The best Mortal Kombat game is Mortal Kombat 1, the 2023 reboot that holds the highest score in the series at 86 on Metacritic. Mortal Kombat X (83) and Mortal Kombat 11 (82) lead the modern NetherRealm run, while the 1990s arcade classics are where the series’ legend began. This ranking follows critical consensus across the series.
Since the 2011 reboot, Mortal Kombat has been one of the most polished fighting-game series going. Here is the full ranking by review scores, from the modern hits to the arcade originals.
86
Mortal Kombat 1, the highest score
83
Mortal Kombat X, close behind
1992
The original arcade game that shocked gaming
2011
The reboot that revived the series
The best Mortal Kombat games, ranked
The mainline series ranked by Metacritic and critical consensus.
#
Game
Year
Metacritic
1
Mortal Kombat 1
2023
86
2
Mortal Kombat X
2015
83
3
Mortal Kombat 11
2019
82
4
Mortal Kombat (2011 reboot)
2011
81
5
Deadly Alliance
2002
81
6
Mortal Kombat II
1993
Arcade classic
7
Mortal Kombat
1992
The original
8
Deception
2004
3D-era favourite
9
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
2008
75
The top Mortal Kombat games by Metacritic — the modern reboots lead.
How we ranked them
This list follows critical consensus, led by Metacritic. The modern NetherRealm era dominates: Mortal Kombat 1 (86) is the highest-rated in franchise history, with Mortal Kombat X (83), Mortal Kombat 11 (82) and the 2011 reboot (81) all scoring well for their polished fighting and blockbuster story modes. The 1990s arcade originals — Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat II — predate Metacritic but are the cultural bedrock of the series, so they rank on legacy. We’ve focused on the mainline fighting games.
The essential Mortal Kombat games
Four games that define the series.
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Mortal Kombat 1
2023 · 86
The universe-rebooting entry — the highest-rated in the series
#1
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Mortal Kombat X
2015 · 83
Fast, brutal and packed with variations
Best combat
⏳
Mortal Kombat 11
2019 · 82
Gorgeous presentation and a blockbuster story
Best story
🔥
Mortal Kombat II
1993 · Classic
The arcade sequel that cemented the franchise
Best retro
Mortal Kombat is a mainstay of our best fighting games ranking — see how it stacks up against Street Fighter, Tekken and the rest.
Where to start
The modern reboots are the best and most accessible place to begin.
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The best entry point
Start with Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) — it’s the highest-rated, resets the story so you don’t need any background, and has the best online play. Mortal Kombat 11 is a great alternative if you want the previous game’s celebrated story mode.
Best Mortal Kombat games FAQ
What is the best Mortal Kombat game?
Mortal Kombat 1 (2023), which holds an 86 on Metacritic — the highest score in franchise history. Mortal Kombat X (83) and Mortal Kombat 11 (82) are the other modern high points.
Which Mortal Kombat has the best story mode?
Mortal Kombat 11 is widely praised for its cinematic story mode, with Mortal Kombat 1 and Mortal Kombat X close behind. NetherRealm’s story campaigns are a series highlight and part of why the modern games score so well.
Which Mortal Kombat should I play first?
Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) — it reboots the timeline, so it’s the ideal starting point with no prior knowledge needed, and it has the most active online community.
Do I need to play Mortal Kombat games in order?
No. The story runs across the modern games, but each has a self-contained campaign, and Mortal Kombat 1 resets the timeline entirely. You can start with the newest game and follow everything.
What was the first Mortal Kombat game?
The original Mortal Kombat hit arcades in 1992. Its digitised fighters and gory Fatalities made it a cultural phenomenon and helped prompt the creation of the ESRB game-ratings system.
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