Fans of the Mortal Kombat franchise have enjoyed the bloody, action-packed thrill of the 2021 live-action adaptation, which earned praise for staying true to the essence of the video game. Directed by Simon McQuoid and starring Lewis Tan as Cole Young, the film set up a new chapter in the beloved series. If you haven’t had the chance to experience this adrenaline-fueled spectacle yet, now is the time to do so—because Mortal Kombat will be leaving Netflix on December 16, 2024.
Mortal Kombat 2021: A Game-Changer for Fans
Since its release on April 23, 2021, Mortal Kombat has been a hit with both fans and critics. With a box office gross of $84.4 million against a budget of $55 million, it became the highest-grossing Mortal Kombat film to date. It was a reboot that breathed new life into the franchise, which previously had two live-action movies released in the 1990s.
The 2021 movie brings the best elements of the Mortal Kombat video games to life, delivering the over-the-top violence and iconic fatalities that fans have come to expect. The plot follows Cole Young, a washed-up martial artist, as he teams up with other Earthrealm fighters to thwart the Outworld’s plans of domination. Featuring fan-favorite characters like Sub-Zero and Scorpion, the film delivers thrilling action sequences and, of course, excessive blood and gore—a nod to the video games’ infamous reputation.
Despite some criticisms, particularly regarding pacing and character development, the film is widely regarded as the best live-action Mortal Kombat movie to date. Its Rotten Tomatoes score may be divisive—with critics giving it a modest 55% rating—but the audience score tells a different story, with a much more favorable 86%. This sets it apart from earlier Mortal Kombat films, such as the 1995 version (47% critic, 58% audience) and its 1997 sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (4% critic, 24% audience).
What stands out about the 2021 reboot is how well it caters to Mortal Kombat fans. The filmmakers took great care in preserving the essence of the game, including the brutal fight scenes and the iconic fatalities that fans crave. This is a movie made for those who grew up with the franchise, delivering nostalgic moments and brutal action while introducing a fresh new storyline.
A Farewell to Netflix: Get It Before It’s Gone
If you’re a Mortal Kombat fan who’s yet to watch the film, time is running out to stream it on Netflix. The movie will be leaving the platform on December 16, 2024. However, don’t despair—Mortal Kombat will still be available on Max for streaming, so you can continue to enjoy the action even after it’s removed from Netflix.
For those who prefer physical media, now might be the perfect time to pick up a DVD or Blu-ray copy. With prices for Mortal Kombat available for under $10 on platforms like Amazon, you can own this bloody masterpiece and watch it whenever the mood strikes.
Mortal Kombat 2: The Next Chapter Arrives in 2025
While Mortal Kombat 2021 might be leaving Netflix, fans of the franchise can look forward to the upcoming sequel, Mortal Kombat 2, which is slated for release on October 24, 2025. The follow-up will see Lewis Tan return as Cole Young, alongside Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion. The most exciting casting news is the addition of Karl Urban, known for his roles in Star Trek, the MCU, and The Boys, who will take on the role of Johnny Cage—a fan-favorite character and martial artist extraordinaire.
Though plot details for Mortal Kombat 2 are still under wraps, principal photography wrapped up earlier this year, after a delay caused by the SAG-AFTRA strikes. Fans can expect the same intense violence and thrilling fight scenes that made the first movie such a hit, with hopefully even more fatalities and character-driven action.
The Mortal Kombat Legacy Continues
As we approach December 16 and the departure of the 2021 Mortal Kombat film from Netflix, it’s a great time to revisit the epic action movie that successfully brought the video game to life. The Mortal Kombat franchise has cemented its place in popular culture, and with the sequel on the horizon, it looks like the battle for Earthrealm is far from over. If you haven’t experienced the 2021 movie yet, don’t wait until it’s too late—watch it now and get ready for the next round when Mortal Kombat 2 hits theaters in 2025.
