Mortal Kombat
Here's what we found in Mortal Kombat. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat (2021) is an R-rated martial arts action film, a reboot of the popular video game franchise. It centers on MMA fighter Cole Young, who discovers his connection to an ancient lineage of Earthrealm champions destined to defend their world from invaders from Outworld in a brutal tournament called Mortal Kombat. The narrative focuses on Cole and other iconic characters like Sonya Blade, Jax, Liu Kang, and Scorpion as they train to unlock their inherent powers (arcana) and face off against powerful adversaries such as Sub-Zero and Shang Tsung. The movie is primarily known for its extreme, graphic violence and intense fight sequences, staying faithful to the gruesome nature of the video games' 'fatalities.' It also features strong language and incorporates supernatural and occult themes as central elements of its fantastical world. While offering themes of family protection and good versus evil, the film's intense content makes it unsuitable for younger audiences.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film is R-rated primarily for its strong bloody violence, featuring frequent and highly graphic depictions of combat, fatalities, and dismemberment. The violence is a central and defining characteristic of the movie, consistent with the video game franchise.
The movie showcases numerous gruesome 'fatalities,' including Kano ripping out Reptile's still-beating heart, and Kung Lao vertically bisecting Nitara with his razor-rimmed hat, revealing her innards. Other intense scenes include Cole Young impaling Goro's eye and gutting him, Jax's arms being frozen and shattered by Sub-Zero, and Scorpion burning Sub-Zero alive with hellfire, leaving a charred corpse.
Profanity
The film contains extensive and strong profanity, with frequent use of expletives, contributing significantly to its R-rating. This language is present throughout the dialogue, particularly from certain characters.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are central to the entire narrative, encompassing the source of characters' powers, the existence of different realms, and the very premise of the Mortal Kombat tournament. The film's spiritual elements are explicitly non-Christian and rooted in a pagan, magical worldview.
Scary & Intense Content
The film features extremely scary and intense content, driven by its graphic violence, grotesque creature designs, and frequent life-threatening situations. The 'fatalities' are designed to be shocking and disturbing.
Would these 4 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
17+ (R-rated). The film is strictly for mature audiences due to pervasive strong bloody violence, graphic fatalities, and frequent strong language. Parental guidance is strongly advised due to the intense and disturbing nature of the content.
Good to Know
The film is heavily reliant on fan service for the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, including numerous iconic 'fatalities' and character references. Newcomer character Cole Young was created for the movie, and his inclusion was met with mixed reactions from hardcore fans of the games. The fighting choreography is generally well-regarded for its brutality and spectacle, though some critics noted issues with editing and pacing in certain fight scenes.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families