Every 'Mortal Kombat' Game Ranked From Best To Worst (2024)

Photo: High Voltage Software

Following the devastating bankruptcy of Midway Games, the team at NetherRealm Studios had the distinct challenge of bringing the Mortal Kombat franchise back, and they brought it back with a bang. Returning the franchise to its roots with a 2D style, the game masterfully blended elements of old and new to create something incredible. Yet again focusing on story, Mortal Kombat took players back to the original 3 games, where a brand new incredible story would be told. On top of this, the addition of the brutal and brilliant X-ray moves brought the edge back to the franchise.

Photo: NetherRealm Studios

NetherRealm Studios injected new life into the Mortal Kombat franchise by taking it back to its roots, but when they expanded upon the franchise is when they truly reached their stride. Masterful fighting mechanics, jaw-dropping graphics, and horrifying fatalities and X-rays were just the tip of the iceberg for Mortal Kombat X. A story that was richer, more meaningful, and heartbreaking than anything the series had seen before and a litany of new, monumental characters elevated the game from simply a sequel, to one of the absolute best games in the franchise.

Photo: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Widely regarded as the ultimate Mortal Kombat experience, Mortal Kombat 11 was plausibly the most ambitious, daring, and highly anticipated entry in the franchise of all time, and somehow, MK11 managed to exceed even the highest levels of expectations. With a perfected fighting system, breathtakingly horrific graphics, the widest array of incredible characters in any MK game, and a story that not only added lore but paid homage to everything fans held dear, Mortal Kombat 11 is the ultimate love letter to fans, and arguably, the best fighting game of all time.

Photo: Midway Games

While the first game in the revolutionary Mortal Kombat franchise may have opened the eyes of the masses to the visceral and violent video game, it was Mortal Kombat II that showed this fighting franchise could go toe-to-toe with the best of the best the subgenre had to offer. Tightened controls, improved graphics, a slew of new fan-favorite characters, and a dedication to substance over style cemented Mortal Kombat II as a worthy opponent. When gamers finally got their hands on the game, it was no surprise that Midway Games had created one of the best fighting games of all time.

Photo: Midway Games

The ultimate culmination of every Mortal Kombat game the series had to offer and the epic conclusion of the 3D trilogy, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon brought a new life to the thriving already thriving franchise. Showcasing a roster that features every single character that had been featured in the franchise to that point, fans could play any character they want, or even create their own! While the combat, mechanics, and graphics were all large-in-part the same as the previous two entries, the game was aimed to be a wonderful culmination of everything before it, and Armageddon more than lives up to expectation.

Photo: Midway Games

Soon after the arcade-ridden hype of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 had calmed down, fans began clamoring for a home release of the quintessential way to play the game. Midway Games clearly listened to their fans, and a home collection was released, however, it not only included the new and improved Mortal Kombat 3, but both Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat II, giving fans everything they could ever dream of. Every character at the tip of their fingers, Mortal Kombat fans could showcase their skills in this masterful collection.