There is one theatrical LEGO Ninjago movie: The LEGO Ninjago Movie, released in 2017. While there are other LEGO Ninjago-related animated content pieces, including a long-running television series, only one film received a full cinematic release under the LEGO Ninjago banner.
Understanding the LEGO Ninjago Universe
The LEGO Ninjago franchise is a complex and sprawling multimedia phenomenon that extends far beyond a single movie. Originating as a LEGO toy line, it quickly expanded to include video games, television shows, and, as we’ve established, a single feature film designed for cinematic release. Understanding this breadth helps clarify the difference between the theatrical movie and other forms of media centered around the Ninjago world. The confusion often stems from the popularity and longevity of the Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu television series, which can easily be mistaken for multiple films.
The LEGO Ninjago Movie: A Deep Dive
Production and Release
The LEGO Ninjago Movie, produced by Warner Animation Group, released in September 2017, was a significant event for the franchise. It was the third theatrical film in the LEGO film series, following the immensely successful The LEGO Movie (2014) and The LEGO Batman Movie (2017). The movie boasted a star-studded voice cast including Jackie Chan, Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Michael Peña, Kumail Nanjiani, Abbi Jacobson, Zach Woods, and Fred Armisen. The film’s animation style built upon the established LEGO aesthetic, blending stop-motion animation with CGI to create a visually striking and engaging experience.
Plot and Themes
The film follows the story of Lloyd Garmadon, a high school student and the Green Ninja, who must confront his evil father, Lord Garmadon, a warlord intent on conquering Ninjago City. Alongside his team of secret ninja warriors – Kai, Nya, Jay, Cole, and Zane – Lloyd must learn to harness his inner power and embrace teamwork to save the city. The movie explores themes of family dynamics, self-acceptance, and the importance of teamwork. It also parodies classic monster movie tropes while maintaining a lighthearted and humorous tone.
Critical Reception and Box Office Performance
While The LEGO Ninjago Movie was visually impressive and featured a talented voice cast, it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Compared to its predecessors, it was considered less inventive and creatively daring. The film’s box office performance was also considered lackluster, failing to reach the same heights as The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie. Despite its mixed reception, The LEGO Ninjago Movie remains a canon entry in the LEGO film series and continues to be enjoyed by fans of the franchise.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the Ninjago television series has several movies associated with it. While the television series contains numerous episodes and special episodes, none of these are considered theatrical releases. The Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu TV show, currently running since 2011, is a separate entity, even though it shares characters, themes, and lore with the movie. It is critical to distinguish between content created for television and content designed specifically for a cinematic experience.
LEGO Ninjago Movie: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the LEGO Ninjago movie situation:
FAQ 1: Is there a sequel to The LEGO Ninjago Movie?
As of today, there is no announced or released sequel to The LEGO Ninjago Movie. While there have been discussions about potential future LEGO movies involving the Ninjago characters, nothing has been officially confirmed.
FAQ 2: Is the Ninjago TV show considered a movie?
No, the Ninjago TV show, Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu (and its later iterations like Ninjago: Dragons Rising), is not a movie. It’s a long-running animated series with individual episodes and seasons, distinct from a theatrical film.
FAQ 3: What is the difference between the Ninjago TV show and the movie?
The TV show is an ongoing serialized narrative, with each season presenting a new storyline and challenges for the ninja. The LEGO Ninjago Movie, on the other hand, tells a self-contained story with a beginning, middle, and end, designed for a cinematic viewing experience. Furthermore, the movie and TV series feature distinct continuities and some character design differences.
FAQ 4: Where can I watch The LEGO Ninjago Movie?
The LEGO Ninjago Movie is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms, including iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu. It is also frequently available on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max (availability may vary depending on region and current licensing agreements).
FAQ 5: What is the rating of The LEGO Ninjago Movie?
The LEGO Ninjago Movie is generally rated PG for some action and rude humor.
FAQ 6: Is The LEGO Ninjago Movie canon to the Ninjago TV series?
This is a complex question with no definitive answer. While both exist within the Ninjago universe, they follow separate continuities. They share characters and core concepts but diverge in plot details and character portrayals. It’s best to consider them as distinct, albeit related, interpretations of the Ninjago story.
FAQ 7: Who are the main characters in The LEGO Ninjago Movie?
The main characters are the six ninja: Lloyd Garmadon (the Green Ninja), Kai (the Fire Ninja), Nya (the Water Ninja), Jay (the Lightning Ninja), Cole (the Earth Ninja), and Zane (the Ice Ninja). They are trained by Master Wu, and Lloyd also grapples with his relationship with his father, Lord Garmadon.
FAQ 8: Who voiced the characters in The LEGO Ninjago Movie?
The voice cast is notable, featuring Dave Franco as Lloyd, Justin Theroux as Lord Garmadon, Jackie Chan as Master Wu, Michael Peña as Kai, Kumail Nanjiani as Jay, Abbi Jacobson as Nya, Zach Woods as Zane, and Fred Armisen as Cole.
FAQ 9: Was The LEGO Ninjago Movie successful at the box office?
While The LEGO Ninjago Movie earned a respectable amount at the box office, it was considered a commercial disappointment compared to The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie.
FAQ 10: Are there any plans for future LEGO Ninjago movies?
While no direct sequel is currently in development, the LEGO Group continues to produce various Ninjago-related content, including the ongoing TV series. Future LEGO movies could potentially incorporate Ninjago characters or themes, but this remains speculative. News regarding upcoming LEGO movies should be monitored through official Warner Bros. and LEGO Group announcements.
FAQ 11: Is the animation style the same in the movie and the TV show?
While both utilize CGI animation, The LEGO Ninjago Movie features a more detailed and polished animation style compared to the TV series, reflecting its higher production budget. The movie also incorporates elements of stop-motion animation to further enhance the LEGO aesthetic.
FAQ 12: Where does The LEGO Ninjago Movie fit within the overall LEGO movie franchise?
The LEGO Ninjago Movie is the third theatrical release in the LEGO movie franchise, following The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie. While it shares the same comedic and meta-humorous tone as its predecessors, it is a standalone story and does not directly connect to the narratives of the other films. The movie can be enjoyed independently, regardless of familiarity with the other LEGO movies.
In conclusion, while the LEGO Ninjago universe is expansive and diverse, encompassing a long-running television series and various other forms of media, there is currently only one theatrical movie: The LEGO Ninjago Movie. Hopefully, this article has clarified any confusion and provided a comprehensive understanding of the LEGO Ninjago film landscape.