15 Best Power Rangers Series, Ranked

The Power Rangers franchise has witnessed plenty of TV series over the years. But which of them are the best of the bunch?

Highlights

• Power Rangers Dino Charge offers a wild and ferocious take on the dinosaur theme, with multi-layered story arcs and a larger team of eight Rangers.
• Power Rangers Ninja Storm introduces a comedic and light-hearted take on the series, with exciting action and character development moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
• Power Rangers Lost Galaxy features a unique space theme, compelling narratives, and ties to previous shows, making it a must-watch for fans looking for a more fantastical and mythic aspect of the franchise.

GAMERANT VIDEO OF THE DAY

SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT

Anyone who’s ever watched Power Rangers will likely have two things – a favorite color and a favorite Power Rangers series. More than 20 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.

Updated November 3, 2023, by Rhenn Taguiam: With the September 2023 release of Cosmic Fury receiving mixed reviews as well as an announcement of a 2025 series reboot, the Power Rangers franchise has had a lot of surprises for both franchise fans and newcomers. However, for Ranger viewers looking for a series to binge or to start their Power Rangers watch parties, certain Power Rangers entries definitely take the cake as must-tries for their riveting storylines and overall franchise impact. Before viewers venture deep into the Morphing Grid, however, they may want to get some insights as to why certain Power Rangers entries have become lasting favorites for both older fans and first-timers.

15 Power Rangers Dino Charge (2015)

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

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, it’s the bounty hunter Sledge’s attempt 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.

14 Power Rangers Ninja Storm (2003)

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

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 becomes heroes” is a new take on the Power Rangers formula that definitely 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.

13 Power Rangers Lost Galaxy (1999)

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

With the massive spaceship Terra Venture embarking on an interstellar journey to help its city’s worth of passengers settle on a distant planet, the Powers Rangers Lost Galaxy are tasked to protect them from the evil alien army of Trakeena. This saga will have the Power Rangers Lost Galaxy team venture to various planets as they fight off the evil overlord’s forces.

While it takes place after In Space, Lost Galaxy is the first series to introduce the tradition of introducing an entirely new cast for its team. And even so, Lost Galaxy actually received the highest ratings for any season after Mighty Morphin, a record that to this day hasn’t been beaten yet. This might be attributed to a mixture of the series’ unique story, compelling narratives, and ties to previous shows.

Why Watch Lost Galaxy?

Becoming the first Power Rangers series to not feature any prior cast members meant the Galaxy Rangers had big shoes to fill, and Saban capitalized on this nostalgia factor. Aside from maintaining a space theme to spiritually tie into its predecessor In Space, the series features Easter eggs that fans would appreciate. The near “mythical space” component of its setting is a welcome change of pace, showing that the franchise can venture into more fantastical aspects of its usual trend of sci-fi concepts.

12 Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue (2000)

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

Taking place in the fictional California city of Mariner Bay, Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue begins when it’s discovered that Mariner Bay is actually 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 Jungle Fury (2008)

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

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.

10 Power Rangers Zeo (1996)

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

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.

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 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.

9 Power Rangers Beast Morphers (2019)

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Power Rangers Beast Morphers serves as the franchise’s first foray into Nickelodeon, and the series evidently has that “twang” associated with a Nick series – quirky, witty, and multiple times interesting. Set in the near future, an evil entity known as Evox from another dimension will force a secret agency called Grid Battleforce to create its own team of defenders. Using Morph-X, a special formula made with animal DNA, Grid Battleforce transforms a team of teenagers into the new Power Rangers Beast Morphers.

Unlike other Power Rangers series, Beast Morphers has quite an action-teen show feeling to it. Character dynamics aren’t boring to watch, and even the story arcs are interesting to see unfold throughout the episodes. Beast Morphers also took the time to resolve a story issue from a cliffhanger in a different Power Rangers series, something that caught fans off-guard.

Why Watch Beast Morphers?

Beast Morphers being a tie-in to RPM became quite a surprise reveal for franchise fans, even with the series initially setting itself up as a tribute season. Issues with fully utilizing characters aside, Beast Morphers carries itself and its cast with a solid continuity that showed fans how a Hasbro-handled Power Rangers title could improve upon its Disney/Saban Brands legacy.

8 Power Rangers Wild Force (2002)

IMDb Rating: 6.2/10

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 definitely 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.

7 Power Rangers Mystic Force (2006)

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

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 “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.

6 Power Rangers RPM (2009)

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

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 RPMdoesn’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.

5 Power Rangers S.P.D. (2005)

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Despite the controversy behind its creation, Power Rangers S.P.D. remains a hallmark series in its release. Taking place in 2025, Earth is now a part of a huge network of planets where aliens can coexist with humans. Unfortunately, peace stops when the Troobian Empire reveals its attempts to try and subjugate the planet. When Earth’s defenders – the A-Squad Rangers of the Space Patrol Delta – went MIA, Commander Anubis Cruger tasked the B-Team to take their place.

As with other Power Rangers stories, S.P.D. has its highlights in terms of Ranger newcomers. Instead of being a team of full-blown police agents, joining the squad are two reformed thieves – including their Red Ranger. S.P.D. earned praise from fans not just for its unique setting, but also for the great synergy between character development and the story’s overall progression.

Why Watch SPD?

Despite its polarizing reception, Power Rangers SPD was a refreshing demonstration of world-building in the franchise. The far future premise of SPD functions with a world of its own, making it one of the liveliest settings for a season so far. Aliens have their own personalities, and interactions within SPD HQ gave younger fans a “simulation” of the interpersonal dynamics in a police force. The depth of Ranger personalities also played well into the storyline’s progression, making each final judgment all the more satisfying.

4 Power Rangers Time Force (2001)

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

Power Rangers Time Force takes cues from its Sentai counterpart, Mirai Sentai Timeranger, into becoming one of the more serious Power Rangers series across the franchise. Taking place originally in the Year 3000, the escape of super-criminal Ransik into the year 2001 forces the Time Force police to send a team back in time and stop his potential rampage.

In 2001, Time Force Pink Jen leads the Time Force Rangers in their chase against Ransik, wherein the process they recruit Wesley Collins as their Red Ranger. Although Wesley is the series protagonist, Jen serves as the team’s commander, marking the only time in franchise history that Pink Ranger served as the team leader. Aside from this, Time Force boasts some of the strongest sci-fi elements in the show. Not to mention, the emphasis on time travel is quite a surprise for a supposed kids’ show.

Why Watch Time Force?

Seeing Power Rangers approach a season with such a level of maturity has been unheard of before and after Time Force, making it a must-watch for fans who want to see the franchise tackle darker themes. Pink Ranger Jen dealing with a leadership role while her dead lover’s ancestor becomes their Red Ranger proved the gravity of the season’s individual storylines, giving the season an unexpected depth for its timeslot. Not to mention, Time Force’s time-travel storylines remain well-written for a kid’s show.

3 Power Rangers In Space (1998)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Painful morphing sequence aside, Power Rangers In Space continues the generational legacy of MMPR and skyrockets it to the stars. Now set in the cosmos, In Space effectively explores and expands on the alien mythology of the greater Power Rangers universe, highlighting concepts originally just glossed over as wacky plot details in previous seasons. In Space begins with former Turbo Rangers going to space in search of Zordon – and an unexpected encounter with the United Alliance of Evil will have Red Space Ranger Andros recruit the Turbo Rangers to his cause.

While In Space is essentially the final season that features Zordon, the series also introduced a lot of Power Rangers staples. These include the Battlizer Mode, which becomes a popular sub-form for most Rangers in the series. Other tropes include a hero-villain family relationship, no more power transfers, and even Ranger uniforms. Not to mention, there’s a crossover episode with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Why Watch In Space?

Seeing In Space finish the Zordon Era became a satisfying send-off to a childhood spent with its cast members, with the season’s new serialized format as though a coming-of-age format for young adult fans ready for more serious narratives. The return of Turbo’s Justin and MMPR’s Zack helped close their storylines, while villains such as Astronema received much-needed writing depth.

2 Power Rangers Dino Thunder (2004)

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Power Rangers Dino Thunder marks the return of dinosaur-themed powers almost a decade since MMPR ended. As such, it makes sense that the series serves as a callback to the original Power Rangers, something that manifests in the form of the return of Tommy Oliver himself. Now a paleontology professor, Tommy ends up mentoring detention students Conner, Ethan, and Kira as they become the Dino Thunder Rangers. And as the threat of Mesogog and his plan of returning Earth to the dinosaur era worsens, Tommy himself returns as the Black Dino Ranger.

Albeit a very run-off-the-mill Power Rangers season, Dino Thunder shines in its character development. Aside from dialogue, character interactions outside their central episodes show a progression in team rapport. Despite being solely about a team of five Rangers, the level of character development in Dino Thunder makes it always worth the watch.

Why Watch Dino Thunder?

Serving as what fans could consider the “spiritual successor” to the Mighty Morphin formula, Dino Thunder’s choice of having an aged Tommy as a mentor to a new team of teenagers with attitude united old-time series fans and newcomers alike. Compared to other seasons, Dino Thunder opting for a team with a rebellious streak fits the show’s punk rock vibe and gives the franchise a much-needed deviation from the conventional group of do-gooders.

1 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – Season 3 (1995)

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

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 with 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.

Fuente: successacademy.edu.vn
Categorías: Trend