5 Memorable Mortal Kombat Fatalities That Made Us Fans

Mortal Kombat Pit Fatality

While most fatalities in the Mortal Kombat series are specific moves done by each unique fighter in order to rub in their face just how defeated they are, this particular one can be done by whomever, and it is an absolute classic. Standing atop the high bridge in this stage from the very first Mortal Kombat and hearing the words “Finish Him” sent a chill running the victor’s spince because they knew they were about to see something truly special. Players quickly rushed up to their opponent only to deliver a sudden uppercut knocking them off the bridge and plummeting to the bottom of the stage. Awaiting the poor losers was a pit of extremely sharp spikes, complete with the remains of other losers.

Different variations of this very death, and other environmental fatalities have been introduced in the decades since we all enjoyed knocking our friends into this pit, but none have that classic feel. This is the one that started it all, and it will always be remembered as one of the very best.

Sub-Zero’s Spine Rip

Sub-Zero is an odd fighter. While he is one of the most iconic fighters in Mortal Kombat‘s history, his fatalities don’t always match up. Just take a look at this one, his spine rip fatality that originated in the first Mortal Kombat doesn’t use any of his cryomancing abilities. The funny thing is, this still manages to be one of the absolute greatest Mortal Kombat fatalities in the series’ history. Taking off an enemy’s head is a surefire way to exert your dominance over some loser, but Sub-Zero goes above and beyond.

When relieving his opponent’s head from its body, Sub-Zero decided that ripping out the entire spinal cord would be the proper course of action. He then proceeds to stand over your body holding it up like some sort of prize catch, almost as if to say, “Look ma! I got one!”

Liu Kang’s Non-Fatal Fatality

You got to give it to the developers for being so brave as to include a fighter that would not kill enemies with his Fatality. In the first Mortal Kombat, Liu Kang was a devout shaolin monk who was adamantly against taking the life of another combatant. He didn’t care that the Mortal Kombat Tournament was a battle to the death; rules were beneath him. Who says Fatalities have to be super deadly, anyway?

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We’re just messing with you. Of course only the best, most gruesome fatalities deserve to be on this list. So there is no way Liu Kang’s first Mortal Kombat fatality could make it here. His Mortal Kombat II fatality, however, now that’s a horse of a different color. Picture this: you’re in a heated battle with Scorpion and it’s the last round. You’re blocking and he’s yelling, “Get over here!” You manage to avoid every one of his attacks in order to take out the last bit of his health. The words “Finish Him” flash across your screen, it’s Fatality time. You input the proper button combo and suddenly that fast little karate man turns into a  huge green dragon.

This Shaolin Monk has learned how to bite, and it is a truly magnificent thing indeed. Liu Kang Wins!

 Kung Lao’s Sawblade

Fatalities in the Mortal Kombat series have gotten pretty creative over the years. New methods of cutting, crushing, burning, bashing, and tearing your opponents apart have been introduced with each successive release. But not many come close to the insane, visceral nature of one of Kung Lao’s Mortal Kombat 9 fatalities. This one is not for the squeamish.

After beating an enemy to a bloody pulp, and hearing that all too familiar phase letting him know it’s time to end things, Kung Lao walks over to the weakened body laying on the floor. He then proceeds to throw his signature, blade-rimmed hat into the ground to create a sort of table saw. Did we mention that he throws it right between the other combatant’s legs? You can probably already tell where this is going.

Grabbing both ankles of his unlucky opponent, Kung Lao proceeds to drag them until they are completely ripped in half from groin to crown. Afterwards you will see him standing with both halves in a pose to let you know that you can never go to far in Mortal Kombat. 

Jax’s Head Clap

Ah, Mortal Kombat II. It was a time when one didn’t need some bionic arms in order to fight on par with some of the realm’s greatest warriors. Just look at Jax in all his human glory. The fun really begins when the words “Finish Him” flashes across the screen. What can this man with seemingly no powers do? Well, it turns out he can do one of the goriest, and funniest Fatalities to ever grace Mortal Kombat.

Jax walks up to his defeated opponent and claps with their head between his hands. What follows is an explosion of blood that rivals the world’s greatest fountains. Jax doesn’t do too much that makes him a standout, but this fatality is certainly one of the greatest.

Of course, with a list like this, it’s impossible to include everyone’s favorites. Are there any fatalities you feel deserve a spot on this list? Which ones and why? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.