Mortal Kombat (1995)

Last updated:
September 18, 2025

Mortal Kombat (1995), directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, is one of the most iconic video game adaptations ever made. It brought to life the brutal, mystical fighting tournament that had already taken arcades and living rooms by storm. With a mix of martial arts action, campy dialogue, and a legendary techno soundtrack, the film has become a cult classic.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Arrival of the Chosen Warriors

The story begins with Liu Kang (Robin Shou), Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby), and Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson) being chosen to compete in the Mortal Kombat tournament, a centuries-old battle between Earthrealm and Outworld. If Outworld wins ten tournaments in a row, Earth will fall under the control of Emperor Shao Kahn.

They arrive on a mysterious boat led by the thunder god Raiden (Christopher Lambert), who explains their destinies and the stakes of the tournament. Sonya is hunting Kano (Trevor Goddard), the mercenary who killed her partner, while Johnny Cage wants to prove he’s a real martial artist, not just a Hollywood fraud.

The Tournament Begins

On the island, they encounter the sinister sorcerer Shang Tsung (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), who oversees the tournament. The fights are fierce and packed with supernatural elements. Memorable battles include Liu Kang vs. a masked warrior, Sonya vs. Kano (ending with her snapping his neck), and Johnny Cage vs. Scorpion, which climaxes in the Netherrealm with Scorpion’s fiery skull exposed.

The Rise of Liu Kang

Liu Kang becomes the central hero as he learns that his destiny is to defeat Shang Tsung. His personal motivation is fueled by revenge: Shang Tsung killed his brother, Chan, years earlier. Along the way, Liu Kang fights Sub-Zero and defeats him with the help of Princess Kitana’s guidance.

The Showdown with Goro

The four-armed champion Goro, a towering monster and Outworld’s undefeated fighter, wipes out many Earth warriors. Johnny Cage, however, defeats him in a clever and comedic fight that references his video game “nut punch” move, followed by tricking Goro into falling to his death.

Movie Ending

The final act unfolds with Shang Tsung challenging Sonya, trying to force her into a fight she cannot win so he can claim an easy victory. Raiden intervenes, warning him that the rules require the challenge to be accepted freely. Shang Tsung then taunts Liu Kang, provoking him to battle.

The climactic duel between Liu Kang and Shang Tsung takes place in a temple filled with spikes. Shang Tsung uses his sorcery to transform into various fighters and even Liu Kang’s deceased brother, attempting to break him emotionally. However, Liu Kang overcomes his guilt and rage, realizing his true strength.

In the end, Liu Kang defeats Shang Tsung, delivering the famous line: “Flawless victory.” Shang Tsung falls to his death, impaled on spikes. The sorcerer’s defeat ends the threat of Outworld—at least temporarily.

The movie closes on a triumphant note as Earthrealm’s warriors celebrate. But just as they begin to relax, the sky darkens, and the giant figure of Shao Kahn appears, declaring: “You weak, pathetic fools. I’ve come for your souls!” Raiden confidently responds: “I don’t think so.” The heroes take their fighting stances as the Mortal Kombat theme blasts, setting up the sequel.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, there are no post-credits scenes in Mortal Kombat (1995). The cliffhanger ending with Shao Kahn appears just before the credits roll, serving as the setup for the sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997).

Type of Movie

The film is a martial arts fantasy action movie, combining elements of supernatural sorcery, fighting tournaments, and campy 90s action cinema.

Cast

Robin Shou as Liu Kang
Linden Ashby as Johnny Cage
Bridgette Wilson as Sonya Blade
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Shang Tsung
Christopher Lambert as Raiden
Talisa Soto as Princess Kitana
Trevor Goddard as Kano
Chris Casamassa as Scorpion
François Petit as Sub-Zero
Kevin Michael Richardson (voice) as Goro

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack is legendary, spearheaded by the techno anthem “Techno Syndrome (Mortal Kombat Theme)” by The Immortals. George S. Clinton composed the score, blending orchestral elements with heavy electronic beats. The soundtrack itself became a cultural phenomenon in the 90s, often blasted in arcades and gyms.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed in Los Angeles, Thailand, and Ontario, Canada. Thailand’s exotic landscapes and temples gave the movie its mystical and otherworldly aesthetic, most notably in the island and temple scenes.

Awards and Nominations

While not a critical darling, the film did receive recognition for its impact:

Won BMI Film Music Award for George S. Clinton’s score.
Nominated for various Saturn Awards (including Best Fantasy Film).

Behind the Scenes Insights

Jean-Claude Van Damme was originally offered the role of Johnny Cage but turned it down.
Cameron Diaz was initially cast as Sonya Blade but dropped out due to an injury; Bridgette Wilson replaced her at the last minute.
The Goro animatronic was one of the most expensive props of its time, requiring 13-16 puppeteers to operate.
Robin Shou performed many of his own stunts and insisted on incorporating authentic martial arts choreography.

Inspirations and References

The movie is based directly on Midway’s Mortal Kombat video game series, particularly the first and second installments. Its narrative framework of a mystical fighting tournament borrows elements from classic martial arts cinema like Enter the Dragon.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Some scenes involving Kitana were cut, including extended dialogues that fleshed out her alliance with Liu Kang.
A longer, gorier version of Johnny Cage’s fight with Scorpion was filmed but trimmed for the PG-13 rating.
Early drafts had a darker ending where Earthrealm was still uncertain about its fate.

Book Adaptations and Differences

A novelization of the movie was released, which provided more backstory for characters, especially Liu Kang and Kitana. It included additional details about Shang Tsung’s sorcery and Raiden’s role.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Liu Kang’s fiery bicycle kick against Shang Tsung.
Johnny Cage’s fight with Scorpion in the Netherrealm.
Sonya’s brutal takedown of Kano.
Goro’s shocking entrance and dominance before being tricked.
The final temple duel between Liu Kang and Shang Tsung.

Iconic Quotes

“Mortal Kombat!” (Theme shout)
“Your soul is mine!” – Shang Tsung
“Flawless victory.” – Liu Kang
“I don’t think so.” – Raiden
“This is where you fall down.” – Johnny Cage

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film features several moves lifted straight from the video games, like Johnny Cage’s shadow kick and Scorpion’s spear attack.
Liu Kang’s dream of his brother references the game’s lore about Shang Tsung stealing souls.
The reptilian creature Reptile transforms into a ninja, a nod to his secret character status in the games.

Trivia

The PG-13 rating was controversial, as many fans expected an R-rated adaptation due to the games’ notorious gore.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa’s performance as Shang Tsung was so well-received that he reprised the role in later Mortal Kombat media, including the 2019 video game.
The movie grossed over $120 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful video game movies of the 90s.

Why Watch?

Because it’s the pure definition of 90s action-fantasy fun. The fights are energetic, the soundtrack is iconic, and while it’s campy, it’s also surprisingly faithful to its source material. For fans of martial arts, video games, or just over-the-top action, it’s essential viewing.

Mortal Kombat (1995)