The LEGO Ninjago Movie is a 2017 animated film that's part of the LEGO movie franchise, but focuses specifically on the Ninjago universe—a world of ninjas, mechs, and martial arts that's been wildly popular with kids for years through LEGO sets, TV shows, and video games.
The movie follows Lloyd (voiced by Dave Franco), a high school student who's also the Green Ninja, secretly defending the city of Ninjago from his estranged father, the evil Lord Garmadon (Justin Theroux). Lloyd leads a team of teenage ninjas who pilot giant mechs to protect their city, all while dealing with typical teen problems like being unpopular at school because, well, your dad is literally the worst villain ever.
It's got that signature LEGO movie humor—fast-paced, meta, and packed with visual gags—but with a surprisingly heartfelt story about father-son relationships at its core. The runtime is a manageable 101 minutes, rated PG.
The action sequences are spectacular. We're talking giant robot battles, ninja moves, and destruction that somehow feels consequence-free because everything's made of LEGO. The animation style captures that tactile LEGO feel while being cinematically gorgeous.
Kids who are already into Ninjago (and trust me, if your kid is 6-10, there's a good chance they are) will recognize the characters they love from the TV series, though the movie takes some creative liberties with the storylines. The humor hits at multiple levels—there are jokes for younger kids and plenty of subtle references that older kids and adults will catch.
The celebrity voice cast is impressive: Jackie Chan as Master Wu, plus Kumail Nanjiani, Abbi Jacobson, Zach Woods, and Fred Armisen as the other ninjas. The comedic timing is sharp, and honestly, the banter between the teenage ninja team feels pretty authentic to how actual friend groups interact.
Here's what's interesting: 40% of families in our community use Netflix specifically for their kids' viewing, while another 40% watch together as a family. Only 20% don't use Netflix at all. The LEGO Ninjago Movie has been available on various streaming platforms over the years, rotating between Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others.
For Amazon Prime, about 32% of families let kids watch with supervision, while 30% give more freedom, and 38% don't use the platform. This matters because where your kids watch can affect the experience—Prime's autoplay features and recommendations can lead down some unexpected paths if you're not paying attention.
The PG rating is pretty accurate here. Ages 6-12 is the sweet spot, though I'd lean toward 7+ for most kids.
What to watch for:
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Action violence: Lots of fighting, explosions, and destruction, but it's all LEGO-style with no blood or graphic content. Characters get knocked around, buildings crumble, but the LEGO aesthetic keeps it from feeling intense.
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Emotional themes: The father-son conflict is real and could hit hard for kids dealing with absent parents or family tension. Lloyd's pain about his dad rejecting him is genuinely sad in places.
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Scary moments: Garmadon's shark army and some monster sequences might be too much for sensitive younger viewers. There's also a giant cat (yes, really) that attacks the city—it's played for laughs but could be startling.
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Mild language: A few "heck" and "butt" type words, nothing major, but the characters do insult each other in ways that younger kids might repeat.
For younger kids (under 6): Might be too loud, too fast-paced, or emotionally confusing. The relationship drama is more sophisticated than typical preschool fare.
For tweens and teens: They'll probably enjoy it, especially if they grew up with Ninjago, but it's definitely aimed at a younger audience than The LEGO Movie or The LEGO Batman Movie.
The good stuff:
This movie actually has some solid messages about family, forgiveness, and communication. The resolution involves Lloyd and Garmadon having to work together and—spoiler alert—actually talking about their feelings. Revolutionary stuff for an action movie.
The diverse cast of ninjas includes strong female characters (Nya as the Water Ninja is particularly badass), and the team dynamic emphasizes friendship, loyalty, and supporting each other. Master Wu drops some genuine wisdom about inner peace and self-discovery that's surprisingly not cheesy.
The merchandise trap:
Let's be real—this is a 101-minute LEGO commercial. If your kid watches this, they will want the LEGO sets. The mechs in the movie are actual sets you can buy, ranging from $20 to $200+. LEGO has built an empire
on making their movies essentially interactive catalogs.
Connection to the TV series:
If your kid gets into this, know that there are multiple Ninjago TV series with hundreds of episodes available on Netflix and other platforms. The shows are generally fine content-wise but can become an endless time sink. The movie's storyline is actually separate from the TV continuity, which confuses some kids who are deep into the lore.
The LEGO Ninjago Movie is solid family entertainment that's genuinely enjoyable for both kids and parents. It's not quite as clever as The LEGO Movie, but it's got heart, humor, and enough action to keep everyone engaged.
Watch it if: Your kid loves LEGO, ninjas, or giant robots. You want something with positive messages about family and forgiveness. You're okay with the inevitable "Can we get the LEGO sets?" conversation afterward.
Skip it if: Your kid is sensitive to loud action sequences or gets scared easily. You're trying to avoid launching into a new franchise obsession. You're already drowning in LEGO pieces at home.
Before watching:
- Check which streaming service currently has it—availability rotates
- Preview the trailer together to gauge your kid's interest and comfort level
- Set expectations about the difference between movie violence and real-world behavior
While watching:
- Great opportunity for family movie night—it's genuinely fun for adults too
- Pause for bathroom breaks; the pacing is relentless
- Watch for your kid's reactions during the emotional father-son scenes
After watching:
- Talk about the father-son relationship and what made it difficult
- Discuss how the characters solved their problems (spoiler: communication!)
- If they want LEGO sets, maybe use it as an opportunity to talk about budgeting or earning through chores
Want to explore similar content? Check out our guides on The LEGO Movie, Kung Fu Panda, or Big Hero 6—all have that mix of action, humor, and heart that makes this movie work.