3 Ninjas

3 Ninjas

Year: 1992

Runtime: 84 min

Language: English

Director: Jon Turteltaub

ActionSportComedyFamily

Three young brothers, Samuel, Jeffrey, and Michael Douglas, spend a summer training in ninjutsu with their grandfather, Mori Tanaka. They quickly learn the art of the ninja and find themselves unexpectedly caught in a conflict with a dangerous crime syndicate. Using their newfound skills and working together, the siblings must rely on their agility and cleverness to overcome the villains and protect their community.

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Timeline – 3 Ninjas (1992)

Trace every key event in 3 Ninjas (1992) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Summer ninjutsu training begins

Samuel, Jeffrey, and Michael start their annual summer stay with Mori Tanaka, who teaches them ninjutsu. Mori christens Samuel as Rocky, Jeffrey as Colt, and Michael as Tum-Tum, shaping their identities for the adventures to come. The summer becomes a focused training ground that deepens their bond and skills.

start of summer Mori's cabin
2

FBI sting against Hugo Snyder

Sam Douglas stages a sting operation to trap the master criminal Hugo Snyder in the sale of warheads. Snyder evades capture with his ninja henchmen and escapes by helicopter. He later returns to visit Mori, testing Mori's defenses with his forces.

early summer Field near Mori's cabin
3

Mori confronts Snyder's ninjas

Snyder visits Mori and challenges him, but Mori's ninjas attack and are defeated by Mori with the help of his grandsons Rocky, Colt, and Tum-Tum. The clash underscores the old partnership turned adversarial. The encounter confirms the danger Snyder poses to the family.

shortly after the visit Mori's cabin
4

Snyder threatens Mori's family

Face to face, Snyder refuses to train his men and threatens Mori's family if Sam continues pursuing him. Mori remains calm but makes clear the protection of the boys remains a priority. The confrontation heightens the tension between the two families.

late visit Mori's cabin
5

Family returns home; uneasy at new names

The boys return to their home and find their father, Sam, unenthusiastic about their training and more annoyed by their new ninja names. The dynamic contrasts Sam's FBI life with Mori's mentorship, though the boys' confidence continues to grow. The return marks a uneasy reset to normal life.

end of summer Douglas home
6

Emily approves Rocky's new name

Emily compliments Rocky's new ninja name and agrees to ride with them to school the next day. The moment blends everyday teenage life with the brothers' enhanced identities. It hints at normalcy returning alongside the looming danger.

the next day Neighborhood; route to school
7

Snyder plans kidnapping to leverage Sam

Snyder devises a plan to kidnap the brothers to use as leverage against Sam so he can complete his missile sale. Snyder's consigliere Nigel Brown enlists Fester, Hammer, and Marcus, expanding the threat to the entire family. The scheme relies on exploiting the brothers' ninja skills for criminal gain.

later Snyder's base
8

Fester shadows the brothers; fender bender delays

Fester and friends shadow the brothers after school, attempting to stage an abduction. Their plan is interrupted by a fender-bender with a police car, delaying their pursuit. The close call reveals the FBI's ongoing watch and the risk to the kids.

the next day Near the school
9

Emily's bike theft and the big basketball win

Emily is separated from the group and confronts bullies who steal her bike. In recess, the brothers challenge the bullies to a two-on-two basketball game and score ten straight points to win back Emily's bike. The victory strengthens the brothers' teamwork and resolve.

that day Schoolyard
10

Mori tracks Snyder to Berth 6

Mori conducts reconnaissance and tracks Snyder and his associates to a harbor ship at Berth 6. The pursuit foreshadows the upcoming confrontation on Snyder's vessel. Mori's quiet vigilance keeps the brothers safe while they remain unaware of the danger aboard.

that evening Berth 6 harbor
11

Home invasion and Emily is taken hostage

Fester and his crew break into the Douglas home using a fake pizza order to subdue the babysitter. They take Emily hostage during the confusion, prompting the brothers to act with greater urgency. The incident demonstrates how close the danger has come to the kids.

that night Douglas home
12

The brothers are captured and taken to Snyder's ship

After a later confrontation, the brothers are overpowered by Snyder's bodyguard Rushmore and taken captive aboard Snyder's ship. Mori fights his way through to attempt a rescue, setting the stage for the final showdown. The journey to the ship marks a turning point in the summer's danger.

that night Snyder's ship Berth 6
13

Showdown on the ship's dojo

Snyder challenges Mori to a fight for the brothers' freedom in the ship's dojo. Using his youth and speed, Snyder gains the upper hand and appears poised to strike the final blow, aided by a pepper bomb. Mori counters by gagging Snyder with Tum-Tum's jelly beans and defeats him.

final confrontation Snyder's ship dojo
14

Sam arrives and arrests Snyder

Sam arrives with backup and shoots Snyder in the shoulder, arresting Snyder, Nigel Brown, and their henchmen. He reassures the boys that they can continue visiting Mori every summer and takes the night off to celebrate with pizza and family. The immediate danger subsides as the criminals are taken into custody.

after fight Snyder's ship
15

Pizza night with Mori

Sam takes the night off from work to celebrate with his sons and Mori, ordering pizza for everyone. Mori, who hates pizza, joins the celebration with a begrudging smile as the summer ends on a hopeful note. The three generations reaffirm their bond and the summer tradition continues.

night Douglas home

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 10:30

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