As Mortal Kombat II finally lands in theaters, the franchise's 2021 reboot is experiencing a massive streaming resurgence on HBO Max. The fantasy action film, which rebooted the beloved video game series for a new generation, has shot up the platform's charts, proving that fans are eager for more bloody battles and iconic fatalities.
Two days ago, the 2021 Mortal Kombat entered HBO Max's U.S. top 10 at No. 10, and it has since climbed to No. 6. But the surge isn't limited to America—the film is also trending in the top 10 across several European countries, including Denmark, Finland, Belgium, and France. It's even making waves on Prime Video in Belgium, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, as well as on VOD platforms in multiple international territories.
A Franchise Reborn
The 2021 reboot, directed by Simon McQuoid, marked the third live-action entry in the Mortal Kombat film series. While critics were mixed, fans praised its faithfulness to the source material—a stark contrast to the 1995 original and its 1997 sequel, which left the franchise in development hell for nearly two decades. The reboot's success led Warner Bros. to greenlight Mortal Kombat II in January 2022, with McQuoid returning to direct and Jeremy Slater penning the script.
The sequel brings back a host of familiar faces, including Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman (in a new role), Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano, Joe Taslim, and Hiroyuki Sanada. Newcomers Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Adeline Rudolph, and Tati Gabrielle join the fray, adding fresh energy to the franchise.
Critical Reception: A Bloody Improvement
Early reactions to Mortal Kombat II suggest it's a significant step up from its predecessor. The film recently earned its Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its brutal action sequences and a strong rating that breaks the franchise's decade-long streak of "rotten" scores for live-action entries. The sequel pits fan-favorite champions—now joined by Johnny Cage—against the dark rule of Shao Kahn in an all-out battle for Earthrealm's survival.
For those who haven't caught up, the 2021 reboot is streaming now on HBO Max, offering a perfect primer before diving into the new theatrical release. And if you're hungry for more fantasy action, check out our take on why Enter the Dragon deserves a modern revival.
What's Next for the Franchise?
With Mortal Kombat II now in theaters and the original reboot climbing streaming charts, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Fans are already buzzing about potential future installments, and with Ed Boon teasing new game content, the universe continues to expand. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, now is the perfect time to get in on the action.
Mortal Kombat streams on HBO Max. Mortal Kombat II is now playing in theaters.
