7 Best Mortal Kombat Movie Fights Straight Out Of The Video Games

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Movie adaptations of video games have often been inconsistent in quality, and the reverse is also true. However, the Mortal Kombat films stand out, largely because they successfully capture the thrilling fight sequences the games are known for.

While Mortal Kombat Annihilation didn’t live up to expectations, the first movie and the 2021 reboot are still fan favorites. The films are a real pleasure for video game enthusiasts, filled with references to the original games.

Looking for movie fight scenes that capture the energy of the classic Mortal Kombat games? Here are 7 of the best, feeling like they came directly from the games themselves.

7. Kung Lao Vs Nitara – Mortal Kombat (2021)

Kung Lao is famous for his distinctive hat, which has incredibly sharp, spinning blades around the edge instead of a normal rim. This hat is a key part of how he fights in the games and was highlighted in the 2021 movie.

In the movie, Nitara (played by Mel Jarnson) and Kung Lao (played by Max Huang) have a brief fight, which Kung Lao wins. The fight is memorable because Kung Lao throws his hat like a spinning blade, and Nitara runs directly into it.

The attack is very violent and his maneuver closely resembles his iconic ‘Face Grind Fatality’ from the game Mortal Kombat X. While the rest of the fight isn’t particularly realistic, it’s exciting to see a classic Fatality brought to life in a movie.

6. Jax Vs Motaro – Mortal Kombat Annihilation (1997)

While Mortal Kombat Annihilation is often considered the weakest film in the Mortal Kombat series, it does have some bright spots. One example is the fight between Jax, played by Lynn Williams, and Motaro, played by Deron McBee.

The battle will be a classic one-on-one fight. Similar to his role in the Mortal Kombat 3 game, Motaro is presented as a significant secondary villain in the movie.

Jax’s fight scenes in Annihilation feel a bit messy because there’s a lot happening at once with multiple battles. However, the movie does include some of his classic moves from the games, like the Ground Pound, and Motaro’s Sweep. A surprising change is that Jax takes off his robotic arms, but fans will still recognize references to the game.

5. Johnny Cage Vs Scorpion – Mortal Kombat (1995)

In the 1995 film Mortal Kombat, Linden Ashby as Johnny Cage has an iconic fight against Scorpion. Many fans consider it the most exciting scene in the movie, as it’s full of nods to the video game and really showcases Cage’s confident and somewhat arrogant personality.

During the fight, Scorpion (Chris Casamassa) repeatedly uses his famous Spear attack. This move involves a whip-like strike accompanied by his well-known catchphrase, “Get over here!”

The setting itself, a blazing environment, fits the source material perfectly. The most direct connection to the games happens after the battle, and it’s subtle – you might not notice it unless you’re familiar with them. When Scorpion is defeated and explodes, a signed photo of Johnny Cage falls to the ground. This isn’t just a characteristic detail for the character; it’s a nod to his iconic ‘Friendship’ finishing move from the Mortal Kombat 2 game.

4. Liu Kang Vs Shang Tsung – Mortal Kombat (1995)

As a fan, I always loved watching Liu Kang fight Shang Tsung in the first Mortal Kombat movie. It really felt like the game come to life! It makes total sense that they made that the big showdown, since Shang Tsung is the final boss you have to beat in the original game.

Let me tell you, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa nails Shang Tsung. They really leaned into his signature ability from the game – he can transform into anyone, and we see him do just that, convincingly posing as Liu Kang’s brother! Plus, his infamous ‘Soultaker’ move isn’t just flashy; it’s directly connected to the whole soul-stealing plot of the movie, which I appreciated. While you don’t see Sonya Blade or Johnny Cage during the fight, it’s implied they’re nearby, but the focus stays true to the classic one-on-one tournament feel of the game. It really felt like a faithful adaptation in that regard.

While Liu Kang doesn’t perform his signature bicycle kick, the film does include the Dragon Fire attack seen in the games. The fight isn’t a perfect recreation of the game’s moves, but it’s a satisfying one-on-one showdown, complete with a pit of spikes reminiscent of a game stage hazard. Liu Kang even declares “flawless victory” at the end, despite the fight not being entirely one-sided.

3. Liu Kang Vs Kabal – Mortal Kombat (2021)

While Kabal isn’t as popular as characters like Shang Tsung or Sub-Zero, he has a really great fight scene in the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie.

Just like in the video games, Kabal fights with hook swords. During his fight with Liu Kang, his swords glow purple – a feature also seen in Mortal Kombat 11 – and he has the ability to teleport.

Liu Kang is known for his incredible bicycle kick, but players will be especially amazed by his final move: he transforms into a fiery dragon to win against Kabal.

Liu Kang’s transformation into a phoenix in the 2023 game Mortal Kombat 1 echoes his signature finishing move from previous games, where he defeats opponents as a dragon. Interestingly, earlier versions of Liu Kang had more reptilian characteristics.

2. Scorpion Vs Sub-Zero – Mortal Kombat (2021)

The fight between Scorpion and Sub-Zero in the 2021 movie is packed with details that video game fans will love. It’s a visually exciting scene that clearly respects the original games.

Both fighters have impressive, detailed costumes. Sub-Zero especially brings the video game to life, performing iconic moves like creating an Ice Wall and an Ice Clone.

The new Scorpion is truer to the video games than the version in the 1995 film, and he also says his famous line, “Get over here!”

Okay, so this fight scene definitely amps up the weaponry – both characters are pulling out all the stops compared to what we usually see in the game. And there’s a surprise third combatant who joins the battle a bit later. But what I really appreciated was how faithful it stayed to the established story – Sub-Zero’s ice powers, in particular, are showcased beautifully and really feel true to his character.

1. Liu Kang Vs Reptile – Mortal Kombat (1995)

Though perhaps not as flashy as Johnny Cage’s fight with Scorpion, the battle between Liu Kang and Reptile stays true to the original game. It features classic special moves and a continuous, no-holds-barred fight to the finish.

Reptile isn’t seen until right before the fight, and a commentator introduces him just like he would be presented on the character selection screen in the video games.

The fight is quick and energetic, highlighting the incredible agility of both combatants. Liu Kang performs his signature bicycle kick, leaping into the air to deliver a flurry of attacks on his stunned foe.

The fight between Liu Kang and Reptile is fantastic. It’s beautifully put together, Reptile’s appearance is spot-on, and it culminates in a finishing move – though it’s not one of the classic fatalities from the Mortal Kombat games themselves.

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2026-03-03 02:04