Mortal Kombat 2 is on the horizon. It’s a perfect opportunity to update our article about all films and TV shows based on the bloody series. There are more of them than you might think.
Latest update: February 23, 2026
Table of Contents
MK: The Journey Begins (1995)
This movie is probably the least-known part of the MK movie franchise. It’s an animated prequel to the first Mortal Kombat live-action movie. The Journey Begins lacked gore and violence because it was intended mainly for a young audience. Besides classic 2D animation, it contained weird 3D fight scenes that looked ugly even at the time. That said, there were some bright sides, such as the explanation of the rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero.
Mortal Kombat (1995)
Paul W. S. Anderson’s movie wasn’t critically acclaimed, but fans loved it. Over the years, it has even gained cult status. Most of all, Mortal Kombat was the first film that showed that movies based on video games didn’t have to be horrible. The movie also had a significant impact on the Mortal Kombat games. For example, it introduced the rule that one realm must win ten tournaments in a row to conquer the other. Furthermore, it caused a change of Kano’s nationality to Australian. And last but not least, it gave us this song:
Fortunately, Scorpion’s kunai as a living being didn’t become canon.
MK: Defenders of the Realm (1996)
This 13-episode animated series featured most of the Mortal Kombat 3 cast. Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm stars some well-known actors, including Ron Perlman, Luke Perry, and The Wonder Years star Olivia d’Abo. Almost every episode of the series depicts how the warriors gathered by Raiden defend Earthrealm against invasions from other dimensions. Like The Journey Begins, this cartoon contained only some bloodless violence. Interestingly, Defenders of the Realm marked Quan Chi’s first appearance in the Mortal Kombat franchise.
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)
Let’s cut to the chase; this movie was so terrible that it killed the promising series. The first Mortal Kombat wasn’t flawless, but it was a competent movie with likeable characters. Unfortunately, Annihilation was held together with chewing gum because filmmakers decided to put into the movie every warrior and every distinctive franchise element. No wonder that the Mortal Kombat sequel won its place on our list of the worst movies based on video games.
MK: Conquest (1998-99)
This live-action TV series was focused on the adventures of the Great Kung Lao and his two friends: Siro and Taja. Conquest was never a part of the Mortal Kombat canon; however, it had a solid fanbase. Unluckily, the show was canceled after its very first season. As a result, it ends with a very depressing cliffhanger.
There is also a movie cut of the series called Mortal Kombat Conquest: Final Battle.
MK: Rebirth (2010)
It is a short movie directed by Kevin Tancharoen. Although Rebirth is a fan film, it was made by professionals and stars renowned actors, including Jeri Ryan and Michael Jai White. Rebirth was meant to show an idea for the series reboot, presenting a more realistic approach, resembling Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy. According to rumor, Tancharoen uploaded the movie to show it to his friends, but unintentionally made it available to everyone. This accident proved to be a blessing because Rebirth met with a positive response, which helped convince Warner Bros. to fund a web series – Mortal Kombat: Legacy.
MK: Legacy (2011-13)
It’s the most original production of all the MK movies and TV shows. Every 10-minute episode explains the background or adventures of one or more characters. Some episodes’ scripts stick close to the game’s plot, but there are also a few unusual ones, especially the Raiden episode, which depicts the God of Thunder’s escape from a psychiatric facility.
You can watch Legacy for free on Steam.
MK Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge (2020)
Interestingly, this animated film was the bloodiest MK movie when it premiered. It shows the story of Hanzo Hasashi, so we can see the death of his family and clan and his quest for revenge. Although it’s focused on the iconic ninja, it also depicts the first MK tournament.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
Simon McQuoid’s film is a reboot of the Mortal Kombat film series. The plot focuses on pre-tournament events, and besides the well-known fighters, we have an original protagonist, Scorpion’s descendant, called Cole Young. The movie has its flaws, particularly the new character, who is supposed to be relatable, but turned out dull and uninteresting. On the flip side, the classic warriors were portrayed well, and the movie included many fan-favorite elements. As a result, despite the mixed reviews, the movie opened the door for a sequel.
Legends: Battle of the Realms (2021)
The sequel to Scorpion’s Revenge follows the Mortal Kombat tournament held in Outworld. Consequently, it gathers most characters from Mortal Kombat 3, but they are joined by Li Mei, Reiko, and some other warriors introduced in the 3D era. Besides, following the tournament that is supposed to decide the fate of the realms, fans can witness the next chapter in the bitter rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero and see Lin Kuei cyber-ninjas plot to retrieve a powerful relic.
Legends: Snow Blind (2022)
The third installment in the animated series was pretty unique. It was set in a distant, post-apocalyptic future, where the world was desolated by the revenant invasion. It follows Kuai Liang and Kenshi, who try to oppose the oppressive terror of Kano’s forces. Snow Blind includes many characters introduced in later video games, such as Kobra, Kira, Ferra, Torr, and Erron Black.
Legends: Cage Match (2023)
While Snow Blind takes fans to a dystopian future, Cage Match is set before the tournament. It’s Johnny Cage’s (voiced by Joel McHale) origin story, so we can follow the smart-mouthed action movie star in the neon-lit Los Angeles of the ’80s and see him struggle against forces he doesn’t understand. As the movie revolves around Johnny, it’s filled with goofy humor and one-liners that make it stand out from other Mortal Kombat adaptations.
Mortal Kombat 2 (2026)
The latest Mortal Kombat movie continues the story of its predecessor, but it changes the protagonist. The bland Cole Young has been replaced by probably the most charismatic character in the franchise, Johnny Cage. Moreover, the iconic character is portrayed by Karl Urban, who fits the role perfectly. We can’t wait to see the movie and find out if Mortal Kombat 2 manages to build on the good elements from the first part while correcting its mistakes.
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