Top 20 Greatest Mortal Kombat Characters of All Time

The original big bad; Shang Tsung slips seamlessly into the role of the sinister old man with a propensity for theatrics and questionable hygiene. Shang Tsung’s greatest trait is an ability to shape-shift into the other fighters, although this move’s flexibility varies from game to game. As a boss, Shang Tsung prefers to approach battles strategically and acts as an interesting counterpoint to the brutal Shao Kahn. Though perhaps he’s best remembered by his portrayal in the 1995 film by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, a role he got to reprise in the most recent Mortal Kombat 11.

A stern military dude with a talent for ripping limbs from bodies, Jax looks, acts, and plays like a straightforward bruiser, which is hardly a bad thing. While Jax's design is fairly simplistic in "Mortal Kombat II," the later games provide the soldier a cybernetic makeover to compliment the character's beastly fighting style and readiness to go the extra mile to get the job done. Since 2011's "Mortal Kombat," Jax and Ermac have enjoyed an entertaining rivalry.

As a clone of Edenia's Princess, Mileena's entire existence threatens to be defined solely by an undying hatred for Kitana. Although the female fighter is initially consumed by this rivalry, Mileena grows exponentially over the years, occasionally even managing to outshine Kitana. Often entering fights dressed in virtually nothing, Mileena's beauty masks an untamed and animalistic essence, both literally and figuratively. Mileena is more than just a killing machine with a revealing wardrobe and a face only Baraka could love.

Reigning over Shang Tsung, Goro, Kitaro, and nearly every other major villain; Shao Kahn is the closest character to a main antagonist in the franchise. Blending overwhelming strength, proficiency in magic, a really huge hammer and a habit to taunt his opponent during a fight; Shao Kahn earns the nickname of the Konqueror. In those rare instances when the character is playable, Shao Kahn proves to be just as gratifying to control as the villain is to fight.

Starting out as "Mortal Kombat's" token female fighter, for better or worse, Sonya Blade is arguably the original game's most normal combatant. A Special Forces operative with a no-bullshit albeit impulsive temperament, Sonya acts as a grounded counterpoint to characters like Raiden and Johnny Cage. Even if the soldier's costume frequently fluctuates between conservative and skin-tight attire, Sonya's badass nature has never disappeared. While many other deadly women have come and gone, Sonya continues to persevere.

Despite the sixth generation entries introducing dozens of fighters, memorable new characters are few and far between outside of the original trilogy. That being said, Kenshi is an exception. Seeking revenge on Shang Tsung, "Mortal Kombat's" nimble swordsman boasts a fantastic design that would not look out of place in a good "Star Wars" film. Utilizing a myriad of telekinetic and spiritual expertise to supplement a loss of eyesight, Kenshi is a katana-wielding warrior on a mission to protect the Earthrealm from evildoers. Essentially, Kenshi is a superhero.

Pacifism has no place in Earthrealm, so this well-intentioned Shaolin monk must forgo a quiet life in favor of cutting people in half with a Razor-Rimmed Hat. In the original timeline, Kung Lao has no tangible goal besides a desire for peace, while 2011's "Mortal Kombat" highlights the monk's similarities to Liu Kang by forging a rivalry between the two. Although more than capable as a martial artist, Lao's hat tends to hog the limelight. After all, few weapons are as remarkable as a metal-plated sombrero of death.

Debuting alongside Mileena in the second game, Kitana delivered female ninjas to "Mortal Kombat" and seems unlikely to ever leave. Imprisoned and groomed as a child by Shao Kahn, Kitana eventually breaks free of the Konqueror's grasp and sets out to exact revenge on the arrogant villain. Be it Quan Chi or Sindel, many of the series' major antagonists are linked to Kitana, so Edenia's Princess is both popular and important.

Has any other character gone through as many changes as the God of Thunder? In the first game he was little more than a throwaway villain, but was retconned in Mortal Kombat 2 and for the rest of the series as the protector of the Earthrealm and is even temporarily promoted to an Elder God, although the reboot timeline reverts the electrifying warrior back as a lesser god. Loosely inspired by "Big Trouble in Little China," Raiden fires bolts of lightning at his enemies and has a knack for flying tackles. That move frankly never gets old, but what the hell is he saying?

Debuting in "Mortal Kombat X" as the daughter of Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade, Cassie has the requisite charisma to assume the role of the franchise's story protagonist. Blending Sonya's military training with Johnny's endearingly flashy nature, Cassie pays homage to two legacy characters without feeling derivative of either. Along with being quite likable and entertaining to control, Cassie's fatalities just about fall on the right side of cheesy. A quick warning; Cassie's "Nut Kracker" attack may force male players to cross their legs and wince.

Based on Jean-Claude Van Damme, Johnny Cage can always be relied upon to inject some much-needed humor into proceedings. That being said, Johnny is much more than a one-liner dispensary with a radical fashion sense. Arguably the original "Mortal Kombat's" most complete character, Johnny's personality is reflected through his chosen wardrobe, fighting style, and taunts. While Johnny has maturity slightly over the years, the charismatic actor has retained his penchant for self-flagellation.

For quite a lengthy period, Liu Kang acted as "Mortal Kombat's" defacto protagonist, a role more than fulfilled by this Bruce Lee-inspired Shaolin monk. Ideal for newcomers but suitable for veterans, Liu Kang is a well-rounded fighter who also happens to be able to shoot fiery dragons at his enemies. Initially coming across as somewhat of a boy scout, Liu Kang eventually shakes things up by becoming a zombie in the original timeline, and the leader of the Netherealm in the rebooted timeline.

Not to be mistaken with the original Sub-Zero, Kuai Lang dons the iconic blue uniform to exact revenge on Scorpion for killing Bi-Han. Specializing in ice attacks, Sub-Zero takes a while to break out of his shell, but the initially cold hero gradually evolves into the Earthrealm's beacon of strength and determination. Whether performing the role of a hero, Quan Chi's unwilling subordinate, or a cyborg; Sub-Zero making an appearance is always a joyous occasion.

There is a reason "Mortal Kombat's" supposed protagonists tend to be absent from the covers of the numbered games, and that person's name is Scorpion. A violent ninja from hell who refuses to pledge allegiance to any ruler, Scorpion is the franchise's quintessential anti-hero, someone willing to perform vile acts for the greater good. Usually assuming only a minor role in the main campaigns, Scorpion's own quest for closure has been a frequent high-point throughout the series. "Mortal Kombat" without Scorpion just feels wrong.