The Mortal Kombat franchise has developed a long and often confusing story to follow. With various characters, prophecies, and the occasional time jump it is understandable why many fans find themselves baffled. However, the rebooted Mortal Kombat (2021) movie works to simplify the perplexing history of the series and present it in a digestible manner. Significant moments were simplified to make the story less complicated.

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The movie lacked a tournament altogether and elements like the annihilation of the Shirai Ryu were altered. Despite these changes, the film was well-received by fans and signs point to a sequel in the making. For the Mortal Kombat franchise to capitalize on their most successful movie to date future films should implement key plot points from the games. Warning there are spoilers ahead regarding the Mortal Kombat (2021) movie and the video games.

9 The Mortal Kombat Tournament

Surprisingly the Mortal Kombat (2021) film did not have a tournament. The main conflict of the movie was Shang Tsung's plot to slay Earthrealm's kombatants and invade Earthrealm before the famed contest transpired. While it offered audiences a unique story from the games and previous films there were many disappointed fans. The directors claimed that the contest was kept out for the movie's success, but a sequel would benefit greatly from it.

The Mortal Kombat tournament has played a significant role serving as the catalyst for character development and more notable storylines. The deadly competition works to introduce a multitude of characters and numerous side stories that occur between or during fights. Moreover, the tournament would allow there to be many more climactic fight scenes. However, the possibility of there being a tournament is unclear as Shang Tsung states that next time he will bring armies instead of warriors.

8 The Cyber Initiative

Sub-Zero's role as the main protagonist of Mortal Kombat (2021) provided a refreshing break away from the likes of Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn. While merely a pawn of Shang Tsung Sub-Zero was a frightening presence that alludes to greater threats. Sub-Zero's clan the Lin Kuei have served as a prominent force that has worsened and alleviated the plights of Earthrealm. One of the greatest threats to the forces of good was a subset of Lin Kuei that participated in the Cyber Initiative.

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The introduction of the Cyber Lin Kuei would provide the film with new enemies, allies, and conflict within the clan itself. The Cyber Initiative shifted the Lin Kuei towards an evil path that would spark the creation of numerous adversaries. Cyber ninjas like Cyrax and Sektor would prove to be a great challenge for Earthrealm's defenders in the tournament. Moreover, it would shape Bi Han's younger brother Kuai Liang into the enigmatic hero of Earthrealm and grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.

7 Peace Between Scorpion & Sub Zero

The movie altered the original premise behind the extermination of the Shirai Ryu and Hanzo Hasashi. While the scene shares similarities to the events of the games important aspects were significantly changed. Originally it was Quan Chi instead of Bi Han who killed the Shirai Ryu and Hanzo's family. This set Scorpion on the quest for revenge that would lead him to kill Bi Han and confront Kuai Liang. Eventually, Scorpion would learn the truth and atone for his sins by sparing Kuai Liang and making peace with the Lin Kuei.

However, the movie excluded Quan Chi leaving Bi Han and the Lin Kuei solely responsible for Scorpion's suffering. This means that there is nearly no reason for Scorpion and Kuai to come to terms. It is important for Scorpion and Kuai Liang to make peace in order to for the vengeful wraith to move on. This would allow Scorpion to set in motion the restoration of his clan and focus his efforts on defending the only family he has left, Cole Young.

6 The Battle Of Earthrealm

The entire purpose of the Mortal Kombat tournament is to prevent Outworld from invading Earthrealm. It is the beginning conflict of the series which sets the suspenseful atmosphere of the franchise. However, Outworld does not play fair, and in the second tournament, Earthrealm was invaded by Shao Kahn's forces. This event is a dreadful moment in Mortal Kombat that results in the loss of many lives.

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This harrowing moment would shift the film towards a darker yet entertaining era of the Mortal Kombat universe. It would inspire a sequel that strays away from the uplifting theme of Mortal Kombat (2021). Moreover, the Battle of Earthrealm would pave the way for the franchise's other notable villains. This would set up the series for more sequels that could implement elements from either the original or the new timeline.

5 The Return Of Shinnok

Mortal Kombat (2021) featured the notorious sorcerer Shang Tsung who has plagued Earthrealm's defenders since 1992. While he is a prominent villain Shang Tsung had less screentime than Sub Zero. Despite his lackluster appearance Shang Tsung will undoubtedly play a larger role in films to come followed by Shao Kahn. However, once the franchise has exhausted these two villains they will require another specifically Shinnok.

The Elder God of Death, Shinnok has played a part in Earthrealm's demise 65 million years before the events of the games. He has orchestrated events that nearly brought the destruction of the realms on multiple occasions. Shinnok is a cunning and manipulative villain that possesses qualities that neither Shang Tsung nor Shao Kahn could mimic. This would provide the films with an antagonist unlike any before.

4 Liu Kang's Death

Earthrealm boasts many powerful kombatants from all walks of life but none are as powerful as the mighty Liu Kang. The Shaolin monk and "the chosen one" Liu Kang has defended the realms against the tyranny of Outworld. His legendary victories against substantial foes have made him a warrior feared - and loved - by many. However, being Earthrealm's greatest defender makes him the forces of evil's most significant target.

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Liu Kang has died in the original timeline by the deadly alliance and in the new timeline inadvertently by Raiden. In each timeline, Liu Kang's death was followed by untold chaos and destruction. In a movie, Liu Kang's death would indicate a noteworthy change in the franchise that could lead to the catastrophic events of Mortal Kombat: Armageddon or even confrontation with Kronika. Regardless, Liu Kang's death would be a climactic turning point in the films.

3 Raiden's Fall To Darkness

The Elder God Raiden protects Earthrealm and guides its champions against Outworld's forces. Raiden has played a prominent role in defending Earthrealm alongside its kombatants sacrificing nearly anything to ensure its survival. His virtuous and selfless traits are only rivaled by that of the great Liu Kang. While he is a righteous force for good Raiden has been corrupted by the substantial power of Onaga's essence and the impure Jinsei.

Dark Raiden is a far cry from his previous self, bearing immense hatred and bloodlust for anything that challenges his authority. This creates a unique challenge for the forces of Earthrealm who do not wish to oppose their once valiant ally. Even if one of Earthrealm's defenders confronted the corrupted Elder God it is unlikely that they would achieve much. This provides a much different dynamic from the battle between good and evil and would create a new atmosphere for future films.

2 Return Of The Dragon King

There have been numerous threats to the realms but, none have had the cataclysmic effect of Onaga. The true ruler of Outworld the Dragon King has been an overwhelming force that has endangered the warriors of Earthrealm and Outworld alike. During his reign, he rose an undefeatable undead army and watched over Outworld destined to be its ruler for eternity. However, before he could achieve immortality Onaga was poisoned by one of his chief advisors Shao Kahn. Despite his untimely death, Onaga remains a threat that will return to retake his throne no matter the costs.

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Onaga has proven to be a catastrophic force that signifies the demise of not only Earthrealm but the villains of Outworld as well. The combined forces of Raiden and the Deadly Alliance could only slow Onaga's advances. Only the united power of the realms would prove to be enough to slay the Dragon King and bound him to the Netherrealm. Yet, even then Onaga found a way to resurrect himself once more. Having Onaga as the main antagonist of a sequel would grant the audiences the opportunity to see the greatest heroes and villains fight together.

1 The Battle Of Armageddon

There are many differences between the original and new timelines of the Mortal Kombat franchise but one consistent element is the threat of Armageddon. The growing power and number of kombatants risk the collapse of the realms and the destruction of the universe. This great battle has been prophesized by the Elder Gods as an unstoppable event that will consume all. The forces of good and evil would meet for one last epic battle that would drive the world into an apocalyptic state.

The Battle Of Armageddon is a dreadful yet awesome event where every character fights to obtain the power of Blaze. Regardless of who obtains the Blaze, the world is left in disarray and many kombatants meet their demise. This catastrophic event has been prevented through the efforts of Raiden in the new timeline, however, Armageddon is almost inevitable. A sequel focusing on Armageddon would implement a vital aspect of the game's lore and allow future movies to be set in an alternate timeline.

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