Ninjago
Ninjago is a popular media franchise that primarily consists of a long-running animated television series, "Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu" (later simply "Ninjago"), and a theatrical film, "The LEGO Ninjago Movie." The series follows the adventures of a group of six teenage ninja — Kai, Cole, Jay, Zane, Lloyd, and Nya — who are trained by Master Wu in the martial art of Spinjitzu to protect their homeland, Ninjago, from various threats. Blending action, humor, and themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery, the show targets a younger audience, typically school-aged children, with its colorful animation, Lego-brick aesthetic, and fantasy-driven plots involving elemental powers, ancient prophecies, and mechanical vehicles. The overall content is generally considered appropriate for its target demographic, offering positive messages about teamwork and perseverance while navigating challenges presented by various villains. While the core narrative revolves around action and adventure, the series also delves into character development and moral lessons, such as forgiveness and acceptance. The content generally features stylized, cartoonish violence typical of Lego properties, minimal coarse language, and fantastical elements that draw from Eastern mythology. Later seasons and adaptations have introduced more complex themes and subtle representations. The franchise aims to be broadly inclusive, with its diverse cast of characters reflecting different backgrounds and experiences, and its stories often focus on overcoming adversity through cooperation.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe 'Ninjago' franchise includes subtle LGBTQ+ representation, primarily in later seasons of the TV series and through visual cues rather than explicit dialogue. A character is confirmed bisexual, and fan discussions often interpret other characters as 'gay-coded' or as allegories for coming out.
In the 'Ninjago Crystalized' season, the character Sally is visually confirmed as bisexual, featuring a Progress Pride flag on her guitar and father's van, and a bisexual flag on her guitar case. This representation is in the background and not explicitly discussed by characters. In 'Dragons Rising,' the character Bonzle uses ambiguous phrasing like "I don't know if she'll accept me for who I am" and "It's the name I chose for myself," which some fans interpret as a transgender or non-binary allegory, though this is not canon-confirmed.
Violence
MediumThe series and movie contain frequent animated violence, including hand-to-hand combat, weapon use, and large-scale destruction. While stylized and bloodless, some scenes can be intense for younger viewers, featuring characters in peril and implied harm.
In 'The LEGO Ninjago Movie,' Lego attack vehicles demolish a city with missiles, causing characters to run and scream, and a school bus full of students crashes and falls, though they are rescued. In another scene from the movie, Garmadon grabs a Ninja by the throat and throws him, and Lloyd slams his father into a building. Additionally, Garmadon's generals are 'fired' from a volcano, implying they are burned, and are later seen singed but alive.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe series incorporates fantasy elements, including elemental powers, magical abilities, and mythical creatures, which are integral to its world-building. These elements are presented as fictional magic within a fantasy setting rather than real-world occult practices or witchcraft.
Master Wu trains the ninja in harnessing their innate 'elemental powers' and refers to 'the energy that flows through all things' in vague spiritual terms, which functions as the magic system of the world. The Ninjago universe frequently features ancient mystical forces, powerful artifacts, and mythical beings like dragons and Oni, who possess supernatural abilities and play significant roles in the narrative.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe series and movie contain some scary and intense scenes, particularly for younger viewers. These include frightening villains, perilous situations, and large-scale destruction, though often mitigated by the animated, Lego-style presentation.
In 'The LEGO Ninjago Movie,' the antagonist Garmadon is portrayed as a 'scary-looking character' residing in a volcanic island hideout with 'red glowing lava and smoke,' which can be unsettling. The film also shows Lloyd and his father trapped in a wooden cage at the summit of a volcano, appearing to face the threat of being cast into the crater, creating a heightened sense of danger.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumInstances of disrespect and rebellion occur, particularly from protagonists towards antagonists or authority figures, and also include themes of social ostracization. These moments often serve narrative purposes related to character development or conflict resolution.
In 'The LEGO Ninjago Movie,' Lloyd is widely 'shunned and ostracised by everyone at school' and in the community, with students repeatedly shouting 'Boo Lloyd!' due to his familial connection to the villain Garmadon. Lloyd also confronts Garmadon in a defiant manner, grabbing him by the shirt collar and telling him he 'should be ashamed of himself' before slamming him into a building.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic content in 'Ninjago' is generally mild and focuses on heterosexual relationships, such as implied crushes and established partnerships. There is no explicit sexual content or nudity beyond characters in swimsuits.
The most prominent romantic relationship in the TV series is between Jay and Nya, who develop feelings for each other and eventually marry. 'The LEGO Ninjago Movie' features 'blocky LEGO characters on the beach [wearing] swimsuits and bikinis,' but reports indicate no other sexual references, nudity, or sexual activity of concern.
Profanity
LowThe 'Ninjago' franchise contains infrequent, low-level coarse language, name-calling, and toilet humor. Strong profanity is absent, and the language is generally mild and age-appropriate for its target audience.
'The LEGO Ninjago Movie' includes mild exclamations like 'what the heck,' 'shut it,' and 'zip it.' The film also features name-calling and toilet humor, such as one character calling another a 'stupid dummy with a big butt' and jokes about 'butts stinking.'
Substance Use
Low'Ninjago' generally avoids explicit depictions of substance use. There is one minor instance of implied social drinking in the movie, but no significant or problematic portrayal of alcohol or drug consumption in the main TV series.
In 'The LEGO Ninjago Movie,' Garmadon hosts a pool party where 'some partiers sip on paper umbrella-adorned mixed drinks,' which implies the presence and consumption of alcoholic beverages in a social context, without showing intoxication. The official 'Ninjago' TV series does not prominently feature characters consuming alcohol or drugs, maintaining a family-friendly stance on such content.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe 'Ninjago' franchise does not contain any explicit anti-Christian themes. Its spiritual and magical elements are part of a fictional fantasy universe, drawing inspiration from various Eastern cultures, and do not directly oppose Christian beliefs.
The series presents its own cosmology involving elemental powers, ancient beings, and a generalized concept of inner 'energy,' as taught by Master Wu, which serves as a fantasy magic system rather than a religious doctrine conflicting with Christianity. There are no instances in the official media where Christian beliefs are mocked, religious symbols are desecrated, or anti-Christian messages are promoted, ensuring the content remains neutral regarding specific real-world religions.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
7+, with parental guidance recommended for children aged 6-8 due to animated action sequences and some mildly intense scenes. The Common Sense Media rating is 6+ for the TV show. The Australian Council on Children and the Media recommends parental guidance for 6-8 year olds for 'The LEGO Ninjago Movie' due to violent and scary scenes.
Additional Notes
The content intensity for 'Ninjago' can vary slightly across its many seasons and adaptations (TV series vs. movie). While the movie received a PG rating for 'mild animated violence' and 'rude humor,' the TV series generally maintains a similar tone. Parents should be aware that while violence is cartoonish, themes of family separation and peril are present. Discussions within fan communities often delve into deeper interpretations of characters and themes, including LGBTQ+ representation, which may not always be explicitly canon in the show itself.
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