Watch Out! Here Are the Best Ninjas in Pop Culture

They lurk in the shadows and strike when you least expect it. They leap from rooftop to rooftop, swift as a slight breeze. Their weapons are forged with ancient techniques and wielded with lethal precision. Ninjas are, without a doubt, some of the most impressive fighters out there.

For Day of the Ninja 2022, we’re taking a look at some of pop culture’s most well-known and popular ninjas. Across video games, anime series, and film and comic books, there’s a wide selection to choose from. But the following six ninjas are the best of the best. Don’t believe us? Better watch your back.

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Naruto Uzumaki

First up, the ninja with a mission to lead his village: Naruto! In the village of Konohagakure, Naruto Uzumaki aspires to be the leader, the Hokage. Of course, this is easier said than done, especially when dealing with a Kurama and a village full of naysayers.

The Naruto Uzumaki Sixth Scale Figure by Threezero shows the spirited young ninja in his signature orange suit with magnetized shoes, interchangeable hands and face plates, and an array of weapons such as shuriken and Kunai knives. Believe it!

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Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)

Revenge is a dish best served cold — and with plenty of sting on the side. Scorpion is a resurrected ninja whose masked face covers a skull-like visage under glowing white eyes. After the murder of his clan, Scorpion’s spear does most of his talking for him.

Get over here! The Scorpion 1/10 Scale Statue by Iron Studios is a fiery addition to your Mortal Kombat collection. Are you ready to face the flames?

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Storm Shadow (G.I. Joe)

Quick as a flash of lightning and just as powerful, Storm Shadow is shrouded in conflict. Though he serves the Cobra Commander, he’s not necessarily evil — he’s simply driven by vengeance. At times, Storm Shadow has even fought alongside Snake Eyes.

The Storm Shadow Sixth Scale Figure by Threezero shows off the ninja’s muscled frame as well as his versatile range of skills, including the use of nunchaku, katana, and longbow. With Storm Shadow in your G.I. Joe collection, there’s no telling where the fight will go.

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Power Rangers

The Power Rangers have always been influenced by martial arts, and their connection to ninjas was first brought to light in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers movie. When their connection to the Power Grid is lost, the Rangers must access the ancient power of the Ninjetti. This grants them ninja suits as well as taps into their animal guardians.

Later, they also train under Ninjor to further understand their new powers. Ninjor invented the original Power Coins and Dinozords, and his training gave the Rangers even more ammo against the forces of evil.

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Psylocke (X-Men)

As a character, Psylocke has had a very typical comic book story arc — complete with mind-body swapping, multiple codenames, and plenty of deaths. Originally, Betsy Braddock’s mind was placed into Kwannon’s body, resulting in the telepathic ninja mutant we came to know and love. Now, thanks to the resurrection tech of Krakoa, Kwannon and Betsy are their own people again. And Kwannon, using the name Psylocke, continues to be one of the most iconic X-Men.

The Psylocke Premium Format™ Figure pays homage to her ninja background. She crouches atop a stone lantern, observing and waiting to see whether she should use her psionic blade or her katana. Both will make swift work of any enemy.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are defenders of the defenseless, the shelled ninjas of the sewers, and, maybe most importantly, lovers of gooey New York pizza. These brothers were trained by Master Splinter in the ways of the ninja so that they could take down Shredder and his Foot Clan.

Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo each use a signature weapon. By adding the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figure Box Set 1 and 2 to your TMNT collection, the four brothers can unite as one to raise shell just in time for a celebratory slice. Cowabunga!

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Which ninjas of pop culture are your favorites? Share your thoughts with other fans at side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!