The failing boxer is named Cole Young, who is haunted by visions of his past and a mysterious birthmark on his chest. He learns that the birthmark is actually a symbol that identifies him as a chosen warrior for the tournament, and is sought after by Shang Tsung's minions who want to prevent him from competing.
Cole meets several other chosen warriors, including the skilled martial artist Liu Kang, the determined Special Forces agent Sonya Blade, and the enigmatic mercenary Kano. Together, they journey to a remote island where the tournament takes place, and face off against other warriors from different realms, each with their own unique powers.
As the battles ensue, the warriors uncover a sinister plot by Shang Tsung to cheat his way to victory and conquer all the realms. They must band together and prove their worth as warriors, using a combination of martial arts skills, magic, and sheer willpower to defeat their opponents and prevent Shang Tsung from succeeding in his evil plan.
Along the way, they also learn more about each other and their shared legacy, and discover the true meaning of courage and strength in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The film features iconic characters from the popular video game franchise of the same name, including Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, and more.