Chaos, myths, fantasy-fueled action sequences, and dreamlike plot line! What’s not to love about the 2021 ‘Mortal Kombat’? Whether you are a fan of the video games or the movie adaptations, the pull of its world-building is undeniable.
With ‘Mortal Kombat II’ gearing up for a summer release this year, here’s a list of equally flashy action movie recommendations that capture everything fans love about the iconic franchise.
10. Tekken
More than it’s hard hitting, family-driven plot line and popular one-on-one fight sequences, ‘Tekken’ 2009 follows ‘Mortal Kombat’s footsteps in many ways. Like Lewis Tan’s Cole Young, Jon Foo’s Jin Kazama enters a tournament that could change the fate of the world. However, the difference lies in Jin’s motivation. His journey is all about revenge, and it is just as brutal. The film’s dystopian setting is another aspect that keeps viewers hooked!
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9. Assassin’s Creed
While the film may not have fully captured the essence of the video game franchise within its two-hour runtime, it still features several impressive shots that draw parallels between historical settings and futuristic elements. The stunts also feel surprisingly realistic, all thanks to the solid motion capture that recreates the video game’s iconic jumps.
8. Warcraft
The live-action adaptation of ‘Warcraft’ turns the chaos of ‘Mortal Kombat’ battles into a war-like setting where the opposing sides are humans and orcs instead of fighters from different realms. While it still carries many comic-book-style fantasy elements, the film does a solid job of establishing its action-fantasy world.
7. Knights of the Zodiac
This recent adaptation of the Japanese manga ‘Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac’ follows a group of protector warriors known as the ‘Saints’. With powers linked to the constellations, they protect and serve the Greek goddess Athena. The film primarily focuses on Seiya, who trains to become a Saint in order to protect Sienna, the reincarnation of Athena.
6. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Another military action film that runs purely on adrenaline, ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra‘ follows an elite group of soldiers who embark on a mission to stop the terrorist organization Cobra. Fast-paced and packed with high-tech weaponry, the film features extravagant chase sequences that capture a video-game aesthetic.
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5. Ninja Assassin
This classic action crime film follows Raizo, a ninja raised by the Ozuna Clan, who eventually rebels against the group and its leader after the death of his lover. Packed with heavy acrobatic combat and somber lighting, the film carries a strong revenge-driven theme throughout its intense action sequences and gritty stunts.
4. Hellboy
While ‘Hellboy‘ is primarily categorized as a comic-book adaptation, its fight sequences share several parallels with ‘Mortal Kombat’. Instead of ancient myths, supernatural beings take center stage in this gothic superhero film. Hellboy himself is a demon who grows up to become a trained fighter against paranormal threats. With warm-toned visuals and horror-inspired settings, it captures the blend of mythological chaos and supernatural fantasy perfectly.
3. Street Fighter
Adding a legendary classic to the list, ‘Street Fighter‘ might steer away from one-on-one duels based on physics, but it’s still pretty addictive. The film focuses on Guile, played by Jean-Claude Van Damme, who leads the fight against General Bison, a true comic-style villain. Known for its humorous dialogue, exaggerated action sequences, and bright visuals, the film remains an entertaining classic worth revisiting.
2. Blade
Wesley Snipes’ iconic role as Blade will forever go down in history as one of the most formidable gothic hunters. The ‘Blade’ franchise as a whole takes the concept of superheroes and adds gritty fight sequences to tell its vampire-hunter story. Not to mention the futuristic fashion and setting that make the first film, in particular, extra stylish.
1. John Wick
Probably the one action film franchise that surpasses many of its counterparts in cult following, ‘John Wick’ is an obvious but necessary addition to the list. Mixing martial arts with gun combat, the series is less about flashy settings or punchy dialogues and more about carefully choreographed fight sequences. They surely make the action look like a deadly dance of assassins.
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