Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1995

18%

WISE Score

3.7

IMDb

A spectacularly bad 1995 animated Mortal Kombat cash-grab that even die-hard fans can't defend—basically unwatchable.

3.7/10

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Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins

movie

PG, 1995

18%

WISE Score

3.7

IMDb

A spectacularly bad 1995 animated Mortal Kombat cash-grab that even die-hard fans can't defend—basically unwatchable.

3.7

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this is one of those straight-to-video animated disasters that studios pumped out in the '90s to capitalize on movie releases. With a 1.9/5 on Letterboxd and 3.5/10 on IMDb, even nostalgic fans can't salvage this one.

The animation is cheap, the story is thin exposition disguised as 'Lord Rayden's wisdom,' and the whole thing feels like a 72-minute commercial for the actual movie. Yes, it's less violent than the games or the 2021 reboot, but that doesn't make it worth watching—it just makes it boring AND poorly executed.

If your kid is into Mortal Kombat, show them the 1995 live-action film or let them play the age-appropriate games. This animated prequel offers nothing except a masterclass in how not to make a tie-in product. Sometimes the WISE thing to do is skip it entirely.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media suggests 13+ for Mortal Kombat content due to martial arts violence. But honestly, no age group is going to enjoy this—it's a poorly-made relic from 1995 that fails as both entertainment and as a kids' introduction to the franchise.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This 1995 animated prequel features martial arts combat and fantasy violence typical of the Mortal Kombat franchise. While rated PG-13 with 'mild' violence according to IMDb's parent guide, it still centers on warriors preparing for deadly combat tournaments. The tone is action-heavy with minimal emotional depth or modeling of cooperation beyond fighting skills.

Imaginative

The fantasy martial arts premise offers some world-building around the Mortal Kombat tournament mythology, but this is a low-budget animated tie-in that serves mainly as exposition. With a 1.9/5 on Letterboxd and 3.5/10 on IMDb, it's clear this lacks creative execution. It's a cash-grab companion piece to the 1995 live-action film, not an invitation to explore or imagine.

Safe

IMDb parent guide lists 'mild' violence with 'non-stop martial arts action' per the PG-13 rating. Common Sense Media rates the franchise at age 13. No profanity, sexual content, or substance use noted. However, it's still combat-focused content from a franchise known for extreme violence (though this animated version is toned down). The 'safe' score reflects that it's predictable Mortal Kombat content without shocking surprises, but still revolves around fighting.

Enriching

With abysmal ratings (1.9/5 Letterboxd, 3.5/10 IMDb), this offers virtually nothing enriching. It's a poorly-executed animated prequel designed to cash in on the 1995 movie. No meaningful character development, ethical lessons, or skill-building. The 'words of wisdom' premise is window dressing for a cheap tie-in product. Entertainment value is near zero for modern audiences.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

If you're a completist MK fan studying the franchise's dark history of terrible tie-ins, this is... educational?
The violence is significantly toned down from the games, making it technically 'safer' than other MK content
It's mercifully short, so the pain ends quickly
Could serve as a conversation starter about how not all licensed content is worth your time

⚠

What to Watch For

Constant martial arts fighting and fantasy combat—it's literally warriors preparing for a death tournament
Animation quality that makes Saturday morning cartoons look like Pixar
Your kid asking 'Can we turn this off?' within the first 10 minutes
The realization that you could be watching literally anything else

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think some movies based on games turn out so badly?"
"What makes animation look good or bad to you? What's different between this and movies you like?"
"Do you think fighting skills are the only way to solve problems, or are there other options the characters could explore?"

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