The recently released Mortal Kombat movie has been divisive among fans. Some were disappointing while others got exactly what they expected, a silly movie filled with fan service. Most admit, however, that the kills were absolutely fantastic.
The fatalities, all detailed below, are absolutely brutal and deserving of the Mortal Kombat name. They are not all made equally, though, so read on and find out where they rank. Many of them come from the games, so it was a treat for fans to see them played out in a live-action film.
10 Shang Tsung Steals Kung Lao's Soul
At the end of a big bout between all the heroes and villains together, Shang Tsung takes hold of Kung Lao and steals the warrior's soul.
It kind of comes out of nowhere and feels like it could have been stopped by most of the other characters. It would have been nice if Shang Tsung at least got to fight for a little bit before pulling off the signature move.
9 Sonya Shoots A Hole In Mileena's Stomach
After finally earning the champion's mark from killing Kano, Sony Blade teleports to outworld and helps Cole Young who is currently grappling with Mileena. It is a cool effect to see Sonya Blade shoot her signature beam of energy, but it does not feel earned. If anything, it almost feels like cheating. The fatality would have been better if she fought Mileena for a bit, though she does fight her earlier in the movie. The camera angle showing the hole in Mileena's stomach is a nice touch, though.
8 Sub-Zero Destroying Jax's Arms
While Jax survives this encounter, it still very much feels like a Fatality. Sub-Zero bests him in a bout and when Jax is defenseless and clearly beat the ninja freeze's the hero's arms and shatters them. It is all topped off with Sub-Zero kicking him off the edge of a platform. This would kill any normal person, but in the world of Mortal Kombat Jax lives through the ordeal with some magic healing.
7 Liu Kang Burns Up Kabal
These fights near the end before the big bout between Cole Young, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion were too rushed, not letting viewers enjoy the fatalities. Liu Kang conjures up a dragon made of flame and burns Kabal to a crisp. The effect is decent enough, and the camera lingers on the burning villain for enough time to make it look convincing. Kabal was a surprising highlight of the movie.
6 Kano Rips Out Reptile's Heart
Reptile does not resemble the character fans know from the game, being more bestial than the human ninja form most fans are familiar with. He does not have a substantial role, either, showing up for one bout where Kano rips the beast's heart out with his bare hands. This is a classic fatality dating all the way back to the original Mortal Kombat from 1992. Kano is extremely pleased with his victory here.
5 Jax Claps Reiko's Head
It was surprising to see Reiko. He fights with Jax during the end, right after the hero finally earns his arcana in the form of the iconic metal arms. After besting him above the Pit, a classic stage from the games, Jax crushes the villain's head with his bare hands. The only place this loses points is the Fatality not taking advantage of the Pit's classic Stage Fatality.
4 Scorpion Scorches Sub-Zero With Fire Breath
A fight between Sub-Zero and Scorpion bookends the film, though Cole Young is a part of the final bout. Once Sub-Zero is on his last legs, Scorpion unmasks and breathes fire, setting his nemesis ablaze
This is also a classic Scorpion Fatality from the games. Unfortunately, we don't really see Sub-Zero turn to skeleton like in the games, but the effect is still decent. Despite Sub-Zero's death, Joe Taslim has a chance to return as Noob Saibot or the next Sub-Zero.
3 Sonya Stabs KanoThrough The Eye
Sonya fights Kano in her trailer where Cole first meets the two rivals. It looks like Kano has the upper hand with Sonya in a chokehold, but Sonya manages to grab hold of a garden gnome and stab him through the eye. It is not a Fatality in the traditional sense, but it is still a great kill. Afterwards Sonya get the mark of the champion and earns her arcana.
2 Cole Young Disembowels Goro
Goro is arguably underused, but the fight between him and Cole Young was an intense bout. It is here where Cole earns his arcana and is able to get the upper hand on the Shokan monster. Cole really goes to town on his opponent, cutting off Goro's arm, stabbing him through the eye, and then cutting a whole in his stomach where his insides fallout. Goro is barely recognizable afterwards.
1 Kung Lao Cuts Nitara In Half Vertically
Some were wondering why Nitara, a character from Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, is in the movie. Most likely it was to put the character's face through a saw blade. Even in a video game this fatality is brutal, and the movie does not shy away from the gory detail. Viewers see Kung Lao's hat make contact with Nitara and start ripping her in two, showing her brain. The camera only cuts away to show the blood spewing all over Kung Lao's face.