Liu kang is among the trio of fighters that Lord Raiden sends to the underworld of Shang Tsung in an attempt to save the world. Liu discovers that he is a chosen one meant to defeat Shang Tsung so the world can be free.

Johnny Cage is the ultimate pretty boy fighter with sunglasses in the film. Johnny defeats both Scorpion and Goro which more than proves his worth as a fighter. Ironically it was Liu Kang and not Johnny Cage that defeated Shang Tsung inspite of the fact that in the movie Johnny appears a better more resourceful fighter all around.

Sonya Blade was the first female fighter in the Mortal Kombat game and she is the first female fighter introduced in this movie. She fights and kills Kano who cheats with a knife in the beginning. She uses her characteristic scissor kicks and the strength of her legs to break his neck. She travels along with Liu Kang, and Johnny Cage to the underworld of Shang Tsung. There she is captured by Shang Tsung.

Lord Raiden is a wise being that brings together Sonya, Liu Kang, and Johnny Cage for an important mission. He sends them to the dark world of Shang Tsung. There they battle Scorpion, Subzero, Goro and ultimately the giant multiarmed Goro. The final battle for the fate of the Earth is fought by Liu Kang against Shang Tsung.

Kano is a tough fighter who competes in the Mortal Kombat tournaments. He dies fighting against Sonya Blade inspite of his attempts to cheat with a really exotic looking knife.

Shang Tsung is the creator of the Mortal Kombat tournaments. When a fight ends he takes the soul of the loser and adds it to his own powers. He has amassed a collection of thousands of fighter souls. This makes him very powerful. His final showcase of power is scene against Liu Kang.

Subzero is the legendary master of freeze from the Mortal Kombat video game saga. Subzero attempts to freeze his opponents so that he can finish them off with ease. He is killed by throwing water at him while he is releasing a burst of cold energy. The cold water then turns to ice which pierces Subzero's body.

Scorpion is the "Get Over Here" guy from the video game saga and he utters the phrase memorably in this movie as well. From his wrist emerges the trademark scorpion pulling weapon which he shoots at enemies in an attempt to stick them. He then pulls them in and finishes them off. Johnny Cage takes running to the woods when he first faces Scorpion. After breaking off the Scorpion shooting device, hand to hand fighting commences betwen Scorpion and Johnny Cage.

Goro is the champion fighter of Shang Tsung. His six arms and massive size make him a true challenge to fight. He is defeated with intelligence rather than brute force as he is kicked off a ledge.