Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Moderate
- campy
- energetic
- otherworldly
- nostalgic game night
- action movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film entertaining and visually atmospheric but undermined by a thin plot, laughable dialogue, and uneven acting.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The story directly adapts the Mortal Kombat game's fighters, realms, tournament premise, and supernatural mythology.
Outworld needs one more victory in the ancient tournament to gain the legal right to invade Earthrealm.
Critics specifically noted the otherworldly atmosphere, ornate visuals, production values, and knowingly heightened presentation.
The film's fighting sequences and visual presentation draw on the cinematic language of Hong Kong martial arts films.
Films like Mortal Kombat, and why
Enter the Dragon
shared martial arts spectacle, fantasy mythology, tournament combat, and heightened action tone
Street Fighter
shared video game adaptation energy, supernatural heroes, colorful villains, and action adventure
The Scorpion King
shared fantasy quest structure, stylized combat, alternate realms, and heroic ensemble
Big Trouble in Little China
shared martial arts choreography, mystical powers, comic-book fantasy, and campy entertainment
Movie Details
- Director
- Paul W. S. Anderson
- Release Date
- 1995-08-18
- Runtime
- 101 min
- Rating
- 5.9 / 10 (2676)
Cast
- Robin Shou
- Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
- Linden Ashby
- Bridgette Wilson
- Christopher Lambert
- Talisa Soto
- Trevor Goddard
- Chris Casamassa
- François Petit
- Keith Cooke
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Mortal Kombat about?
- Chosen warriors enter a supernatural martial arts tournament where Earthrealm's survival depends on stopping Outworld's final victory.
- What is Mortal Kombat like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Mortal Kombat as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Mortal Kombat violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Mortal Kombat as moderate.
- What did critics think of Mortal Kombat?
- Critics broadly found the film entertaining and visually atmospheric but undermined by a thin plot, laughable dialogue, and uneven acting.
- Which films are like Mortal Kombat?
- Films with a similar feel include Enter the Dragon, Street Fighter, The Scorpion King, and Big Trouble in Little China.
- How long is Mortal Kombat?
- Mortal Kombat runs 101 minutes.
- Where can I watch Mortal Kombat?
- In United States, Mortal Kombat streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
Browse Ember's collections
Movies like Mortal Kombat
- Mortal Kombat2021
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III1993
- Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms2021
- The Quest1996
- Surf Ninjas1993
- Kickboxer 4: The Aggressor1994
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze1991
- Kickboxer 2: The Road Back1991
- American Ninja 51993
- 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain1998
