer to wildland firefighter.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Live-action/CGI hybrid trilogy following Sonic's adventures on Earth as he battles Dr. Robotnik and discovers new allies in a connected cinematic universe.
Spy Kids
Family-friendly action franchise about children who discover their parents are secret agents and become spies themselves, featuring the original Cortez trilogy and subsequent reboots.