Board 8 > Mortal Kombat Fatality Ranking: Test Your Might!

(+) Yeah! (+)

395. Freeze Kick (Sub Zero, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezK3GW09ZEA
Another Sparta Punt today! Sub Zero is one of the characters who is less affected by the lower age rating for MK VS DC. If you were to add some blood or a few bones, this could conceivably appear in the main series.

394. Boot Squash (Jax, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgZro2DgZ2w
This is an odd fatality, but its definitely a memorable one. To think Jax could have saved everyone a lot of trouble by growing into a giant and stepping on Shao Kahn. Then again, if anyone could tank that, it would be Shao Kahn, so maybe its for the best that Jax didnt try it.

393. Soultaker (Shang Tsung, MK2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzwf2rBQdxU
All together now Your soul is mine! Getting to play as the villain of the first game in the second game is a cool way to raise the stakes, not least because you get to access moves like this. The opponent being reduced to a desiccated husk once their soul has been absorbed adds to the effect. However, later games would let Shang Tsung steal souls in other, more violent or creative ways.

392. Mr Cages Neighbourhood (Johnny Cage, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE4lHiseRTc
Like his other fatality in MK11, Johnny puts a meta twist on one his classic fatalities, this time ripping his opponent in half from MK2. That is only the start here, as Johnny takes the opportunity to practice his ventriloquism. I found this concept funnier than the other one, and there are even a few different jokes Johny can tell with his new puppet.

391. Hat Decapitation (Kung Lao, MK2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4T1c3baUpM
This version of Kung Laos iconic hat throw feels more brutal than the 3D version in MK4, thanks to the big geyser of blood gushing out from the severed neck and the body slowly falling to the floor. Kung Lao VS OddJob in a battle of the deadly hat throwers, who you got?

390. Flamethrower (Sektor, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXgdr9dZnL0
Sektor may only shoot a small burst of fire here, but its still enough to incinerate his opponent. The skeleton standing in place briefly before crumbling into ashes counts for a lot, although the flamethrower being more sustained would have also helped this rank higher.

389. Back Breaker (Shang Tsung, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZTAVqzQKjE
This feels like a toned down version of Shang Tsungs Deadly Alliance fatality. That one wasnt particularly gory either, but he did slam the opponent multiple times. That said, the opponents reaction to having their back stomped on helps sell this one.

388. Tornado Cut (Kabal, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YihKnKSXFPo
This one is a good idea, but the technology to do it justice isnt quite there yet. Pieces fly off the spinning opponent as Kabal cuts down them, but they dont correspond to the cut, as the pieces themselves are not cut in half. This is one that would be worth bringing back in a modern game. Maybe next time Kabal makes the roster?

387. Boot Squash (Jax, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TymY47yITYg
A change of camera angle helps sell this version better than the original. We get a better look at Jax as he grows, and we see just how big he is before stepping on his opponent and making a big mess. Jax hunching over slightly if he uses this fatality on an indoor stage is a nice touch.

386. Kneebone Knife (Tanya, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MknTiKyOQNk
The kneebones connected to the neckbone wait, thats not right. Tanya clearly flunked biology at school. She didnt flunk killing though, as she rips out a bone and stabs the opponent with it in a brutal fashion. I winced when the bone went into the opponents neck!

385. Electric Decapitation (Raiden, MK)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzJ0tFb-yGQ
We saw the censored version right at the start of this list, now here comes the uncensored version! Raiden can and does blow up entire bodies with his lightning, but here he shows a bit more restraint. That he can still have such an effect when hes holding back clearly establishes that the thunder god is on a level above the mortals fighting in the tournament.

384. Toasty! (Scorpion, MK2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3mvvK3Tqdc
Scorpions has levelled up his flame breath, and now he can make his opponent explode by using it! Honestly, I could do without the skeleton dancing then exploding, but I cant stay mad at this fatality for giving us the iconic Toasty! sound effect.

383. Blade Lift (Baraka, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIfyprDB5G0
This is a bit of a twist on Barakas classic fatality. Instead of the blade lift being the whole fatality, now its only a small part of it. After a couple of slashes to soften them up, Baraka lifts up the impaled opponent, but he has another surprise in store, tossing the opponent over his head instead of leaving them on his blades. This one is a good update to a classic.

382. Lightning Strike (Raiden, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWnDCvQR4dA
Raiden electrocutes his opponent until they explode, but unlike his other Deception fatality, he doesnt blow himself up in the process this time, being self-aware enough to stand at a safe distance. Fighting in a lethal tournament is dangerous enough as it is, without taking additional unnecessary risks! He also strikes a cooler pose, raising one arm to channel lightning through it, then fire it at the opponent from his other arm.

381. Bed of Nails (Shang Tsung, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB_5gjporsk
Do you want to impale your opponent on a bed of spikes, but youre not fighting on the Pit? Shang Tsungs got you covered! Slamming the opponent onto the spikes by grabbing their head makes this a bit more unique than using an uppercut or push or similar, but this fatality still feels a bit Eh, he has magic, just give him whatever.

GavsEvans123 posted...

Is there any Mortal Kombat character more forgotten than Kai?

I read the name and immediately thought "man I don't remember a character named Kai at all"

Kai is mentioned in a few character intros in MK1, so at least Liu Kang didn't forget about him while reincarnating everyone!

380. Disconnect 4 (Goro, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M74W8EmuDHQ
Im impressed that Goro has the fine motor skills necessary to break an object much smaller than him into four equal pieces. You wouldnt expect it from the big lug. That said, this fatality is relatively restrained by Goro standards because he goes for the head instead of the whole body.

379. Fist of Flame (Liu Kang, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C602bFi4QL8
Liu Kangs Fire Punch is simple and to the point, a bit like Liu Kang himself. I wonder if its super effective on Sub Zero?

378. Soultaker (Shang Tsung, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sAexMfe06U
Transforming into the opponent is a cool idea, so its a shame Shang Tsung doesnt do more with it here, like using the opponents moves against them. I understand why not, because it would take a lot of work to make a fatality that acts differently against every character on the roster, and what happens in a mirror match? That doesnt mean I have to be happy about it though!

377. Jade Cutter (Jade, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynqnBdOPXTk
Jade did the thing that happens in movies where someone gets slashed by a sword and nothing happens for a moment, but theres a delayed reaction when they fall over dead. How did she manage it with a pole? This would have made more sense for a swordfighter like Kenshi.

376. Katana Strike (Kenshi, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iWS_p5xzTE
Speaking of which, heres Kenshi! Because of the camera angle, it looks a bit like hes about to go for a third attack after the first two. He also does that little dance after the stab. He must be really happy that he won this fight!

375. Flaming Fart (Bo Rai Cho, MKD)
374. Fire Breath (Bo Rai Cho, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UXZ7u3V6uE
These are together because theyre the same idea, with the difference between them being which end the fuel comes from. Id hate to see Bo Rai Chos soiled underwear after this. That could be a fatality in itself!

373. I <3 You (Cassie Cage, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69J4iR-cAGA
Sorry Cassie, but youre late to the party on this one. Your father did this fatality first and better, so the lack of originality counts against you.

372. Spin Cycle (General Shao, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWVdGPZKGuE
How fast does General Shao have to spin someone to make their skin peel off? He must have a really strong arm. My favourite part of this one is the end, slamming the skeleton down with such force that it shatters. He may not be Kahn any more, but Shaos still not someone you want to mess with.

371. Last Dance (Kano, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e86Vn4Oa6N0
Call him a bogan, thats fine, its his slogan! Glassing someone is certainly on-brand for Kano. You just know hes started bar brawls off screen. Blood pouring out of the beer bottle reminds me of Cassies bubblegum fatality from MKX. A similarity to Sonyas daughter would probably make him really mad!

General Shao used Seismic Toss!
Enemy Sindel died!

Last Dance too low

Spin Cycle too high lol

370. Body Breaker (Lex Luthor, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKKTeLpRqyw
This fatality is brutal by this games standards. Well done MK VS DC, you made me wince! Injustice pushes its T rating pretty far, but Lex doesnt have any moves on this level in that game.

369. Acid Yak (Reptile, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG0aiRaMh3Q
Reptile vomiting acid into his opponents mouth to corrode their insides is an excellent idea, but its unfortunate that he doesnt give it more time to take effect, cutting things off early by calling dibs on the liver. I also cant help but think this would have worked better on an opponent who isnt wearing a mask.

368. Migraine (Sindel, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBPvxbU-5dY
Screaming in your ear is bad enough at the best of times, so its really going to suck when Sindel does it! This is a more concentrated force than usual for Sindel, so the result isnt as destructive.

367. Voodoo Doll (Ashrah, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5jK5PblJkI
This fatality is quite different for Mortal Kombat. The opponent gets to suffer a little from the doll being stabbed multiple times instead of instantly dying from one stab, which is a plus. Its a surprise more use isnt made of the doll in Ashrahs moveset, especially as Deception was her debut. That fact ends up counting against her because, as neat as this is, it could have been given to other characters, rather than being something that could only have been done by Ashrah.

366. Splitting Headache (Kitana, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7yLxrg_Z6Y
This fatality is the reverse of Reptiles from earlier, as this time, the first half could have been better, but the second half picks up. Kitana opening her fans to cut the opponent is good, but the first fan looks like it should have more of an effect than it does. It looks like the opponent is cut in half, but the upper half remains attached when the body falls, so either its just a cut or the fall is too slow for the two halves to separate. Cutting the head in half in a manner reminiscent of Rambos fatality does a lot to lift this one up.

365. Gorenado (Kitana, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCfFBkEYu6g
Just like the last fatality, Kitana has another one that feels like it should be doing a lot more. After opening up her opponent and spinning to suck in their intestines, the logical next step is to suck in the rest of the opponents internal organs, followed by their body to be ripped apart by the spin, but Kitana is content to stop with the intestines. An uncommon display of mercy, or as merciful as fatalities can be, at least.

364. Tight Squeeze (Kotal Kahn, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqyJgg27pAM
Kotals going to have to learn how to control his pressure if he wants anyone to be his little pogchamp. This is a bearhug Zangief would be proud of!

363. Sonic Screech (Sindel, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1Dr4gpsvao
A deadly scream fatality is par for the course for Sindel, but what this lacks in inspiration, it makes up for in execution. The opponent slowly breaking apart as they lose body parts one by one feels really satisfying.

362. On Your Knees (Quan Chi, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuDWGz9shhM
Quan Chi cuts off the opponents feet in style here with a spinning sweep. Aside from that, there are lots of different characters who could have done this.

361. To the Choppa (Sonya, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iibG4hRt6bQ
Did Sonya just use the first half of Kanos MK VS DC fatality? I guess that fatality did have a use after all! I think this would have been better if the toss sent the opponent all the way up into the propeller instead of getting most of the way there and needing a clip emptied into them to finish the job. The gunshots end up diminishing the throw because of how many are needed.

Ashrah's voodoo Fatality was interesting indeed.

360. Super Quad Slam (Jax, MK2 GG)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LnnUjxH_t8
A handheld exclusive fatality here. We havent had one of these in a while! Jax slamming the opponent from side to side like a ragdoll until they explode has some pleasing weight behind it, thanks to the screen shaking and audio accompanying each impact.

359. Bloodbath (Skarlet, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpjao7ZggVw
Technically, this is more of a blood shower than a blood bath, as the blood is spurting over Skarlet instead of her running the blood into a bath then submerging herself in it. Anyway, Skarlet absorbing the blood of her enemies through contact with her skin is as good a reason as any for her to be wearing a revealing outfit. Its almost as much of an excuse as Quiet in Metal Gear Solid V.

358. Face Like a Dropped Pie (Kano, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvGkdNTVfy0
Like Kano's other MK11 fatality, this one also evokes bar brawls. The metal plate in Kanos head makes his headbutts extra painful. He usually uses it to fire lasers, so this may be more simple than that, but its still a bit of variety.

357. Time Served (Stryker, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT0EEy92yA0
We can agree that Stryker will never be playable again, right? At least not in his current form. He would have to join Special Forces or the OIA to be in with a chance. I like the gunshot having an action replay.

356. Hook Up (Kabal, MKD)
355. Hook Up (Kabal, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvXLamhoVTc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4pO63VMdSs
These two are a good example of how presentation can make a difference. Its pretty much the same move, but the MK9 version has a couple of extra touches to it to improve on the Deception version, like the touch of slow motion in the middle, and of course, the opponents head remaining on Kabals hooksword. A generational leap in hardware also lets the MK9 version have more detailed gore.

354. Shaolin Evisceration (Shujinko, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8E-S_SSogo
Shujinko uses his swords again like in his other fatality, but this time its a lot flashier. Carving up the opponent and kicking them apart is more interesting than using them as a sword rack.

353. Freaky Face (Kabal, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmOrKCcbc7w
Smart idea ghost, run towards the thing that literally scared you to death! This is just the right amount of silly to work, in contrast to his inflation fatality, which went too far into silly territory.

352. Mouthful (Sindel, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZnSvzZHfiI
Both of Sindels MK9 fatalities involve her opponents head exploding from a scream, but this one is both more creative and more destructive. Creating orbs of energy from her screams could be fun to incorporate into Sindels moveset if they decide to change her gameplan at some point.

351. Have a Blast (Stryker, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNQIDvXx_kA
Now that grenade definitely isnt standard police issue! I like Stryker shoving it in real deep to make sure the opponent cant simply pull it out. Cool guys dont look at explosions, but here theres a practical reason for it as well, as turning away minimises the blood splatter in Strykers face.

GavsEvans123 posted...

We can agree that Stryker will never be playable again, right? At least not in his current form. He would have to join Special Forces or the OIA to be in with a chance.

Because of real life issues, right?

350. Hat Toss (Kung Lao, MKDA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVGCj16ioh8
Instead of cutting up his opponent with the hat, this time Kung Lao flexes on them instead. I like the kick to dislodge the hat, but I think it would be a bigger flex if the hat landed on Kung Laos head instead of him catching it, then putting it on or placing it on his back, depending on which costume hes wearing.

349. Freeze Slam (Sub Zero, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aai6dwmfLN8
This is somewhat similar to the backbreaker Johnny Cage had in Mortal Kombat Trilogy, but with Sub Zero putting his own icy spin on it. The force with which he slams down the frozen opponent is good. Notice Subs hand placement when he freezes his victim is he a booty warrior?

348. Torso Rip (Johnny Cage, MK4)
347. Torso Rip (Noob, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOs68l0fPiI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKI8ozUh1E4
Johnny previously used this fatality in MK2, but it seems hes a little rusty, as he has to struggle a bit more to rip off the top half. The camera movement can obscure parts of this depending on the stage, which is a problem, but the movement is slowed down somewhat in Noobs version.

346. Heads Up (Johnny Cage, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma53nyLdTZc
As the fatalities get longer and more elaborate in the modern games, some characters have two of their older fatalities combined into one. Sometimes this can work really well, but other times, like this for example, its just ok. The torso rip seems unnecessary after the uppercut decapitation, but Johnny catching the head as it falls makes up for it.

345. Stretch and Slam (Dairou, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFqpFEKJU24
This didnt end the way I was expecting. When Dairou was pressing down, I thought he was going to rip the opponent in half from the pressure and hold up the top half by the arms. Having them explode is all right, but I think what I was expecting would have been better.

344. Phasing Through Time (Geras, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtEas9xpqJQ
I see the phasing, but I dont get where the time part comes in. This would have been better if Geras froze time, did his attacks, then restarted time and all the injuries happened at once.

343. Wind Blade (Fujin, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBERiTTYlSI
Fujin used Razor Wind! Its super effective! When was the last time you anyone use Razor Wind? Its a two turn charge move that isnt strong enough to be worth taking two turns to use. Evidently Game Freak agreed, as the move was deleted in Gen VIII. Fujins version is much better, with most of the slashes cutting something off, then the ending sword throw creating an unsteady Jenga tower of body parts. Fun fact, everyone says No! when Fujin throws his sword, except for Terminator, who stays silent and stoic to the end.

342. Thank You for your Co-operation (Robocop, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCR31euySH8&t=11s
Oh dude, Robocop shot him in the crotch. Thats so weak. I cant believe you, Robocop! Not cool, you just dont do that! I want Earthrealm to be safe, but not at the cost of losing its dignity. Id rather we lose ten consecutive tournaments and be forcibly absorbed into Outworld than be a realm of unethical crotch shooters.

341. Knife to Meet You (Kano, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7ybNmipBeo
This fatality wasnt too bad in MK VS DC, and now we get to see it in its uncensored glory. Kano aims the knives higher this time, so they can do some damage to the face and neck. The delay before throwing the second knife gives an opportunity to emphasise the injury. The opponent falling down face first and pushing the knives in further is the finishing touch, another improvement on the DC version where they fell on their back instead.

340. Hammerhead (Sheeva, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x0W_U4MAP8
Sheeva pounds her opponent into the ground. This is a good start, but it ends with the opponent stuck in the ground. Sheeva doesnt do anything more to them while theyre at her mercy. Later games would bring this idea back and take it further.

339. Fat Last Kiss (Kitana, MK2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9_kwcIJtK0
Now we know where inflation fans got their kink from! I wonder if this happens every time Kitana kisses someone or if shes able to turn it on and off at will?

338. Snowball Grenade (Sub Zero, MK2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txSWPDuLI5w
Never get into a snowball fight with Sub Zero! Im not sure why this causes the opponent to explode, but its quick and effective.

337. Fat Last Kiss (Kitana, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_3eo27e1cI
That swelling looks horrifying in comparison to the original, as if Kitana is giving the opponent the Tetsuo mutation treatment. Its lucky the opponent dies before the mutation goes too far.

336. Bow Before Me (Jade, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzgcCep5vvw
What material is Jades staff made of, that its able to cut people up like this? Im not complaining, because shes got some smooth motion here. The best part is at the end, where the staff goes into the opponents mouth, for being the most staff-like part of this fatality.

335. Supply Drop (Sonya, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYAWFJmEAGs
Sonya makes resourceful use of her equipment here, calling in a supply drop on top of her opponent. It could have ended there, but the turret blasting the opponent afterwards adds an extra finishing touch to this one.

334. Dead or Alive (Robocop, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKSW9qAOhlw
Like Aliens Killer Queen fatality, this one also involves a guest character summoning another character from their home series to kill the opponent. However, this one is better than Aliens because Robocop is involved for most of it, instead of letting ED-209 do all the work.

333. Im Back (Terminator, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cxNqFE0N7E
The reaction face everyone gets when they see Terminator coming on the motorcycle is quite funny. I know theyre reacting to seeing it coming right for them, but its funnier for me to pretend that this is their first time ever seeing a motorcycle. This is another fatality Terminator doesnt react to when you do it on him, which makes sense as he presumably knows that Terminators are mass produced, so another Terminator clapping his cheeks isnt the most inconceivable thing out there.

332. Kill for Mother (Jason, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJxWCp8MPiQ
This is a simple fatality and not very flashy, but its very fitting for Jason. You can really feel the force of his machete with each blow. Musical stings from Friday the 13th add to the atmosphere here.

331. Head Clap (Jax, MK2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ83sc37NwA
Another impactful move, thanks to the sound effect used on the clap, and how far the blood and flesh spreads after the head is destroyed. The opponent continuing to scream after their head is gone doesnt detract from this as much as it should.

GavsEvans123 posted...

The reaction face everyone gets when they see Terminator coming on the motorcycle is quite funny

I never noticed that before, that's hilarious

and I like that they didn't try to go too flashy for Jason's; his felt appropirately brutal

GavsEvans123 posted...

I wonder if this happens every time Kitana kisses someone or if shes able to turn it on and off at will?

I think it's the intention that counts, assuming Kitana is canonically able to kill people with kisses.

It would make things pretty awkward with Liu Kang if Kitana couldn't turn it off!

330. Hair Spin (Sindel, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNgcACPQkjk
Anakin Skywalker was right, spinning really is a good trick, for Sindel at least. Her opponent would probably beg to differ. Wrapping the whole body in hair might not ensure the fastest possible spin, but its probably necessary to cause more friction, which is likely the fatal factor here.

329. Soultaker (Shang Tsung, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DqHewrbcwU
Shang Tsungs powers have grown since the last game, as in MK2 he needed physical contact to steal his opponents soul. Not this time now he can levitate them with his magic and steal their soul that way. The body liquefying once hes finished is a bonus.

328. Fat Last Kiss (Kitana, MKDA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umxWM7FruHI
Weve seen this fatality a couple of times by now, but Deadly Alliance puts its own spin on it by not having the inflation take place immediately. Its as if the opponent is trying in vain to resist its effects, which you dont see too often. Coughing up blood before the final inflation, suggesting internal damage, is also pretty nasty for this game.

327. Head Clap (Jax, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoFsRtVR_aw
The purple flashes on Jaxs hands as he charges up add a bit more visual flair to this old favourite. He could do this normally, but now he really wants you to have it!

326. Kiss of Death (Sonya, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp61w0TH3Is
Sonyas classic fatality is recreated on modern systems. The fire burning the opponent to their bones is powerful, but it works a little too quick to be really painful looking. This isnt helped by the skeleton kneeling instead of falling down or breaking apart like it usually does for fatalities.

325. Fire Kiss (Sonya, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbKyhI-y34M
The fire on Sonyas kiss isnt as powerful as usual, since it isnt burning the opponent down to their bones, but their entire body being covered in burns is almost worse because of the possibility they could have survived this. If they did, it will take months, if not years to recover from those burns. The body freezing up looks a little silly though.

324. Three Points! (Jax, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpicr_vvJrs
Remember when I said Sheevas MK3 fatality was a good start, but needed a bit more to it? Here comes Jax to show her how its done. Its better than Sheevas version, but I do think it would be better either without the first kick, or if it did more damage before the second kick decapitates the opponent.

323. One Into Two (Kai, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2uToU0_BLc
Johnny Cage had to put in some effort to rip people in half in this game, while Kai is upstaging him by doing with more easily from a more difficult hold that gives him less leverage. Getting to throw down both halves of the body also makes Kai look more impressive than Johnny here. The top half even twitches a bit before dying, so they were conscious for long enough to register theyd been ripped in half, which is quite horrific if you think about it.

322. Ice Stalagmite (Sub Zero, MKT)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlHbp6jx9c8
This is a better version of Jades fatality from this game. Sub Zero using his ice powers to create a stalagmite to impale his opponent is more creative and dynamic looking than Jade holding out her staff.

321. Man Eater (Mileena, MK2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abhpuzE9T7A
Oh oh here she comes. Watch out boy, shell chew you up! Oh oh here she comes, shes a man eater! A classic thats benefited from recent exposure when Ellie did it in the Last of Us TV series. This fatality is notable for giving us our first look at Mileenas true nature. She looks like an unassuming ninja like Kitana, but then the mask comes off and shes a monster underneath!

320. Overhead Ice Smash (Sub Zero, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6RP6Nuk4UE
Sub Zeros MK VS DC fatality originated from here. I prefer this version because its faster paced, and theres a bit more to it, as Sub Zero rips the frozen opponent in half before throwing down the two halves. Also, he doesnt cop a feel of the opponents butt this time.

319. Hat Boomerang (Kung Lao, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz-0wWYbmJU
Admittedly, the animation isnt great for this, which stops it from getting too high, but Kung Laos hat going back and forth several times to cut up the opponent piece by piece, as opposed to a single throw and return, is a fun concept.

318. Electrocution 2 (Raiden, MKDA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwD--_S2QqQ
This fatality is pretty long for Deadly Alliance, but it works here as Raiden is using his lightning to slowly cook the opponent until they explode, and you can see their body char as the electrocution continues. Something I didnt notice until I was writing this, Raiden doesnt hold the opponent. Instead, he punches his hands into their body, then lifts them above his head, so that he can electrocute them internally. I would call Raiden a sadist, but this is Mortal Kombat, so sadism comes with the territory.

317. Safety Vest (Stryker, MK1)
316. Safety Vest (Stryker, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZgzKeYx5Yw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7MYbNXC08A
In which Stryker shows off how much he likes Final Fight by recreating the game over screen. There are different things I like about both of these. For the new version, I like that Stryker has a detonator which he uses to trigger the explosion, and that he does the Cool Guys Dont Look At Explosions at first, before turning around afterwards. However, I have to put the original version on top here because Stryker putting his fingers in his ears and waiting for the bomb to explode makes me laugh out loud every time.

315. Man Eater (Mileena, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NksZ9ZPXYOo
This version is a bit more gruesome than the original because last time, Mileena only spat up the bones. This time, its mostly blood and flesh, with a few small bones in there. The sucking sound effect is crunchier this time too, as if bones are breaking for Mileenas meal to fit in her mouth. It could be worse she could be dislocating her jaw like a snake. Now that would be terrifying!

314. Minty Fresh (Kitana, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dta9DSPRlkk
This is Kitanas nastiest kiss yet. She really needs to work on her technique, this cant keep happening! Using her fan to obscure the kiss is a cute moment to start this off before the corrosive horror begins. Fatalities like this one where the opponent melts are usually Reptiles domain, so its a refreshing change to see it from an unexpected character.

313. Bad Breath (Reptile, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyv4tfivzSo
As were talking about acidic fatalities, here comes Reptile, right on cue! For this one, acid isnt the main method. Rather, its used to soften up the opponent for the finishing blow. Maybe the acid was working too slowly for Reptiles liking, and he wants his opponent to hurry up and die already.

312. Acid Puke (Reptile, UMK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_87r7UQhhE
3 in a row. Oh baby, a triple! Acid is todays theme, it seems. The above fatality may be a more original use of acid, but its not beating full body corrosion. That goes double if the remains are still smoking from the acid.

311. Deadly Scream (Sindel, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H46nqnG3weE
When it comes to MK3 skin removal fatalities, I prefer this one to Sheevas, because it looks like Sindels scream is ripping the skin off, whereas Sheevas is more like taking off a skin suit. The wind generated from Sindels scream must be really strong to achieve this flaying effect. I wonder how many decibels it reaches?

To me, the opponent screaming after they were beheaded kind of makes Kung Lao's Fatality not as awesome as it should be. But that's my opinion.

310. Inviso Slice (Reptile, MK2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IuXprWRzVs
The neat thing about this fatality is that you have to be invisible in order for the input to work, because Reptile turning invisible isnt part of the fatality. Needing to be in a particular state for this to work makes it feel like more of a secret. The problem of the invisibility is that, by definition, you cant see Reptile do his thing. Having an outline visible or the opponent looking around to try and see where Reptile has gone would make this better in a modern game.

309. Electrocution 1 (Raiden, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcTcdbtvXWA&t=23s
Raidens first time holding someone up and electrifying them until they explode. The shaking from the opponent makes this feel powerful, and being faster than some of the other versions makes this feel like hes going all out here instead of taking his time. He really wants to demonstrate his power.

308. Fire Kiss (Sonya, MK)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORo79Z1SbxM
For the original game, this fatality feels more understated than the attention grabbing gory finishers or Sub Zero and Kano, but its still gory nonetheless. The kneeling skeleton looks better here than it did in the remade version of this fatality in MKX.

307. Scorpion Sting (Scorpion, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjyHCZZdHCo
In which Midway did the obvious thing after bamboozling everyone by having Sheeva turn into a scorpion for her animality in the previous game, while Scorpion turned into a penguin. Like that makes any sense! To his credit, Scorpion doesnt copy Sheevas move wholesale, instead using his pincers to hold the opponent in place, while he uses the stinger tail in a different way than Sheeva.

306. Heart Rip (Jarek, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhyu1_m0sl4
Yes, Jarek copied both of his fatalities from Kano. Are Black Dragon members taught how to do this during their initiations? Well, if it aint broke

305. Toasty! (Scorpion, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQsQBGiOoys
Between the sound effect when Scorpion takes his mask off, and the opponent running around on fire, this feels like a more comedic take on Scorpions flame breath. Im not sure if thats intentional or not.

304. Fatal Kicks (Li Mei, MKDA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjmFDtHur9w
In retrospect, I think I put this up too high. When I was ranking, I was impressed by the shower of gibs shooting out from the opponents back after the first kick, but now while Im doing the write-ups, Im noticing how much dead time there is here with very little happening. Li Meis outfit in this game is nice. I like the colour palette, among other things. Ill leave aforementioned other things to your imagination.

303. Unchained (Spawn, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3nHZj_6x5Y&t=6s
Spawn controlling his chains to attack his opponent is cool, particularly when he flays the opponent instead of crushing them like you would expect with a chain based fatality. The second part with the cape doesnt have as much impact for me, and I admit thats down to my lack of familiarity with Spawn. Does his cape regularly come to life and eat people, or is he controlling it like he does the chains? Or are they alive too? If there any Spawn fans who could enlighten me, it would be much appreciated!

302. Scream Queen (Sindel, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7M_LQ1UC3o
Now thats a perfect name for a Sindel fatality! This gets points for incorporating both of Sindels key techniques, her hair and her sonic scream. While weve seen her scream killing people before, restraining the opponent first lets it reach its full potential. All thats missing is her saying Too bad YOU will die! before starting to scream.

301. Head Lantern (Kollector, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sfT8pYpAJQ
If Injustice had fatalities, this would have been Scarecrows. The opponents eyes flying out after the whack from the lantern adds a touch of comedy to this otherwise gruesome move to keep it from getting too horrifying.

Five characters were eliminated in the 300s. They were:
Rambo (395)
Lex Luthor (369)
Robocop (333)
Kai (322)
Stryker (315)

300. Youre Next (Scorpion, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvzTGM9Py48&t=6s
While I do like this one better than Scorpions MKX fatality, it does have the same issue in that the first part doesnt flow into the rest of it. The opponents spine being so exposed and top heavy without the rest of their midsection to support the upper body seems like a golden opportunity for something involving it, but it doesnt happen. At least it ends strong, with Scorpions spear going through the opponents open mouth.

299. Twisted Twister (Fujin, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbLhsjhGL48
I really like the idea of Fujin flying his opponent like a kite, with their intestines as the string. In fact, I wish theyd done more with that before splatting the opponent down. This ends with some creative framing, with Fujin wins appearing in the middle of the screen, and the opponents remains splattered around it.

298. Chest Stab (Baraka, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEjaBndBMGg
Baraka placing his arms on his opponent so that they will be immediately impaled when he extends his blades is a sneaky way of getting around that pesky T rating. You dont get to see much, but the intent is clear. It worked well enough that Logan did something similar at one point. If you know, you know.

297. Face Chew (Reptile, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0J0rYzOIo0
Reptile has eaten heads a couple of times before, but by MK4 hes getting to be a more picky eater, as this time, he only eats the flesh instead of eating the head whole. The fast pace of Reptiles feasting and the spurts of blood going everywhere sells the savagery, while the opponent gets to live just long enough with only a skull to register the pain.

296. Yummy! (Reptile, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB1MS7DH_XY&t=8s
Reptiles back to eating heads whole again in MK9, with this recreation of his classic fatality. This one isnt quite as good as the original, thanks to the weaker sound design and the fact that Reptile doesnt rub his belly after swallowing. Maybe it didnt taste as good this time?

295. Welcome to my Nightmare (Freddy, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMjSjQiI_OU
Even with all of the new powers hes gained as a dream demon, Freddys death from being burned alive in a furnace is still a bit of a sore spot for him. Thanks to his powers, now he can summon the furnace and give others a taste of what he went through! Even without dialogue in this game, Freddy still gets a bit of his personality across with the mocking wave before he slams the door shut. Shame that he came one game too early Freddy doing the dialogue openings with other characters from MKX onwards would have been a treat.

294. Blade of Olympus (Kratos, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXH_uJXwvW0
Another pretty straightforward fatality for Kratos, considering how creative he can be with the violence in his own games, but at least this time he gets to join in with the gory fun. The Blade of Olympus is the most powerful weapon in God of War, so by only using it to finish his opponent off, Kratos is flexing on them. He was holding back the whole time!

293. Ride the Lightning (Raiden, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV3jsuBrfKU
Becoming mortal hasnt done too much to nerf Raidens powers, as hes still a force to be reckoned with even without godhood. My favourite part of this is the end, where Raiden uses his electric flight attack to shatter the skeleton. Its almost enough to forget that the opponent died a while ago and hes purely showing off by that point.

292. The Killing Joke (Joker, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pf9ox0S_RU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xP7Gyo0tS4
Yes, I put the censored version above Shang Tsungs uncensored version. This fatality is one of the two that has come to define Mortal Kombat VS DC in the public consciousness, but to be fair to it, this is actually one of the better ones in the game. This fatality is the one that best encapsulates the personality of the character using it. Even the censored version tries to have the censorship serve a purpose by using the zoom-in for comic timing. It would have been fun if MK11 brought this back as a brutality.

291. Full Body Tasty Meal (Reptile, MK2)
290. Tasty Meal (Reptile, MK2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HODT-Wugj0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBuPahyCZog
Reptile gets hungry after a fight and needs a post battle snack. The sound design is what sells this, as the sound effects of Reptile pulling off the opponents head with his tongue, then eating it are nice and crunchy, then rubs his stomach to indicate his satisfaction from his meal. Hes starving in the Game Gear version, as he swallows his opponent whole! However, that version lacks the additional sound effects, so it ranks below the main version, despite being less destructive.

289. Energy Channel (Nightwolf, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeAo7Myb47A
Nightwolf mixes things up with his laser, as he summons a vertical one from the heavens instead of firing one horizontally. The opponent being disintegrated along with their scream makes this laser look particularly painful.

288. Fist Pump (Jacqui, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO6ePPgbJX0
A pretty simple fatality here, as Jacqui puts her powered gauntlet to use with a massive punch through the opponents head. The tremble as she pulls her fist back, and slowly pulls it out of the opponents head adds to the impact.

287. Weight Loss (Reptile, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSC9iUy55NM
You cant fault Reptiles methods for losing weight, as tens or even hundreds of pounds come right off in seconds! The problem is that you wont survive to enjoy your gains. Using invisibility to cut the opponents throat and stomach, then combining it with Reptiles energy ball works well to incorporate distinct aspects of Reptiles moveset.

286. Lasso Crack (Catwoman, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPlWEY04uMA
Choking moves like this are something you dont see much in Mortal Kombat because they dont tend to be gory, but this game presents an excellent opportunity to use one, and Catwoman makes the most of the opportunity. This fatality is proof you dont always need to be bloody to be violent.

285. Tornado (Kung Lao, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmTbY57OVy8
Sometimes Kung Lao gets bored of throwing his hat and wants to do something else for a change. On those occasions he busts out his Tasmanian Devil impression! I like how he spins so fast that he can both suck his opponent in and scatter blood everywhere without a drop of it getting on him.

284. Heart Rip (Kobra, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uagmxh4qAHw
Kobra is yet another member of the Black Dragon who can rip peoples hearts out. Kano definitely teaches how to do this at initiations! I imagine him renting out a room at the community centre on Thursday evenings for the lessons. Kabal is responsible for the chips and dip because he can go get it and come back in record time.

283. Belly of the Beast (Liu Kang, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4aeGbsLZgk
Notice something about this fatality? Liu Kang opens it with his original fatality from 1992! 27 years later, hes finally able to kill someone with it. Using the nunchucks to keep the opponents remains off him is a fun way to incorporate his moveset into his fatality.

282. Electric Slam (Raiden, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s99Eei27A3c
This is a fatality thats better than the sum of its parts. Between the electrocution not carrying into the second half, and the opponent being thrown down from offscreen so we cant see Raiden doing the throw, this should be lower. However, the opponent slamming into the ground at such force they get planted in it does a lot to elevate it.

281. Fire Combo (Liu Kang, MK VS DC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYkGDeve41M
Liu Kang using his bicycle kicks to stomp on someone repeatedly is such a great idea that its surprising it didnt happen sooner. Like Lex Luthors missiles, the lack of gore that this should have caused holds it back. This is one I would like to see come back as either a fatality or brutality so we can see its full potential.

280. Organ Donor (Kano, MKDA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDRu1w_BVm0
Thats organ donor in the unwilling sense, like the dodgy back-alley doctors who help themselves to your kidneys after theyve finished your turkey teeth and youre still under anaesthetic. Pulling out multiple organs diminishes the effect of just pulling out the heart like Kano used to, but Kano getting bored at the end and just kicking the opponent over is funny in how abrupt it is.

279. Feast of Blood (Nitara, MKDA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVcQ5AlTnHY
As a vampire, its only fitting that Nitara has a fatality where she drinks her opponents blood, although Im not sure how much of it shes actually drinking from all the biting shes doing.

278. Power Washer (Rain, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0B1OERy-1M
The Bohemian Rhapsody reference is hilarious in how unexpected it is, and yet it somehow makes perfect sense for the guy named after a Prince reference to reference other musicians from the same era. This fatality isnt too bad otherwise, but the reference is doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

277. Hollywood Walk of Pain (Johnny Cage, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9vrza6_Eew
Johnny let Cassie borrow one of his fatalities in the last game, and now shes returning the favour. Just like with Cassie, its not as good the second around. Have you seen Mortal Kombat: Annihilation? I watched it for free and I still felt like demanding a refund!

276. The Red Sea (Rain, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBSdMwlintI
Is Rain being blasphemous here? Rains mage redesign and staff in MK1 diversifies him from the other ninjas, which he puts to good use here by channelling the whirlpool through his staff. The water turning red from the opponents blood is my favourite part of this one. I wonder if he could learn bloodbending?

275. Acid Reflux (Reptile, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMFxHeXqAwY
This feels like a combination of Reptiles classic head eat fatality and his MKX fatality softening up the opponent. Im not sure why the opponents upper nody is melting when the tongue is only making contact with their neck, but using the tongue to snap the head off instead of pulling it off like before is a nice tweak on a classic.

274. Alternating Current (Raiden, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daj6Mp6KSoc
Weve seen a lot of dismemberment in Mortal Kombat, but putting people back together again is comparatively rarer. Raiden takes a stab at it here, although it doesnt work out for him. However, it does work for us at home, as Raiden gets to use his lightning in a new, previously unseen way. Is there anything it cant do?

273. Vaeternus KomBat (Nitara, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HIWjOiwWsA
This is a good idea, but a few changes could have made it even better. The biggest one would be to put more emphasis on the bats after theyve flown into the opponent. Maybe the opponents belly could be bulging and roiling from all the bats in there flying about, and in the end they eat their way out of the opponent, instead of Nitara ripping a hole in them to let the bats out?

272. Brain Rip (Johnny Cage, MKDA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfiVKkxBWAM
This fatality reminds me of Jacquis one from earlier. That said, I prefer this one overall. While Jacquis version has more detailed gore, this one has Johnny perform a second punch at the start to set it up, and Johnny gets to claim his opponents brain as a trophy once hes finished.

271. Sandstorm (Geras, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsNDX36CLUw
Sandpaper is used to sand down surfaces by rubbing them, but Geras doesnt need sandpaper. He can sand you by holding you up to a sandstorm! I bet Johnny Cage would tell him to play the Darude song. Who would win in a fight between Geras and Gaara? Im thinking Geras because he has time powers in addition to his sand, but I dont know enough about Gaara to say for sure.

As of now, we have reached the halfway point!

270. Spinal Tap (Sheeva, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g0ucNbXGUk
259 spots too low to go up to 11, but at least its in Mortal Kombat 11, so the This Is Spinal Tap reference lives! Given Sheevas history of planting people in the ground to wail on them, this fatality seems underwhelming at first when that isnt happening and the opponent remains stubbornly unlodged in the ground after several piledrivers. However, the finishing blow reveals that wasnt the intent at all, and this is actually an inverted spine rip! The bait and switch makes this more memorable than it would have been.

269. Extra Meal (Reptile, UMK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yspeacd5ei0
This fatality is the natural evolution of Reptiles MK2 fatality. Last time, he only ate the head. This time, he eats the rest of them too! I like the animation on Reptiles head as he devours each part. It reminds me of a snake dislocating its jaw to swallow prey larger than it.

268. Half Mast (Jade, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLYqI0v4WCo&t=5s
Like Reptiles fatality above, this is another one that takes an older fatality, and adds onto it. This would already rank above the original even without any changes because technological improvements allow for better animation, but planting a head on the staff as well further improves on it.

267. Stomp the Yard (Sheeva, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joaIaKxygkg
To be honest, this feels more like a brutality in how Sheeva is using her stomp repeatedly. However, I cant fault the amount of gore here. Its a lot more than a typical brutality would generate.

266. Self-Destruct (Cyrax, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_8jbdVXIhY
This may be a fatality where the winner dies too, so that docks a few points, but this version of the self-destruct has a lot more life to it than the MK4 version, thanks to Cyraxs movements during the countdown, and the readings flashing up on screen. Im not sure if the sound effect is meant to be a warning siren or Cyrax laughing, but either option works. The latter would be a neat reference to Predator laughing before the self-destruct at the end of the first film.

265. Skeleton Rip (Kano, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt75qV7x0yU
Way back at the start of this topic, I mentioned that this fatality was my first exposure to Mortal Kombat. More accurately, a written description of it was my first exposure to Mortal Kombat. Being in primary school at the time, and a bit of a scaredy cat to boot, this description sounded horrifying and yet, there was undeniably something cool about it too. The reality doesnt quite live up to my childhood imagination, although the boneless body losing its form and flopping down is a unique animation for this game. That uniqueness, as well as being a formative childhood gaming memory, ensures this gets a respectable placement.

264. Heart Rip (Kano, MK)
263. Heart Rip (Kano, MK1)
262. Be Mine (Kotal Kahn, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4KhU-GIPJY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2gvb3v93qI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4sjpwyHMrk&t=5s
This is one of the most iconic and notorious fatalities from the original game. The extra moment or two taken to dwell on the heart after the removal, along with the heartbeat sound effect being heard makes it extra memorable. The MK1 version recreates it with more advanced graphics and an extra flourish or two, like the flash from Kanos cyborg eye as he approaches, but isnt too different otherwise. Kotals version is the real evolution here. Instead of immediately Kali Ma-ing like Kano, he has more of a ritual sacrifice flavour, using a knife to carve the opponents torso open first, then squeezing the heart over himself to absorb the blood. A fitting twist for the Aztec god-themed fighter. If War Gods ever comes back, Kotal Kahn should be a guest in it!

261. Spine Rip (Sub Zero, MK)
260. Spine Rip (Sub Zero, MK4)
259. Spine Rip (Scorpion, MKD)
258. Spine Rip (Sub Zero, MK9)
257. Head Rip (Sub Zero, MKX)
256. Spine Rip (Sub Zero, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2JNxeWO_wA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp1s5BTPJu0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mchjq_EBIf4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGZ8i2Cjv-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HBcsNre_UY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SokrhFsXSF4
Heres the other notorious fatality. This one is a formative moment for not just Mortal Kombat, but the videogame industry as a whole. Its taken different forms over the years (and well be seeing a few more later on), but its almost always in there somewhere, because the truth is, Mortal Kombat wouldnt be komplete without this. Scorpion even copied it once, either to insult his detested rival, or as an acknowledgement that he is indeed a connoisseur of killing. Even as late as Mortal Kombat 1, its still evolving, as Sub Zero uses his ice powers to freeze the opponents neck, allowing for easier ripping. Were sure to keep seeing this fatality in future games for many years to come, and long may that continue.

I never understood why Reptile didn't eat the opponent's feet in his Extra Meal Fatality. Didn't his parents teach him to finish his meal?

Little known fact: Reptile doesn't eat the opponent's feet because he's allergic to shoes and eating them gives him terrible indigestion.

255. Skinner (Fujin, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75nxhj9MeQY
In retrospect, I overrated this one. Its a very similar idea to Sindels fatalities, but with wind flaying the opponent instead of sonic screaming. Whats worse is the camera angle enables us to see that body parts are coming off while the skinless body retains all its body parts. At least I still like the idea, if not the execution of it.

254. Hand From Hell (Scorpion, MKT)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtdGbo2Bz3I
Scorpion gained an extra fatality in Mortal Kombat Trilogy, summoning a fire hand to grab the opponent. The musical sting from the Shirai Ryu gang fatality also gets used again, which once again demonstrates Scorpions dominance. This would have been a good one to bring back for Mortal Kombat VS DC, as its not too gory, but the opponent is clearly dead after it. If Scorpion was playing Yu-Gi-Oh, summoning Fire Hand would let him special summon Ice Hand from his deck, which is handy for an extra monster on the field, destroying a spell or trap card on the opponent's field, and flipping off Sub Zero.

253. Peeling Back (Geras, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1t6vo0aqWM
This move is definitely gory, but it mostly left me wondering how Geras is able to peel the opponents skin off? Their skin doesnt seem to come loose during the first two attacks. The escalation makes this one shocking, as it goes from 0 to 100 fast.

252. The Hand From Hell (Shinnok, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHla-dvTuFE
Shinnok may have been a rather underwhelming boss in comparison to the likes of Shao Kahn, but his fatalities dont disappoint. The hand squeezes the opponent for longer than Scorpions version, the body gets dragged down to the NetherRealm as a souvenir, and Shinnok does Kens flaming shoryuken instead of simply reappearing. He does a good job of showing off his strength here.

251. Eye Laser (Kano, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ47QuwlfIA
Behold, optic blast! Kano has always had the metal plate and cyborg eye in his head, so its a real treat that he finally gets to use it. Heating someone up until they explode is fun, especially with the residual smoke.

250. The Cyber Initiative (Frost, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4KTmAaWHlE
I said there would be more spine rips coming up, and weve got another variant here. The best thing about this one is that the spine rip isnt the end of it, as the attached brain stem is put to use for another purpose. Like with Raidens Deception fatality, its always cool when story or lore factors into fatalities, and Frost didnt even have to blow herself up!

249. Neck Screw (Tanya, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FytHUCiuzEU
If I had to fall victim to a fatality, I would pick this one. At least my final moments would be happy ones, with my head between the thighs of an attractive lady. I should take a break and get something to drink, because Im not just thirsty here, Im downright dehydrated!

248. Shuriken Barrage (Noob, MKG)
247. Shuriken Barrage (Reiko, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUgUVBrq3Ds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcwrwZUQ7i8
Mileena had two fatalities like this in MK4 as well, but this version is the best one, simply because of how many throwing stars the opponent gets pelted with, and it also makes more sense to use these as throwing weapons. With the way Mileena threw her sais in her fatality, you would expect a few to hit the opponent handle first and bounce off relatively harmlessly. Also, the Unregistered Hypercam on one of these is awfully nostalgic.

246. Helicopter (Cyrax, MK3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp15ulmJgVQ
Rayman take note, Cyrax shows how to use helicopter hair as an offensive technique as well as for traversal. This could be improved slightly if Cyraxs head came off to cut the opponent up and then returned to his body, instead of having Cyrax flying into the ground, but I like this fatality enough that it isnt a dealbreaker for me.

245. Arm Rip (Jax, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4PNcmFfa1E
Jaxs Arm Rip may be a classic, but this is my least favourite version of it, because theres so little reaction to it from the opponent. Jax doesnt have to put much effort in either, almost like if the opponent isnt going to react, he wont bring his A game. Jax throwing down the arms, then banging his fists together is the best part of this.

244. Human Pencil Sharpener (Havik, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtzG1ijpI4E
Havik also removes his opponents arms, but he does it in a rather more chaotic way, with his rapid-fire eating. He could probably demolish a corn on the cob in seconds by spinning it in his mouth at supersonic speed like a cartoon character. As an extra insult, Havik vomits up the remains, then does a martial arts pose. Going from cool to silly to dignified within a matter of seconds is both funny and fitting for Havik as a character.

243. Sai Lodge (Mileena, MKD)
I already mentioned Mileenas sai throw from MK4, but this is an example of less is more. This time, she only throws two sai, but theres a lot more impact behind them, not to mention throwing into the air and kicking them at the opponent is just plain cool.

242. Ascension (Nightwolf, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uI4vfhuXFo
This is a twist on Nightwolfs MK3 fatality, but instead of summoning the laser like before, he uses the knives to channel the laser. The addition of the knives adds a bit of Nightwolf flair by making it feel like a magical ritual. He also gains points for using this move to end Sindels rampage in the story mode. However, he also loses a few points for banishing Freddy to the Dream Realm in Freddys ending, thus making him immortal and all-powerful. Way to go Nightwolf! You really thought that one through, didnt you?

241. Jax the Ribber (Jax, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XOb501EozI
Jax is usually the type to crush or rip his opponents, so stabbing is a change of pace for him. That said, theres still a bit of Jaxs usual style here, as he rips out his opponents ribs to use as the stabbing weapon. It looks enough that snapping their neck 180 degrees is almost a letdown by comparison.

You forgot the video for Mileena's Sai Lodge. Just pointing it out.

Oops, thanks for pointing that out for me! Here it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdXEvG44f-4

240. Heartbroken (Dvorah, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CAm-nqhFJo
Weve had heart rips, weve had a brain rip or two, now here comes DVorah to do both at once! DVorah using her insectoid appendages makes sense as it gives her more range, even if it does take away a bit of the impact that other characters got from using their bare hands. That said, smooshing the heart and brain together at the end makes up for it.

239. Under Pressure (Rain, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjALGGjzUho
Another Queen reference! Im starting to think NetherRealm regret not calling Rain Mercury instead. This is a different use for a whirlpool, with the opponent wrapped inside it instead of being sucked in. Bending and contorting out of shape is decent, but it could have been better if there was more visible damage on the opponent once Rain releases them, like bones jutting out of broken arms or legs, for instance. My favourite part of this fatality is Rain stomping on the severed head at the end ironically, the part that doesnt use his water powers.

238. For the Kollection (Kollector, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmrk88zx8Qg
This fatality feels like what happens in a zombie movie when one person gets overrun by zombies and is ripped apart by the horde. That Kollectors scratches are doing so much damage when hes alone in scratching them is pretty scary. We also get a bit of personality here, when he keeps some of the remains as a souvenir while continuing to scratch. He really wanted that liver!

237. Back Blown Out (Shao Kahn, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObXAxoByNpc
Nothing says dominance more than Shao Kahn forcing people to bow to him by hitting them with this hammer. Part of me wishes the head had been shot out of the bottom instead of the back so that I could make a talking out of your ass joke. While putting the ranking together, I had nicknames to remind myself of what the fatalities were before looking up the proper names, and I used that name for this fatality.

236. Burn Out (Liu Kang, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vvx5njhbEw
Liu Kang has levelled up his Fire Punch since MK9, as now he can blow people up with it! The rapid fire punches at the beginning of this fatality remind me of the old style brutalities from MK3, where the opponent exploded after a long, difficult to input combo. Luckily, this is considerably easier to input than those, and also has a better payoff.

235. Spider Mines (Jacqui, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_16UMmSNsao
There wasnt really a need for Jacqui to run towards the opponent to plant the mines here, since shes shooting them out, but it does make the fatality more dynamic and visually interesting, so I give it a pass. Having each of the mines explode one by one instead of all at once is also a good idea, as we get to see the opponent gradually taken apart, as opposed to being destroyed in a single large explosion.

234. Spear Slice (Scorpion, MK2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36u5PMgOHIs
Back in the 500s, I mentioned a fatality that was initially going to drop around then, but got bumped way up the list after I found a video where I could make out what was going on. Here it is! This was Scorpions first time using the spear for something other than his iconic Get over here! and he made the most of it. The first slash looks clean like a ninjas slash, helped by the line of blood from it, and the second makes for a satisfying finishing blow.

233. Coming in Hot (Jax, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Qh6L2gUaWo
This is a reverse take on the rocket powered fist trope. Instead of the fist being rocket propelled like what usually happens, the unfortunate victim is sent flying into the fist here. Since this is Mortal Kombat, the result is predictably bloody. Scorpion isnt the only combatant who can make fighters Get over here!

232. Booze You Lose (Bo Rai Cho, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HksiYSvbGW4
This reminds me a bit of Bo Rai Chos flame breath fatality from Deception. Of course, Bo Rai Cho has had practice with lighting alcohol, and he can hold his liquor better than anyone else, so when other fighters are forced to do it, things dont end well for them. The resulting explosion is just as destructive as in Deception, but we get a better view of it here, as the flamethrower isnt in the way.

231. Tasty Treat (Mileena, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNm9Ie8oVx4
It was bad enough when Kollector did this, but Mileena looks even more vicious! Eating internal organs is going to hit harder than keeping them as souvenirs, and the opponent gets a bit more involvement here, as Mileenas savagery cuts off the upper half of the body, which drags itself away from her to try and escape.

230. Spinning Out of Control (Mileena, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCuiTbtqAfI
Its a good thing Sonic usually fights robots, because Mileena shows us here what a spin dash does to organic matter, and its not pretty!

229. Breaking Point (Frost, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4LQM7-1bRA&t=18s
The kameo characters in MK1 usually recreate one of their older fatalities, but Frost is one of the exceptions. This fatality is a little different for ice-based ones, as only the frozen area is affected by it, with the extremities being left alone. I like how the freezing starts in the centre of the opponents body and gradually spreads before Frost shatters it. The skeleton being frozen blue also looks quite nice, even if the hands and feet remaining look a bit silly, like theyre wearing snow gear.

228. Bed of Ice (Sub Zero, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AXDT8zqRi4
This is essentially an upgraded version of Shang Tsungs Bed of Spikes. Creating icicles is cooler and more sensible than creating spikes, and the opponent takes a bit more punishment before they die, so its fair to say this is better than the original.

227. Have an Ice Day (Sub Zero, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK4i1-3GPVM
This is the third ice-based fatality in a row. Dont worry, its also the last one for today. When Sub Zero reaches for the frozen opponent and starts pulling on them, it seems like it will lead to this games spine rip, only for him to pull the whole upper half loose from the frozen lower half instead. Switching things up once in a while helps keep us guessing and helps keep the proceedings fresh.

226. Pole Dance (Jade, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0pZ_GNmlXk
Jade has impaled people on her staff before, but this time she does it differently, spearing them as the staff opens. Having it pop an eye out looks nastier than having the opponent fall onto the staff like before, and adding the boomerang finish so that both of her weapons can be used in the same fatality is the cherry on top.

225. Rearrange (Darrius, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw4JyswBpyc
Who could have expected the Wesley Snipes stand-in every fighting game had to have in the mid-2000s to have a wacky fatality like this? You would expect this character archetype to have something a lot edgier. This is definitely a memorable fatality considering that Darrius is a pretty minor character in the grand scheme of things, although I think this could have been even better if it was a little faster, with Darrius flailing his arms at high speed, just to make this fatality a touch more cartoony.

224. Body Slam (Hotaru, MKD)
223. Sleeping Bag Killer (Jason, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH_lc--MyMI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TBpzLPh2nM
These two are very similar to each other, but Jasons version gets to go on top. Although Hotaru causes the opponents entire body to explode with his third slam, the first two dont do much damage, whereas Jason causes body parts to break off with every hit of his version, thus making it feel more impressive. For him, it also serves as a reference to one of his kills from Friday the 13th VII: The New Blood.

222. Eye Stab (Dairou, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dFb8ozURi4
Wikipedia has a page listing Mortal Kombat characters, including everyone who doesnt have their own article. Dairous section notes that reception to the character has been negative Despite this, his "Ribs to the Eyes" Fatality in Deception is regarded as one of the franchise's best. As you can see from this ranking, I wouldnt go that far myself, but it is pretty good nonetheless. Dairou puts the ribs he removes to more creative use than Jax, and it also helps that Dairous fatality ends with the rib stabbing, instead of carrying on like Jaxs version.

221. Side Effects (Shang Tsung, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0GkVSZyNK8
What is in that acid Shang Tsung uses here? The container must be incredibly durable to avoid leakage, which would be disastrous on this evidence. What makes this one is the opponent choking and reaching at their neck as a result of the toxic concoction theyve just swallowed. It sells how much theyre suffering from this move.

GavsEvans123 posted...

234. Spear Slice (Scorpion, MK2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36u5PMgOHIs

Back in the 500s, I mentioned a fatality that was initially going to drop around then, but got bumped way up the list after I found a video where I could make out what was going on. Here it is! This was Scorpions first time using the spear for something other than his iconic Get over here! and he made the most of it. The first slash looks clean like a ninjas slash, helped by the line of blood from it, and the second makes for a satisfying finishing blow.

Was always one of my favs from MK2. The blood spray on the slice is sick.

220. Laod and Clear (Kung Lao, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qrh67BImnOk&t=7s
Kung Lao throwing his hat, catching it on the return, then throwing it again, targeting different body parts each time, makes this feel like several smaller fatalities combined into one. Thats no bad thing in this case, as the damage is spread across the opponents body, without any of it feeling superfluous.

219. Freeze Shatter (Frost, MKDA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuLiN1UGjB4
Deadly Alliance is one of only two games where each character only gets one fatality, and since Sub Zero got a variant on his classic Spine Rip, his apprentice Frost gets her own take on fatal freezing. Im not quite sure how only the top half comes off from the kick, but I like that the kick is more of a Sparta punt, and especially that the frozen flesh can be seen on top of the remaining ice sculpture.

218. A Little to the Left (Mileena, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIdhncdNT20
This is similar to Mileenas MKX fatality, but where that one had her take the head off quickly and chow down on it, this one puts a lot more emphasis on the initial head twisting, making it look really painful. Maybe Mileena could have taken a nibble or two on the head throwing it down, but that may have been too reminiscent of the original version.

217. Arm Rip (Jax, MK2)
216. Arm Rip (Jax, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOl15TdGEjk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPOzApcSK0I
Technically, this is a Didnt Die Tho fatality, but realistically, the shock and blood loss would be fatal without immediate medical attention. The scream combined with blood continuing to spurt from the severed stumps sell the impact of this fatality. The MK4 version makes some changes which improve it further, like Jax throwing the arms down in disgust after removing them. However, the camera movement means you dont always get a good look at it on some stages.

215. Slice Kiss (Sonya, MK4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9e_4C95skw
Sonyas kisses have had a few different effects, but they usually involve other elemental attributes. This one is a bit more straightforward, simply ripping off the opponents upper half by crashing into them. I like that its shown three times via action replay, with the third hit sending the upper half flying into the screen, to show off the 3D gameplay.

214. Fire Kiss (Sonya, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z78zdFZZ3D4
Sonyas original fatality is redone in modern graphics, again. I prefer this version to the MKX version because this one takes its time a little bit more. Theres more focus on the burning than on the skeleton at the end, which was the way to go here.

213. Smash and Grab (Jax, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNgINfZZL1k
For this fatality, Jax combines both of his MK2 fatalities into one. Theres a lot of blood in this one, which is good, but I think this would have been better if the order of the moves was reversed. There isnt much reason for Jax to rip the arms off after the head clap, because the opponent is already dead. If he ripped the arms off first, then used the arms to clap the head, this would have been higher.

212. Ferocious Bite (Mileena, MKD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg8WFi2sZc8
Mileena gets a better neck bite fatality here than Nitara did in the previous game. Her biting is more vicious, and she has a better finish than Nitara kicking herself off the drained opponent. Of course, theres also the sensuous pose thats more disturbing than arousing.

211. Violent Delights (Mileena, MK11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dn4gPZBrvA
This is quite possibly the most gruesome way to steal someones face Ive ever seen. Optimus Prime has nothing on this! Mileena also manages to fit in the bit from Alien 3 when the Alien gets right up in Ripleys face. Johnny Cage must have told her about movies at some point.

I never understood Sonya's kiss fatalities. Not because of weird kiss magic, they've just never really felt in character for her

That's the first time I think I've seen violent delights and geez tearing someone's face off from the backside is pretty wildly creative (although it does raise some big questions about the anatomy of her opponent; is she going into their esophagus or around it?)

For Sonya, I think she got the kiss fatality in the first game because she was the only girl on the roster and Midway felt they had to play up the girlyness because of that. Because it was in the first game, it stuck. The military themed fatalities she has in the newer games feel more in character for her.

210. Conducting Rod (Raiden, MKX)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6wL8IuCOG4
Raiden has upgraded his MK4 fatality. This time, hes got a metal rod, to ensure that it can conduct electricity to ruin the opponents day. Granted, making them deep throat the rod first ruined their day before they were electrocuted. Clearly, nobody in this series has a gag reflex.

209. Blended (Kenshi, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vgz17TRLfw
More deep throating, this time courtesy of Sento. We get a swords eye view of Sento going into the opponents mouth, and theyre screaming all the way because they know this is going to suck. Kenshi isnt content to leave it at that, and goes into the second half of the move to make sure theyre dead. As a result of that, this one feels like two moves in one, and may have been a bit more cohesive if the sword had cut the opponent in half while inside them.

208. Living the Scream (Sindel, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHgOzy2OzX8
Sindel usually stays in place for her scream, but for this fatality, she gets to float around the opponent while screaming at them, making it a bit more dynamic to watch, and also getting her power across, because floating instead of walking is a sign of power and dominance in fantasy. The scream also has a few different deadly effects, making it more varied to watch than usual for Sindel in that regard as well.

207. Killer Klones From Netherealm (Scorpion, MK1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0eXtwoxZ4Q
Scorpion has a second go at his UMK3 fatality, and this time theres no fade to black. Thank you, over 25 years of technological advancement! There arent as many homies summoned (this is a new Scorpion, he hasnt had much of a chance to recruit homies yet), but they each do a different attack. The end, where Scorpion yanks the opponent back and kicks their skeleton out, feels a little underwhelming by comparison. Its an improvement on last time, but this idea still hasnt quite reached its full potential.

206. Pest Control (Ermac, MK9)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhP4I3ru4GE
Ermac inverts Jaxs giant stomp. Instead of growing into a giant like Jax, Ermac shrinks the opponent and crushes them underfoot. The tiny opponent running around panicking with a squeaky voice is funny, as is Ermac cleaning the mess off his boot, and this feels more in character than Jaxs version too. Fun fact, this was one of the fatalities Sony demanded work differently for Kratos. Instead of panicking, Kratos prepares to fight the normal size giant Ermac, which makes sense since fighting enemies that are orders of magnitude bigger than him is an ordinary day at the office for Kratos.