Power Rangers: Ranking Every Anniversary Special (And Why Number 1 May Never Be Topped)

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The Power Rangers series is preparing for a fresh start on Disney+, leaving fans eager for details about the relaunch. In the meantime, it’s an ideal opportunity to revisit some of the franchise’s most memorable moments, many of which occurred during the Power Rangers anniversary specials. So far, the series has featured five anniversary episodes produced by Disney, Neo-Saban, Hasbro, and Netflix. We will be ranking all five major anniversary celebrations, discussing why number 1 remains unparalleled.

5. Once A Ranger (15th Anniversary)

In the year 2007, during the 15th season called “Operation Overdrive,” one extraordinary episode aired within the franchise, marking the 15th anniversary of the show, where a Ranger was featured.

frankly, it surprises me too that “Once A Ranger” isn’t higher on my list, as previously I would have ranked it among my top favorites. However, after rewatching all five specials consecutively for this list, nostalgia notwithstanding, I began to notice quite a few flaws in the series this time around.

The episode boasted several appealing aspects, one of which was an extraordinary group of Legendary Rangers comprising Adam Park (Black Ranger from Mighty Morphin), Kira Ford (Yellow Ranger from Dino Thunder), Bridge Carson (Red Ranger from S.P.D.), Xander Bly (Green Ranger from Mystic Force), and Tori Hanson (Blue Ranger from Ninja Storm). The combination of these Retro Rangers was undoubtedly the most outstanding feature, as they captivated the audience both individually and while in action as Rangers.

In my perspective, one of the main flaws of this episode is the portrayal of the Operation Overdrive team. As the story unfolds across Parts 1 and 2, the limitations of our current Ranger squad become strikingly apparent when contrasted with the legends. The Overdrive team appears whiny and lacks depth, showing little heart or resolve, abandoning their role as Rangers at the slightest hint of difficulty (with Mack being the notable exception). Although the rest of the team eventually gains strength, it’s difficult to forget this initial impression, especially when combined with some outdated special effects and a villain who fails to realize their full potential. As a result, this one ranks fifth in my books.

4. Dimensions in Danger (25th Anniversary)

Coming up next is the “Dimensions in Peril” anniversary special, marking the 25th year of the franchise, airing within the 2018 season of “Super Ninja Steel”. The “Dimensions in Peril” episode offers numerous appealing elements; it reunites no less than 10 Legendary Rangers and draws inspiration directly from a legendary “Power Rangers” comic book event called “Shattered Grid”. Regrettably, due to the time constraints of a single episode, the narrative doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential, and certain alterations made for distinction from the comics are somewhat arbitrary.

The episode stands out, particularly due to Jason David Frank portraying Tommy, whose performances make some of the most memorable scenes. Despite the Master Morpher fight being a highlight, the episode also boasts an impressive final sequence that adds to its grandeur. For long-time fans, there are added bonuses such as the Sudarso brothers acting together as their Ranger characters, and I found myself appreciating the Ninja Steel cast overall. Having them included in the mix only adds to the enjoyment.

In this episode, the Ninja Steel team seems to take a back seat, with Tommy dominating the narrative almost entirely. The plot is so expansive that it leaves little room for development of the main antagonist. Moreover, the episode appears to replicate the Shattered Grid and Lord Drakkon storylines without fully executing them, which gives off an impression of imitation rather than a genuine continuation. Essentially, it feels like a glimpse into what could have been an extraordinary tale.

Additionally, the theme tune of Ninja Steel often doesn’t receive its due appreciation. It’s important to note that this has no bearing on the content of the episode, but I felt compelled to bring it up nonetheless.

3. Legendary Battle (20th Anniversary)

Some people might find this unexpected, and I must admit that I was surprised as well. However, what I’m referring to is not the extended episode from the season finale of Super Megaforce’s 20th Anniversary, but rather the original “Legendary Battle” episode which aired in 2014. The reason being is that you don’t really need both parts to appreciate the anniversary special’s impact, and it’s truly impressive how much they managed to convey in just one episode’s duration.

In a slightly different wording: Frequently Criticized Battle is often met with disapproval, especially when considering its unfulfilled potential. However, when evaluated independently based on its own qualities, I was genuinely impressed to find that it manages to achieve nearly all aspects I appreciate in a standout Power Rangers episode. This battle is not only massive in scale, incorporating a vast conquest of air and ground forces, but also skillfully integrates the franchise’s historical lore without sidelining the present team.

Fundamentally, the experience seemed reminiscent of a “Super Megaforce” episode, with the primary team taking the lead throughout, their presence being crucial to the conclusion. The storyline also progressed, as the team found themselves at their weakest point yet, but opted to continue the battle and eventually reverse the tide in a truly impactful manner. When the Legends joined forces, it was engaging to see the various Ranger groups unite and engage in an exciting clash against hordes of villains. While some visual effects seemed outdated, especially during scenes where the Ranger helmets appeared on the Rangers’ faces, the message behind them was still valid. In summary, I enjoyed “Legendary Battle” much more this time, which is why it ranks third on my list.

2. Once & Always (30th Anniversary)

Next up is the latest addition to our list, which is the “Once & Always” 30th Anniversary special that occurred in 2023. Unlike other episodes, this one was unique as it was a standalone, full-hour special available on Netflix. Key cast members from the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers team, such as Walter Emanuel Jones and David Yost, were part of this production.

In just 10 minutes, it becomes evidently clear that Once & Always isn’t afraid to delve into deeper, more emotional territories, which is why it holds the number 2 spot. Unlike most episodes of Power Rangers, this one acknowledges real-life events, as it pays tribute to Thuy Trang’s passing by weaving a story around Trini’s death and the ongoing legacy of her character, Minh. The fact that the show chose to address such weighty subjects is surprising, but even more impressive is the commitment to delve deeper into these topics, creating some of the episode’s most powerful moments.

In simpler terms, a particularly poignant conversation occurs when Minh delivers a harsh truth to Billy that leaves him feeling uncomfortable, and she adds an extra layer of sharpness before departing. What makes this scene even more impactful is the subsequent revelation about the origin of her comment, providing insights into Billy’s current struggles with processing his emotions. Ultimately, this exchange takes place in a series like Power Rangers, where heavy themes such as death, grief, guilt, and legacy are interwoven with an impressive RadBug sequence, creating a unique blend of action and emotion.

Although certain scenes were impactful, awkward dialogue sometimes hindered others from being as powerful as they could have been. The fight sequences, while not as impressive as the best on the list (or even Tommy’s Master Morpher fight), were improved by the increased budget in terms of visual effects. Despite some notable flaws, the episode’s exploration of more complex themes was deep enough to overshadow these issues.

1. Forever Red (10th Anniversary)

Hey there fellow movie enthusiast! Let me tell you, as a hardcore Power Rangers fan, I can’t help but share my unwavering belief that no anniversary special has managed to top the incredible “Forever Red,” which graced our screens during the Wild Force era in 2002. It was a true celebration of the franchise’s decade-long journey, and honestly, it’s hard for me to imagine anything surpassing its greatness.

It’s worth mentioning that unlike “Once & Always” or even “Once A Ranger”, “Forever Red” is limited to just a single regular episode runtime. However, the content packed within this standard duration is truly remarkable. Every special episode of Power Rangers should pay close attention to how this is structured because “Forever Red” quickly sets the stage for the main story and manages to gather the entire team and move towards the major action scenes in less than 8 minutes.

The episode swiftly skims through irrelevant details about identities and motives, quickly transitioning into thrilling Power Rangers action, featuring an impressive team of Rangers. The presence of legendary characters Jason and Tommy adds to the excitement, while fans who appreciate beyond Mighty Morphin’ will also enjoy other notable Rangers like Andros, Leo, Wesley, Carter, and more in the roster.

Gathering ten Rangers of the same Ranger color on screen at once creates an astonishingly awesome sight, yet each Ranger remains unique and special. The friendly banter amongst them adds a charming touch to the episode, with some moments being particularly enjoyable. Even the heartwarming finale was delightful, and I would have gladly watched it continue without complaint.

Essentially, “Forever Red” often follows the philosophy that simplicity can be more impactful than complexity, and this is evident throughout the series. While there are larger scenes and special effects incorporated, the action sequences primarily focus on the Red Rangers demonstrating their skills and working together, even in un-morphed states. The special effects in the climactic moments might seem a bit outdated, but due to the overall cohesion of the storyline, these minor hiccups are easily overlooked.

With its tight narrative, iconic team of Red Rangers, and outstanding action scenes expertly executed with their resources, it’s tough to imagine another special surpassing this one. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but achieving that will be quite a task. I’m looking forward to potential future attempts.

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2025-09-10 08:12