Summary
Anyone who’s ever watchedPower Rangerswill likely have two things - a favorite color and a favoritePower Rangersseries. More than twenty series later afterMighty Morphin Power Rangers, friends today still debate which of them becomes the Red Ranger or the Green Ranger in recess. This time, perhaps what’s changed is thePower Rangerscurrently airing on television screens today.
There’s no denying that certainPower Rangersseries made an indelible mark on the hearts of kids - and perhaps now adults - everywhere. Anyone interested in binging aPower Rangersseries should get certain ones on their list.
Updated on August 02, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:With Hasbro teasing a new Power Rangers reboot soon to begin production, fans of the acclaimed franchise might be wondering whether this “reboot” will be a reimagining of the original Mighty Morphin concept, a “restart” of the series from the perspective of a Super Sentai adaptation, or an entirely new IP altogether. However, fans who want to speculate might want to marathon their favorite series, among the must-watches including the “Super” version of a ninja-themed team as well as the “Super” rendition of the third dinosaur-themed adaptation in the franchise. While both technically mere sequels of their original material, the different approaches to these series add rather peculiar twists and turns that prove effective in engaging audiences.
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22
Original Network
Nickelodeon
For a series commemorating 25 years ofPower Rangers, one might think Saban Brands would choose to adapt a completely newSuper SentaiIP as its last hurrah before handing over the franchise to Hasbro. And yet, instead of adapting train-themedToQger, animal-themedZyuohger, or cosmic-themedKyuranger, they decided to make theSupersequel version ofNinja Steelaptly namedPower Rangers Super Ninja Steel. Thankfully, the series does adapt the latter half of its source materialNinninger, giving Saban somewhat of a decent chunk of source material to attempt to adapt into a compelling sequel story.
Now face-to-face against a revived Madame Odius, the Rangers need to find better ways of protecting the Ninja Nexus Prism - something made a bit easier with the arrival of Sheriff Skyfire (the first appearance of a non-adaptedMetal Heroescharacter!). And unfortunately for the Rangers, the mixed reviews towards the series did little to have it leave an establishing mark inPower Rangershistory. While some fans found specific episodes to be rather engaging, many more left much to be desired - especially in moments when the series tried to bank on its nostalgia element.
Why Watch Super Ninja Steel?
Interestingly enough, whenSuper Ninja Steeltried to push for nostalgia, it did quite work. When Lord Draven created hundreds of fake Rangers during the 25th Anniversary CommemorationDimensions in Danger, the Ninja Steel Rangers received help from Tommy Oliver and many unexpected allies across various generations. And while its season finale left fans questioning the overall “depth” of the concluding arcs of several characters,Super Ninja Steelremains a decent experience forPower Rangersfans who appreciate quite a number of throwbacks to classicPower Rangers.
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It’s not all the time that fans ofPower Rangerscan get to see quite the expanded cast of Rangers in a team, andPower Rangers Dino Super Chargemakes this excitement come to life - imagine the Zord combos, potential depth in story arcs, and even character progression! Unfortunately, while Zord formations do impress,Dino Super Chargecan sometimes miss the mark in its storytelling. This is especially the case with its finale, which featured a method of resolution quite inconsistent with the rest of the series.
Missing the mark becomes a theme forDino Super Chargehere, especially after coming off from a strong start with its predecessor series. Its villains seemed rather lackluster, and some episodes showed more glaring flaws in managing such a large cast with the series’ rather convoluted storylines.
Why Watch Dino Super Charge?
Despite its perceived faults,Dino Super Chargedoes attempt to give additional depth to its cast of characters. Build-up from the firstDino Chargeseason somewhat paid off, as the addition of more characters just paved the way for better character interactions throughout the cast. Despite being touted as a typicalSuperseason,Dino Super Chargedoes have a number of achievements on its plate: it’s the first season to start with seven active Rangers, to have 10 Rangers in total, and to have a number of planned elements appear in later season. It’s interesting forSentaifans who watchedKyoryugernot to see Deathryuger or Kyoryu Navy until their appearance as the Dark Ranger inCosmic Fury.
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It’s due to Nickelodeon’s strict episode restrictions thatPower Rangers Super Samuraimarked the first time aPower Rangersseries received a second season adapting the sameSuper Sentaishow. AlthoughSuper Samuraibegins with the Samurai Rangers continuing their fight against the Nighloks and Master Xandred, the season’s continuation of theShinkengerstory also marks the arrival of new enemies - Serrator, the Nighlok King, whose presence sudden turns the tide of battle in favor of the invading forces.
It’s only thanks to the Black Box that the Samurai Rangers have a shot at victory, but their newly-acquired Mega and Super Mega Modes - on top of new Megazord formations - prove to be difficult to master. As the series slowly comes to a close, a surprise appearance by the “true” Shiba Clan successor - Lauren Shiba, also thefirst female Red Ranger- adds a much-needed tension to the Rangers.
Why Watch Super Samurai?
Despite its averaging reviews among fans,Power Rangers Super Samuraibeing the first time the franchise explores a sequel season within the same adapted material can provide an interesting perspective. Seeing how the additions of the Mega and Super Mega Modes relate to the story at large can leave much to be desired, especially when the bulky suits could’ve been interesting to see in combat. Much-appreciated here is the appearance of Lauren Shiba who, like in the originalShinkenger, was designed to add conflict among the Rangers. Seeing the Rangers eventually unite and resolve this was a sight to see, although only having a few episodes’ worth of tension may feel like a miss for fans.
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60
Fox Kids
The makings ofPower Rangersas a legendary franchise were rather tumultuous, withChodenshi Biomanbeing the original material Haim Saban wanted to adapt before settling with the more recentKyoryu Sentai Zyuranger. Not only that, the low confidence the execs gave the originalMighty Morphin Season 1meant having limited footage, and it was only after the series proved to be a hit that its storyline was expanded to include more than justregular fights with Zords.
After the show adapted theZyurangerstoryline that marked the appearance of the Green Ranger, the popularity between Tommy and Jason’s rivalry as Green and Red Rangers sparked an eventual need for additional footage. This marks the first timePower Rangersactually commissioned folks at Toei to shoot brand new fight scenes and Megazord footage specifically for Tommy’s involvement with the team. The season ends with a depowered Tommy regaining his Green Ranger Powers - this time with the intent of using it for good and fight Rita Repulsa. While Zordon’s constant recharges allow Tommy to resume his role as the Green Ranger, the former says this power will eventually run out. Little did Tommy and fans knew that this little tidbit would play a large role in the subsequent season.
Why Watch Mighty Morphin Season 1?
Despite its age, seeingMighty Morphin Season 1show itself as a rising star in television screens at the time already makes it an interesting watch. Seeing for the first time how Jason and the gang develop their rapport as a team, alongside his eventual rivalry with Tommy, isn’t something viewers always see in television - much more a kids show. Not to mention, this is the first time Western audiences encountered a successful adaptation of aSuper Sentaifranchise, makingMighty Morphin Season 1quite the momentous occasion.
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WithMighty Morphin Season 2marking the first time thePower Rangersfranchise had renewed into a new season, it’s time for the show to not just up the stakes but its entire production value. Now out of stock footage fromZyuranger, Saban pulls a surprising move stringing together both oldZyurangerandDairangerfootage with brand new ones they specifically requested from Toei Japan - all to accommodate storylines involving Lord Zedd entering the fray, Tommy Oliver slowly losing his Green Ranger powers, as well as Tommy’s acquisition of the White Ranger mantle and ascension to team leader role.
All of this was worth the wait considering improvements from Season 1. This is the first timePower Rangersstepped away from episodic stories into multi-episode arcs, such as Bulk and Skull dedicating days trying to unmask the Rangers, Lord Zedd’s attempts at eliminating Tommy and undoing Rita’s mistake, and meeting Rocky, Adam, and Aisha. Although the season ends in a cliffhanger, its setup for the final season showcases the potential ofPower Rangersto tread the lines between a kids show and a more riveting drama.
Why Watch Mighty Morphin Season 2?
Being the first iteration of aPower Rangerssequel season,Mighty Morphin Season 2introduces quite a lot of unique elements that further solidified Jason and the team’s roles as iconic characters in the franchise. It’s in Season 2 thatMighty Morphinsolidifies the potential ofPower Rangersto have a story larger than itself, especially with the story arcs of Rocky, Adam, and Aisha culminating in their transition as the new Rangers - a transfer of power that will eventually become a trend for the next series in the Zordon Era.
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When the Samurai Rangers of Ancient Japan had sealed the Nighloks and their leader Master Xandred, the latter’s reappearance will have Jayden Shiba lead his team in vanquishing Xandred’s threat once more inPower Rangers Samurai. Through Symbol Power and their Samuraizer, the Samurai Rangers can summon not only their mastered elements but also various objects that can aid them in the battle against the Nighloks.
AmongPower Rangersseasons,Samuraiis arguably the one with the closest themes associated with its Japanese origins. In terms of lore,Samuraiis also the first to acknowledge Ranger Teams' existing pre-Mighty Morphin, leaving room for writers to introduce earlier teams in future franchises. Unfortunately, this was a wasted opportunity inMegaforce.
Why Watch Samurai?
Questionable dialogue choices aside,Power Rangers Samuraimakes a decent attempt to reinvigorate interest in the franchise from a blending of “the old” and “the new.” The more grounded elements ofShinkengerand its central themes of friendship and loyalty making their way to Saban Brands' reinvigorated return to the franchise can makeSamuraiworth investing in, especially whenSuper Sentaifans get to see how the series attempts to replicate some of the more interesting storylines inShinkenger, such as the Shiba succession arc. Lauren as a Red Ranger makes for a saving grace in the series, especially since this is one of the few times a female Red Ranger takes the lead with decent characterization.
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32
Toon Disney (Jetix)
Following the lead of itsSentaicounterpartGoGo Sentai Boukenger, the story ofPower Rangers Operation Overdriveis told from the perspective of Andrew Hartford and his team of Power Rangers tasked to find the Corona Aurora before villainous organizations get their hands on the powerful crown. This treasure-hunting premise is a new take on thePower Rangersfranchise, although its budget constraints and lack of a more impactful story hurt the series' potential.
Regardless of these setbacks,Operative Overdrivedid accomplish several firsts for the franchise. It’s the first and only series thus far to have four different factions and the only series where monsters often take the backseat in lieu of developments throughout the episodes. It also featured a crossover episode called “Once a Ranger” that had theOverdriveteam gather previous Rangers to defeat Thrax, the son of Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa.
Why Watch Operation Overdrive?
At its core, whatOperation Overdrivelacks in terms of overall allure, it does more than make up with episodes like “Things Not Said” that showcase its characters' potential. It’s these personal struggles of the main Ranger team that make them more appreciable as characters, even though budget constraints have hamperedOverdrivefrom showing its true potential. Its team-up episode may have been so-so, but the idea of Legacy Rangers helping the current team remains a heartwarming encounter.
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When the extraterrestrial Warstar organization plans to conquer Earth inPower Rangers Megaforce, the entity Gosei - revealed to be Zordon’s apprentice - becomes in charge of putting together a new team of teenagers with attitude to fight the threat. While the Zordon insert may have just been the typical easter egg common in otherPower Rangersseries,Megaforceimmediately establishes itself as the biggest anniversary season ofPower Rangersyet.
The series is the first anniversary season to not only adapt a non-anniversarySentaiseries but to also adapt footage from twoSentaiseasons. Unfortunately, the backing of twoSentaisource materials did sacrifice room for character development in place of action sequences, especially when theGokaigerinfluence kicks in and the Megaforce Rangers get Legendary Morphers. Due to its source material,Super Megaforcealso introduced pre-Zyurangerseasons that weren’t adapted, calling them New Powers that have never appeared in this dimension.
Why Watch Megaforce?
Despite the rather underwhelmingSuper Megaforcesequel that especially tarnishedKaizoku Sentai Gokaiger’s reputation as a legacy season, it’s worth givingMegaforcea shot simply for its attempt to reconcile the existence of pre-Kyurangerforms in footage and their nonexistence inPower Rangerslore. Fans may still appreciate the abundance of fights in the season, as well as callbacks to previous Rangers in the Legendary Battle. Unfortunately, aside from legacy fluff and the speculative opportunities on how the franchise can use the New Powers, there’s not much to look forward to inMegaforce.
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45
Fox (Fox Kids)
At first, it was the original Zeo Rangers led by Tommy Oliver that was set to lead the Turbo Rangers team, but the threat of Divatox and her family had required the aid of a brand-new set of Rangers. InPower Rangers Turbo,Tommy eventually retires as the Red Turbo Rangerand hands the reins to T.J. Johnson, who then leads his team against new threats such as the Phantom Ranger and General Havoc.
As a continuation of the Zordon Saga, the team encounters a multitude of subplots that makeTurboquite a wild ride, especially when they eventually have to go to space to pursue Divatox and save a captured Zordon - events that will continue inPower Rangers In Space. While some fans thinkTurbodidn’t keep the hype thatZeostarted, the series provided a much-needed break from interwoven plots and focused a bit on the fun aspects of Rangers fighting their villains.
Why Watch Turbo?
Fans who want to prioritize the potential ofZeocontinuing the world-building it helped established post-Mighty Morphinmay not immediately appreciateTurbofor dwelling on the silly. However, it’s precisely due toTurboembracing the wacky side ofPower Rangersthat made it such a memorable season for fans. Despite its rocky start,Turbodoes manage to recover and boost its way to a serviceable finish.
