The total count of feature-length films in the Mortal Kombat franchise currently stands at eight officially released entries. This collection is strictly divided into two primary categories: three live-action theatrical films and five feature-length animated movies. While the franchise has also expanded into television series, web shorts, and various media tie-ins, these eight titles represent the core cinematic history of the series that began as a controversial arcade fighting game in 1992.

In addition to the eight completed films, several sequels and new projects are in various stages of development or production, most notably a high-profile live-action sequel scheduled for release in 2026. Understanding the breadth of this cinematic universe requires looking at three distinct eras: the original 1990s live-action duology, the modern live-action reboot, and the diverse collection of animated features that range from early 3D experiments to hyper-violent modern adaptations.

Quick Summary of the Mortal Kombat Movie List

For those looking for a rapid headcount, here is the chronological breakdown of the films:

  • Live-Action (3 Films): Mortal Kombat (1995), Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997), and Mortal Kombat (2021).
  • Animated (5 Films): Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins (1995), Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge (2020), Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms (2021), Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind (2022), and Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match (2023).

The 1990s Live-Action Theatrical Era

The first wave of Mortal Kombat movies defined the potential for video game adaptations during an era when such projects frequently failed. Produced by New Line Cinema and Threshold Entertainment, these films established the visual and musical aesthetic that many fans still associate with the brand today.

Mortal Kombat (1995)

Released at the height of the fighting game craze, the original Mortal Kombat is widely considered one of the most successful early video game movies. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the film focused on the core tournament premise. The story follows Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade as they are summoned to a mysterious island to participate in a tournament that decides the fate of Earthrealm.

The film was notable for its use of practical effects and early CGI, particularly in the depiction of the four-armed Goro and the iconic elemental powers of Scorpion and Sub-Zero. One of its most lasting legacies was the "Techno Syndrome" theme song, which became synonymous with the franchise. From a critical perspective, while the film carried a PG-13 rating—limiting the gore seen in the games—it captured the atmosphere and character archetypes effectively, grossing over $122 million worldwide.

Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)

Following the massive success of the first film, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation was rushed into production for a 1997 release. Directed by John R. Leonetti, the sequel attempted to expand the scope by introducing dozens of characters from the first three games, including Shao Kahn, Sindel, and Nightwolf.

However, the film struggled with a disjointed narrative and significantly lower-quality visual effects compared to its predecessor. Most of the original cast did not return, leading to a loss of continuity that frustrated fans. The plot picked up immediately after the events of the first movie, with the forces of Outworld launching an illegal invasion of Earth. Despite its commercial performance being weaker than the original, Annihilation has gained a cult status for its campy dialogue and over-the-top action sequences.

The Modern Live-Action Reboot Series

After the disappointment of Annihilation, the live-action film series entered a long period of "development hell." It wasn't until the success of the Mortal Kombat: Legacy web series and the continued popularity of the modern games that Warner Bros. moved forward with a full cinematic reboot.

Mortal Kombat (2021)

Released simultaneously in theaters and on streaming platforms during the global pandemic, the 2021 reboot brought the franchise back to its R-rated roots. Directed by Simon McQuoid and produced by James Wan, this film took a different approach by introducing a new protagonist, Cole Young, a mixed martial arts fighter who discovers his lineage as a champion of Earthrealm.

The 2021 film prioritized high-fidelity martial arts choreography and the visceral "Fatalities" that made the games famous. The opening sequence, depicting the historical rivalry between Hanzo Hasashi (Scorpion) and Bi-Han (Sub-Zero) in feudal Japan, received significant praise for its emotional weight and technical execution. While the tournament itself was sidelined in favor of an "origin story" format where characters discover their "arcana" (supernatural powers), the film was a significant hit on streaming platforms, ensuring the future of the series.

What is the Status of Mortal Kombat 2?

A direct sequel to the 2021 reboot is currently in active production. Titled Mortal Kombat II, the film is directed by Simon McQuoid with a screenplay by Jeremy Slater. This entry is highly anticipated because it is confirmed to introduce fan-favorite characters who were absent from the 2021 movie, most notably Johnny Cage.

Recent production updates indicate that the sequel has completed principal photography and is slated for a theatrical release on May 8, 2026. This film is expected to feature a more traditional tournament setting and higher stakes as the champions of Earthrealm move from defense to offense against the forces of Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn.

How Many Animated Mortal Kombat Movies Are There?

While the live-action films often get the most attention, the animated features offer some of the most faithful adaptations of the game's lore. There are currently five feature-length animated films, most of which were released direct-to-video or via digital platforms.

Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins (1995)

This 1995 animated film was released as a prequel tie-in to the first live-action movie. It utilized a mix of traditional 2D animation for the present-day scenes and early 3D CGI to depict flashbacks of historical battles. The story follows the main trio—Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade—on their journey to the island, with Raiden narrating the backstories of the competitors. While technically dated by modern standards, it remains a unique piece of franchise history for collectors.

The Mortal Kombat Legends Series (2020–2023)

The most significant development in animated MK media is the Mortal Kombat Legends series produced by Warner Bros. Animation. These films are known for their extreme violence, high-quality animation style, and deep dives into specific character arcs.

  1. Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge (2020): This film focuses on the origin of Hanzo Hasashi as he is reborn in the Netherrealm as the specter Scorpion. It weaves his quest for vengeance against Sub-Zero into the events of the first tournament. It is widely regarded as one of the best-written entries in the entire movie franchise.
  2. Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms (2021): A direct sequel to Scorpion's Revenge, this film increases the scale, focusing on a final tournament in Outworld that will determine the fate of all realms. It introduces the Elder Gods and the threat of the One Being, featuring massive battles and high-stakes combat.
  3. Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind (2022): This entry shifted the timeline and tone significantly. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, it follows the blind swordsman Kenshi as he is trained by an elderly Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang) to take down the Black Dragon clan led by Kano. The wasteland setting and gritty art style marked a departure from the previous two films.
  4. Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match (2023): The most recent animated release takes the franchise into the 1980s. It serves as a prequel focused entirely on Johnny Cage’s rise to Hollywood fame and his first encounter with the supernatural elements of the Mortal Kombat world. The film is heavily influenced by 80s pop culture, synth-wave music, and action-comedy tropes.

Are the Mortal Kombat Movies Connected in a Single Timeline?

One of the most common questions regarding the count of these movies is whether they all exist in the same continuity. The answer is no; the franchise is split into several distinct timelines.

  • The 90s Timeline: Mortal Kombat (1995) and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997) form a single, continuous story.
  • The Reboot Timeline: The 2021 Mortal Kombat and its upcoming 2026 sequel exist in their own universe, unrelated to the 90s films.
  • The Legends Timeline: Scorpion's Revenge, Battle of the Realms, and Cage Match are loosely connected through their shared animation style and character interpretations, though they often jump around in history. Snow Blind exists as a potential future for this continuity.
  • Standalone: The Journey Begins (1995) is a prequel to the first movie but is rarely cited as essential canon for later entries.

How Many Mortal Kombat Live-Action TV Series Are There?

While the query specifically asks about movies, many viewers confuse the long-form TV shows with films. There have been two major live-action television productions:

  1. Mortal Kombat: Conquest (1998–1999): A one-season series set 500 years before the first game, focusing on the Great Kung Lao.
  2. Mortal Kombat: Legacy (2011–2013): A gritty, anthology-style web series that reimagined the characters in a more grounded setting. This series was instrumental in proving there was still an audience for live-action Mortal Kombat content.

Because these are episodic series and not feature films, they are excluded from the "eight movies" count, but they remain vital for fans looking to consume every piece of live-action media.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mortal Kombat Movies

Where can I watch all the Mortal Kombat movies?

Most of the Mortal Kombat films, especially those produced by Warner Bros. (the 2021 reboot and the Legends series), are typically available on Max (formerly HBO Max). The older 1990s films frequently rotate across various streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, and are widely available for digital rental or purchase.

Why is there no Johnny Cage in the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie?

The creators of the 2021 film stated that they wanted to focus on a more grounded entry point through the new character Cole Young and felt that Johnny Cage’s "larger-than-life" personality would have dominated the screen too much. However, his appearance is teased at the very end of the film, and he is a confirmed lead character for the 2026 sequel.

Which Mortal Kombat movie is the most violent?

While the 2021 live-action film is R-rated and features several gory fatalities, the Mortal Kombat Legends animated series—specifically Scorpion's Revenge and Battle of the Realms—is generally considered the most violent. Animation allows for more extreme physiological destruction that would be difficult or prohibitively expensive to render realistically in live-action.

Is Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm a movie?

No, Defenders of the Realm was a 1996 animated television series aimed at a younger audience. It lasted for 13 episodes and featured characters from the games acting as a superhero-like team.

Is there a Mortal Kombat 3 movie coming out?

Following the report from the 2025 New York Comic Con, it has been indicated that a third film in the reboot series is already in early development, with screenwriter Jeremy Slater returning. However, its release date remains TBA (To Be Announced).

Conclusion: The Total Count of Mortal Kombat Films

To summarize the current state of the franchise, there are eight feature-length Mortal Kombat movies available to watch today. This includes three live-action entries (the 1995 and 1997 originals and the 2021 reboot) and five animated features (the 1995 prequel and the four modern Legends titles).

The franchise is currently in a period of significant growth. With Mortal Kombat II set to hit theaters in May 2026 and a third live-action entry already being discussed, the number of films is expected to rise to ten within the next few years. Whether you prefer the nostalgic charm of the 90s martial arts era or the brutal, high-fidelity action of the modern R-rated era, the Mortal Kombat cinematic universe offers a diverse range of interpretations for one of the most iconic fighting game series in history.