In the latest edition of Mandatory Movie Battles, we’re jumping into the Way Back Machine for a classic battle between 90s movies 3 Ninjas and Beverly Hills Ninja. Even though these are two movies that normally wouldn’t reside in the same sentence, they’re both celebrating anniversaries this year, so why the hell not? While both movies were remnants of the 80s ninja movie craze, they were released about five years apart. Despite this age gap, both films are broad family comedies and they both feature quasi-fantasy/adventure elements. But most importantly, they both lean pretty heavily into ninja stereotypes. Let’s do this.
Cover Photo: Paramount Pictures
It’s true that both of these movies certainly have plenty of flaws, especially by today’s standards. Even so, there’s something ironic about how, despite being vastly different, Beverly Hills Ninja and 3 Ninjas are oddly similar. Most notably, the way that they both play into Ninja tropes never really do justice to the shadow warriors of feudal Japan. At the same time, both films are entertaining in the vacuum of nostalgia. At the end of the day, Beverly Hills Ninja is only a slightly better film in terms of the ninja elements, especially because it’s essentially an obvious parody.
Overall Winner: Beverly Hills Ninja
MMB: Beverly Hills Ninja vs 3 Ninjas
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Ninja Action
The hallmark of any good ninja movie is the action. Even though both movies feature plenty of said Ninja action, some of the fighting sequences in 3 Ninjas are downright laughable in retrospect. The action in Beverly Hills Ninja isn’t anything anything to write home about, but the choreography is far superior, which is why it wins this round.
Winner: Beverly Hills Ninja
Photo: Tristar Pictures
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Ninja Outfits
Beverly Hills Ninja is pretty conservative in terms of its use of Ninja wardrobe, which works for the movie but also makes it kinda boring. On the flipside, 3 Ninjas is very liberal in terms of Ninja iconography. Colors are an important part of the outfits in the latter, which makes it far more visually interesting (even if it isn’t accurate). Not to mention the film’s iconic use of the Kabuki masks.
Winner: 3 Ninjas
Photo:Touchstone Pictures
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Ninja Stealth
Although both movies play into classic ninja stealth tropes, they are effective in different ways. While 3 Ninjas does a good job of playing into the misdirection, especially during the Home Alone sequence of the film. On the other hand, Beverly Hills Ninja caters more toward the deceptive kind of ninja stealth. Ultimately, the deciding factor in this category is the comedy gold that comes from Robin Shou hiding in plain sight.
Winner: Beverly Hills Ninja
Photo: Tristar Pictures
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Ninja Hideout
One of the key factors in any successful ninja movie is a good ol’ ninja hideout. Whereas Beverly Hills Ninja features more or a traditional dojo, 3 Ninjas does not. Instead, the latter features an evil ninja dojo on a friggin’ battleship. Sure, it’s not realistic in the slightest, but it sure is badass.
Winner: 3 Ninjas
Photo:Touchstone Pictures
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Ninja Weaponry
If there’s one thing that is essential to Ninja lore, it’s the weapons. As a movie aimed primarily at families, 3 Ninjas holds back utilizing ninja weaponry, except for a samurai sword here and there. It’s more about using one’s intellect and physical abilities than weapons. On the opposite side of the spectrum, Beverly Hills Ninja builds whole gags around playing into the ninja armory stereotypes to the point where it becomes one itself. Regardless, the latter manages to squeak this one out of sheer volume.
Winner: Beverly Hills Ninja
Photo: Tristar Pictures
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Ninja Training
The ninja training sequence at the beginning of Beverly Hills Ninja is more for comedic effect than it is of establishing the ninjitsu code. Although it does effectively establish the character of Hiru, there’s not much payoff. 3 Ninjas, however, is all about the payoff to the ninja training. Especially when you factor in the presence of the late-great Victor Wong, 3 Ninjas wins this one by a mile.
Winner: 3 Ninjas
Photo:Touchstone Pictures
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Ninja Acting
Both aren't the types of movies that are meant win any acting awards. Unfortunately for 3 Ninjas, the acting is so laughable (especially as an adult) that it’s hard to take the film seriously at times. Beverly Hills Ninja, however, at least has a solid lead performance and seasoned supporting actors. This isn’t to say that the acting is notable in the film, but the Farley factor certainly give it the edge here.
Winner: Beverly Hills Ninja
Photo: Tristar Pictures
