With a brand-new head-crushing and blood-splattering Mortal Kombat game coming in April, what better moment could we pick for a top 10 list of the coolest characters to exist in the popular gaming franchise? Mortal Kombat 11 will introduce some new combatants, but there are so many old school fighters that you should know about before you play the much-hyped violent fighting game.
MK11 will reportedly have a big eSports scene when it’s released, which is about time, as other fighting games like Street Fighter, Tekken, Injustice, and Super Smash Bros. have been overtaking Mortal Kombat when it comes to playing/streaming online.
We’d recommend that you’ve already got a Twitch account set up, so that you can stream all the amazing combos and fatalities you’ll be doing! Learn more about Twitch streaming tutorials for PC, PS4, and Xbox so that you’re tech-savvy and up to date.
1. Sub-Zero
The famous ‘blue ninja’ and the lifelong enemy of Scorpion, Sub-Zero has the power to control ice, which means making frozen shield versions of himself, shooting ice missiles, freezing the floor under your feet, and so much more. He can probably make your drink that little bit colder as well. On par with Scorpion as the most popular fighter, Sub-Zero is our pick for the coolest (pardon the pun) combatant in Mortal Kombat.
2. Scorpion
Scorpion might look like just another ninja clad in yellow, but he is actually a specter returned from the dead to avenge his demise. With no actual face under the mask, Scorpion merely has a skull that can breathe fire.
Oh, did we mention that he can also teleport and shoot a harpoon from his hand? One of the most recognizable fighters in Mortal Kombat, Scorpion is as lethal as he is popular.
3. Sonya Blade
The first female combatant in Mortal Kombat, Sonya is beautiful, clever, and extremely deadly. Her special ‘Kiss of Death’ move is shockingly effective and if you end up looking at her long legs too long, they’ll be kicking you in the face if you’re not careful.
4. Raiden
The mighty God of thunder, Raiden is considered one of the most powerful fighters in Mortal Kombat. A fierce protector of Earth against the foes of Outworld, Raiden’s ability to shoot actual lightning from his fingertips marks him as someone you’d rather not battle against.
5. Kung Lao
Kung Lao has similar fighting moves to Liu Kang, but has one major advantage: a hat with a razorblade brim. While he can kick and punch well enough, his accuracy with his hat throw is unsurpassed. If we can give you some advice when fighting Kung Lao: duck and cover.
6. Jax
Much like Bucky Barnes, a.k.a. The Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, anyone with metal arms is cool in our minds. Jax is confident, quick on his feet, and has a hulking physique, but let’s be honest, the guy has two giant metal arms. What’s more, his special ‘Ground Pound’ move literally shakes the earth and sends opponents flying.
7. Kano
A big guy with a lot of muscles and an Australian accent? No, not Chris Hemsworth, this is Kano. The difference between Kano and many other strong fighters is, well, he has an artificial eye that can shoot laser beams. Useful for short and ranged attacks, the laser eye will beat you if Kano’s mighty punches don’t.
8. Cyrax
Cyrax is described as a cyborg ninja with dreadlocks, and you really shouldn’t need to know anything cooler than that. However, Cyrax also has an arsenal of useful weapons, including bombs, fire, and even a high-tech net which fires from his chest.
9. Nitara
Perhaps one of the more supernatural fighters in Mortal Kombat, Nitara is a centuries-old vampire who just happens to have some great fighting skills. Although she only appeared in Mortal Kombat 4, Nitara made a strong impact on fans, perhaps because of her revealing costume, but also her cool design and deadly special moves.
10. Cassie Cage
A recent addition to the MK roster, Cassie is the daughter of Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage (who would have thought they would get together?). With her mother’s fighting skills and father’s cockiness, this young Cage is already a fan favorite and not to be underestimated.
For more on the gaming scene, check out our top 10 coolest video game characters!
How many Mortal Kombat movies are there?
There have been two live-action Mortal Kombat movies released:
- Mortal Kombat (1995)
- Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)
- Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)
There are 5 Mortal Kombat Animated 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)
- Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match (2023)