Best Power Rangers Series

Key Takeaways

  • Different Power Rangers series have unique themes and elements, making each worth watching for fans looking for new experiences and storylines.
  • The evolution of the Power Rangers franchise over multiple seasons showcases interesting character development, story arcs, and unique Ranger teams.
  • Power Rangers series like Super Samurai, Mighty Morphin, and Turbo mark significant milestones in the franchise, setting the stage for future seasons.



Anyone who’s ever watched Power Rangers will likely have two things – a favorite color and a favorite Power Rangers series. More than twenty series later after Mighty 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 the Power Rangers currently airing on television screens today.

There’s no denying that certain Power Rangers series made an indelible mark on the hearts of kids – and perhaps now adults – everywhere. Anyone interested in binging a Power Rangers series should get certain ones on their list.

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Updated on November 24, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Netflix and Hasbro canning the pseudo-reboot of the series in 2024, fans of the Power Rangers franchise have yet to receive news on showrunners Hasbro has taken the hit IP to develop this project. More foreboding news came in the form of Hasbro announcing they are no longer interested in financing television and film projects of their IPs due to their unsuccessful cinemar uns, making the possibility of a Power Rangers continuation all the more dire for fans. Thankfully, the series does have a lot of seasons for fans to watch, giving them more than 20+ seasons’ worth of material to enjoy while waiting for the good news of a Power Rangers project being revived for television. Among must-watches among Power Rangers seasons include the first two seasons as well as the first occurrence of a “Super” season.



26 Power Rangers Super Samurai (2012)

The Start Of The Super Sequels

Power Rangers Super Samurai

Season Number

19

Number of Episodes

22

Original Network

Nickelodeon

It’s due to Nickelodeon’s strict episode restrictions that Power Rangers Super Samurai marked the first time a Power Rangers series received a second season adapting the same Super Sentai show. Although Super Samurai begins with the Samurai Rangers continuing their fight against the Nighloks and Master Xandred, the season’s continuation of the Shinkenger story 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 the first female Red Ranger – adds a much-needed tension to the Rangers.

Why Watch Super Samurai?

Despite its averaging reviews among fans, Power Rangers Super Samurai being 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 original Shinkenger, 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.


25 Mighty Morphin Season 1 (1993)

Where It All Started

Mighty Morphin Season 1

Season Number

1

Number of Episodes

60

Original Network

Fox Kids

The makings of Power Rangers as a legendary franchise were rather tumultuous, with Chodenshi Bioman being the original material Haim Saban wanted to adapt before settling with the more recent Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger. Not only that, the low confidence the execs gave the original Mighty Morphin Season 1 meant having limited footage, and it was only after the series proved to be a hit that its storyline was expanded to include more than just regular fights with Zords.


After the show adapted the Zyuranger storyline 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 time Power Rangers actually 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, seeing Mighty Morphin Season 1 show 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 a Super Sentai franchise, making Mighty Morphin Season 1 quite the momentous occasion.

24 Mighty Morphin Season 2 (1994)

Transferring The Legacy

Mighty Morphin Season 2

Season Number

2

Number of Episodes

52

Original Network

Fox Kids


With Mighty Morphin Season 2 marking the first time the Power Rangers franchise 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 from Zyuranger, Saban pulls a surprising move stringing together both old Zyuranger and Dairanger footage 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 time Power Rangers stepped 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 of Power Rangers to tread the lines between a kids show and a more riveting drama.


Why Watch Mighty Morphin Season 2?

Being the first iteration of a Power Rangers sequel season, Mighty Morphin Season 2 introduces 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 that Mighty Morphin solidifies the potential of Power Rangers to 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.

23 Power Rangers Samurai (2011)

The First To Acknowledge Other Pre-Mighty Morphin Teams

Power Rangers Samurai

Season Number

18

Number of Episodes

20

Original Network

Nickelodeon


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 in Power 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.

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Among Power Rangers seasons, Samurai is arguably the one with the closest themes associated with its Japanese origins. In terms of lore, Samurai is 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 in Megaforce.


Why Watch Samurai?

Questionable dialogue choices aside, Power Rangers Samurai makes a decent attempt to reinvigorate interest in the franchise from a blending of “the old” and “the new.” The more grounded elements of Shinkenger and its central themes of friendship and loyalty making their way to Saban Brands’ reinvigorated return to the franchise can make Samurai worth investing in, especially when Super Sentai fans get to see how the series attempts to replicate some of the more interesting storylines in Shinkenger, 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.

22 Power Rangers Operation Overdrive (2007)

A Treasure Hunt That Wasn’t As Thrilling

Operation Overdrive

Season Number

15

Number of Episodes

32

Original Network

Toon Disney (Jetix)


Following the lead of its Sentai counterpart GoGo Sentai Boukenger, the story of Power Rangers Operation Overdrive is 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 the Power Rangers franchise, although its budget constraints and lack of a more impactful story hurt the series’ potential.

Regardless of these setbacks, Operative Overdrive did 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 the Overdrive team gather previous Rangers to defeat Thrax, the son of Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa.


Why Watch Operation Overdrive?

At its core, what Operation Overdrive lacks 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 hampered Overdrive from 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.

21 Power Rangers Megaforce (2013)

A Mishandled Take On A Super Sentai Legacy

Megaforce

Season Number

20, 21

Number of Episodes

22, 20

Original Network

Nickelodeon

When the extraterrestrial Warstar organization plans to conquer Earth in Power 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 other Power Rangers series, Megaforce immediately establishes itself as the biggest anniversary season of Power Rangers yet.


The series is the first anniversary season to not only adapt a non-anniversary Sentai series but to also adapt footage from two Sentai seasons. Unfortunately, the backing of two Sentai source materials did sacrifice room for character development in place of action sequences, especially when the Gokaiger influence kicks in and the Megaforce Rangers get Legendary Morphers. Due to its source material, Super Megaforce also introduced pre-Zyuranger seasons that weren’t adapted, calling them New Powers that have never appeared in this dimension.

Why Watch Megaforce?

Despite the rather underwhelming Super Megaforce sequel that especially tarnished Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger‘s reputation as a legacy season, it’s worth giving Megaforce a shot simply for its attempt to reconcile the existence of pre-Kyuranger forms in footage and their nonexistence in Power Rangers lore. 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 in Megaforce.


20 Power Rangers Turbo (1997)

A Decent Continuation of The Zordon Saga

Power Rangers Turbo

Season Number

5

Number of Episodes

45

Original Network

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. In Power Rangers Turbo, Tommy eventually retires as the Red Turbo Ranger and 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 make Turbo quite a wild ride, especially when they eventually have to go to space to pursue Divatox and save a captured Zordon – events that will continue in Power Rangers In Space. While some fans think Turbo didn’t keep the hype that Zeo started, 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 of Zeo continuing the world-building it helped established post-Mighty Morphin may not immediately appreciate Turbo for dwelling on the silly. However, it’s precisely due to Turbo embracing the wacky side of Power Rangers that made it such a memorable season for fans. Despite its rocky start, Turbo does manage to recover and boost its way to a serviceable finish.

19 Power Rangers Ninja Steel (2017)

A Serviceable Entry That Lacks Punch

Ninja Steel


Season Number

24, 25

Number of Episodes

22, 22

Original Network

Nickelodeon

When Galvanax, the winner of a brutal intergalactic game show named Galaxy Warriors, set his eyes on unlimited power through the Ninja Nexus Prism, Power Rangers Ninja Steel chronicles the journey of the Ninja Steel Rangers and their efforts to stop him. The wacky premise of Ninja Steel fights being aired across the universe is a stark departure from the noble backgrounds of the two other ninja-themed seasons, Alien Rangers and Ninja Storm.

Despite concerns of Ninja Steel removing Japanese-themed content associated with its ninja premise. Ninja Steel offers unique storylines to make it a serviceable season. This is especially seen in “Galvanax Rises,” where Dane Romero and Mick assist Red Ranger Brody by donning their own Red Ranger suits.


Why Watch Ninja Steel

Aside from the franchise’s 25th Anniversary Episode airing during Super Ninja Steel, the original Ninja Steel run does a decent job introducing and finishing a serviceable entry to the franchise. While not necessarily a strong entry with remarkable components, it manages to become a Shurikenger adaptation that manages to pull off storylines just right if viewers can look past its seemingly rushed climax and a rather basic plot for Super Ninja Steel. Inconsistencies with character backgrounds aside, the cast does have decent rapport (although lacking deeper relationships) to make them likable as the series’ main team.

18 Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers (1996)

An Attempt To Introduce A New Team That Leaves A Lot To Be Desired

Alien Rangers

Season Number

3.5

Number of Episodes

10

Original Network

Fox (Fox Kids)


The story of Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers is quite a shocker for viewers. They became integrated within the Power Rangers continuity immediately after the end of Mighty Morphin Season 3. When Master Vile transforms Zordon’s Rangers into children, Zordon asks the ocean planet of Aquitar for reinforcements. They answered the call as the Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers, donning the sleek shinobi shozoku of their Super Sentai counterpart, the Ninja Sentai Kakuranger.

Despite classification conflicts of Alien Rangers as both a separate series and a mere extension, many consider its 10-episode run rather limiting in showcasing Rangers from another planet. Unfortunately, Alien Rangers didn’t have the same luster as its preceding mega-hit. Many viewers wanted to see more character dynamics between Delphine and his team.


Why Watch Alien Rangers

While many Power Rangers fans feel conflicted about Alien Rangers, it does provide helpful character development for the core Mighty Morphin cast. Among the highlights are Aisha’s emotional farewell, Billy’s potential as a leader, and Tommy’s transition into the grander scheme of things going into Zeo. Many viewers can see Alien Rangers as a refreshing early take on the idea of a female Ranger leader via Delphine as the White Aquitar Ranger.

17 Power Rangers Wild Force (2002)

Disney’s First Foray Is A Fun, Wild Ride

Power Rangers Wild Force

Season Number

10

Number of Episodes

40

Original Network

Fox Kids

As the first Power Rangers series in the Disney era, it makes sense for Power Rangers Wild Force to introduce quite a lot of new elements to the franchise. Set in modern Earth, Cole Evans sees himself going to the town of Turtle Cove and away from the tribe where he grew up. However, he discovers the legendary Animarium and four other companions chosen to fight for Earth against the evil Orgs.


Aside from its interesting premise, Wild Force was a wild ride for fans. It’s one of the series with the most number of Zords, with episodes dedicated entirely to their acquisition. Not to mention, they have an entire team-up episode with all existing Red Rangers (“Forever Red”) that serves as a neat callback to the legacy of the Power Rangers series thus far.

Why Watch Wild Force?

Being the season to feature “Forever Red” added a whole new depth to Wild Force, especially considering this was the series to hand over the franchise to Disney. Moreover, its nature conservation theme didn’t make the season too on-the-nose, giving Cole’s adventures with the Wild Force Rangers enough room to develop the team’s rapport. Not to mention, the amount of Zord combinations in the season made it quite the visual treat.

16 Power Rangers Dino Charge (2015)

A Return To The Classic Dinosaur Era

Power Rangers Dino Charge


Season Number

22, 23

Number of Episodes

22, 22

Original Network

Nickelodeon

Serving as another “return” to the classic dinosaur theme since Dino Thunder, it’s Power Rangers Dino Charge that has a wilder, more ferocious take on the Mighty Morphin’ Dino formula that fans could easily love. In the alternate history of Dino Charge, the bounty hunter Sledge attempts to procure the powerful Energems from the Keeper that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. And it’s today’s Power Rangers Dino Charge that becomes in charge of tapping into the power of dinosaurs and acquiring the Energems to avoid them being misused.

Aside from its main team of five Rangers, Dino Charge expands its roster to have as many as eight Rangers in the same fight sequences. Moreover, the series opts for multi-layered story arcs to form a more compelling narrative, making each new Ranger’s arrival more impactful and surprising for fans.


Why Watch Dino Charge?

Despite the quality decline in the sequel Supercharge, the season’s more carefree approach toward its story gave it a pass for its interplay between cheesy moments and equally serious storylines. Franchise fans would appreciate the improvements in writing and characterization, especially with the middling reception towards Samurai and Megaforce.

15 Power Rangers Dino Fury (2021)

Attempts To Reconcile The Old And The New

Dino Fury

Season Number

28, 29

Number of Episodes

22, 22

Original Network

Nickelodeon


When the mysterious Void Knight accidentally releases the Sporix Beasts that the first Dino Fury Rangers sealed millions of years ago, the Rafkonian Knight named Zayto emerges from stasis to recruit a new team of Rangers to stop this new threat. Adapted from Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger, the dinosaur knight-themed Power Rangers Dino Fury is the fourth dino-themed Power Rangers series after Mighty Morphin, Dino Thunder, and Dino Charge.

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Compared to other post-Samurai series, Dino Fury attempts to reconcile the legacy established by the Saban-era shows and the unique premises of the Disney-era Power Rangers series. This resulted in Dino Fury combining classic Power Rangers camp with a better handle on its continuity. It offered mproved action sequences, as well as character development that makes both heroes and villains equally intriguing. Dino Fury has moments where the transition from serious plotlines to campy segments can be jarring. However, the series can be worth the watch for those looking for a post-Samurai series that tries to set a new bar for Power Rangers.


Why Watch Dino Fury

When Dino Fury tries to latch onto the goofy moments of a Rangers series, it works. Campy moments are a delight, especially when it comes to the banter between heroes and villains. The show transitions into more of a family show instead of a children’s show, including more nuanced topics and character development that add depth. Lore fans will appreciate how the series taps into concepts introduced across past Ranger series, especially the increasingly popular comics. It does this in the form of crossovers, the Morphin Masters, and even the surprise return of a villain.

14 Power Rangers Cosmic Fury (2024)

An Averaging Conclusion To The Current Era

Power Rangers Cosmic Fury

Season Number

30

Number of Episodes

10

Original Network

Netflix


There were some criticisms towards the Power Rangers Cosmic Fury suit design. However, this hybrid adaptation of dino-themed Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger and space-themed Uchu Sentai Kyuranger ended up being a surprise standout among modern Power Rangers series. The 10-episode saga begins at the end of Dino Fury, when the reemergence of Lord Zedd will have the Morphin Masters task the Dino Fury Rangers to take the fight to save the universe in outer space.

The short stint of the miniseries still did a decent job of showcasing a Power Rangers story in a new format. Amelia Jones transitions from the steadfast Dino Fury Pink Ranger to the battle-hardened Cosmic Fury Red Ranger, giving the series a long-awaited female Red Ranger to lead the team. Fern’s promotion to series regular also gave room for her character growth and new banter among the cast. Meanwhile, someone else’s transition into a villain shows the series is more than willing to shake things up.


Why Watch Cosmic Fury

Cosmic Fury was the first Power Rangers series during its transition as a streaming exclusive on Netflix, and provides an interesting preview of its future. As a 30th Anniversary season, Cosmic Fury didn’t hold back in its attempt to branch out from traditional Power Rangers presentation. Its production value is a step closer to the setup of a traditional television series, with decent cinematography and editing that doesn’t lose its Power Rangers touch. The stakes were much higher, with the story portrayed as a single arc instead of a typical monster-of-the-week setup.

13 Power Rangers Ninja Storm (2003)

Lighthearted With Deep Character Development Moments

Power Rangers Ninja Storm

Season Number

11

Number of Episodes

38

Original Network

ABC Kids


With the West in the 2000s entering a ninja craze thanks to the popularity of Naruto, it makes sense for Power Rangers to adopt a series with a similar premise, resulting in Power Rangers Ninja Storm. Adapted from Ninpu Sentai Hurricaneger, the story of Power Rangers Ninja Storm begins when three not-so-good Wind Ninja Academy students become the hope of the world after the evil ninja master Lothor kidnapped the rest of the Academy’s students and turned their sensei Kanoi Watanabe into a, well, guinea pig.

The rather hilarious “last of the class become heroes” is a new take on the Power Rangers formula that delighted fans. The new comedic and light-hearted take on the story captured the hearts of fans, and Ninja Storm became a great introductory series to the franchise.


Why Watch Ninja Storm?

Becoming a Ranger has never been more exciting in Ninja Storm, especially when the Wind Rangers have to juggle training in secret while protecting the world from equally stealthy threats. Despite being a lighthearted season that made fun of its franchise, Ninja Storm shone in its character development moments – with Cam’s frustrated desire towards being a Ranger and the team’s initial animosity against the Thunder Rangers always putting viewers on the edge of their seats.

12 Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue (2000)

First Standalone Series Separate From MMPR

Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue

Season Number

8

Number of Episodes

40

Original Network

Fox Kids

Taking place in the fictional California city of Mariner Bay, Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue begins when it’s discovered that Mariner Bay is an ancient burial ground for monsters that soon threaten the modern world once again. To combat this threat, the government formed the Lightspeed task force, composed of individuals with specific specializations tasked to defend the city.


Aside from a cameo with Lost Galaxy that will have the two Ranger teams thwart an attempt of Trakeena to conquer Earth, the middling reception of Lightspeed Rescue is better appreciated through repeated viewings. Moreover, “The Fate of Lightspeed” is easily one of the most narrative-intensive finales to ever grace Power Rangers history.

Why Watch Lightspeed Rescue?

Despite its initial lukewarm reception, Lightspeed Rescue maintained its ground as the first standalone series separate from the shadow of MMPR and the references from Lost Galaxy. This achievement is thanks in part to the show’s return to an Earth-based premise alongside new Rangers specifically “trained” for their roles.

11 Power Rangers Zeo (1996)

A Solid Sequel To The Original Series

Power Rangers Zeo


Season Number

4

Number of Episodes

50

Original Network

Fox Kids

Being the direct sequel to MMPR, it’s natural for Power Rangers Zeo to still take some cues from the original storyline. Zeo begins when Rito Revolto and Goldar attack the Command Center, sending Zordon and the Rangers in a panic to regroup. Understanding the critical danger of facing the new threat of the Machine Empire, Zordon uses the Zeo Crystal to empower the current Rangers into the Zeo Rangers.

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Given its nature as a sequel, Zeo still has its fair share of weird plot points and storylines. However, seeing the overall growth of the existing Rangers past their MMPR selves remains a sight to behold. Moreover, Zeo serves as a great way to expand on the nature of Rita Repulsa and Zedd as threats to the overall Power Rangers landscape.


Why Watch Zeo?

Relegating fan-favorite Billy as a tech specialist and introducing Tanya Sloan’s Yellow Zeo Ranger expanded cast relationships beyond the Ranger-Zordon-Alpha dynamic. Meanwhile, the return of Jason, Lord Zedd, and Rita established Zeo as quite the “reunion” series, preparing fans for the shift toward new cast members in Turbo and toward In Space, which concludes the Zordon Era.

10 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – Season 3 (1995)

A Worthwhile Ending To A Saga

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Season Number

3

Number of Episodes

33

Original Network

Fox Kids

Of all its seasons, it is Season 3 of MMPR in particular that highlighted the potential the franchise had. For instance, Season 3 starts with a story with Dex Stewart, who would star in the short-lived Saban’s Masked Rider spin-off (based on the Kamen Rider franchise). Season 3 also introduced the idea of brand new Zords, wacky subplots like the Rangers becoming kids, and even power inheritance.


The latter part set up the trend of generational rangers across the early series, which would be an iconic trope for the pre-Disney era. This is emphasized by the departure of Pink Ranger Kimberly Hart and the arrival of her replacement Kat Hillard, who would then become Pink Zeo Ranger and Pink Turbo Ranger.

Why Watch Mighty Morphin Season 3?

Katherine’s path to redemption and eventual Rangerhood helped her transition properly as Kimberly’s replacement, while ninja training with Ninjor and the eventual appearance of Master Vile gave the Rangers and their rivalry with Rita and Zedd much-needed depth. The ending paving the way to the storylines of both Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers and Power Rangers Zeo also gave the children’s show a surprising Western television series feeling.

9 Power Rangers RPM (2009)

An All-Out Post-Apocalyptic Goodbye To An Era

Power Rangers RPM


Season Number

17

Number of Episodes

32

Original Network

ABC

Power Rangers RPM takes fans to the near future when the Venjix Computer Network infiltrated most known technology and brought humans to subjugation except the city of Corinth. Red Ranger Scott Truman was assigned to lead a team of unlikely heroes in the last effort to stop Venjix or risk losing the world to this rogue AI.

When a series finds itself on the brink of cancelation, it’s natural to go all-out – and Power Rangers RPM doesn’t disappoint. Sentai fans would love the referencing of elements of RPM’s original Sentai material (Go-Onger) and Power Rangers meta – from plot elements to concepts. Despite its short 32-episode run, RPM manages to squeeze in some of the best character development in the show. Unlike other series rangers with character personalities that appeal to younger audiences, RPM has quite a mature approach to both relationships and story arcs.


Why Watch RPM?

While Power Rangers RPM‘s post-apocalyptic premise made it quite the dark atmosphere for a kid’s show, Disney’s last hurrah with the franchise went out with a bang. Arguably a cult classic for Power Ranger savants, RPM dazzles the franchise with its blend of “end-of-the-world-anyway” sarcasm, metacommentary, and extended character development arcs packed with each episode.

8 Power Rangers Jungle Fury (2008)

Perseverance And Dedication From The Lens Of Athletes

Power Rangers Jungle Fury

Season Number

16

Number of Episodes

32

Original Network

Jetix

It’s always awesome to imagine tapping into an inner animal spirit and manifesting it through energy attacks and martial arts, and this is exactly what Power Rangers Jungle Fury does. In its story, pizza owner David de Lautour recruits three teenagers with martial arts potential to save the world from the evil Jarrod of the Dai Shi martial arts school. To do so, teenagers Casey, Lily, and Theo need to learn secret martial arts and become the Power Rangers Jungle Fury.


Aside from its self-contained plot, Jungle Fury has delightful lessons on perseverance and tapping into one’s talents and passions to pursue a life of contentment. The various plot points of the series are entertaining in their own right, especially when meeting various Pai Zhuq masters and acquiring new Zords.

Why Watch Jungle Fury?

Aside from the odd choice of sunglasses morphers, Power Rangers Jungle Fury remains a love letter to martial arts stories. Blending the traditional fighter’s journey with iconic Ranger heroics, Jungle Fury is chock-full of motivational storylines disguised as ways for new techniques, forms, and Zords – be it accepting one’s quirkiness as strengths, going beyond one’s capabilities, and always seeking ways to improve one’s skills.

7 Power Rangers Mystic Force (2006)

A Tightly-Knit Story Of Family With Magic

Power Rangers Mystic Force


Season Number

14

Number of Episodes

32

Original Network

Jetix

There’s just something utterly uncanny with the premise of Power Rangers Mystic Force, perhaps in the way it takes the Power Rangers concept and gives it a Harry Potter spin. In it, the town of Briarwood is struck by an earthquake forceful enough to break a powerful seal, unleashing the evil Morticon back into the world. Sorceress Udonna senses this and gathers the Warriors of Legend – led by the reluctant wayfarer Nick – to help them become the new Power Rangers.

This straightforward yet very playful premise remains the hallmark of all things Power Rangers, making Mystic Force an alluring entry to the franchise. Aside from the interesting character dynamics, even the power progression is a neat thing to see. For instance, Udonna transforms the Warriors’ wands into phones to get with the times, explaining their morphers. Not only that but the “spells” the Rangers learn are translated into numerical codes they repeatedly use throughout the episodes.


Why Watch Mystic Force?

Seeing Mystic Force combine a rural setting with its unique brand of esotericism provides fans with a Power Rangers series that capitalizes on the Harry Potter limelight while having its own identity. While Nick being Red Ranger makes him the de facto protagonist of the family-centric series, its tight-knit storylines gave his Ranger friends much-needed personalities beyond their character archetypes.

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