Once every generation, the mystical martial arts tournament Mortal Kombat determines the fate of Earthrealm. The tournament pits the realm’s greatest warriors against champions from the dark dimension of Outworld. If Outworld wins ten consecutive tournaments, its Emperor will invade and conquer Earth. With nine victories already under their belt, Outworld needs only one more to claim ultimate victory. To defend Earthrealm, thunder god Rayden selects three champions: Shaolin monk Liu Kang, movie star Johnny Cage, and Special Forces officer Sonya Blade.
Liu Kang has a personal vendetta, seeking revenge against Shang Tsung, the tournament’s host, who killed his brother Chan and stole his soul. Sonya Blade is on a mission to capture Kano, a crime boss who murdered her partner, and is lured onto the tournament-bound ship by his taunts. Johnny Cage, meanwhile, hopes to silence critics who claim his martial arts skills are fake, proving himself in the ultimate arena.
Upon arriving at Shang Tsung’s mysterious island, the trio learns of the dangers awaiting them. Tsung orders the deadly creature Reptile to shadow Princess Kitana, the adopted daughter of the Outworld Emperor, fearing she may betray Outworld and assist the Earthrealm warriors. As the tournament begins, Liu, Johnny, and Sonya advance through the brutal rounds. Sonya manages to defeat Kano, finally avenging her partner. Johnny uses his wit and skill to overcome the deadly Scorpion, while Liu defeats the icy assassin Sub-Zero.
Meanwhile, Johnny befriends fellow competitor Art Lean, who tragically falls to Prince Goro, Outworld’s reigning champion. After Goro’s victory, Shang Tsung steals Art’s soul, fueling Johnny’s determination to take on the four-armed colossus. Despite Rayden’s warning to wait, Johnny challenges Goro, using strategy and surprise to exploit the champion’s arrogance and defeat him.
Desperate to retain control of the tournament, Shang Tsung takes Sonya hostage and retreats to Outworld. Rayden, unable to enter the realm where his powers are limited, entrusts Liu and Johnny with the task of rescuing Sonya and stopping Tsung. In Outworld, Liu encounters Reptile, who ambushes him. After a fierce fight, Liu overpowers and kills the creature. Johnny and Liu are soon joined by Kitana, who reveals the grim history of Outworld. Once a peaceful and beautiful realm, it was corrupted by the Emperor, who invaded from another dimension after winning ten consecutive tournaments. Kitana, adopted by the Emperor, has quietly opposed him ever since and now offers to guide Liu and Johnny to Shang Tsung’s fortress.
Disguised as Shang Tsung’s followers, the trio infiltrates the fortress. Inside, Kitana confronts Tsung, accusing him of betraying the Emperor, buying time for Liu and Johnny to free Sonya. Tsung challenges Johnny, but Liu steps forward to face him instead. Their battle is intense, with Liu forced to confront not only Tsung but the countless souls he has stolen over the years. At a critical moment, Tsung transforms into Liu’s late brother, Chan, in a cruel attempt to manipulate him. Liu, however, sees through the deception, finding peace in knowing he was not responsible for Chan’s death.
Liu channels his strength and launches a powerful energy attack, knocking Tsung off a ledge onto a bed of deadly spikes. With Tsung’s death, the captive souls he had taken are released, including Chan’s. Before ascending to the afterlife, Chan reassures Liu that he will always be with him in spirit and urges him to continue fighting for peace.
The victorious Earthrealm warriors return to Liu’s Shaolin temple, where a celebration awaits them. However, their jubilation is cut short when the sky darkens, and the Emperor of Outworld appears, declaring his intent to claim their souls. As thunder rolls, Rayden and the warriors stand ready, taking their fighting stances for the battles yet to come.
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