Mortal Kombat 1995

Once every generation, a remarkable tournament known as Mortal Kombat occurs, orchestrated by the Elder Gods to maintain balance between the realms of the universe. This martial arts clash possesses a dire purpose: if the realm of Outworld triumphs ten times in a row, its formidable Emperor, Shao Kahn (voiced by Frank Welker), can invade and conquer Earth. With nine victories already in their possession, this tournament could mark the decisive tenth.

Handpicked by the thunderous god of lightning, Raiden (Christopher Lambert), three champions arise: the valiant Liu Kang (Robin Shou), the brash Hollywood star Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby), and the determined U.S. Special Forces officer Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson). Each warrior carries unique motives: Liu Kang seeks vengeance against Shang Tsung (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), the tournament’s host responsible for the death of his brother Chan (Steven Ho); Sonya is on the hunt for the crime lord Kano (Trevor Goddard) who murdered her partner; and Johnny, branded a fraud by media, aims to prove his worth.

Arriving at Shang Tsung’s mystical island, Liu Kang finds himself drawn to Princess Kitana (Talisa Soto), an ally and adopted daughter of Shao Kahn. Tensions rise as Shang Tsung sends the formidable creature Reptile (Keith Cooke) to keep a close watch on her. Confident and skilled, Liu Kang defeats his initial adversary, while Sonya takes revenge on Kano. In a fierce encounter, Johnny Cage battles the deadly ninja Scorpion (Chris Casamassa), who teleports him to his own dark realm; there, they engage in an intense duel, with Cage emerging victoriously.

Following this, Liu Kang faces the imposing ninja Sub-Zero (François Petit), known for his chilling defenses. Remembering Kitana’s advice to “Use the element which brings life,” Liu Kang cleverly turns the tide in his favor. The formidable Prince Goro (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson), a towering four-armed warrior, crushes his opponents with ease. Following the loss of his friend, Art Lean (Kenneth Edwards), to Goro, Johnny Cage challenges the beast after striking a deal with Shang Tsung, despite Raiden’s protests.

When Sonya is taken hostage by the desperate Shang Tsung, who utilizes the privilege to choose any opponent for a challenge, Johnny Cage and Liu Kang venture into Outworld to save her, aided by Kitana. Facing fierce challenges, Liu Kang ultimately confronts Reptile and dispenses justice.

In the tension-filled castle, Shang Tsung demands Sonya to battle him, knowing well her refusal would mean defeat for Earthrealm. However, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Kitana reveal their alliance, with Kitana chastising Shang Tsung for his betrayal. In the final showdown, Liu Kang battles Shang Tsung, confronting not only his foe but also the tortured souls of past competitors and a monstrous version of his brother, Chan, manipulated by Shang Tsung. With resilience and commitment, Liu Kang triumphs over Shang Tsung, unleashing energy that sends him plummeting to his doom, liberating all the captive souls, including Chan’s.

The warriors return to Earthrealm, greeted by joyous celebrations at the Shaolin temple. But the festivities are cut short as a colossal image of Shao Kahn looms overhead. Declaring his intention to claim their souls, the chilling scene is met with Raiden’s defiance: > “I don’t think so!” As the champions ready themselves for battle, the fight for survival continues.