Mortal Kombat is one of the most iconic fighting games of all time, and the latest entry (Mortal Kombat 11) managed to walk away with the best Metascore in franchise history. Combining its ultra-violent gameplay with high-quality visuals and a sizable cinematic mode allowed it to stand out from the crowd — and its community is still thriving more than three years after launch.

Regardless of which Mortal Kombat is your favorite, they all provide a similar experience. You'll select from a roster of such memorable characters as Scorpion, Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, Sub-Zero, Raiden, and more, before jumping into a competitive experience unlike any other. The fighting game brings more to the table than just nuanced mechanics, as game-ending fatalities provide a cathartic rush to anyone that's able to pull them off.

The series has experimented with a variety of unique game modes over the years, offering everything from full-fledged RPGs to puzzle mini games. Highly technical fighting controls have always been the star of the show, but its willingness to push the envelope has allowed the franchise to stay fresh after countless installments.

Mortal Kombat might be among the most popular fighting games on the market, but it's far from the only contender. Whether you're looking for another technical fighter or an action game that provides a similar rush, there are plenty of great video games to keep fans of Mortal Kombat busy.

Here are 10 games like Mortal Kombat to play next, listed by Metascore.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Switch)

Metascore: 93
Best for: Fans of arcade brawlers
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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is both incredibly similar to Mortal Kombat and radically different. While it features a family-friendly demeanor and Nintendo's patented charm, it's also a surprisingly nuanced game that's developed a competitive scene to rival Warner Bros.' ultra-violent fighter. Instead of whittling down a health bar, however, you're trying to knock your competition off a floating map. Every hit makes it easier to send your opponent sailing, and with a roster filled with dozens of iconic faces (including Link, Kirby, Solid Snake, Pikachu, and more), it's easy for players of all skill levels to enjoy a bit of chaotic action.

"Smash Ultimate is not only the ultimate Smash game, the ultimate fighting game, the ultimate party game, and the ultimate collection of videogame nostalgia: it's the ultimate video game." — Power Unlimited

Devil May Cry 5 (PS5)

Metascore: 89
Best for: Fans of flashy action games
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It's not a fighting game, but Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition scratches a similar itch. This version of the game has been updated for new-gen consoles, offering dramatically enhanced graphics, new modes, and the ability to run the game at a blistering 120fps. The base experience remains intact, with you setting out on a quest to stop the Demon King from taking over the world. Along the way, you'll play as a variety of different characters — each with their own set of skills, but all of them capable of slaying wave and wave of demonic enemies without breaking a sweat.

"Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition is more Devil May Cry 5, one of the most gratifying, fun, and deep action games ever created." — DarkStation

Dragon Ball FighterZ (PS4)

Metascore: 87
Best for: Fans of high-flying, anime action
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Dragon Ball fans have had their fair share of disappointing games, but Dragon Ball FighterZ isn't one of them. Garnering an impressive 87 Metascore, the game pulled in legions of fans with its striking graphic style and fast-paced gameplay. Its litany of game modes (including ranked, casual, and a wild six-player party mode) ensured there was something for all types of players, and Dragon Ball fans will love its roster of characters, which includes everyone from Cell and Frieza to Gotenks and Kefla. There's also an impressive story to fight through that introduces players to a brand-new character.

"A near-perfect fighting game that appeals to casual players without alienating veteran fighters." — GamingTrend

Injustice 2 (PS4)

Metascore: 87
Best for: DC fans
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Injustice 2 builds on the foundation of the original (Injustice) to offer a visceral fighting experience. While DC enthusiasts will appreciate appearances from Batman, Superman, Robin, and other familiar faces, all fans of the genre will love its intricate fighting mechanics that remain approachable for all skills levels. Throw in unlockable gear and a story mode that's shockingly good for a fighting game, and it's easy to see why it earned such great reviews. It also doesn't hurt that it's developed by NetherRealm, the same folks responsible for Mortal Kombat.

"A great over-the-top fighting game with DC characters, great presentation and diverse combat system." — GamePro Germany

SoulCalibur VI (PS4)

Metascore: 84
Best for: Fans of weapons-based fighters
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Most fighting games make you duke it out with your fists — but not SoulCalibur VI. Each character brings their own unique weapon to battle, letting you swing at your opponent with lightning-fast katanas or thwack them into submission with nunchaku. Offense isn't the only key to success, though, as counterattacks and reversals play a big role in keeping your health bar intact. Solo players can check out a sizable story mode, while competitive diehards can jump online for pulse-quickening multiplayer.

"Diverse characters, unique mechanics, and pick-up-and-play nature make it extremely accessible." — New Game Network

Tekken 7 (PS4)

Metascore: 82
Best for: Fans of tactical and humorous combat
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Tekken 7 is one of the best-looking games in the franchise. Its roster of memorable characters looks stunning on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, with Unreal Engine 4 powering the action. But this 2017 entry does more than improve visuals. Mechanics have been reworked from Tekken 6, offering a lower barrier of entry for newcomers while still offering a high skill ceiling for experts. If you find yourself sinking hours into the base game, you'll be glad to know that tons of DLC has been released for Tekken 7 over the years, providing you with more than a few reasons to keep coming back.

"Its diverse roster is packed with a wide range of personalities…bolstered by a raucous attitude that begs to be taken seriously while simultaneously mocking its more peculiar whims in the process." — GameSpot

King of Fighters XV (PS5)

Metascore: 79
Best for: Fans of innovative, unique fighters
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King of Fighters XV is one of the newest entries on this list, and with that comes plenty of innovation. Its roster consists of several dozen fighters, its combat and movement system have been rebalanced, and plenty of solo and multiplayer content means there's always someone ready for a showdown. Online play is a notable standout, as its netcode allows for fluid gameplay and highly competitive matches. And if you're playing on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC, you'll be treated to one of the best-looking games in the genre.

"With fantastic fighting action, a compelling roster, splendid visuals, and revamped online options, KoF XV is a treat for both series veterans and the fighting game community at large." — Destructiod

Street Fighter V (PS4)

Metascore: 77
Best for: Fans of iconic fighters
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Street Fighter 6 is right around the corner, but until then, Street Fighter V will remain your best bet for some old-school fighting action. The base game includes 16 characters to choose from, each with a deep library of basic attacks and combos to pummel the competition. Learning Special Attacks and EX Special Attacks are the keys to victory, although they're not easy to master. Eye-catching graphics make every match a visual feast, with vibrant effects lighting up your screen with each movement. The game is great in its own right, but now is an especially great time to dive in if you're looking for the perfect warmup for its sequel.

"Inclusive, streamlined, faster than ever, and looks radiant on Unreal Engine 4. Street Fighter V has no challengers." — PlayStation Official Magazine Australia

Killer Instinct (XB1)

Metascore: 73
Best for: Fans of retro revivals
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After more than a decade of silence, the Killer Instinct series was reborn in 2013. It takes inspiration from other games in the genre, offering the usual assortment of basic attacks, combos, and combo breakers, leading to matches that rely on defense as much as offense. There's also a unique Instinct Mode that builds up as you fight. Fill it, and you'll be able to unleash a specific bonus that's different for each character. Whether you're a longtime fan or newcomer, Killer Instinct is welcome revival and one that's managed to stand the test of time.

"Flashy, brutal, and deeper than you'd expect. Killer Instinct is back, baby." — Critical Hit

Dead or Alive 6 (PS4)

Metascore: 72
Best for: Fast-paced action
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Dead or Alive 6 might not have pulled in the same stellar reviews as Mortal Kombat 11 or Injustice 2, but the game is no slouch. Multi-tiered stages, a story mode that's split between two different plots, and a triangle combat system with a high skill ceiling allow it to hang with the best. Its characters aren't as memorable as others, but its fighting systems are as good as ever. There's also a new free-to-play version that gives you access to a few fighters and game modes before needing to break out your wallet.

"Dead or Alive 6 continues the trend of being a fun title that has a low barrier of entry, but offers those who wish to go deeper a lot of tools to accomplish that." — Gaming Age