Mortal Kombat 3 confirmed!

Although the theatrical release of "Mortal Kombat 2" was recently postponed until next year, Warner is already making plans for the next installment in the action series. "Mortal Kombat 3" is in the works!

As announced at this year's New York Comic-Con and confirmed by Deadline, "Moon Knight" author Jeremy Slater is also set to write the screenplay for the third film. Director Simon McQuoid will once again take on the direction.

According to industry sources, the studio is extremely satisfied with "Mortal Kombat 2". Why the film has nevertheless been postponed from the planned October 24, 2025 to May 15, 2026 remains unknown. Although no concrete details about the plot of "Mortal Kombat 3" are yet known, "Mortal Kombat 2" is already set to lay the foundations for an epic finale. A start date for part 3 has yet to be announced.

The "Mortal Kombat" films are based on the legendary video game series by Ed Boon and John Tobias, which began in 1992. Since then, the franchise has developed into a global phenomenon and spawned a number of games and films. The story revolves around interdimensional martial arts tournaments in which warriors from different realms fight for the fate of the world – always accompanied by the iconic motto: "Finish him!"

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!