The iconic video game franchise known for its spine-shattering battles and unforgettable characters, has extended its realm from the arcade cabinet to the silver screen and small screen over the years. With a rich history of adaptations, both live-action and animated, Mortal Kombat has carved its bloody mark in the world of movies and television.
Here, we embark on a journey through the top 10 Mortal Kombat movies and TV shows that have enthralled fans, delivering epic martial arts combat, intricate storylines, and, of course, the signature fatalities.
Whether you’re a die-hard Kombatant or a newcomer to the franchise, prepare to test your might as we explore the best cinematic and televised journeys through the realms of Mortal Kombat.
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10. Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins
An unofficial prequel to the live-action 1995 movie and offers additional backstory and character development. In the story, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade are traveling to the mystical realm of Outworld to participate in the Mortal Kombat tournament.
Their journey is fraught with peril as they face various challenges and battles along the way. Alongside their mentor Raiden, they must train and prepare for the ultimate showdown with the evil sorcerer, Shang Tsung, and his henchmen.
The film features a mix of traditional 2D animation and computer-generated imagery (CGI). At the time of its release, the CGI was considered quite advanced, although by today’s standards, it may appear somewhat dated.
9. Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
Picking up shortly after the events of the first movie, where the Earthrealm warriors successfully defended their realm in the Mortal Kombat tournament.
However, their victory is short-lived as the villainous emperor of Outworld, Shao Kahn, reneges on the agreement and begins merging Earthrealm with Outworld, causing chaos and destruction.
As the heroes confront their adversaries, they must also deal with personal challenges and revelations. Liu Kang struggles to accept his role as Earth’s champion, and Sonya Blade seeks to rescue her partner, Jax, who has been captured by the cyborg ninja, Cyrax.
Annihilation retains a cult following among fans of the franchise, appreciating it for its campy charm and as a continuation of the story in a cinematic format.
8. Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm
Set after the events of the tournament and focuses on a team of Earthrealm warriors who are tasked with defending Earth from various threats, including the evil sorcerer Shao Kahn and his followers. Each episode features the team facing different challenges and adversaries.
These threats often involve characters from the games, including iconic villains like Scorpion, Shang Tsung, and Reptile. The defenders must work together to thwart the plans of these antagonists and protect Earthrealm from falling into chaos.
The show ran for only one season, consisting of 13 episodes. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other adaptations, it remains a nostalgic and unique take on the franchise for fans who grew up with it.
7. Mortal Kombat: Conquest
Conquest primarily follows the adventures of Kung Lao, a skilled martial artist and descendant of the Great Kung Lao, a previous tournament champion. Kung Lao is chosen to represent Earthrealm in the next tournament against the forces of the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung and the tyrant Shao Kahn.
As Kung Lao prepares for the tournament, he is joined by a group of allies, including Siro, a former member of the Black Dragon clan, and Taja, a skilled thief with a mysterious past.
While the series ran for only one season, it remains a noteworthy part of the franchise legacy, particularly for fans interested in the extended backstory of Kung Lao and the world of Outworld.
6. Mortal Kombat (2021)
Centering around Cole Young, a new character introduced for the film. Cole is a washed-up MMA fighter who discovers that he is part of a mystical bloodline connected to Earthrealm’s defenders.
As Earthrealm faces the threat of the villainous Shang Tsung and his warriors from Outworld, Cole joins forces with familiar characters like Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, Kano, and Kung Lao to train and prepare for the impending Mortal Kombat tournament.
The film explores the tournament’s lore, the importance of the dragon mark, and the unique abilities of each character, all while staying true to the visceral and brutal combat that is the hallmark of the Mortal Kombat franchise.
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5. Mortal Kombat (1995)
Earthrealm, is under threat from the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung and his forces from the dark realm of Outworld. To decide the fate of Earthrealm, a tournament known as Mortal Kombat is held once every generation.
If Outworld wins ten consecutive tournaments, they will gain control of Earthrealm. Liu Kang, joins the tournament to avenge his brother’s death at the hands of Shang Tsung.
He is joined by other Earthrealm warriors, including Sonya Blade, a Special Forces operative seeking to capture the criminal Kano, and Johnny Cage, a Hollywood action star looking to prove himself.
The defenders of Earthrealm are guided by Lord Raiden, the god of thunder, who offers his wisdom and protection.
4. Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms
Picking up where its predecessor Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge, left off. Earthrealm’s warriors are once again thrust into a battle to defend their realm against the forces of Outworld.
To prevent the merging of Earthrealm with Outworld, the heroes embark on a perilous journey. Along the way, they must confront their own inner demons and past traumas while facing formidable adversaries such as Sub-Zero and Mileena.
The fate of Earthrealm hangs in the balance as the warriors fight to ensure the survival of their world. Battle of the Realms delivers spectacularly choreographed fights, showcasing the unique abilities and fatalities of each character.
It also delves into the characters’ backstories, adding depth to their personalities and motivations.
3. Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind
The third installment in the Mortal Kombat Legends series, comes an origin story of the blind ninja Kenshi. As King Kano and his followers begin raiding and taking control of a town, Kenshi Takahashi steps up to defend his town against the Black Dragon.
But when Kenshi’s vision is taken from him, he comes across Kuai Liang to assist him on mastering his disability and how to control the mythical blade known as Sento.
The film follows the traditions of the previous movies, but gives us some graphic fatalities and also introduces some characters that have often been side lined in other MK media, such as Kira and Ferra & Torr.
2. Mortal Kombat: Legacy
The web series is divided into two seasons and consists of several interconnected episodes, each focusing on specific characters or storylines. Each episode offers viewers a deeper understanding of the characters’ origins, their connection to the Mortal Kombat tournament, and their personal struggles.
One of the standout episodes is the portrayal of Scorpion and Sub-Zero’s rivalry. It provides a compelling and dramatic backstory for these iconic characters, shedding light on their eternal conflict.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy was well-received by fans for its fresh take on the franchise and its dedication to character development. It successfully brought Mortal Kombat into the digital age and paved the way for a more realistic and gritty interpretation of the beloved characters.
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1. Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge
The film kicks off with a brutal and personal tragedy in the life of Hanzo Hasashi, who later becomes the fearsome warrior known as Scorpion. Seeking revenge for the death of his family and clan, Scorpion aligns himself with the sorcerer Quan Chi, who promises him the power to enact his vengeance.
As the tournament approaches, Scorpion joins forces with a group of Earthrealm warriors led by the thunder god Raiden. Scorpion’s Revenge offers fans a deeper look into Scorpion’s character, exploring his tragic past and his transformation into the vengeful specter.
The film is noted for its action-packed sequences, faithful adaptation of the source material, and the unapologetically graphic portrayal of Mortal Kombat’s signature violence.
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