Checkered Ninja 3

Alex is tiring of the thrill that used to pull him toward ninja missions. He'd rather hang out with friends, and Checkered Ninja senses he's being left behind. That frustration pushes the toy ninja to push for one more mission, and Alex, trying to keep things simple, accidentally clashes with Marco, Jessica's rough-around-the-edges boyfriend. What starts as a minor scuffle escalates because Checkered Ninja refuses to back down, dragging Alex deeper into a conflict he didn't want. The film keeps the tone light with action and comedy while focusing on the immediate fallout between kids, their loyalties, and the chaotic influence of a very insistent toy.

Directed by Thorbjørn Christoffersen and Anders Matthesen, this third installment arrived in 2026 as the latest entry in the Checkered Ninja series, with Matthesen again voicing the titular ninja alongside Flora Ofelia Hofmann Lindahl, Louis Næss-Schmidt, and Emma Sehested Høeg.

At the time of writing it hasn't claimed major international awards, though it continues to find an audience on festival circuits and in regional releases, and it may be considered for family or animation honors as attention grows.

The Checkered Ninja character has become recognizable in its home market, and this sequel reinforces the franchise's mix of slapstick and action. Kids know the toy's voice and catchphrases, and the filmmakers lean into that familiarity, using sight gags and set pieces that play well across merchandise, online clips, and family screenings.

Critical response is modestly positive, reflected in a 7.5/10 vote average from a small sample. Reviewers tend to note the movie's focus on friendship, responsibility, and growing apart from childhood obsessions, all wrapped in brisk animated action and broad comedy. It's aimed at family audiences who want energetic set pieces and a story about learning how to balance new interests with old bonds.