Cowabunga! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Returns to Theaters for Its 35th Anniversary – And I’m Totally There for It

As a kid growing up in the late ‘80s and early ’90s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles wasn’t just a movie—it was a way of life. The toys, the cartoons, the pizza cravings… it all came together when the Turtles hit the big screen in 1990. Now, in honor of the film’s 35th anniversary, that classic is making a triumphant return to theaters on August 17 and 20, and you better believe I’ll be grabbing some popcorn and heading straight to it.

Thanks to Fathom Events, Saga Arts, and Warner Bros., fans new and old can relive the magic of Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael in all their rubber-suited, sewer-surfing glory. But this isn’t just a re-release—before the film rolls, audiences will get a brand‑new featurette called Turtles Unmasked. This behind‑the‑scenes mini‑doc includes never‑before‑seen footage, extended deleted scenes, and even home movie clips from the original production, alongside commentary from director Steve Barron.

And let’s talk about that original cast—Brian Tochi as Leonardo, Corey Feldman as Donatello, Josh Pais as Raphael, Robbie Rist as Michelangelo, and Kevin Clash (yes, Elmo!) as Master Splinter. Add Judith Hoag as April O’Neil and Elias Koteas as Casey Jones, and you’ve got the ultimate ‘90s dream team.

Of course, none of this would’ve happened without Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the creators of the original 1984 comic. Movie‑production legend aside, they kept tight control over how their heroes in a half shell were brought to life. Eastman has called it a “perfect storm” of director‑writer chemistry and Jim Henson Creature Shop magic.

For longtime fans like me, this is more than just a movie. It’s a time machine back to our childhoods—a reminder of Saturday morning cartoons, trading cards, and quoting “Wise men say forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza.”

If you’ve got kids of your own, take them along and show them how the Turtles got their start—before CGI, before reboots, and before every superhero wore spandex. This is gritty, goofy, and glorious Turtle action the way it was meant to be seen.

📅 St. Louis Screening Info

• Fathom Events
  August 17 & 20 at 1PM or 7:00 PM – tickets available at fathomevents.com
• Fandango
  Visit Fandango.com for showtimes and tickets.
• Emagine Entertainment
  Visit emagine-entertainment.com for showtimes and tickets.

🍕 Best Pizza Spots in STL to Pair with the Movie

What’s a Ninja Turtles celebration without pizza? Here are some local St. Louis favorites to hit up before or after the show:

• Imo’s Pizza – A true STL classic. That Provel cheese is unlike anything else, and it’s available all over the metro area.
• Pie Guy Pizza – Located downtown, it’s a great spot for giant slices with tons of character (and toppings).
• Union Loafers – If you’re feeling fancy and still want some of the best crust in the city, their sourdough-based pizzas are next level.
• Epic Pizza & Subs – In Soulard, offering late-night slices perfect after an evening show.
• Monte Bello Pizzeria – A hidden gem in South City known for its old-school vibes and crispy crust.
• Pizzeria da Gloria – For a wood-fired, Ninja-approved experience in the heart of The Hill.
• JJ Twig’s – Great for families, big groups, and fans of a deep-pan, double-crust style.
• Saullo’s – Delicious wood-fired pizza and other Italian favorites!

Get your tickets, grab some pizza, and let’s shellabrate together!

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