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Saban's Power Rangers (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Saban's Power Rangers (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 124 min · English
JustWatch #15,618 10
Directed by
Dean Israelite
Starring
Elizabeth Banks, Ludi Lin, Bill Hader, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Bryan Cranston
Budget
$100M

Five ordinary teenagers are chosen to become extraordinary heroes, destined to protect Angel Grove and the planet from a looming threat. They must learn to harness a powerful force within themselves and overcome personal challenges to unite as the mighty Power Rangers. Only by working together can they hope to defeat the danger and save the world.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (6)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (2)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Saban's Power Rangers
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Saban's Power Rangers (2017)

Where can you watch Saban's Power Rangers? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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6 main characters · contains spoilers

Saban's Power Rangers Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Saban's Power Rangers (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks)

    Rita Repulsa is the film's main antagonist, once a hero who has succumbed to darkness. Her betrayal and relentless pursuit of power make her a formidable foe for the Power Rangers. Smart and manipulative, she represents both a physical and psychological threat, forcing the Rangers to confront their fears and gather their strength.

    • 🌌 Villain
    • 💔 Betrayal
  • Jason Scott (Dacre Montgomery)

    Jason Scott is a high school football star navigating personal struggles after a prank leads to house arrest. He embodies leadership and courage throughout the film, evolving from a rebellious teen to the Red Ranger. His determination to rally the team plays a crucial role in their success against Rita's evil plans.

    • 🏈 Leader
    • 🚀 Hero
  • Billy Cranston (RJ Cyler)

    Billy Cranston is the intelligent and socially awkward member of the team. His technical skills and innovative thinking are vital to the group, especially in identifying and utilizing their powers. Billy’s character arc is characterized by his bravery and sacrifice, ultimately becoming a symbol of teamwork and resilience.

    • 🧠 Genius
    • ⚡ Sacrifice
  • Kimberly Hart (Naomi Scott)

    Kimberly Hart is a former cheerleader faced with the consequences of past actions. Throughout the movie, she finds her strength and place within the group. Her evolution from a typical high school girl to a vital member of the Power Rangers showcases her growth and determination.

    • 🌟 Growth
    • 💪 Empowerment
  • Trini (Becky G.)

    Trini is a core member of the Power Rangers who grapples with her identity while embracing her role as a warrior. Fierce and loyal, she exemplifies strength and individuality in facing Rita Repulsa alongside her teammates. Her journey reflects themes of acceptance and courage.

    • 🌈 Identity
    • 🔥 Strength
  • Zack (Ludi Lin)

    Zack is a charismatic and bold character who brings energy to the team. With a mix of humor and tenacity, he supports his friends and evolves into the Black Ranger. His engagement in battles showcases his brave nature and dedication to protect Angel Grove.

    • 🎉 Charisma
    • 🐉 Fighter

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:14

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Setting

Where and When Does Saban's Power Rangers Take Place?

The setting of Saban's Power Rangers (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Cenozoic Era, Present Day

The movie traverses two significant time periods: the Cenozoic era when Rita Repulsa was initially defeated and the present day, where the new Power Rangers rise to confront her resurgence. During the Cenozoic, the extinction of dinosaurs is a pivotal event triggered by Rita's battle. Present-day Angel Grove portrays a typical suburban setting where teenage struggles and heroic transformations come to life.

Location

Angel Grove, California, Cenozoic Era

Angel Grove, California, serves as the primary setting for the film, where a group of teenagers transforms into the Power Rangers. Known for its vibrant community and high school culture, this town becomes the battleground against dark forces. The backdrop of the Cenozoic era highlights an ancient time when Earth was teeming with life, emphasizing the historical significance of the Zeo Crystal and the ongoing clash between good and evil.

  • 🌍 Earth
  • ⏳ Historical

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:14

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2 major themes

Saban's Power Rangers Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Saban's Power Rangers (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Teamwork

    Teamwork is at the heart of the Power Rangers' story as six diverse teenagers learn to collaborate and trust one another. Their journey highlights the importance of unity in overcoming challenges, especially when faced with the dark forces of Rita Repulsa. Each member brings unique strengths, and together they evolve from individuals into a cohesive fighting force.

  • Heroism

    Heroism is a central theme, epitomized by the transformation of ordinary teens into the Power Rangers. They rise against overwhelming odds to protect their world, showcasing bravery and sacrifice. The movie illustrates that heroism comes in many forms, not only through physical strength but also through emotional resilience and the willingness to stand up for what is right.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:14

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Character & theme questions

Saban's Power Rangers Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Saban's Power Rangers (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Power Rangers set?

The movie is primarily set in Angel Grove, California, a vibrant suburban town that serves as the home base for the teenage heroes. The town features a typical high school culture and community setting where the Rangers live their ordinary lives before discovering their powers. Some key scenes also take place in a quarry and underground lairs connected to the film's historical elements.

  • angel grove california setting location
Q2

What time period does Power Rangers take place in?

The movie spans two time periods: the Cenozoic Era, approximately 65 million years ago when Rita Repulsa was first defeated, and present-day Angel Grove where the new Power Rangers rise. The Cenozoic Era sequence depicts the extinction event tied to Rita's original battle, while the modern setting follows teenagers in contemporary suburban life.

  • ceenozoic era present day time period timeline
Q3

What is Angel Grove like in the movie?

Angel Grove is portrayed as an all-American suburban town in California, featuring a prominent high school with typical teenage social dynamics. The community becomes the central battleground where the Rangers must protect their homes and neighbors from Rita Repulsa's dark forces. The contrast between ordinary small-town life and the extraordinary heroic responsibilities forms a key element of the story's tension.

  • angel grove town california high school setting
Q4

What are the main themes of Power Rangers?

The film centers on two primary themes: teamwork and heroism. Teamwork is explored as six diverse teenagers must learn to trust each other and combine their unique strengths to become effective heroes. Heroism is depicted through the transformation of ordinary teens into protectors who rise against overwhelming odds, showing that bravery comes in many forms beyond physical power.

  • teamwork heroism themes unity collaboration
Q5

Who is Rita Repulsa in Power Rangers?

Rita Repulsa is the film's main antagonist, portrayed by Elizabeth Banks. She was once a heroic warrior who fell to darkness and now seeks the Zeo Crystal to gain ultimate power. Rita is depicted as both physically and psychologically threatening, using manipulation and dark magic to pursue her goals. Her return forces the teenage Rangers to confront their fears and unite against a common enemy.

  • rita repulsa antagonist villain Elizabeth Banks
Q6

Who are the Power Rangers?

The Power Rangers are five teenagers chosen to become Earth's protectors: Jason Scott (Red Ranger, the leader), Billy Cranston (Blue Ranger, the tech genius), Kimberly Hart (Pink Ranger), Trini (Yellow Ranger), and Zack (Black Ranger). Each teen has unique personality traits and personal struggles they must overcome to fulfill their heroic destiny. They represent diverse backgrounds and social positions within their high school.

  • power rangers characters teens heroes team
Q7

Who is Jason Scott in Power Rangers?

Jason Scott is the Red Ranger and natural leader of the team, portrayed by Dacre Montgomery. Before becoming a hero, he was a star football player dealing with the consequences of a prank that resulted in house arrest. His journey involves evolving from a rebellious teen into a responsible leader who rallies his teammates and embodies courage throughout their battle against Rita Repulsa.

  • jason scott red ranger leader character
Q8

Who is Billy Cranston in Power Rangers?

Billy Cranston is the Blue Ranger, portrayed by RJ Cyler, known for his intelligence and technical skills. As the socially awkward member of the team, his expertise is crucial in understanding and utilizing their powers. Billy's character arc involves showing bravery and making a significant sacrifice, ultimately symbolizing the resilience and heart of the team.

  • billy cranston blue ranger intelligent tech character
Q9

What is the Zeo Crystal in Power Rangers?

The Zeo Crystal is an ancient and powerful artifact first introduced in the Cenozoic Era, hidden within Earth itself. It serves as the primary MacGuffin that Rita Repulsa seeks to obtain ultimate power. The crystal's connection to Earth's deep history and its role as a focal point for the battle between good and evil underscores the film's themes of ancient forces clashing in modern times.

  • zeo crystal artifact power ancient artifact
Q10

What does the Cenozoic Era represent in Power Rangers?

The Cenozoic Era sequences depict Earth's ancient past when Rita Repulsa first battled other warriors and was defeated. This historical context establishes that the conflict between Rita and Earth's protectors is cyclical and ongoing. The dinosaur extinction event is directly tied to Rita's original battle, showing that her actions have had lasting consequences on Earth's history.

  • ceenozoic era dinosaurs ancient history backstory
Q11

What makes Power Rangers a hero story?

Power Rangers follows the classic hero's journey template where ordinary individuals are transformed into protectors. The movie emphasizes that heroism isn't about having powers initially but about choosing to stand up against evil despite personal flaws and fears. The Rangers must overcome their own personal challenges while learning to work together, embodying themes of courage, sacrifice, and moral choice.

  • hero journey heroism bravery protagonist transformation

Movie threads

More Movies Like Saban's Power Rangers, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Saban's Power Rangers tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies like Saban's Power Rangers about teen hero teams

Ordinary teens discover powers and must unite to save the world. If you enjoyed Saban's Power Rangers, you'll like these other movies about teenagers who acquire superpowers and learn to work as a team. They blend coming-of-age stories with superhero action, focusing on friendship and uniting against a common threat.

  • action-packed
  • hopeful
  • teen drama
  • teamwork
  • uplifting
  • urgent
  • Tone: hopeful, uplifting
  • Pacing: fast, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a group of teenagers who are chosen or accidentally gain superhuman abilities. Their journey involves mastering their new powers while navigating typical adolescent issues. The central conflict is often an external threat that forces them to set aside their differences and learn the true meaning of teamwork to achieve victory.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here because they share the specific combination of a high school setting, a superhero origin story, and a strong emphasis on teamwork as the key to success. They balance character-driven drama with high-intensity action.

Fast-paced superhero origin stories like Saban's Power Rangers

Heroes race against time to master their powers before a cataclysm. Fans of the urgent, against-the-clock origin in Saban's Power Rangers will enjoy these similar movies. They feature heroes who must rapidly adapt to their new abilities to prevent an imminent disaster, blending intense training sequences with explosive final battles.

  • urgent
  • tense
  • action-packed
  • high-stakes
  • exciting
  • race against time
  • Tone: hopeful, tense
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot is driven by a clear and imminent deadline, such as an impending attack or a world-ending event. This compressed timeline forces rapid character development and team bonding under extreme pressure. The story structure is straightforward, building tension consistently towards a large-scale, decisive confrontation.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their breakneck pacing and the narrative device of a ticking clock. The experience is defined by a constant forward momentum, high-intensity action, and the gratifying payoff of seeing the heroes succeed against overwhelming odds in a short amount of time.

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Movies Like Saban's Power Rangers

Similar movies to Saban's Power Rangers: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Saban's Power Rangers (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Saban's Power Rangers in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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