10 Best Mortal Kombat Games of All Time

The Mortal Kombat franchise has stood as one of the most iconic and controversial series in video game history. Since its brutal debut in 1992, the series has evolved significantly, refining its mechanics, deepening its lore, and consistently pushing the boundaries of what a fighting game can be. From pixelated uppercuts to cinematic Fatal Blows, Mortal Kombat has always delivered an unforgettable blend of action, violence, and storytelling.

With dozens of entries across consoles, handhelds, and even mobile, it can be hard to determine which ones stand out above the rest. Here’s our definitive list of the 10 best Mortal Kombat games of all time — ranked based on gameplay, innovation, impact, and overall legacy.

10. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008)

This crossover was met with mixed feelings upon release, but with hindsight, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe deserves credit for its ambition. Pitting iconic MK fighters against superheroes like Batman and Superman, the game was the foundation for what would eventually become the Injustice series.

While it toned down the violence to accommodate DC’s heroes (no full fatalities for Batman, unfortunately), it was the first Mortal Kombat game to use a fully 3D fighting plane effectively and introduced a new cinematic style of storytelling that would be expanded in future games.

9. Mortal Kombat 4 (1997)

Mortal Kombat 4 was the franchise’s first foray into 3D, a risky move that paid off reasonably well. While it didn’t have the polish of later entries, it featured a solid roster, new weapon mechanics, and the same over-the-top violence fans expected.

It marked the end of an era for many fans — the last game in the original arcade-style format and the first to signal a more modern Mortal Kombat. Its rough edges give it charm, and its gameplay laid the groundwork for more sophisticated mechanics in later titles.

8. Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002)

Deadly Alliance was a bold reboot for the series. After the underwhelming Mortal Kombat 4, developers needed to revitalize the franchise — and they did just that. It introduced completely new mechanics, such as multiple fighting styles per character and a revamped story mode.

It was also the first game where the player didn’t fight in arcades but instead experienced a more expansive narrative. The deaths of key characters like Liu Kang were shocking and showed fans that anything could happen in the Mortal Kombat universe.

7. Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004)

Taking the innovations of Deadly Alliance even further, Deception was praised for its depth and content. It featured a full-fledged Konquest mode (an RPG-style story mode), puzzle and chess mini-games, online multiplayer, and a refined fighting system.

The addition of death traps and multi-tiered arenas added layers of strategy. Deception offered one of the most complete Mortal Kombat packages of its time, appealing not only to hardcore fighters but also to casual players looking for a robust single-player experience.

6. Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)

MK11 brought cinematic storytelling to new heights. With a time-travel plot allowing characters to interact with past and future versions of themselves, the game delivered fan service and narrative twists in equal measure. The visuals were stunning, the combat was refined, and the customizable character gear added replayability.

Its “Kustomization” system, however, was divisive due to its grind-heavy unlock mechanics. Still, the gameplay was tight, the DLC content (including characters like Terminator and Spawn) was exceptional, and the support from NetherRealm Studios was robust and ongoing.

5. Mortal Kombat II (1993)

A classic among classics, Mortal Kombat II is often considered the game that put the series on the map. It introduced iconic characters like Kitana, Mileena, and Kung Lao, and refined the combat to be more fluid and responsive than the original.

The fatalities were bloodier, the environments more atmospheric, and the game was a massive success in arcades and on home consoles. For many fans, MKII represents the franchise at its rawest and most rebellious stage, unapologetically brutal and endlessly fun.

4. Mortal Kombat (2011)

Known by fans as MK9, this reboot completely revitalized the franchise after a few missteps. It retold the stories of the first three games in a new timeline, offering a fresh take on familiar events. The game introduced the now-standard cinematic Story Mode, which would become a hallmark of NetherRealm’s fighters.

MK9 also returned to a 2D fighting plane with 3D graphics, which many fans welcomed with open arms. Its roster was stacked with classic characters, and the gameplay was fast, brutal, and satisfying.

3. Mortal Kombat X (2015)

Building upon the success of MK9, Mortal Kombat X expanded the universe with a new generation of fighters, including Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, and Takeda. The story mode was once again cinematic and engaging, and the addition of character variations allowed for deeper combat customization.

The game also introduced brutal new X-Ray moves and stage interactions. Visually stunning and packed with content, MKX struck a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, making it a fan favorite to this day.

2. Mortal Kombat 3 / Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995–1996)

Mortal Kombat 3 took everything that worked in MKII and dialed it up to eleven. It introduced combo chains, new characters like Cyrax and Sektor, and a faster pace. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, its enhanced version, added even more content and became the definitive version of this era.

These games also featured hidden characters, secret codes, and one of the largest rosters of any fighting game at the time. For many arcade-goers in the ’90s, UMK3 was peak Mortal Kombat — chaotic, competitive, and endlessly replayable.

1. Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)

While it may seem bold to crown the latest entry as the best, Mortal Kombat 1 earns its place at the top. Not only is it a reboot of the franchise’s universe, but it also features an entirely new narrative, overhauled mechanics, and a focus on more grounded combat with a deeper emphasis on timing and spacing.

The Kameo Fighter system introduced an innovative layer of strategy, allowing players to call in assist characters during fights. Visually, it’s the most stunning Mortal Kombat ever created, and its story mode is arguably the best yet.

More than just a game, Mortal Kombat 1 is a celebration of everything that came before while paving the way for the future. It respects its roots while boldly evolving, which is exactly what a top-tier franchise installment should do.