What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMortal Kombat
Simon McQuoid · Film · 2021
If you loved Mortal Kombat, start with Mortal Kombat: Legacy (Kevin Tancharoen, 2011) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Mortal Kombat across media.
What hooked you in Mortal Kombat was the visceral thrill of an ordinary person discovering an extraordinary, high-stakes destiny through brutal combat.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Mortal Kombat: Legacy
Kevin Tancharoen · Series · 2011
Adaptation
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge
Film · 2020
Adaptation
Mortal Kombat II
Simon McQuoid · Film · 2026
Books on the same thread
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 1
Koyoharu Gotouge · Book
Explores: revenge, sibling bond, tragic loss.
If you appreciated the martial arts intensity of Mortal Kombat, you will connect with this story of a protagonist forced into a violent path to avenge his slaughtered family.
Demon Slayer
Koyoharu Gotoge · Book · 2018
Explores: Sibling Bond, Grief, Moral Duty.
The transformation and moral duty found here echo the supernatural stakes of Mortal Kombat, grounding the high-octane action in a deeply personal quest for survival and family protection.
Fairy Tale
Stephen King · Book
Explores: coming of age, good versus evil, interdimensional travel.
Much like the interdimensional conflict in Mortal Kombat, this story thrusts an unsuspecting character into a dangerous new realm where the balance of power depends entirely on his actions.
Mockingjay
Suzanne Collins · Book · 2010
Explores: Rebellion, Totalitarianism, Propaganda.
The high-stakes war and rebellion depicted here mirror the desperate struggle for survival seen in Mortal Kombat, focusing on the heavy burden of being a central figure in conflict.
Series on the same thread
Invincible
Series · 2021
Explores: Father-Son Relationship, Superhero Legacy, Brutal Superhero.
You will recognize the brutal combat and the struggle to live up to a legacy that defined Mortal Kombat, as this story explores the harsh realities of superhuman power.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Michael Dante DiMartino · Series · 2005
Shares 2 threads with Mortal Kombat: Destiny, Martial Arts Fantasy.
This series captures the same martial arts fantasy spirit as Mortal Kombat, following a hero who must master his destiny to protect the world from an existential threat.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Series · 2019
Explores: Demon Hunting, Sisterhood, Revenge.
The relentless journey to overcome powerful enemies and avenge the fallen in Mortal Kombat is perfectly mirrored in this intense battle against supernatural forces to save a loved one.
Dragon Ball Z
Series · 1989
Explores: Good vs Evil, Protecting Earth, Transformations.
This classic series delivers the same focus on specialized martial arts and world-saving tournaments that made Mortal Kombat a definitive experience for fans of combat-driven storytelling.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
If you enjoy the team-based dynamics and high-fantasy stakes of Mortal Kombat, you will appreciate this group of adventurers navigating dangerous, improvised quests through a challenging fantasy landscape.
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Fantasy Football · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Competitive gaming, Data-driven decision making, Expert commentary.
While distinct from the combat of Mortal Kombat, the competitive intensity and strategic focus here appeal to the same desire for high-stakes mastery and expert-level performance analysis.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Mortal Kombat (2021) related to Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge?
Mortal Kombat (2021) and Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge are separate adaptations of the same franchise. While both feature the iconic tournament and core characters, they are distinct productions with different creative teams and narratives rather than being direct sequels or parts of the same cinematic universe.
What is the premise of Mortal Kombat (2021)?
In Mortal Kombat (2021), a washed-up MMA fighter named Cole Young discovers his heritage while being hunted by Sub-Zero. He joins forces with Earth's greatest champions to train and prepare for a high-stakes battle against Emperor Shang Tsung and the forces of Outworld to save the universe.
Should I watch Mortal Kombat: Legacy before the 2021 film?
You do not need to watch Mortal Kombat: Legacy to understand the 2021 film. Mortal Kombat (2021) is a standalone cinematic adaptation that introduces its own version of the lore, characters, and plot, functioning independently from the 2011 web series or other previous adaptations of the franchise.
Is there a sequel to the 2021 movie?
Yes, a follow-up titled Mortal Kombat II is scheduled for release in 2026. This upcoming film serves as the direct sequel to the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie, continuing the story established by director Simon McQuoid regarding the conflict between Earth's champions and the enemies of Outworld.