Top 10 Best Mortal Kombat Characters

Mortal Kombat has been turning friendly living rooms into button-mashing crime scenes since its 1992 arcade debut, and somehow, you still hear "Finish Him!" in your head the second a health bar starts blinking. Subtle? Not even a little. Effective? Absolutely.

You come to this series for the fights, but you stay for the fighters. The best Mortal Kombat characters are more than move sets and ridiculous spine-related workplace hazards. They have rivalries, grudges, strange family trees, supernatural baggage, and enough personality to make even a pre-fight stare-down feel like a threat.

This list is where you get to decide which kombatants deserve the top spot. Maybe you care about lore. Maybe you care about special moves. Maybe you just remember getting demolished by the same cheap combo twelve times in a row and now have strong feelings. Vote for the characters who make Mortal Kombat feel like Mortal Kombat, blood, thunder, bad decisions, and all.

The Top Ten

Scorpion

Scorpion is a recurring player character and occasional boss in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. He made his debut in the original Mortal Kombat (1992) and is recognizable by his yellow ninja outfit. His iconic catchphrase, Get over here!, is often used in... read more

I've been a Mortal Kombat fan ever since I was years old back in the '90s. To the people who might think that's a parenting fail, it's not their fault. I found it on my own and got to see it through other friends of mine. My parents were horrified to find out I wanted the first Mortal Kombat game!
Haha, for Halloween, I was Scorpion. I've been a fan of Scorpion for a long time and was him for Halloween many years in a row until I outgrew the event. I thought the film adaptation where his spike came out of his hand was much cooler than when they switched him to the chain weapon. Oh well, still my favorite character.

The only reason I love Mortal Kombat is because of Scorpion. He is the most vicious and brutal character in Mortal Kombat history, a great fighter, but what I love most is the fact that he doesn't care about anything or anyone.
A character that will be remembered for years to come. For people who didn't vote for Scorpion, I've got three words for you: GET OVER HERE!
Sub Zero

Sub-Zero is a video game character from the Mortal Kombat series and one of the original fighters introduced in the first game, released in 1992. He is known for his ice-based powers, including the ability to freeze opponents. Sub-Zero is the only character to have appeared in every main entry of the... read more

A character so powerful they were forced to nerf his freeze attack so it couldn't be spammed. He has his own game and one of the deepest backstories in the franchise. Scorpion's moves are useless when backed into a corner.
Sub-Zero can at least slide his way out of almost any situation and use it as a means to dodge most projectiles. Not to mention his freezes, sliding, and uppercuts can combo for some intense damage. On top of this, his original fatality is one of the most famous fatalities in the series, and most of the ones that followed were unique - more than we can say for Scorpion, who has had almost the same fatality in every game.
Raiden

Raiden is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series developed by Midway Games. He made his debut as one of the original seven playable characters in the 1992 arcade game Mortal Kombat. Raiden has remained one of the central and most iconic characters throughout the franchise's history... read more

Without a doubt, Raiden is one of the most respected and celebrated characters in the Mortal Kombat series. He is as old and as wise as time itself, an immortal being with vast combat experience and immeasurable power.
He epitomizes the statement "God of Thunder" (step aside, Thor) and is the only individual who, on more than one occasion, has sacrificed his own immortality to aid his human being counterparts in the fight against the masked monster Shao Kahn. For that, Lord Raiden, you are the best. Enough said.

My mom actually named me after him, and after that, he became my most beloved character throughout the whole franchise. And what more do you want? He IS THE "GOD OF THUNDER!"
He is wise and incredibly powerful in many ways. I would want to see him in SMITE. Would someone make an animation of who would win in a fight between Zeus, Raiden, Raijin, Thor, and others? A battle of the thunder gods.
Liu Kang

Liu Kang is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the Mortal Kombat fighting game series by Midway Games. He was introduced in the original 1992 Mortal Kombat game as one of the seven playable characters. Liu Kang is portrayed as a Shaolin monk who enters the Mortal Kombat tournament to defend... read more

Liu Kang is the complete winner of the Mortal Kombat tournament, defeating the animal ninja Reptile, the freeze ninja Sub-Zero, and with the help of Princess Kitana. In the second part of Mortal Kombat, Liu Kang is seen kicking the emperor Shao Kahn. Liu is a total winner and a solid fighter.
His power can change into a green dragon!

To clarify why he should be in first place, he is the main protagonist of the MK game series, as the subtitle already indicates. He saved the Earth by being the first champion of Mortal Kombat and saving the Earth four times. He is the Dragon Warrior and the number one fighter of all realms!
For me: Liu Kang is the protagonist, but Raiden is the most important character, and the most popular will be Scorpion.
Reptile

Reptile is a character from the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise, created by Ed Boon and John Tobias for Midway Games. He first appeared in the original Mortal Kombat as a hidden opponent. He later became a playable character in subsequent titles and has appeared in related merchandise and media... read more

Reptile is hands down my favorite character in the entire Mortal Kombat series. He has the best fight in the movie universe and possesses some of the most compelling moves in the games: acid spit, reptilian beast form, invisibility, and all the most slippery, swift, and animal-oriented beastly movements.
In terms of storyline, his race and background, as well as loyalty to the main villains, make him the best of the ninjas. Additionally, his service as a top General/Henchman aligns perfectly with his evil persona. He is truly the best character ever in Mortal Kombat.

Yeah, I agree with you. Reptile is like a cold-blooded, green ninja badass. He also kicked Liu Kang's ass in the first movie, and then he got defeated.
Anyways, REPTILE RULES!
Johnny Cage

Johnny Cage is a fictional character from the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, which was developed by Midway Games. He first appeared in the original Mortal Kombat game released in 1992. As one of the original seven player characters, Johnny Cage has remained a central figure throughout the series... read more

Johnny Cage is a deadly character in the hands of an experienced player. I still laugh at the fact they kept his infamous "nut punch" from all the way back in the 90's movie when he punched Goro there!

Johnny Cage is the staple for MK. There is no way they can try to make a new funny character. They made Mokap, which is fine, but when he became a main part of MK, that's when it got bad. Anyway, Johnny is that funny character with nut punches and those quirky quotes. Go Johnny, HAYHOO!

Johnny Cage battles elder gods, evil wizards, and demonic foes, only using kung fu he learned as a movie star. With barely any powers, an overconfident but caring attitude, Johnny rightfully keeps his place in MK.
Kitana

Kitana is a fictional character from the Mortal Kombat media franchise. She was introduced as a playable character in Mortal Kombat II in 1993. Since her debut, she has appeared in most entries of the video game series and in other media, including the films Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation.... read more

"Get over here!" - Scorpion
"You have embarked on a sacred mission." - Raiden, Christopher Lambert style.
But... Kitana's the best, mostly for the fans and for wearing blue. And Talisa Soto in the movie... as a kid, she changed my notion of princesses for the better. She's beautiful.

Kitana is my favorite because she's savage, assertive, lovable, and compassionate. She recognized the evil her father was doing, and she and Liu are so adorable together.

Kitana is a badass princess who is way better than her clone, Mileena. Not to mention those awesome bladed fans!
Baraka

Baraka is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. He was introduced in Mortal Kombat II in 1993 as a fierce and unpredictable warrior loyal to Outworld emperor Shao Kahn. Baraka belongs to the Tarkatan race, known for their blade-like arms and ferocity in battle.

Once you figure out how to use him properly, he can easily become one of the most OP characters in a game. Most of his fatalities are awesome as well. Also, can I talk about his design? He looks awesome! Just pure perfection.

If you learn his combos and figure out how to use him properly, Baraka can be one of the most powerful characters in the game. Very fun to play as and one of the coolest-looking characters in all of Mortal Kombat.

This guy scared me back in the '90s Mortal Kombat, and his bite throw attack was always painful to watch - in a good way.
Ermac

Ermac is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise developed by Midway Games. He originated from rumors about a diagnostics menu in the original game that displayed the term ERMACS, which some players believed indicated a secret character. Due to fan interest, he was eventually... read more

Ermac is so radical! Mysterious, powerful, cool, awesome, amazing - these are just a few words that can describe Ermac. He is the most unique character I have ever seen. I never knew anywhere else where there's a character with a bunch of souls inside.
I love his fighting style and everything about him! I also love Noob. I wish I could vote for them both. They both have the best fatalities.

From the first Mortal Kombat game I had, as soon as I unlocked Ermac, I used him the entire time and won every time I used him. I love the new look for him in the most recent game and love his fatalities.
Noob Saibot

Noob Saibot is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat video game series. He first appeared as a hidden, unplayable character in Mortal Kombat II, depicted as a dark silhouette of other male ninjas.
He later became a playable character in the console versions of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. His... read more

Dark and beautiful as the night, the shadow of a fallen warrior, brought back by the sorcerer Quan Chi. The original Sub-Zero, dying at the hands of Scorpion, after Quan Chi had deceived Scorpion into believing that Sub-Zero slayed his family and clan.

Noob is always one of the best fighters. He is so efficient in his fighting abilities, it's like none of his moves are a waste. He comes in and wrecks shop. He deserves the top 10 at least!

Noob Saibot is my favorite character, under Reptile and Ermac. But he is really cheap in the fighting moves. My sister really ruined him though. She kept doing a back punch to my face and didn't let me move. Still, he's one of my favorites!

The Newcomers

?
Kronika

One of the best bosses in the franchise, especially because she's the first female one.
?
Kreeya

The Contenders

Sonya Blade

Sonya Blade is a video game character from the Mortal Kombat series. She made her debut in the original Mortal Kombat game released in 1992. Added late in development, she became the franchise's first female fighter and has remained an important character throughout the series.... read more

She is so forthright - like she is sexy, deadly, and she certainly isn't easy to beat. Just like she beat Raiden and Kano in Mortal Kombat 9.

Sonya Blade all the way! Strong, sexy, deadly - a great combination. She's a classic character that is in every game!

Everyone else has pretty much said it, but she's smart, strong, and incredibly sexy.
Mileena

Mileena is a character from the Mortal Kombat franchise who debuted in Mortal Kombat II. She is a clone of Kitana, created by Shang Tsung using Tarkatan DNA, which gave her the razor-sharp teeth typical of Tarkatans like Baraka. Mileena harbors hatred for Kitana and seeks to destroy her and assume her... read more

Mileena is the sexiest and the most beautiful character in Mortal Kombat! She is so much better than Kitana, even if she is her clone. She earned the title "Beauty and the Beast" not just because of her facial features, but also because of her fighting style.
She is beautiful just the way she is, so all of you need to stop hating! Plus, in her own way, she's a "Diva". Do not make me get Beyoncé up in here because I will!

Mileena has an infectious and freaky charisma to her, while also being an insanely unpredictable and interesting character that captivates you with her story and decisions. She is an excellent villain with a unique character design and personality type, especially in MKX.
Shao Kahn

Shao Kahn is a boss, announcer, and recurring playable character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. Introduced in Mortal Kombat II in 1993, he is the primary antagonist of the video game series and its extended franchise.... read more

All the gods in the sky couldn't beat this guy. He's like the best and most powerful character in the whole series. Also, he raised Kitana as well as a father could raise a traitorous daughter, and he loved his wife as much as he was capable of loving anyone.
He's not that evil... not altogether, anyway. Also, he's the announcer, he breaks the fourth wall, and he literally cannot die!

I actually judge them by personality. I think his is the best. People are like, "What do you mean his personality is the best? He's pure evil!" I try to explain, but they never understand.
I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't think that he's such a bad guy, especially in MK 11. I would attempt an explanation, but there is no point. No one could understand, but I still like him best.
Kung Lao

Kung Lao is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise, developed by Midway Games and later NetherRealm Studios. A Shaolin monk, he made his first appearance in Mortal Kombat II in 1993.
He is depicted as a key hero in the series and was one of the main characters in the... read more

What? You thought he died? Think again. It looks like there is more than one Kung Lao, and so he fits into the top 10 like he did beat Goro, but sadly he got killed by Shao Kahn.

Kung Lao has been around forever and is a fierce Shaolin Warrior. In the original series, he actually beat Liu Kang.

Because when he fights, he defies speed. He is also a magician. He'll take that bunny out of his hat to feed his foes as if it were carrots.
Smoke

Smoke is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise developed by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. He made his debut as a hidden opponent in Mortal Kombat II in 1993 and became a secret playable character in Mortal Kombat 3 in 1995.... read more

Smoke is definitely my favorite because of his teleporting abilities. He is able to destroy you without letting you hit him and can even go straight through projectiles!

He has always been my favorite ninja. He has the coolest ninja idea. He resembles what ninjas are supposed to be like.

Great in both cyborg and human versions, although I like the human one the most.
Jax

Jackson "Jax" Briggs is a fictional character from the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise created by Midway Games. He first appeared in Mortal Kombat II in 1993. Jax is known for his cybernetic arms and military background.... read more

Jax is nothing less than a beast. He should have at least been in the top 20.

This is my favorite Mortal Kombat character. He brings a gun to a fistfight!

Jax is a cheater. He put his own arms on and said, I'm boss. Well, you are a cheater, and he is a bad fighter.
Goro

Goro is a fictional character from the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. He first appears in the original Mortal Kombat as an unplayable boss character who must be defeated before the player can face the final boss, Shang Tsung. Goro is a Shokan warrior, a four-armed half-human, half-dragon species... read more

It's tied! The two main bosses in MK 1 were tied. Well, let's explain. Goro is a Shokan, a cool one, not Kintaro or Sheeva. And Shang Tsung, a perfect final boss that beats up most people. He steals souls and turns into them!

Goro is one of the most iconic video game characters of all time! Plus, he looks awesome! When you see Goro, you immediately think of Mortal Kombat. My favorite MK character for sure!

Think of him as Hulk with four arms and is 2,000 years old. Why isn't he #1 again? Oh, and he knows martial arts. Enough said...
Kenshi

Takahashi Kenshi is a fictional character from the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise, originally developed by Midway Games. He debuted in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, released in 2002. Kenshi is a blind swordsman who possesses telekinetic abilities, making him a unique fighter in the series.

Kenshi rose from the ashes of a pretty crappy MK game. He made me believe that MK still had a chance at being great. He was left to die when Shao Kahn tricked him into opening a tomb with lost souls.
These souls then blinded him, leaving him to die, but Kenshi found the sword of his ancestors and waited several years so that he could get used to being blind and so he could have his revenge.

Kenshi is just such an amazing character in that even though he is blind, he still has more skill than most fighters on this roster. He puts Scorpion to shame with his swordsman skills and has telepathic powers to rival Ermac.
Plus, he does all this blind. A badass sword full of ghosts... Definitely the best character in MK.
Kabal

Kabal is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series, who made his debut in Mortal Kombat 3.

Now, I'm not going to argue with anyone on this, Kabal is a beast. Mysterious, cool, and the best Black Dragon member next to Kano! To be honest, I hated when Kabal died from Mavado, but Mavado at least looks cool. So in any way, I care but don't care, it's a win-win!

His fatality is awesome. I mean, turning your opponent small and squashing them like a bug, and then wiping your feet off? BRUTAL.

I'm glad they toned Kabal down a lot since they first introduced him to the series. Kabal has always been an incredibly powerful character.
Cyrax

Cyrax is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series, who made his debut in Mortal Kombat 3.

He's the best character, especially in Deadly Alliance. His special moves are great, and his fight style is easy to master. Plus, he can shoot a chainsaw out of his chest, best character ever!

An amazing character truly deserves a top 10 placement with his combos and fatalities. Great as human and robot form, and one of the most realistic.

You can't mess with the robots, especially Cyrax.
Nightwolf

Nightwolf is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. He first appeared in Mortal Kombat 3, which was released in 1995. The character is known for his Native American heritage and his spiritual powers, which play a key role in his fighting style.

Awesome dude with a great moveset, particularly the heavenly light that accompanies him, and an interesting character design and story! Plus, he took down the overpowered, screeching Sindel. Enough said.

Native America done right! Well, close enough anyway. Consistently a great fighter and is a wonderful counterpart to the Liu Kang/Kung Lao followers of the Thunder God motif.

His green glowing weapons are part of the boss on ladder mode, which are really strong (if you can use them). If you are good with him, also try Kratos.
Jade

Jade is a fictional character from the Mortal Kombat fighting game series by Midway Games. She debuted in 1993's Mortal Kombat II as an unplayable secret character, presented as a green palette swap of Kitana, and became playable in Ultimate Mortal Kombat... read more

She should be in the top 10!
She must be in the top 10! Where was this score based? Duh!
Kung Lao should also be in the top 10 with Jade and Nightwolf. What else can I say? Please include her because she is sexy, strong, talented, and was the representative of MK in Girls Gone Wired.

Like Mileena, she is hot and could beat people. Her moves are okay.

Jade is a kicking woman and a master of Kung Fu.
Shang Tsung

Shang Tsung is a character from the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. He first appeared in the original 1992 arcade game as the final boss. Known for his sorcery and ability to steal the souls of defeated opponents, he remains one of the franchise's most enduring villains.

Shang Tsung is one of the hardest characters to play as. Why? Because in order to play him effectively, you must know how to play as ALL of the Mortal Kombat characters, which makes Shang Tsung the most deadly character in the franchise when put in the hands of a skilled player.

Shang Tsung is a sorcerer with great power. He can raise his hand to release a fireball. In games MK 1, 2, 3, he can exchange bodies. Shang has the power of reincarnation. He can stop time and manipulate it. In the film MK 1, Shang has great power, and in the series MK Conquest, Shang can transmit souls.
Rain

Rain is a pretty good character, but there is no reason not to like him! ScrewAttack was not right about Rain being the worst character! I'll tell you, he has it clever by being purple and named Rain, ha. But still, he is my second favorite ninja. Haters got to hate!

Let's face it. He can make you explode! How awesome is that? He makes water so much cooler. Move over, SpongeBob, there's a new water guy in town.

Water was always my favorite element. I'm glad they added a ninja who can control water. Definitely my #3 favorite character after Subbie and Scorp!
Kano

Kano is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. He is one of the original characters, making his debut in the first Mortal Kombat arcade game in 1992. Kano is known for his cybernetic eye and affiliation with the Black Dragon crime organization.

Kano is the best non-ninja character in all of Mortal Kombat. I only rank Reptile, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Ermac, Rain, Smoke, and Noob Saibot higher due to their amazing designs, color palettes, backstories, and fighting styles. However, when it comes to choosing a non-ninja character, Kano takes the cake for me. I prefer him over everyone else except for the ninjas.
After Kano, I also like Baraka, Goro, Kintaro, Motaro, and Mileena. But Kano is amazing in all the games (especially in Mortal Kombat 11), and Trevor Goddard's performance in the movie was outstanding.

Underrated character who gets ruled out by players who like Sonya and co. I like Sonya as well, but Kano is better to play as in my opinion. High damage, good combos, relatively easy to play as.
If he isn't a good character, then why do various characters rip off his moves? Jarek, Kobra, Kira, Hsu Hao, and even Sub-Zero stole his skeleton rip fatality.