AceShowbiz - The Mortal Kombat franchise is one of the most influential in entertainment today, spanning over 20 video games and multiple film adaptations. Among the movies, the 1995 theatrical release is fondly remembered for its campy style, intense action, and iconic theme song. However, its sequel was widely panned, and fans had to wait until 2021 for a live-action reboot that received generally positive reviews and is set to have a sequel later this year.

Despite the recognition these live-action films have received, neither stands as the best Mortal Kombat movie. Instead, that distinction belongs to an animated project that flew mostly under the radar upon its release: Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge.

Released in 2020, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge delivers a strong Mortal Kombat story on screen. The movie debuted directly on digital platforms, which contributed to it being somewhat overlooked by the wider audience. The film weaves together two main narrative threads: one follows Scorpion, resurrected and driven by vengeance against those responsible for the slaughter of his family and clan; the other centers on Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, and Liu Kang as they are selected to compete in the Mortal Kombat tournament.

Critics embraced the film, awarding it a strong 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The praise largely focused on its voice cast, which includes notable talents like Joel McHale and Jennifer Carpenter, as well as the animation style that stays true to the source material. Perhaps most importantly, the movie manages to portray the tournament itself in a way that feels authentic to the gameplay experience. While the 2021 live-action film was solid, it notably lacked a full Mortal Kombat tournament depiction. The 1995 film included the tournament but suffers from visuals that have not aged well. Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge combines the strengths of both, delivering a tournament that looks and feels right, enhanced by animation that allows for unrestricted action and gore.

The success of Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge is not an isolated case within the Mortal Kombat animated universe. The entire Mortal Kombat Legends series has been well received, consistently providing fans the combat and gore they expect. Animation proves to be an ideal format for this franchise, enabling creators to replicate the brutal, over-the-top violence and fight choreography that define the games.

Following Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge, the series released Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms in 2021, which shifts the focus primarily to Liu Kang and serves as a solid continuation. This was followed by Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind, centering on Kenshi, and a well-received portrayal of Sub-Zero. Most recently, a prequel titled Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match situates Johnny Cage in an '80s Miami Vice-inspired Christmas setting, a creative departure. Each installment brings something fresh to the table, blending the franchise’s signature elements with new genre influences.

While all the Mortal Kombat Legends movies have their merits, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge remains the standout. Its faithful adaptation of the source material, compelling storytelling, and vibrant animation make it the best Mortal Kombat movie to date.