The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT), also known as the Ninja Turtles, are fictional teenage mutant and combat-savvy anthropomorphic turtles, prominent in various media like comics, cartoons, movies, and video games. Their story originated in a comic book first published in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

The four turtles - Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael - are named after famous artists of the Italian Renaissance. They live in the sewer systems of New York City and are trained in the art of Ninjutsu by their mentor and adoptive father, an anthropomorphic rat named Master Splinter. Each turtle wears a distinctive headband of a specific color and is equipped with a unique weapon: Leonardo with katanas, Michelangelo with nunchucks, Donatello with a bo staff, and Raphael with sai daggers.

The TMNT's main antagonists are the evil ninja master Shredder, leader of the Foot Clan, and in later series and films, additional characters like the alien warlord Krang, the gangster Baxter Stockman, and various mutated foes.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles quickly became a pop culture icon, with an extensive merchandise line including toys, clothing, and other items. They were the subject of several animated TV series, with the first and very popular series starting in 1987, as well as several feature films, with the first movie released in 1990. These media not only expanded the Turtles' universe but further developed their characters and stories.

At their core, the TMNT stories revolve around adventure, teamwork, family, and battling evil, often with a humorous undertone. Their popularity spans multiple generations, and they remain a significant and influential figure in pop culture.