Mortal Kombat Movies in Order: Live Action and Legends

For the newer Mortal Kombat movies, watch Mortal Kombat (2021), then Mortal Kombat II (2026). You do not need the 1990s films first. If you want the original screen version, choose Mortal Kombat (1995) → Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997) instead.

The confusing part is the repeated title, not a complicated timeline. Those two pairs tell different versions of the story, and the four animated Legends films form another viewing route. Below, you can follow one branch or collect all eight features.

Mortal Kombat live-action movies in order

There are two starting points with the same name. Check the release year when choosing a film: the 1995 and 2021 movies introduce different screen versions of Mortal Kombat.

The original pair: 1995, then Annihilation

The 1995 film introduces Robin Shou’s Liu Kang and the tournament. Annihilation follows that version of the characters. Despite its title, the newer Mortal Kombat II is not the next step after this pair: moving to the 2021 movie means starting over with a different adaptation.

The newer series: 2021, then Mortal Kombat II

The 2021 film introduces Cole Young’s involvement in the conflict between Earthrealm and Outworld. Start here for the current live-action story, then continue with Mortal Kombat II, which adds Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage to its returning champions.

Mortal Kombat II opened in North America on May 8, 2026. The official movie site identifies it as the follow-up to the 2021 film. If Johnny Cage brought you here, that is the pair to choose; Annihilation is the sequel to the other Mortal Kombat.

Mortal Kombat Legends animated movies in order

Start with Scorpion’s Revenge → Battle of the Realms. That is the connected pair to keep together. Then watch Snow Blind and Cage Match in release order; their changes of setting and lead character are a reason not to force all four into a simple linear sequel chain.

You can start Legends without either live-action pair. Animation does not make these family films, though: expect graphic violence, and check the individual age rating before choosing one for younger viewers.

Watch Scorpion’s Revenge before Battle of the Realms. The latter’s Warner Bros. synopsis follows Raiden and Earthrealm’s warriors into a tournament against Outworld. Snow Blind shifts the focus to Kenshi and Kuai Liang, while Cage Match follows Johnny Cage in 1980s Hollywood.

Should you watch Mortal Kombat in chronological order?

For either live-action pair, follow the first film with its own sequel. There is no useful viewing advantage in combining the 1995 story, the 2021 introduction and the animated films into one timeline.

Cage Match follows a different part of the animated cast’s history. Its 1980s setting does not turn it into a prequel for either live-action pair.

Want to watch every movie by release date?

1. Mortal Kombat (1995)
2. Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)
3. Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge (2020)
4. Mortal Kombat (2021)
5. Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms (2021)
6. Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind (2022)
7. Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match (2023)
8. Mortal Kombat II (2026)

This is a release checklist, not one continuous story. For a first viewing, finishing one branch before switching is easier to follow.

How many movies does this guide cover?

The two tables cover eight released feature films: four live-action movies and four Legends animated movies. Television series, web episodes, promotional shorts and game cinematics are outside that count. You do not need to add them to complete either film route.

For another game adaptation where film and television follow different versions of the characters, see our Tomb Raider movie order.