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Animated comedy

Checkered Ninja (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Checkered Ninja (2018) movie poster

Checkered Ninja is a 2018 animated comedy directed by Thorbjørn Christoffersen, starring Emma Sehested Høeg as Jessica (voice), Anders Matthesen and Alfred Bjerre Larsen. It runs 1 hour 23 minutes and earned $2.2 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 77/100.

worldwide gross
$2.2M
Echo Score
77
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Checkered Ninja (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 23m (83 min)
Original language
Danish
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Checkered Ninja About?

The premise of Checkered Ninja without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A possessed Ninja doll teams up with a teenage boy to avenge the murder of a poor child factory worker.

Checkered Ninja Themes & Keywords

· 29 tags
  • ninja
  • cgi animation
  • computer animation
  • doll
  • possessed doll
  • revenge
  • teenage boy
  • factory worker
  • murder
  • nerd
  • best friend
  • bully
+17 more
  • strained relationship
  • stepbrother
  • stepfather
  • uncle
  • birthday gift
  • ritual suicide
  • sweatshop
  • title same as book
  • male villain
  • cg animation
  • man slaps a woman's butt
  • reference to lord of the rings
  • reference to gandalf
  • reference to gollum
  • plate of cookies
  • adult animation
  • based on novel
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Cast & crew

Checkered Ninja Cast & Characters

Emma Sehested Høeg leads the cast as Jessica (voice), with Anders Matthesen and Alfred Bjerre Larsen as Aske (voice). Directed by Thorbjørn Christoffersen; 8 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Thorbjørn Christoffersen

More films directed by Thorbjørn Christoffersen: Checkered Ninja 2, The Trouble with Terkel and Terkel in Trouble.

Full filmography
Ratings

Checkered Ninja Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (72).

77 /100

Checkered Ninja Echo Score Breakdown

Checkered Ninja delivers a lively animated experience that resonates most with older children and adults, combining humor with a justice‑driven narrative. Critics note the effective genre blend while user feedback highlights strong voice work, clever satire, and an engaging plot, though several reviewers caution about harsh comedic elements and limited suitability for younger viewers. The film’s strengths in art and sensory design elevate its entertainment value, resulting in a solid overall impression.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    Regarding art and craft, the animation showcases noticeable improvement over previous works, with more refined character movements and a promising visual palette. Reviewers commend the enhanced production quality, though some note the graphics lack top‑tier polish and professional detail. Overall, the artistic execution is solid and contributes positively to the film.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    Character and emotion are driven by strong voice performances, especially Anders Matthesen’s nuanced delivery and the extensive vocal range of Herman Flesvig’s many voices. The cast delivers comedic timing and memorable personalities, while the ninja’s backstory adds depth. However, the harsh humor may alienate some viewers. In sum, the character work is engaging and well executed.

  • Story & Flow 72

    The story blends a coming‑of‑age adventure with thriller elements, presenting a justice‑focused plot that appeals to older audiences. Reviewers appreciate the original satire and heart‑warming message, though some describe the narrative as by‑the‑books and note occasional brutal scenes. Overall, the plot is entertaining and sufficiently cohesive for its target viewers.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Sensory elements stand out through a lively soundtrack that parodies modern rap and effective sound design that complements the comedic tone. The visual style features an understated color palette and improved animation fluidity, enhancing overall immersion. While not groundbreaking, the combined audio‑visual cues reinforce the film’s energetic atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    Rewatch value is high due to the film’s layered humor, recurring cameos, and memorable songs that reward repeated viewings. Audiences appreciate the blend of satire and heartfelt moments, though the harsh comedic content limits repeatability for younger viewers. Overall, the movie offers strong replay appeal for its target demographic.

Plot

Checkered Ninja Plot Summary

What happens in Checkered Ninja from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In Thailand, Danish businessman Phillip Eppermint arrives to inspect his new factory. After a boy named Quang accidentally uses Eppermint’s scarf to fashion a checkered ninja plush, Eppermint brutally beats him to death. At that moment, a bolt of lightning strikes, and the doll becomes possessed by the spirit of a deceased ninja. The Checkered Ninja ends up on a Danish cargo ship, where he is discovered by Stewart Stardust, who passes the doll to his nephew Alex Stenstrom as a birthday present.

Full summary

The whole story of Checkered Ninja, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Checkered Ninja Box Office

Checkered Ninja grossed $2.2 million worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$2.2M

International
$2.2M
Videos

Checkered Ninja Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Checkered Ninja.

CHECKERED NINJA (2018) – Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Checkered Ninja?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the Danish businessman that owns the factory?

Details

Checkered Ninja Also Known As

23 alternative titles, including “Rutig Ninja” and “リトル・ニンジャ 市松模様の逆襲”.

Also known as
  • Rutig Ninja
  • リトル・ニンジャ 市松模様の逆襲
  • Rutiga ninjan
  • Kockás ninja
  • Mon ninja et moi
  • Ниндзя в клетку
  • Rutete Ninja
  • نینجای شطرنجی
  • De Wraak van de Ninja
  • 체크 히어로
  • Καρό Νίντζα
  • Meu Amigo Ninja
+11 more
  • Кариран нинжда
  • 格仔忍者
  • Ninja a cuadros
  • Der karierte Ninja
  • Ninja w Kratkę
  • O Meu Amigo é Ninja
  • Damalı Ninja
  • Languotas nindzė
  • 進擊小忍者
  • Ruudullinen ninja
  • נינג'ה במשבצות

Seen Checkered Ninja?

FAQ

Checkered Ninja FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Checkered Ninja, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Checkered Ninja?

Checkered Ninja runs 1 hour 23 minutes (83 minutes).

When was Checkered Ninja released?

Checkered Ninja was released on December 25, 2018.

Who directed Checkered Ninja?

Checkered Ninja was directed by Thorbjørn Christoffersen.

More films by Thorbjørn Christoffersen

Who is in the cast of Checkered Ninja?

Checkered Ninja stars Emma Sehested Høeg as Jessica (voice), Anders Matthesen and Alfred Bjerre Larsen as Aske (voice), among 8 credited actors.

How much did Checkered Ninja make at the box office?

Checkered Ninja grossed $2.2 million worldwide.

Does Checkered Ninja have a post-credit scene?

No. Checkered Ninja has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Checkered Ninja in?

The original language of Checkered Ninja is Danish.

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