With less than a day until its theatrical release, Mortal Kombat II has finally unveiled its Rotten Tomatoes score—and it's a game-changer. The fantasy sequel, directed by Simon McQuoid, has earned a 73% critics' rating based on 82 reviews, with 60 of them positive. That might not sound earth-shattering, but for a franchise that hasn't seen a 'fresh' live-action film since 1995, it's a major victory.
To put that in perspective, the previous three live-action Mortal Kombat movies—the 1995 original, its 1997 sequel Annihilation, and the 2021 reboot—all scored below 60% on the Tomatometer. That means Mortal Kombat II is the first live-action entry in 30 years to earn a 'fresh' rating, breaking a streak that has haunted the franchise for decades. For fans who have been waiting for a worthy follow-up, this is a huge win.
What Critics Are Saying About the Bloody Sequel
The sequel brings back fan-favorites like Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Lewis Tan, and Hiroyuki Sanada, while introducing Karl Urban as the iconic Johnny Cage. The plot follows Earthrealm's champions as they face off against Shao Kahn's dark rule in a no-holds-barred battle for survival. Critics agree that the film delivers on its promise of brutal action and faithful lore, even if it stumbles a bit in the first half.
Collider's Aidan Kelly gave the film a 7/10, noting that while the first half struggles with pacing and balancing its large ensemble, the second half is a bloody thrill ride that never lets up. CBR's Rachel Leishman also awarded a 7/10, calling it wildly entertaining and a reminder that movies can simply be an escape from reality. MovieWeb rated it 3.5/5, describing it as a 'savage sequel' that die-hard fans will love for its excessive carnage and relentless f-bombs.
A Bright Future for the Franchise
With a fresh score under its belt, the future of the Mortal Kombat film series looks promising. Another sequel is already in development, and the positive reception bodes well for the franchise's longevity. If you're looking for more fantasy franchises that keep getting better with every movie, check out our list of Fantasy Franchises That Keep Getting Better With Every Movie.
For those who can't wait to see the film, Mortal Kombat II arrives in theaters on May 8, 2026. And if you're curious about how the sequel is performing at the box office, we've got the latest on Mortal Kombat 2's $80M budget recovery in just three days.
Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, Mortal Kombat II seems to be the sequel the franchise has been waiting for. With its fresh Rotten Tomatoes score and positive buzz, it's clear that this bloody, over-the-top fantasy is ready to fight its way into the hearts of audiences everywhere.
