Do we really need to watch this to understand the show?

Technically, yes. If you jump from Season 6 to Season 7, Cole suddenly isn't a ghost anymore and you'll be very confused. This special explains that transition.

Is it too scary for a 5-year-old?

It’s very mild. The 'villains' are LEGO figures and the 'scary' temple is mostly just dark with some glowing green effects. If they can handle the regular show, they can handle this.

Is this a full-length movie?

No, it's a TV special that runs about 46 minutes. It's basically a double-length episode.

Where can I actually find this to stream?

It often hops between Netflix and the LEGO YouTube channel, depending on current licensing deals. It's sometimes tucked away in a 'Specials' or 'Season 0' folder.

Ninjago: Day of the Departed

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2016Animation, Fantasy

74%

WISE Score

A spooky LEGO reunion that brings back the bad guys for one last spin, though it feels more like a holiday snack than a full meal.

8.1

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Ninjago: Day of the Departed

movie

2016, Animation, Fantasy

74%

WISE Score

A spooky LEGO reunion that brings back the bad guys for one last spin, though it feels more like a holiday snack than a full meal.

8.1

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8.1

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the Ninjago 'Halloween Special.' It’s 46 minutes of fan service meant to bridge the gap between seasons and, let's be honest, sell some ghost-themed LEGO sets. It’s not a masterpiece—most fans rank it as 'mediocre' compared to the high-stakes seasons—but for a kid who lives and breathes Spinjitzu, it’s a necessary chapter.

It’s safe, spooky-lite, and wraps up Cole’s ghost storyline in a way that feels earned. If you're looking for a quick, low-stakes watch that won't require a 'scary content' debrief afterward, this is a solid pick.

Age Fit

Ideal for the 6-11 crowd who are already invested in the Ninjago universe. Older kids might find it a bit 'mid' or repetitive, but it's a safe bet for any elementary schooler who owns a plastic sword.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Maintains the series' core themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and honoring ancestors. It centers on Cole's struggle with feeling invisible, which is a relatable emotional hook for kids.

Imaginative

The 'Day of the Departed' holiday is a creative take on Day of the Dead, and the return of spectral villains provides plenty of fodder for LEGO-based roleplay.

Safe

Standard LEGO fantasy violence—lots of spinning, clashing weapons, and 'poofing' ghosts. Some spooky atmosphere in Yang's temple, but nothing that would cause a nightmare for a school-aged kid.

Enriching

Offers a decent lesson on not holding onto grudges and the importance of remembering those we've lost, though it's largely a vehicle for action and toy tie-ins.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Redemption arc for Cole, finally giving the 'ghost ninja' some closure and a return to his human roots.
Greatest hits lineup of classic villains like Samukai and General Kozu, which is pure catnip for long-time fans.
Perfect runtime at 46 minutes—long enough to feel like an event, short enough to fit into a pre-bedtime window.
Spooky vibes that provide a 'Halloween-lite' experience without the genuine terror of actual horror movies.

⚠

What to Watch For

Lore heavy: If your kid hasn't seen the first six seasons of Masters of Spinjitzu, they'll be asking you who every single character is every five minutes.
Ghostly tension: The 'Dark Magic' blade and the spectral forms are a bit eerie; sensitive 5-year-olds might find the temple scenes a little intense.

Conversation Starters

"If you could bring back one person for a day just to say thank you, who would it be?"
"Cole felt invisible and forgotten. Have you ever felt like your friends didn't notice you were there?"
"Why do you think Master Yang was so obsessed with being remembered forever?"
"Which villain's return was the most surprising to you?"

Deep Dive

The Bridge Between Seasons

Day of the Departed sits in a weird spot in the Ninjago timeline. Released between Season 6 (Skybound) and Season 7 (Hands of Time), its primary job was to fix a narrative corner the writers had painted themselves into: Cole being a ghost. While 'Ghost Cole' was a fun gimmick for a while, it limited his character growth. This special is essentially a 46-minute rescue mission for his humanity.

A 'Greatest Hits' Reel

The plot is a classic 'villains return' trope. By using the Yin Blade, the ghosts of Ninjago's past are unleashed. For a parent, this means you're going to see a lot of familiar faces if you've been half-watching over your kid's shoulder for years. It doesn't break new ground, but it rewards the completionist mindset that many Ninjago fans possess.

Is it actually 'Halloween' material?

In the world of Ninjago, the 'Day of the Departed' is a holiday where they light lanterns to remember those who have passed. It’s a nice, grounded concept that mimics real-world traditions like Día de los Muertos. It’s 'spooky' in the way a Disney World haunted mansion is spooky—lots of neon greens, glowing eyes, and dramatic music, but ultimately safe and contained within the LEGO aesthetic.