All 11 'Mortal Kombat' Movies & TV Series, Ranked by IMDb

On October 24, 2025, Mortal Kombat II will finally be released in theaters. It is the second movie in James Wan's reboot of the franchise, with Karl Urban starring as Johnny Cage.

In honor of this release, we're taking a look back at all the other adaptations, both live-action and animated, to help you decide which projects to check out before watching Mortal Kombat II.

11. 'Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins', 1995

IMDb Score: 3.5/10

The short animation was released as a prequel to 1995's Mortal Kombat. Sonya, Johnny, and Liu travel to a mysterious island. There, they are attacked by Scorpion and Sub-Zero.

The rest consists of flashbacks to the history of the tournament, created using 3D computer graphics. The special effects were probably impressive in 1995, but now they look hopelessly outdated.

At least, however, we learn something about Shang Tsung, Goro, and Kung Lao, as well as the mortal enemies Sub-Zero and Scorpion. In the movie, their lore was neglected, but it is key to the entire subsequent franchise.

10. 'Mortal Kombat: Annihilation', 1997

IMDb Score: 3.6/10

The success of the 1995 movie doomed it to a sequel. It wasn't just a flop – it's widely considered one of the worst films ever made.

Most of the original cast declined to return, except for Robin Shou, Talisa Soto, and martial artist Keith Cooke. There isn't much to say about Annihilation, but it's funny if you leave the attempts to understand the plot.

John R. Leonetti directed it. He was the cinematographer for the first movie and is James Wan's cinematographer for the franchise's return.

9. 'Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm', 1995-1996

IMDb Score: 5.8/10

This is an alternative continuation of the first movie released in 1995. After defeating Shang Tsung, Liu Kang and the others fend off Shao Kahn's attacks. Meanwhile, Kitana dreams of overthrowing the emperor.

The series is interesting because of its cast of actors who weren't well-known at the time: Sub-Zero was voiced by Luke Perry, and Stryker was voiced by Ron Perlman.

8. 'Mortal Kombat', 1995

IMDb Score: 5.8/10

Mortal Kombat wasn't the first video game adaptation, but it was the first to be taken seriously. It was Paul W. S. Anderson's second movie, and it made him a household name.

The film retained only the most essential elements of the Mortal Kombat mythology and the most memorable fighters with colorful designs. One of the movie's highlights is the still-unrivaled Shang Tsung, played by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa.

7. 'Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match', 2023

IMDb Score: 5.9/10

This movie will reveal the backstory of Johnny Cage, who has long been a crowd favorite. Here, we see Johnny at the height of his fame as a karate action star.

The narcissistic Hollywood actor tells his young assistant about his difficult childhood, the bullying he endured in school, and his path to success. Then, he must face Shinnok's demons and fight them for a magical scroll.

6. 'Mortal Kombat', 2021

IMDb Score: 6.1/10

James Wan, one of the leading horror filmmakers of the 21st century, decided to bring Mortal Kombat back to the big screen after 25 years. The result was controversial.

On the one hand, the movie's plot did not offer anything particularly noteworthy or surprising. From a technical standpoint, however, Mortal Kombat is beautifully made. Like the original games, it features rivers of blood that the first movies with a PG-13 rating could not depict.

5. 'Mortal Kombat: Conquest', 1998-1999

IMDb Score: 6.2/10

The series tells the story of Kung Lao, a legendary man who owns a deadly hat and was the first to defeat Shang Tsung. After being exiled to hard labor by an angry emperor, Lao trains new defenders of the world for future tournaments.

Overall, the series is nothing special, but it features many fights set to the franchise's most iconic track, "Techno Syndrome" by The Immortals.

4. 'Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms', 2021

IMDb Score: 6.5/10

This animated movie is a continuation of Scorpion's Revenge. Following Shang Tsung's defeat, Shao Kahn returns, who wants to continue the war at all costs. He convinces Raiden and the Earthrealm warriors to hold another tournament. Meanwhile, Shinnok plays his own game, using Scorpion.

In the previous movie, Scorpion killed Sub-Zero, who had been framed by Quan Chi. Now, the new Sub-Zero is his brother. They are feuding but must unite to defeat Shao Kahn's fighters, round after round, with the help of Liu Kang, Sonya, Johnny, Kitana, and Jax.

3. 'Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind', 2021

IMDb Score: 6.7/10

This movie is perhaps the most touching, serious, and humane in the franchise. In addition to the fighting game aesthetic and setting, it features a drama of loss and growing up.

Years after the defeat of Shao Kahn's armies, Kano's gang operates in the wild wastelands. Shang Tsung now serves Kano, hoping to return to his former glory.

The young warrior Kenshi dares to challenge Kano. He loses his sight but soon finds a teacher in Kuai Liang.

2. 'Mortal Kombat: Legacy', 2011-2013

IMDb Score: 7.3/10

Kevin Tancharoen, then known as Madonna's choreographer, proposed an alternative version of the reboot of the story. He made an independent short film called Mortal Kombat: Rebirth.

The dark prequel focused on Scorpion's quest for revenge against Sub-Zero. Although the director didn't have the copyright, his approach impressed the bosses at Warner Bros., who allowed him to make a new project in the form of a web series.

The ten-minute episodes introduce us to the tournament through short stories about various characters, blending the genres of sci-fi, fantasy, action, and noir.

1. 'Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge', 2020

IMDb Score: 7.4/10

Ethan Spaulding, one of the creators of the classic Avatar: The Last Airbender, directed Scorpion's Revenge.

The animated movie begins with Sub-Zero killing the family of Scorpion. However, it turns out that Quan Chi took Sub-Zero's guise.

Meanwhile, a tournament unfolds on the island with the participation of Liu Kang, Sonya, Cage, and the traitor Kano, while Scorpion must sort out the machinations of Quan Chi and Shang Tsung.