ID: ROTTMNT wallpaper. The turtles and April strike action poses with their mystical weapons, their names printed in Japanese around them.

With the strong cult following surrounding Rise of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it's an easy show to dive into after its completion. It's quick to binge watch, the fandom is fun, and it leaves you wanting more. But, if you're like me and can only tolerate filler episodes for so long and you just want to stick to the main story arc, here is my list of core episodes and where to watch them.

Keep in mind, there are two seasons (26 and 13 episodes, respectively) and a movie. The episodes are typically divided into two segments, telling different stories, so it can be hard to know which are filler and which continue the plot. I've included a and b to signal which segment the episode falls in. There are also six mini shorts, but they are more self-contained bonus content than necessities. You don't have to watch the show before the movie, but it's a great way to establish a connection with the characters and you get to learn backstory that you won't see in the movie.

You're welcome!

ID: ROTTMNT Season 1 poster. The turtles and April hunker together for a selfie at the end of Donnie's staff.

Season 1 (2018-9) | Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Paramount+

Episodes

• 1 : Mystic Mayhem

• 2a : Origami Tsunami

• 6b : Minotaur Maze

• 7 : Bug Busters

• 13 : The Evil League of Mutants

• 16 : Shadow of Evil

• 25 : Insane in the Mama Train

• 26 : End Game

ID: Still image from Season 2. The turtles and April look down at the viewer among spiderwebs, ready for a fight.

Season 2 (2019-20) | Amazon, Hulu, Paramount+

Episodes

• 1 : Many Unhappy Returns

• 2b : Goyles, Goyles, Goyles

• 11 : Battle Nexus: New York

• 12a: Finale Part 1: E-Turtle Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

• 12b : Finale Part 2: Shreddy or Not

• 13a : Finale Part 3: Anatawa Hitorijanai

• 13b : Finale Part 4: Rise

ID: ROTTMNT The Movie Netflix poster. The turtles stand on a metal walkway, smirking. Yes, smirking.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie (2022) | Netflix

IDs: On the left, a still image of Leo, eyes askew in uncomfortable shock. On the right, a still image of Donnie striking a Lionel Richie, lounging on his side in a fine fit.

Fan Favorite Filler

Season 1 | Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+

• 17b : Warren & Hypno, Sitting in a Tree

• 20a : Mystic Library

• 21a : Man VS. Sewer

• 23b : Snow Day

Season 2 | Hulu, Paramount+

• 3b : Lair Games

• 6b : The Hidden City Job

• 8b : Donnie VS. Witchtown

• 9a : Hidden City's Most Wanted

• 10b : The Clothes Don't Make the Turtle

IDs: On the left, a still image of Raph looking up in squinty-eyed confusion. On the right, a still image of Mikey going absolutely ape feral with rage.