Top 10 Greatest Female Mortal Kombat Fighters

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Female Mortal Kombat Characters.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the best female kombatants in the iconic fighting franchise’s history.

Who is the most underrated female fighter in “Mortal Kombat?” Let us know in the comments!

The 3D era produced its share of lackluster characters, but they weren't all bad. Putting aside her moveset, Ashrah comes with a genuinely fascinating story. A demon who turns against Quan Chi and seeks redemption through what she believes to be the Kriss sword, Ashrah goes through quite a journey, particularly in "Mortal Kombat: Deception." Ashrah is let down by a somewhat uninspired design that could have used a more unique feature than a big white hat. Although far from the most fun fighter to use in the games, this demon has plenty of positives.

Back in the days of "Mortal Kombat 2," a rumor made the rounds that a red Kitana could be unlocked. This proved to not be the case, but Skarlet did eventually become a reality in "Mortal Kombat 9." A DLC fighter, Skarlet didn't have much of a personality in her debut game, although she was entertaining enough to use. "Mortal Kombat 11" revitalized the blood-themed character with a new look, a zoning combat style, and an interesting backstory revolving around Shao Kahn. While Skarlet had to wait a long time to join "Mortal Kombat's" ranks, the best might be yet to come for the fighter.

Sindel is complicated. The mother of Kitana and the Queen of Edenia, Sindel started as a tragic character who was brainwashed by Shao Kahn, the person responsible for killing her husband and invading her realm. In the original timeline, Sindel worked well as a villain who was secretly a hero, even if she was slightly underused, but NetherRealm's "Mortal Kombat 11" took things in a different direction. Sindel is now a full-blown villain, a manipulative and conniving character who betrayed her realm and aligned with Shao Kahn. If nothing else, Sindel knows how to keep things interesting.

One of the Kombat Kids introduced in the tenth main game, Jacqui felt like a bit of an afterthought compared to Takeda and Cassie. As the daughter of Jax, Jacqui implements elements of bionics into her design, while a background in boxing and weaponry defines her combat style. "Mortal Kombat 11" gave Jacqui something of a makeover, presenting the fighter in a more modern and colorful aesthetic. Jacqui's relationship with Jax produces some effective moments in "Mortal Kombat 11," allowing the fighter to stand out from the crowd in a way that she couldn't in her debut game.

Hailing from the same species as Goro, Sheeva exists in the shadow of the Shokan prince. Introduced in "Mortal Kombat 3" as another one of Shao Kahn's lackeys, Sheeva eventually rebels against the tyrant to protect her people, establishing the Shokan as something of an anti-hero. Sheeva has run hot and cold over the years, but "Mortal Kombat" has arguably yet to introduce a more physically imposing female powerhouse. Known to occasionally stomp on the heads of her enemies, Sheeva is a destructive force of nature that deserves more time in the spotlight.

An icon that has gone through plenty of changes throughout the decades, Mileena has done more than enough to separate herself from Kitana. A clone created in the Flesh Pits to serve Shao Kahn, Mileena mixes a playful personality with unrestrained sadism and a penchant for vicious attacks. Mileena goes through quite a lot of growth in the first two entries of the recent trilogy, including a brief stint as the Outworld's ruler that does not end on too great of a note. As a fighter, Mileena is fast, deadly, and brutal; all awesome traits in "Mortal Kombat."

Stepping up to the plate as "Mortal Kombat X's" protagonist, Cassie Cage was a breath of fresh air for the franchise. The daughter of Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage, Cassie certainly has good genes, and the fighter takes elements from both parents. Combining the military might of Sonya with Johnny's appreciation for comedy, Cassie has a big personality and the moveset to back it up. Along with giving her a drone, "Mortal Kombat 11" amplifies Cassie's individuality quite a bit, stressing that this fighter is way more than just a fusion of two veteran characters.

Starting life as a secret boss, Jade has grown into an indispensable part of the series. While attached to Kitana both in her creation and in-universe, Jade has a well-established identity that makes her a blast as a fighter and a character. Armed with a transforming staff that is a lot of fun to master, Jade's combat style priorities speed and range, both traits that reflect the ninja's expertise in the art of assassination. Jade comes with a rather steep learning curve, but she is well worth the effort.

The original female Kombatant, Sonya Blade has been around since the very start, appearing in most games barring a small handful. A Special Forces operator, Sonya is strict, tough, and prone to acts of badassery. Personality-wise, Sonya's straight-laced and no-nonsense attitude bounces off well with Johnny Cage and Jax, while her rivalry with Kano and the Black Dragons produces its share of memorable moments. As a fighter, Sonya offers a healthy mix of close-quarters combat and projectiles, along with a few brutalities that reflect her Special Forces background. Sonya Blade set a pretty high standard for female fighters.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Because She Is Creepy in the Best Possible Way

Because Describing Her as the Female Sub-Zero Would Be a Disservice

Because This Goddess Lives Up to Her Reputation

The gold standard for female ninjas in "Mortal Kombat," Kitana is an awesome character who debuted in the second game and has barely missed an entry since. Armed with her iconic fans, Kitana is consistently a solid option for a main, even if she isn't always top tier. Narratively, Kitana typically finds herself playing a key part in "Mortal Kombat's" universe, primarily due to her history with Shao Kahn and her volatile relationship with Mileena. With an ever-evolving story, dependably great costumes, and solid gameplay, Kitana hits everything out of the park.