Mortal Kombat II Fight Rankings: From Weakest to Most Brutal Battles

Mortal Kombat II Fight Rankings: From Babality to Brutality

This article contains spoilers for Mortal Kombat II. While the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie excelled in many areas, it notably omitted the iconic tournament. Director Simon McQuoid and screenwriter Jeremy Slater rectify this in Mortal Kombat II, delivering a film packed with martial arts action. However, not every fight in MKII meets the same standard. Just as not every player could execute the iconic →←←←X combo on the Sega Genesis, not every battle in the movie ranks equally. Below, we rank all the major one-on-one fights in Mortal Kombat II, from the weakest (babality) to the most brutal (brutality).

Following the spirit of the games—excluding titles like Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero—this ranking focuses solely on one-on-one combat. As a result, major events such as Jax’s death and key characters like Kano, Bi-Han, and Scorpion are excluded from consideration.

Kitana vs. Johnny Cage

Kitana, positioned as the protagonist of the film, and Adeline Rudolph deliver strong performances with conviction. However, neither of her fights stands out as particularly memorable. In her early battle against Johnny Cage, Kitana primarily serves as a setup for Karl Urban’s comedic portrayal of a Hollywood actor out of his depth. While it’s visually interesting to see Kitana use her fan blades both as weapons and to scale structures in pursuit of Johnny, the fight prioritizes comedy and character development over action. As a result, the combat feels underdeveloped and lacks the intensity expected from a Mortal Kombat battle.

Kitana vs. Shao Kahn

The climactic fight between Kitana and Shao Kahn may seem like a fatal flaw for Mortal Kombat II, especially given its weak execution. However, it’s challenging to envision how a modern blockbuster could deliver a satisfying narrative while focusing solely on a single fight. Kitana’s final showdown with Shao Kahn includes some standout moments, such as a variation of the Fan Opener fatality that leaves the emperor with his brains spilling onto the floor. Yet, the fight feels perfunctory, as the movie frequently cuts away to check in on Sonya, Kano, and Johnny—particularly the latter, who must complete his arc by destroying Shinnok’s amulet.

Shao Kahn vs. Liu Kang

Mortal Kombat II reasserts Liu Kang as the protagonist of the series, setting up high expectations for his battle against Shao Kahn. Despite Shao Kahn’s immortality, granted by Shinnok’s amulet, Liu Kang nearly overwhelms the emperor from the outset. He immediately launches two fire dragons at Shao Kahn, threatening to end the fight almost as soon as it begins. Shao Kahn, of course, recovers and counters, but the sequence is one of the most visually dynamic and intense in the film.

Johnny Cage vs. Shinnok

Johnny Cage’s fight against Shinnok serves as a pivotal moment in his character arc. After being humiliated and sidelined for much of the film, Cage redeems himself in a battle that highlights both his arrogance and his determination. The fight is visually striking, with Cage employing his signature Hollywood flair while facing off against the demonic Shinnok. Though the battle is brief, it effectively underscores Cage’s growth and the film’s themes of redemption.

Sonya Blade vs. Mileena

Sonya Blade’s confrontation with Mileena is one of the most balanced and well-executed fights in Mortal Kombat II. The battle showcases Sonya’s tactical prowess and resilience, as she faces off against Mileena’s agility and ferocity. The fight is dynamic, with both characters utilizing their unique abilities to gain the upper hand. It stands out as a highlight in the film, delivering the visceral combat fans expect from the franchise.

Liu Kang vs. Kung Lao

The rivalry between Liu Kang and Kung Lao is a cornerstone of the Mortal Kombat series, and their fight in Mortal Kombat II does not disappoint. The battle is a masterclass in choreography, blending martial arts with supernatural elements. Liu Kang’s fire-based attacks contrast sharply with Kung Lao’s razor-sharp hat throws, creating a visually stunning and intense duel. This fight is a standout moment in the film, embodying the spirit of the games.

Sub-Zero vs. Scorpion

The iconic rivalry between Sub-Zero and Scorpion reaches new heights in Mortal Kombat II. Their fight is a brutal, high-stakes battle that delivers on the franchise’s reputation for over-the-top violence. The choreography is exceptional, with both characters employing their signature freezing and fire-based abilities. This fight is a must-watch for fans, as it captures the essence of the Mortal Kombat rivalry in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Final Thoughts: The Best and Worst Fights in Mortal Kombat II

Mortal Kombat II delivers a mix of intense action and underwhelming battles. While some fights, such as Liu Kang vs. Kung Lao and Sub-Zero vs. Scorpion, stand out for their choreography and visual impact, others, like Kitana vs. Johnny Cage and Kitana vs. Shao Kahn, feel underdeveloped or perfunctory. The film’s strongest moments come when it fully commits to its martial arts roots and delivers the bone-crunching, supernatural combat that fans crave.