Top 10 Iconic Mortal Kombat Rivalries

#10: Liu Kang vs. Kung Lao

Though they aren’t in a heated and hostile rivalry, there is a sort of “sibling rivalry” going on between our favorite Shaolin Monks. Liu Kang and Kung Lao have served the same side as Earthrealm across the majority of “Mortal Kombat’s” story, but when the opportunity arises, both have a tendency to try and outdo the other. You can see some of this “Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks”, the 2011 reboot, and “Mortal Kombat 11”. It’s like watching two brothers always butting heads with each other while keeping everything in good fun. It’s wholesome!

#9: Frost vs. Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang)

This isn’t a story beat that is visited as often as it could be, but it is worth noticing for a list like this. After becoming a Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei clan, Kauai Liang began to mentor a young woman named Frost, teaching her different combat skills and how to use her freezing powers effectively. Unfortunately, Frost was the overly ambitious type and began showing hostility towards anyone who could be seen as better than her, thus leading to her betraying Kuai Liang and the Lin Kuei. And no matter the timeline, it seems that nothing can repair the relationship the teacher and student once had. It makes for interesting conflicts, though.

#8: Sub-Zero vs. Noob Saibot

The conflict between the younger Sub-Zero and the wraith Noob Saibot follows a fractured family legacy. Kauai Liang assumed the cryomancer mantle to honor his brother, Bi-Han, only to discover his sibling had been resurrected as a demon-like ghost entity. This revelation was a major plot point in “Mortal Kombat: Deception.” Their rivalry pits the Lin Kuei’s honor and pride against the literal corruption of their blood. Their battles in “11” further developed this rivalry, as Kuai Liang actually tried to reach whatever humanity remained within the wraith. It’s just one more bond broken by Quan Chi.

#7: Scorpion vs. Quan Chi

Scorpion’s rage was initially directed at the Lin Kuei, but “Mortal Kombat 4” revealed the true architect of his misery. The sorcerer Quan Chi murdered the Shirai Ryu clan and framed Sub-Zero to manipulate Scorpion. Once this deception was uncovered, Scorpion shifted his quest for vengeance toward the pale necromancer. The hunt roughly spans the middle era of the franchise and reached its official conclusion in the story mode of “Mortal Kombat X” where Scorpion finally finishes Quan Chi. Even though he’s dead on paper, we’re sure to see more of their iconic rivalry in the future, as it’s one of Netherrealm’s favorites!

#6: Shinnok vs. Raiden

Shinnok, much like Raiden, is an Elder God, albeit a fallen one. His desire for universal destruction however, puts him in direct opposition to Raiden. Their cosmic feud drives the story of “Mortal Kombat 4,” and would just like Quan Chi’s story be continued 18 years later in “Mortal Kombat X.” In his struggle to control the Jinsei, the life force of Earthrealm, Raiden’s role as a protector forces him to become more and more ruthless to contain Shinnok’s influence. Their rivalry isn’t so much about petty personal grievances as it’s just about the straight up survival of reality. It quite literally came to a head when Raiden presented Shinnok’s head to the new rulers of the Netherrealm.

#5: Sonya Blade vs. Kano

Sonya Blade and Kano actually share a rivalry that predates the very first tournament. As a Special Forces officer, Sonya has pursued the Black Dragon mercenary across the globe since the original 1992 arcade game. Theirs is a cat-and-mouse battle that’s been played out across multiple games and films. Whether fighting on Shang Tsung’s island or in modern military bases, the hatred between them never wavers. In “Mortal Kombat 11,” Sonya confronted both the present and past versions of Kano, and shot both of them in their respective remaining eyes. Talk about a vendetta.

#4: Kitana vs. Mileena

Kitana discovered the truth about her supposed “sister” in “Mortal Kombat II.” Mileena is not actually biological royalty as with Kitana, but a clone created by fusing Edenian DNA with Tarkatan blood. This revelation sparked a rivalry between them with jealousy, identity, and the throne of Outworld all coming into play. While Kitana seeks to liberate her realm, Mileena fights to prove she is the superior daughter of Shao Kahn. Their rivalry is one of the key aspects of the franchise. However, the 2023 reboot of the series shifted their dynamic, now making them actual sisters affected by a biological plague.

#3: Raiden vs. Shao Kahn

The battle between Raiden and Shao Kahn is one of the oldest rivalries in “Mortal Kombat,” taking center stage in both the original trilogy and the 2011 reboot game. Shao Kahn is a ruthless conqueror who seeks to merge Earthrealm with Outworld, while Raiden is bound by the rules of the Elder Gods to defend it. Their rivalry is a staple of the series’ lore, pretty much dictating the stakes of every tournament. From the second game through “Mortal Kombat: Armageddon,” their clashes determine the fate of billions. So, you know, it’s pretty serious!

#2: Liu Kang vs. Shang Tsung

Liu Kang and Shang Tsung embody “Mortal Kombat’s” take on more classic hero and villain archetypes. Their rivalry goes back to the very first game, where the Shaolin monk defeated the sorcerer to save Earthrealm. This beef returned in the 2020 “Aftermath” expansion to “MK11,” where they battled for control over the hourglass of time. It seems the series runs in a continuous loop of Liu Kang having to stop the evil sorcerer to prevent him from rewriting reality. This is even reflected in the new timeline, where, yet again fate pitted the two against one another.

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

Kung Lao vs. Shao Kahn

A Monk Attempts to Step Out of his Ancestor’s Shadow and Slay the Tyrant who Ended Their Bloodline

Tanya vs. Jade

A Personal Clash of Ideals Between a Steadfast Protector of the Edenian Throne and a Traitor who Prioritizes Survival Over Loyalty

Sheeva vs. Motaro

A Brutal Rivalry Between Shokan and Centaurian, Who is Stronger?

Sektor vs. Cyrax

One Embraces Their Cyborg Body… The Other Remembers

#1: Scorpion vs. Sub-Zero (Bi-Han)

The feud between Scorpion and Sub-Zero is the most prominent rivalry in the fighting game genre. It began as a simple revenge story and evolved into a franchise-spanning saga of death and reconciliation. The two ninjas have appeared in nearly every game and film adaptation, essentially serving as the face of the series. It goes beyond mere rivalry, though, with the falling of the original Sub-Zero and the subsequent rise of his younger brother, who eventually went on to form an alliance with Scorpion. In the new 2023 timeline, their relationship was reimagined instead as a brotherhood within the same clan.

Those were our top 10 picks for the most iconic rivalries in the “Mortal Kombat” franchise! Which rivalry did you like the most? Did we miss one? Tell us in the comments below!