'Mortal Kombat II' tops box office on opening day with $17m debut

Mortal Kombat II debuted at the top of the box office on its opening day, earning $17 million on Friday, according to Box Office Mojo.

The fantasy action film, which serves as a sequel to the 2021 release and marks the fourth instalment in the franchise based on the popular video game series, outperformed several major releases currently in cinemas.

The film pushed The Devil Wears Prada 2 into second place after the comedy sequel earned $9.8 million during its second Friday in theatres.

The sequel to the 2006 film reunited stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, who reportedly each received $12.5 million to reprise their roles.

Despite topping the charts commercially, Mortal Kombat II received mixed reactions from critics. The New York Post described the film as “an onscreen bucket of slop” and “a migraine of nonstop fights and idiot characters.”

Michael, the biographical film based on the life of Michael Jackson, placed third at the box office with $8.8 million in ticket sales on its third Friday of release.

Reports stated the film has now become the second music biopic in history to surpass $500 million globally after Bohemian Rhapsody.

Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft – The Tour Live in 3D took fourth place with $4.5 million. The concert film features performances from the singer’s 2025 tour and was reportedly inspired by director James Cameron.

“He literally had the full idea already,” Billie Eilish said while discussing the project. “He was like, ‘Why hasn’t anybody filmed Billie’s concert in 3D? Can we? Can I?’”

The strong opening for Mortal Kombat II continues Hollywood’s recent trend of video game adaptations performing strongly at the global box office.