Let’s face it—Mortal Kombat has never simply been about gruesome fatalities and gratuitous button-pushing. It’s about establishing dominance in the gore-soaked arena, getting bragging rights, and showing your superiority across worlds. Over the past 30 years, enthusiasts have ardently debated which fighter is the supreme one. And with a fighting roster that’s grown well past 90 characters, the argument has only grown more bloody.
From demi-gods and gods to guest legends and top fighters, these are the 19 greatest Mortal Kombat characters of all time, ranked on a combination of lore, legacy, and raw destructive power.
1. Motaro
The centaurian sub-boss in Mortal Kombat 3 is a horror in hooves. Invulnerable to projectiles and with teleportation, Motaro is beyond a mere brute—he’s a supernatural tank. Even after his curse into the two-legged state, his power and presence on the battlefield are undeniable.
2. Sheeva
Too often in Goro’s shadow, Sheeva is a power unto herself. As Shokan queen and once Sindel’s bodyguard, she unleashes brutal strength and royal authority. Her stomp alone on the ground ended friendships and scores of rounds.
3. Argus
You won’t catch him in every match, but Argus, the god of Edenia, is the secret mastermind of Armageddon. As a god who manipulates timelines and fates, Argus might not throw the most punches, but he pulls the most strings.
4. Daegon
Daegon is the hot-headed son of Argus, driven by ambition and fire. The founder of the Red Dragon clan, this demi-god is a ruthless and powerful character with a villain path that secures him as one of the most dangerous non-elder existences in the realms.
5. Rain
Once a cheeky purple ninja Easter egg, Rain is now an outright powerhouse. A half-god who can wield hydromancy and control the weather, he’s as lethal as he is graceful—and he’s finally embracing his royal background and killing potential.
6. Goro
The first Mortal Kombat sub-boss and Outworld’s 500-year ruler. Goro’s four-armed aggression put him in myth status, and his sheer physical authority still remains the benchmark for boss-level dangers within the franchise.
7. Taven
A more obscure demi-god, Taven, was foretold to rescue the realms by defeating Blaze and redefining reality. With fire abilities, time control, and Elder God heritage, he’s got serious secret-boss juice—even if his popularity hasn’t yet caught up.
8. Quan Chi
Deceptive and deadly, this necromancer masterfully uses soul manipulation, teleportation, and control over minds. Quan Chi may not be the best fighter in a melee, but as an expert strategist and dark sorcerer, he’s one of the most lethal entities in Mortal Kombat history.
9. Scorpion (Hanzo Hasashi)
The franchise’s fiery face. Brought back from revenge, Scorpion rides hellfire, a killing spear, and centuries of war fury. Whether revenant or redeemed warrior, he’s always one of the most dreaded fighters in any chronology.
10. Shujinko
He trained with all but one of the Mortal Kombat masters and learned their powers. Despite being used by Onaga, Shujinko’s mimicry and adaptability make him one of the most skilled kombatants in history—essentially a one-man roster.
11. Stryker
He lacks powers, perhaps, but Stryker compensates with strategy, resilience, and sheer human determination. A tough-as-nails cop who outlasts supernatural assaults, he’s a testament to the fact that courage and ability still matter, no matter the presence of gods.
12. Johnny Cage
What began as comic relief has become a legacy. Johnny’s shadow abilities, fighting prowess, and survival of several world-ending dangers (with a wisecrack, naturally) demonstrate that charisma and raw ability can get you a long way—even in the Netherrealm.
13. Sonya Blade
A military legend and OG combatant, Sonya’s ferocity, strategic thinking, and hand-to-hand combat skills make her one of Earthrealm’s most dependable protectors. She’s a leader who’s battled and earned her scars and her position.
14. Batman (Guest Character)
When Batman invaded Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, he introduced intellect, gadgetry, and maximum human conditioning to the fray. He may not have abilities, but he makes up for it with prep time, self-discipline, and raw willpower.
15. Mileena
Fearsome, swift, and utterly unpredictable. Mileena is a genetically spliced combination of royalty and beast, and her ferocity on the battlefield is matched only by her guile. When she briefly ruled Outworld, it was in fear and rage.
16. Jax Briggs
After losing his arms, Jax came back stronger—literally—with cybernetic upgrades that turned him into a juggernaut. He’s been the backbone of Earthrealm’s resistance for decades, and his resilience is as legendary as his fists.
17. Kenshi
Blind but far from helpless, Kenshi’s telekinetic swordplay and spiritual powers make him a standout warrior. His mix of mysticism, tragedy, and martial skill has secured his place among Mortal Kombat’s most respected champions.
18. Skarlet
She’s blood magic personified—born of blood and using it as a tool of destruction. Skarlet is perhaps the grimmest and most innovative combatant in the roster, and her lethal beauty has made her popular with fans in later installments.
19. Alien (Guest Character)
When the Xenomorph appeared in Mortal Kombat, it took every ounce of horror along with it. Acid blood, quick combos, and the frightening capability to utilize other species’ attributes (such as Tarkatan blades) make it stand out as one of the most unforgettable and savage guest fighters.
The universe of Mortal Kombat is a violent playground of gods, demons, and mortal fighters, all fighting for supremacy across worlds. Though some fighters are brute, others are magic or tech, the most powerful characters are notable for their lore, adaptability, and sheer influence on the franchise. Whether glory, gore, or grind is your thing, these 19 kombatants have earned their place in the pantheon of power.