Mortal Kombat 3 Confirmed!

The theatrical release of "Mortal Kombat 2" has just been unexpectedly pushed back to next year. But there is good news for fans as well: "Mortal Kombat 3" is now officially in the works!

At New York Comic Con, it was also confirmed that Simon McQuoid will return to direct for the third time, with the screenplay once again written by Jeremy Slater. No surprise there: according to industry sources, Warner, the studio backing the films, is extremely pleased with "Mortal Kombat 2". It remains unclear, however, why the release date was postponed at such short notice, from the originally planned date of October 24, 2025, to May 15, 2026. A release date for the third installment has yet to be announced.

The "Mortal Kombat" movies are based on the legendary video game series that began in 1992. Since then, the franchise has spawned several games and movies. The 2021 reboot film was generally well-received by fans – so the hype surrounding the sequel is correspondingly high.

7 Brutal Movie Tips for Fans of "Mortal Kombat": Pure Adrenaline, Blood & Fighting Spirit

If the words "Finish him!" immediately give you goosebumps and you still have the "Mortal Kombat" soundtrack in your ears, then you are clearly a fan of the toughest martial arts franchise in film history. But what should you do if you want to bridge the gap until "Mortal Kombat II" (cinema release: May 15, 2026)? Don't worry – we have seven film tips for you that offer the same thrills: epic battles, bloody fights, strong characters and worlds in which honor, courage and survival are paramount. Here are the best films in the style of "Mortal Kombat" – perfect for a weekend full of adrenaline.

The Raid (2011): The ultimate in martial arts action

If "Mortal Kombat" had a more realistic, dirtier counterpart, it would be "The Raid'. The Indonesian action hit by Gareth Evans shows a special unit storming a high-rise building full of gangsters – and working their way into bloody hand-to-hand combat with every floor. The choreography is breathtaking, uncompromising and so brutal that it pushes even hardened fans to their limits. Leading actor Iko Uwais delivers world-class performance and martial arts. Anyone who loves Sub-Zero and Scorpion will adore these fights. A sequel followed in 2014, which was also impressive.

Mortal Kombat (2021): The reboot with heart and toughness

Of course, the 2021 reboot from director Simon McQuoid should not be missing from this list. The film brought the iconic video game series back to the big screen with modern effects and uncompromising action. Fans finally got the bloody fatalities they had been waiting decades for – combined with a new hero: Cole Young (Lewis Tan). Despite mixed reviews, the film laid the foundations for the new franchise and delivered what fans wanted: Spectacle, nostalgia and plenty of broken bones.

John Wick (2014): Stylish vendetta with balletic charm

With "John Wick", Keanu Reeves proved that action can also be art. The film is a revenge epic in its purest form – choreographed like a ballet of lead, blood and precision. The mixture of modern martial arts scenes, tactical gun action and uncompromising consistency is reminiscent of the structure of the "Mortal Kombat" fights: every opponent is a boss fight, every scene a duel for honor. Those who like aesthetic brutality will find pure adrenaline here.

Ong-Bak (2004): Tony Jaa takes pain to a new level

Before "The Raid" redefined martial arts, "Ong-Bak" was the king of modern hand-to-hand combat. Thai superstar Tony Jaa catapulted Muay Thai into the mainstream – with incredible stunts, real punches and no CGI. The plot is simple: a stolen Buddha head, a village, a young warrior – and many opponents who learn how painful knees and elbows can be. This movie is pure, raw energy – very much in the spirit of "Mortal Kombat".

Blade (1998): Vampire hunter with cult status

Long before the Marvel hype, Wesley Snipes was the epitome of cool action as Blade. The half-vampire with a samurai sword fights his way through a dark underworld of blood, club music and neon lights – visually and thematically not far removed from Outworld. The mixture of martial arts, gothic atmosphere and supernatural opponents makes "Blade" the perfect film for anyone who also loves the dark fantasy aspect of Mortal Kombat.

Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997): Trash with a cult factor

Yes, this movie is... let's say controversial. But if you have a heart for 90s camp and pure nostalgia, you shouldn't miss "Mortal Kombat: Annihilation". The effects are questionable, the dialog absurd – but the spirit of the game is there. It's a journey back in time to the era when video game adaptations were still wild experiments. And sometimes that's exactly the fun: celebrating the imperfect.

Ninja Assassin (2009): Blood, shadows and revenge

This underrated action film starring Korean singer and actor Rain as a ninja warrior is a real feast for fans of exaggerated, stylized violence. Produced by the Wachowskis ("Matrix"), the film offers a mixture of gritty style, supernatural mythology and lightning-fast sword fights. "Ninja Assassin" is bloody, merciless and beautifully filmed at the same time – a real must-see for anyone who appreciates the aesthetics and power of "Mortal Kombat".

Conclusion: martial arts meets cult

From the streets of Jakarta to the dark halls of Outworld – these seven films show that martial arts cinema is more alive than ever. They combine everything that fans of "Mortal Kombat" love: spectacular fights, exaggerated violence, charismatic heroes and worlds in which every move is the difference between life and death. So, grab some popcorn (or better: protein bars), turn up the bass and immerse yourself in a world where fists talk and only the strongest survive. Your motto for the movie night: No mercy. No limits. Fight!