Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Figures & Toys Guide

An absolute cult classic from the late 80s and early 90s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have stood the test of time; and they’re still hugely popular today, having spawned several new TV series and movies inspired by the OG comics. And, best of all, there are some gnarly toys and figures for you to add to your collection.

Whether you’re looking to start a new collection, want to get your kids obsessed with your nostalgic favourites, or just want to play with some TMNT toys (who wouldn’t?), we’ve got you covered. Discover everything from what to look for when picking new toys, to some of our TMNT favourites right here in this guide. Turtle Power!

Who are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

Heroes from the depths of the New York City sewers, the TMNT gang came to being when some baby turtles got exposed to radioactive ooze – spawning the guys you know better as:

• Leonardo: supremely skilled and the leader of the gang, you can spot Leonardo by his bright blue bandana and two katana.
  

• Raphael: strong, sarcastic, and short-tempered, you will know Raph by the bold red bandana and sai swords.
  

• Michelangelo: energetic and pizza-obsessed, Michelangelo is fast, agile, and easy to spot wielding nunchucks in his orange bandana. Cowabunga!
  

• Donatello: super-smart, Donatello is the tech-whizz of the gang. Find him by his purple bandana and bō staff.
  

Fun Fact: if you were watching BBC in the late 80s/early 90s, you may recognise this pizza-loving quartet by a different name - the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles.

Of course, there would be no Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles without Splinter: mutant rat, father-figure, and ultimate sensei for our heroes. They also don’t battle alone; the guys are usually supported by April O’Neil, and even vigilante Casey Jones.

Together, the gang fight evil and protect the unknowing denizens of New York City from a whole host of villains; from their nemesis Shredder and the Foot Clan, to the alien warlord Krang from Dimension X. 

Choosing the best TMNT toys

Whether you’re just starting a TMNT collection, or want some TMNT toys for the pure nostalgia of it all, it pays to know what to look for. We’ve picked out the top three areas that will influence how you choose TMNT toys, and why…

Character

Obviously, the first thing that will influence your purchases is character. Most of us had a favourite turtle growing up, so it makes sense that you’ll start your collection there. Depending on what you want from your TMNT collection, you may want to stick to buying everything involving your favourite character; or you might want to collect, play and/or display the whole gang.

To make your life easier, and the act of collecting much more enjoyable, we recommend that you put in some planning time before you buy anything.

• If you’re obsessed with Donatello for example, a comprehensive collection of just him can look really cool and cohesive. Start out by looking for TMNT toys of just him, and then you can branch out into accessories, rarer or vintage toys and more.
  

• When you’re collecting the whole shebang, it makes sense to start with the main four turtles. We recommend that you look for figures that are the same size so that everything is coordinated for display. Then, once your collection is more established, you can branch out characters from the wider universe.
  

Version

Different iterations of TMNT come with their own ninjocity and style. While the core elements will stay the same, as a new collector (or parent getting TMNT toys for your kids) you should make sure that you’re choosing the toys and figures from the versions you enjoy the most.

While Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles began as a comic, for many the most recognisable versions of TMNT come from the earlier animated TV series. These include:

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-1996).

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003-2010).

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012-2017).

More recently, there have been two main series, which are Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2018-2020) and Tales of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2024-2025). 

Top Tip: TMNT toys from the newer iterations are more popular with younger generations, and make fantastic toys to get your kids into the franchise.

In terms of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movies, arguably the most popular are Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles Forever (2009).

There are a range of TMNT toy collections inspired by the canon universes established with each form of media, so look out for ones that interest you.

TMNT’s big screen comeback: Mutant Mayhem and the new wave of toys

In 2024, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise was re-energised for a new generation with the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. The movie introduced a bold, graffiti-inspired animation style and leaned heavily into humour, heart, and teenage chaos - bringing Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael back into the cultural spotlight in a big way. 

More than just a cinematic reboot, Mutant Mayhem played a pivotal role in kick-starting the latest era of TMNT toys. The refreshed character designs, expressive poses, and vibrant colour palettes translated perfectly into figures, vehicles, and playsets - making them instantly appealing to kids discovering TMNT for the first time, whilst still tapping into nostalgia for long-time fans. 

This renewed momentum also helped bridge the gap between storytelling and play. The characters’ personalities, friendships, and high-energy adventures seen on screen directly inspired how kids interact with the toys - encouraging imaginative, story-led play rather than static collecting alone. It’s this combination of on-screen excitement and hands-on fun that has cemented TMNT’s relevance once again.

As a result, today’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toys aren’t just callbacks to a cult-classic - they’re part of a living, evolving universe, fuelled by modern animation, fresh narratives, and a new generation of fans ready to shout “Cowabunga!” all over again.

Collector or player?

Last, but definitely not least, you need to think about the function of your TMNT toys. Are you a collector, or a player?

If you’re a collector, you want to think about:

• Provenance: where are your TMNT toys and figures coming from? Making sure you get authentic, licensed toys is vital. To make your life easier, always buy from reputable vendors, like Character, where you can guarantee quality and authenticity.
  

• Type of figure: most collectors will focus on figures first, and series accessories second. To get the right type of figure for your collection, make sure you look at the size, design, and articulation before you buy.
  

• Personal interest: collecting according to your interests is the best way to maximise your enjoyment and get the most out of each purchase. You buy what you find interesting, not anyone else.

If you’re trying to get your kids into your favourite childhood franchise, you will have different priorities.

• Playsets: playsets are perfect for kids; they have everything you need to play and imagine all in one. Look for vehicles, buildings and sets that are at the right age range for your kids.
  

• Durability: you want something that is built to last, and well-made. Choosing TMNT toys from a well-known seller, like Character, means you can trust in the quality of your toys.
  

• TMNT toys: related toys, outside of figures, are a gnarly addition to the toybox. Character masks and Build N Battle replica weapons are wicked fun and a great gateway to make the series popular with your kids.
  

Our favourite TMNT toys

Looking for the next addition to your TMNT collection? We’ve got you covered, no sewer-diving required. Find some of our totally wicked TMNT toys and figures below…

TMNT Mix ‘N Match Figures: build your own ninja team