Five years after its initial release, the Mortal Kombat reboot is experiencing a major streaming resurgence. The 2021 video game adaptation, known for its bone-crunching fatalities and faithful homage to the iconic franchise, has climbed to the #2 spot on HBO's global Top 10 Movies chart over the weekend. This renewed interest comes hot on the heels of the May 2026 theatrical debut of Mortal Kombat II, which has already earned $63 million worldwide and earned a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The original 2021 film brought the beloved fighting game series back to live-action after a 24-year hiatus. Directed by Simon McQuaid, it introduced a new generation to the brutal tournament between Earthrealm and Outworld. Despite mixed critical reception—with a 55% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 2.5-star rating on Letterboxd—audiences embraced it, giving it an 85% approval rating. The film grossed over $84.4 million globally and was reported by Samba TV as the most-viewed Warner Bros. day-and-date title on HBO Max during its first 17 days, with 5.5 million households tuning in.
Why the Streaming Comeback?
The timing couldn't be better. With Mortal Kombat II now in theaters, fans are revisiting the 2021 reboot to refresh their memories on the characters and storylines. The sequel has been praised for expanding the roster and delivering even more spectacular fight sequences. As noted by CBR, the original film was "the beginning of something greater," and that promise is now being fulfilled. The streaming surge also coincides with a broader trend of video game adaptations finding new life on streaming platforms, as audiences seek out the origins of their favorite franchises.
Critics were divided on the 2021 film. Collider's Matt Goldberg gave it a D- rating, calling it "dumb fun" with mindless violence. Others argued that the film tried to balance too many leads, but still managed to showcase impressive fighting and fatality scenes. Regardless of the critical split, the movie clearly struck a chord with fans who appreciate its faithful adaptation of the game's lore and its unapologetically brutal action.
What's Next for the Franchise?
With Mortal Kombat II already making waves at the box office—having earned back its $80 million budget in just three days—the future looks bright for the franchise. The sequel's strong audience reception suggests that the creative team has addressed some of the criticisms of the first film, delivering a more focused narrative while doubling down on the over-the-top violence that fans love. For those who haven't seen the 2021 reboot, now is the perfect time to catch up before diving into the new chapter.
If you're in the mood for more action-packed entertainment, check out our coverage of Chris Hemsworth's Crime 101 heist thriller becoming Prime Video's #1 hit in May 2026. And for those who appreciate a good reboot, don't miss David Boreanaz revving up The Rockford Files reboot for January 2027.
Mortal Kombat is currently streaming on HBO Max, while Mortal Kombat II is playing in theaters nationwide. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, there's never been a better time to experience the brutal, bloody, and surprisingly addictive world of Mortal Kombat.
