What do you think is the darkest “Ninja Turtles” moment? Let us know in the comments! For more content like this, click here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/adOnoLB_28ilcX0.html

I always hated that Master Splinter dies, especially in the 2012 series, but passing on the sensei role to Leonardo was good development on his part, and even after the spirits from the Nether World invaded Splinter's ghost was still on the turtles side which meant even in death Hamato Yoshi is still one of the best characters in the TMNT franchise!

I grew up with the 2012 series, and it remains as my favorite show of all time. I recently got the dvds that I didn’t have and watched it all in order. Still gives me shivers when I see these dark moments from a show that I used to watch when I was still in my single digits. Don’t understand how 6-7 year old me enjoyed mutant turtles’ suffering.

The 2012 series was without a doubt my favorite TMNT cartoon. It was dark, funny, action packed, and just pure awesome. However, the reason I see this as the best is simple: source materials. This cartoon took different aspects of different parts of the TMNT franchise weather be comics, other shows, movies or video games and found away to incorporate it into the series. Such as when they included Bebop and Rocksteady, after only appearing in the 80's cartoon. Same when they turned Shredder into the Super Shredder. It also did it's own path, such as not only have Splinter be Hamato Yoshi instead of his pet, but also be the birth father of Karai. And when it went dark, it got really dark! Splinter's Death, Donnie exploding to atoms, the freaking Mutant Apocalypse series finale! All these reasons and more are why I find the 2012 series the best incarnation of the Turtles ever.

I still think the season 4 of the 2003 show is the most disturbing non-comic TMNT content to date. Don getting turned into a monster, Leo’s depression arc, the Baxter stockman episode that got pulled from airing in the US, Casey getting ptsd of the purple dragons killing his dad 4kids literally had to step in because the show at that point was becoming too mature and dark for the younger audience they were targeting

I grew up with the 2012 series and seeing all those dark moments still makes my heart skip a beat. Personally, I’m surprised that TMNT 2012 beat TMNT 2003 for the most dark moments on this list. Actually, anyone else more surprised that an episode of the 1987 series made the list?

The darkest moment I won't never forget is the 2012 TV Series when Super Shredder has killed Master Splinter and the episode from the 2003 TV Series when Donatello sent into the future.

Splinter’s death in 2017 was also very graphic. When splinter literally stabs him from behind we literally not only get an impact and reaction shot we legit see the blade protruding through splinters body. Legit one of the darkest things I have ever seen in animation, adult or not.

I love that this list was mostly the 2003 and 2012 series

TMNT (2003 -2009). TMNT (2012-2017). We still 💚 both versions equally.

Splinter's death in the 2012 series made me bawled all day when the season 4 episode Requiem premiered. I know he died in the season 3 finale but his actual death made me bawled all day. It was the darkest episode ever and destroyed me. I felt so bad for the turtles especially Leonardo 💔💔

Regarding the 2012, honestly wish we would’ve seen Alopex a bit more. She seemed very interesting with her backstory and abilities.

If this was a Top 20 video, we would get more dark 2012 TMNT moments in this video like Parasitic Wasp, Squirrelanoid, all mutations, & the Black Hole Generator activates

I grew up with the '03 version. Growing up, I hated Baxter Stockman with a burning passion. Watching as an adult, I just feel sorry for him. His story hits different once you actually see the "Baxter's Body" episode. It literally goes over all the trauma he's suffered in his life, and at the end of all of it, all he wanted was death

“Splinters death is the darkest moment in TMNT history” TMNT Last Ronin: “Hold my slice”

2012 and 2003 series will always be my TMNT. Though, I like 80s Turtles as well.

Poor Splinter just cannot catch a break. He's like the Kenny McCormick of the franchise.

2012 series is my favorite of all time TMNT story.. just a perfect storyline of the turtles. It had it all for me.. bittersweet Origins and endings done to perfection for all the characters .

I still remember in the S2 finale of the 2012 series... New York being conquered, Leonardo being beaten to a coma, more gruesome mutations and Master Splinter being alone... Oof

I had a really good feeling that Super Shredder killing Splinter from "TMNT (2012 TV series)" would take the #1 spot. I was completely speechless and emotional when this moment happened, and it still remains as one of the many reasons why the 2012 TV series is my #1 favorite TMNT TV series.

The 2003 series and 2012 series of TMNT are tied with being my favorite series of TMNT. Both series are just so damn good.

I grew up with the 2012 series and a lot of moments really hit me hard. The Mutant Apocalypse arc is one that I dread on revisiting because of how dark and painful it is. It hurts a lot to know what happened. Same with the Rise Movie. Thankfully in the 2012 series, that was in a separate timeline. But Splinter's death always leaves a pain in my heart.

I remember watching the 2003's version of TMNT when I was a little kid, it was so cool and very fantastic. It may have had dark moments in that iteration comparing to some of the other TMNT shows, but it was still an awesome nonetheless.

3:44 We don't blame the live action '90s Raphael version who was literally upset.

Paramount should let TIM MILLER direct the next live-action reboot He understands CGI like none other

"Hamato yoshi is dead" "I HAVE FINALLY WON" tmnt 2012-anilhation earth

Rise Movie: (all these brutal dark moments) 1) alternate future where future Leo tells future Mikey to kill himself to create a portal 2) future all turtles and everyone dies 3) Leo getting beat down by Krang 4) Raph choking Leo

From 2012, the most disturbing and darkest episodes were The Buried Secrets, The Deadly Venom and The Fourtold Trap. It was rather disturbing to see turtles, April and Casey consumed by creepy Mom-Thing creature or poisoned by the brainwashed snake-Karai, or being put into four Saw-themed death traps that almost killed them. And also, the three darkest episodes from 2003 series are the Darkness Within, The Bad Day and The Scion of the Shredder.

I love Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2003 TV Series when I was so little, and I really felt pity for Baxter Stockman when he didn't deserve his punishment by losing his entire body.

I still have trauma from Black hole Scene [TMNT (2012)]… I’m surprised that Nick still allowed the show to air after that, seeing the world basically End

THIS GUY REALLY PUT SPLINTER’S DEATH ABOVE SAME AS IT NEVER WAS

I grew up during the 2003 series and it will always be my favorite show of all time. I was genuinely sad when the series ended, although I don't really remember a whole lot of it because I was so little.

Raise your hand if you want TMNT 2012 Season 6?

Even before the final 3 seasons, the original series had some unexpectedly dark moments, like Baxter Stockman's transformation into a fly man being rather painful and that we could see his skeleton in the process.

2012 tmnt was my whole childhood and it was amazing 💚🐢

I think another 2012 tmnt dark moment was when Donnie almost killed Don Vizioso. The fact that Donnie almost lost himself from grief and revenge.

Grew up with the 2012 Series. And because of that, it remains my favorite, shit was dark though, it did not stop itself from delving into darker topics and scenes. I’d like to watch the other series’s too.

While I’ve never been a TMNT fan, it’s the 2012 iteration that made me wanna watch every episode of it that series

It's a shame you didn't include the comics, because the IDW series includes a scene where Donatello's shell is smashed open with a sledgehammer by Rocksteady, and he's left to bleed to death. Or the subsequent storyline in which a copy of his consciousness is left in a robot, and starts going slowly insane.

2012's TMNT was the MOST Darkest!

I've never been interested in any sort of series as I was with this,.. I remember running back from school every day to come watch it at 16:45 every weekday ❤️❤️

Never expected Alopex to chop off Tiger Claw's arm

2012 had to be the best in my eyes for everything

What about when Casey turned on the trash compactor w/ Shredder inside in the 1990 movie? It was even repeated in the 2012 series after Splinter's death.

The 2003 episode “Bad Day” should’ve been an honorable mention as well. Definitely up there as one of the darker episodes of that series despite it being a dream, in essence. First half hits hard!

I'm sorry, but is noone gonna talk about the ROTTMNT movie?!? I know it came out this year but goddamn. That shit was good & dark.

For the future: Top 10 TMNT that tackled serious issues

Love these moments but I’m kinda surprised that the Krang apocalypse in Rise didn’t show up. Like you see both Leo and Mikey die while it’s implied that Raph and Donnie were already gone…

The 03 is most definitely the darkest but the 2012 series had the balls to kill splinter twice and the second time he stayed dead

I cried the first time I saw Splinter die in the 2012 TMNT, and it still makes me cry.

Now, we need a Top 10 List for the Best Moments and/or Emotional Moments from "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie"! As well for a separate list for the TV Series "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"!

2012 TMNT was my first foray into the Ninja Turtles franchise. I was honestly impressed with it. I was genuinely surprised by how dark it could get at times. Yet I loved how it didn't shy away from the fact that violence is very, very real

I love the 2012 version of teenage mutant ninja turtles. It’s my favorite incarnation of the tmnt, but that’s probably because I’m biased towards it. I grew up with it.

I think that Rise of the TMNT deserved to be on that list, not gonna spoil anything because probably a lot of people haven't seen it yet, but there were some pretty dark moments in that one.

Splinter's permanent death in TMNT 2012 was not only the darkest moment of the franchise, but literally the most devastating moment of our childhood chapter 💔

I REALLY hate Master Splinter being murdered by Super Shredder in the 2012 TMNT. That scene was definitely and totally Dark, Gruesome and Horrifying to watched. 😭😭😭😭

the fact Leo's final blow against Super Shredder to avenge Splinter straight up decapitated him too....

The 2012 was definitely was one of the best ever I did enjoy watching it plus fighting the dinosaurs army and going into space was definitely awesome

Both 2012 and early 2000’s shows had so many heartfelt moments from my childhood

I love how most of times Its TMNT 2003 and 2012 who takes the spots

Leo absolutely destroying super shredder and showing no mercy is my favourite TMNT moment ever.

I know in TMNT 2012 splinter dies MULTIPLE time. But when he died in Season 5 in the show, i was heartbroken. The Super-Shredder kills his brother for power. Luckily the Turtles strike back, but nothing breaks my heart when splinter dies.

The Turtles originally were dark and gritty, and I like those moments very much because I feel like they are calling back to the Turtle's roots.

I think the Leo vs Raph battle should be on the list in place of some of these other ones. In being only an honorable mention, it cuts short the fact of Raph splitting Leo's katanas, which leaves him to be captured and tortured, arguably more powerfully written than Splinters capture.

How come “the Last Ronin” is not on this list??? It is arguably one of the best written TMNT comics ever.

So glad I grew up with the more lighthearted 1987 TMNT show. Can't believe just how dark it got in some instances.

I'm glad this video gave the 2003 series a lot of shine, super underrated imo

I been waiting for you guys to make this. Seriously, I been looking for a video like this on KZfaq.

I feel Karai's mutation is dark enough to warrant it's own number

I’m so happy that they added the appropriate 2003 dark moments. I particularly liked the SAINW episode and Leo’s character arc after the defeat of Chrell, the Utrom Shredder

The 80s TMNT did have darker moments when Dregg came. Another dark moment I remember is when Leonardo was still transforming into his monstrosity form. Dregg even mentioned though he was back to normal, there's still a chance Leo will never be able to return to his normal mutant self. That's still a chilling reminder there too. Speaking of transforming, another dark moment that should've been mentioned in 2003 Donatello transforming into a creature. It's sad because the rest of family and close friend Leatherhead felt really helpless seeing their smartest but also gentlest brother becoming an out of control beast. That's dark too, if not heartbreaking too. Another dark moment I'd say is in "Worlds Collide 2" of the 2003 series, where the Turtles were captured and how they meet Agent Bishop the first time. The Turtles were strapped and imprisoned with no chance of escaping. Had Splinter, April, and Casey not gone to find them, Bishop would've dissected the Turtles. Not only that, they discovered Leatherhead had been an victim captured too. That poor mutant croc had suffered tortured under that sociopathic monster Bishop for a long time he was captured and it effected him badly too. I'm happy Leatherhead survived, but he suffered.

Remember in the 2012 apocalyptic future episodes, when raph and Donnie literally turned Casey's skull into a bomb!! How can that not be number one?

Splinter’s death broke me when I watched the show

Splinter death always made me cry like a baby because he's one of best father in animated series.

Some of my favorite dark moments (2003): - Dr. Honeycutt wants to kill himself, but the turtles talk him out of it. Honeycutt them makes Leo promise that they will kill him if they get captured, but Leo can't make himself do it. - Sewer worker gets taken by a mutated insect, merge with said insect, looking like some body horror freak show. - Leatherhead's torture flashbacks. - The damio's son urges with Draco after fighting in the void for an unknown period of time, only to come back so hateful, that they still wish to kill Leo, Splinter and the damio. - Donnies second mutation. - Leatherhead thinking that he has killed Mikey. - The fact that Hun probably didn't just burn down Casey's father's shop, but probably also killed him. - Mikey's vision of a Leo monster chasing him down. - The vision the mystics made for the turtles, in which April and Casey gets blown into pieces inside a car. - Leo stabing Splinter in a vision, were you see the outline of the blade coming out Splinter's back. - Donnie getting tortured. - Water creature with radiation burns telling April to protect her eggs, before dying in front of her and Casey. - When Stockman's jaw almost falls of. - When a man turns into dust in front Angel. - The Alentians (or how ever you spell it), and how they turned humans into all sorts of creatures before being taken down by those creatures. - The Foot's mutant project under ground, and the effects they had on they humans the experimented on. You know, just naming a few.

I thought the darkest moment in TMNT 2012 is where Karai nearly poisoned the Turtles to death.

Who thinks Master Splinter from the 2012 TV show give great advice and would make a great Master and Father?

You inspire me Watchmojo!

Top 10 Darkest Animaniacs Moments

Please do Top 10 reasons why TMNT Fans should watch Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles.

These are definitely the darkest moments in the whole TMNT franchise.

Same As It Never Was was a game changing moment. Especially since it was followed by Exodus, where Shredder made his bid to become the space faring conqueror again. With SAINW fresh in mind, the stakes were higher than ever since we knew exactly what would happen if the Turtles lost. The Mad Max arc of TMNT 2012 was terrible though.

Shredder is an insane villain. I love their fights. Great series!!

This is why TMNT 2012 needs a 6th season for more darker and edgier moments like Spider-Man: The New Animated Series.

Splinters death was even more brutal then described since after being impaled he was tossed off the building too. Not sure why didn't show and say anything about that part.

Today is the day _Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie_ releases on Netflix, and after watching it, I enjoyed it. Obviously the animation for it and the show as a whole speaks for itself; it is bliss! And while it doesn’t really do much to bring old fans of previous iterations of the franchise in to watch it, I still really like what it set out to do. The show is generally hated on for being comedy-focused, but it isn’t bad, by any means. Plus, when the comedy is high, it’s not afraid to get dark and serious.

TMNT(2012) was my favorite show when I was a kid. It was too OP.

Awesome dark moments love this video

I grew up on TMNT 2012 and let me tell you I was so shocked how dark it was

Donnie getting his shell smashed by Rocksteady is heartbreaking!😭

I cried at Splinters death in TMNT 2012

While I did watch and enjoy the 2003 series when I was a kid, this series stand as my favorite TMNT series as it was able to balance it’s lighthearted tone with depth and high stakes.

The 2003 and 1980's turtle TV series will always be the best for me, I still enjoy watching them every now and then

We all know the TMNT 2012_17 was the best💙❤🧡💜🖤.

Good work, WatchMojo. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

I will always love 2012 Karai. She deserves her very own spinoff show.

The 2012 series of the ninja turtles will always remain as my favorite but when Splinter got killed by Super Shredder, I was heartbroken. Although it was satisfying to see Leo take him down in the finale!

I grew up on the original TMNT & what a era but the 2012 era is definitely the best so far shame it had to stop..

Incredible job

Donnie getting his shell smashed with Rocksteady's sledgehammer is the darkest moment for me