The film about mutated turtles was shot in the USA. Principal photography took place in North Carolina, where sets were built to simulate New York City sewers and rooftops. Some outdoor city scenes were filmed in New York, where the movie is set. Among the Big Apple landmarks that appear on screen are the World Trade Center, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Hudson River. Due to access restrictions to the city's sewers, the artists used an abandoned Brooklyn subway line as an alternative for some underground scenes that could not be shot in North Carolina.

Filming Locations:

Muggers' Capture Spot

In the Movie

Scene where the Turtles on a patrol catch muggers. The story revolves around four mutated turtles — Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael — who live in the New York City sewers with their teacher, the mutated rat Splinter. The Turtles possess ninjutsu skills, which they use to protect the city from crime. The scene shows their nightly foray to the surface to fight crime. The Turtles go out at night to patrol the city and protect it from the Foot Clan, led by Shredder. Here, they also have their first encounter with April O'Neil after saving her from an attack by muggers.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Columbus Circle crossing. This is a busy traffic circle and road intersection in Manhattan near the entrance to Central Park. The place is famous for the Christopher Columbus monument and serves as the starting point for official distances from New York. Columbus Circle is located near the southwestern corner of Central Park and is surrounded by neighborhoods such as Hell's Kitchen, the Theater District, and the Upper West Side. It appears in the film due to its recognizability.

The Square

In the Movie

Scene where the Turtles keep order in the city and accidentally save April. April, a reporter, is investigating a series of mysterious thefts linked to the Foot Clan. When she returns from work, she is accosted by Foot Clan members. The Turtles, watching her from cover, intervene and save her. After this, April learns of the Turtles' existence and becomes their ally and friend.

In Reality

The scene was filmed near the New York County Supreme Court Building in the Civic Center area of Manhattan. This famous building, built in the classical Roman style, was designed by Guy Lowell and is one of the largest courthouses in the United States. It is known for its granite facade and Corinthian portico, as well as murals created under the WPA program in the 1930s. The interior and exterior of the building are designated New York City landmarks. The filmmakers may have chosen this location for its recognizability and symbolism: justice is served in the building, and the Turtles strive for the same by keeping order in the city.

At the Subway

In the Movie

Scene where Danny Pennington runs away from his father. This happens after his father, Charles Pennington, under pressure from Captain Sterns, tries to restrict Danny's freedom due to his involvement with the Foot Clan. Danny escapes from his father's car and heads to the warehouse that serves as the Foot Clan's lair to warn them about the Turtles.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the intersection of Bleecker Street and Mulberry Street in Manhattan. Bleecker Street is a historic street that runs through Greenwich Village and the NoHo neighborhood. The Bleecker Street subway station, where Danny is headed, serves several subway lines and is an important transit hub. It is located in the lively NoHo area with a rich history and architecture. The filmmakers may have chosen this location for the scene due to its authenticity and visual appeal. The intersection of these streets conveys the atmosphere of real New York, adding realism to the film. Additionally, the subway station symbolizes the transition between worlds — the city surface and the underground world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.