The long and convoluted story of Mortal Kombat has seen many strange events unfold. Though many the epic battles and the rivalries between characters, there are a lot of emotional scenes — even joyful ones such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion becoming friends.
However, for everything good that happens, there are also sad moments, from the loss of life to the tragic fall of a hero into villainy. It's these dark moments that keep the franchise going, pushing the players to see how this universe continues to evolve, even if it brings some tears to the eyes.
Cyrax's Dark Fate - Various
Though he was loyal to the Lin Kuei clan, Cyrax did not approve of converting into cybernetic organisms. It even led to him having to defy and betray the clan, becoming an enemy of Sektor in the process. Sadly, it was all for naught.
Cyrax ended up becoming cyberized into LK-4D4, a heartless machine with no free will. In Mortal Kombat 11, Cyrax was freed from the Cyber Lin Kuei's influence and immediately sought his own death, unable to live like a machine. Thankfully, he got his wish by sacrificing himself to help Scorpion and Sub-Zero.
Jax's Breakdown - Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)
Despite all the war and battles he had seen, Jax seemed like an unstoppable super-soldier with his bionic arms that have become one of the Mortal Kombat franchise's most iconic weapons. However, Mortal Kombat 11 showed that even super-soldiers have their limits. Jax became traumatized by his time as an undead Revenant, losing his wife Vera, and is terrified of his own daughter being in Special Forces.
It's easy to see why Jax broke but it's hard to watch the results. On his farm, he can barely keep his sanity together as he tears apart the house trying to find his phone. When it doesn't work, he destroys it, then drinks himself into slumber, thus making it easy for Kronika to turn him to her side.
Kung Lao's Dishonorable Death - Mortal Kombat (2011)
All Kung Lao has ever wanted was to be seen as Liu Kang's equal, especially since it was Lao's ancestor who was once Earthrealm's champion. Well, Kung Lao got his wish when Raiden attempted to change the timeline by making Kung Lao fight in the tournament instead of Liu Kang.
Kung Lao actually wins against both Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, two of the most powerful villains in Mortal Kombat lore! However, Shao Kahn refused to lose Mortal Kombat so he comes up behind Lao and snaps his neck without any warning. Kung Lao is a fan favorite, so his abrupt death left many shocked.
Sindel Betrays Kitana - Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)
When it comes to Kitana, the poor princess of Edenia had already been through a lot. She learned that most of her life was a lie and her adoptive father killed her real one. Kitana was also given the rank of Kitana Kahn, the new Empress of Outworld. After so much, she thought she could be happy with a resurrected mother no longer under Shang Tsung's influence.
It turns out that there was no corruption from either Shang Tsung or Shao Kahn — Sindel was simply a cruel and evil witch who betrayed Edenia to rule by Shao Kahn's side. This betrayal is a deep cut since Kitana had already lost her mother once and now Sindel wasn't even what she thought.
The Truth About Scorpion - Mortal Kombat X (2015)
The rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero is so iconic that even people who never even played the games know about them. However, the truth is that Scorpion's hatred for Sub-Zero was all manipulated by Quan Chi, who framed Bi-Han for the deaths of Scorpion's family and clan.
As a result, it's hard to not feel sorry for Scorpion even more. His entire quest for revenge turned out to be directed at someone who was never involved. Though Bi-Han was far from innocent, Scorpion wrongfully murdered him, which makes his guilt even worse.
Raiden Confronting The Revenants - Mortal Kombat X (2015)
While Shinnok began executing his plan to conquer Earthrealm, Raiden is left with the Revenants, the undead versions of the friends and loved ones he was partially responsible for. Seeing cosplay favorite Lord Raiden, the God of Thunder, be tortured both physically and emotionally by his friends is hard to watch.
It's especially brutal when it comes to his encounter with Revenant Liu Kang and Kung Lao. They were like sons to Raiden; it's easy to see his heartbreak when he sees how far gone the two are.
Hanzo's Final Moments - Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)
Hanzo Hasashi, aka Scorpion, has been through so much pain and suffering. So, it was nice to see him at peace in Mortal Kombat 11, even if it was only temporary due to Kronika's time merger. In an attempt to recruit Kharon, Hanzo meets his younger, more rage-filled self and convinces him that his quest for revenge is folly.
Sadly, the older Hanzo meets his end at the hands of D'Vorah, who poisons him, allowing him to die in his younger self's arms. Scorpion is the series' poster child and after so many ups and downs, fans weren't ready to see the old warrior die.
Raiden Kills Liu Kang - Mortal Kombat (2011)
It's later revealed to be the manipulation of Kronika but it's still a sad fact that all timelines lead to Raiden and Liu Kang becoming enemies and Liu Kang's death. In 2011's Mortal Kombat (or Mortal Kombat 9), the second timeline shows this inevitability but in a more tragic fashion.
The constant loss drives Liu Kang into anger, no longer having faith in Raiden. Liu Kang attempts to kill Raiden and in an act of self-defense, Raiden accidentally sets Liu Kang on fire which kills him. The fact that Liu Kang dies believing Raiden is the villain of the story and the one that will bring destruction is gut-wrenching.
Hanzo's Loss - Mortal Kombat (2021)
In the games, the death of Hanzo Hasashi's family and clan is only referenced or at the most, shown through quick flashbacks. However, the entire prologue of the Mortal Kombat movie is dedicated to showing the origins of Scorpion and why he hates Bi-Han, aka the first Sub-Zero, so much.
When he discovers his wife and child frozen and impaled from Sub-Zero's attack, it's not the typical action movie hero's response to loss. Hiroyuki Sanada gives a realistic performance as Hanzo; he loses his balance, cries, and almost looks as if he's going to throw up. From that moment, it's easy to root for him in his quest for revenge on Sub-Zero.
Sonya's Sacrifice - Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)
The actual act of Sonya Blade sacrificing herself to destroy Shinnok's fortress in the Netherrealm is sad, there's no denying that. However, it's the response of the other Earthrealm characters that transforms the scene into a heartbreaking one.
Cassie Cage had to leave her own mother behind and tell Johnny Cage, her father, that the woman he loved was gone forever. Their reaction as they embrace and share the loss of one of the series' most iconic characters is bound to make any fan tear up. What makes it worse is that these events are never reversed when Kronika breaks time, which makes Cassie Cage's story arc even sadder.
