‘Street Fighter’ Early Reviews Are In, and Critics Can’t Agree on Whether It’s a Knockout

Few video game franchises have struggled on the big screen quite like ‘Street Fighter’. The 1994 film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and the late Raul Julia sits at just 11% on Rotten Tomatoes, while 2009’s ‘Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li’ fared even worse with a dismal 3%.

That history puts plenty of pressure on Kitao Sakurai’s new take, the third live-action adaptation of Capcom’s iconic fighting game series. Legendary acquired the film rights in April 2023 with Capcom co-producing, and Sakurai, who previously directed episodes of ‘Twisted Metal’, was hired in February 2025.

Following the film’s premiere, the first reactions to ‘Street Fighter’ have hit social media, and they’re decidedly mixed. Some viewers are calling it a crowd-pleasing blast, while others feel it doesn’t land the final blow.

On the positive side, presenter Brandon Davis described it as a silly, fun, and fearless good time, praising its 90s throwback feel in both its visuals and humor. ComicBook’s Chris Killian compared it to ‘Bloodsport’ with the action dialed up dramatically, highlighting its over-the-top, explosive fights.

First reactions to the new Street Fighter are in — and fans of the games are loving it. Cody Rhodes steals scenes as Guile, Roman Reigns is "scary good" as Akuma, and one critic calls it "the best popcorn film of the year." It opens Friday. https://t.co/mBBoGlVWr4

— Movieweb (@movieweb) October 13, 2026

Many early viewers singled out how much the film embraces its source material. Critic Maude Garrett said she got goosebumps from the way it honors the characters’ signature fighting moves, adding that it includes more than 100 Easter eggs for longtime players.

Anthony Gagliardi of ‘The Movie Podcast’ praised Sakurai for nailing the right mix of style, energy, and fun. Critic Christopher Gallardo summed it up as a film made squarely for the fans, while others noted that Cody Rhodes earned big laughs as Guile.

Not everyone came away impressed. Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky praised the gorgeous 2D animation and some entertaining fight sequences but felt the movie ultimately falls flat, saying the jokes rarely land and it feels like half a movie.

Just got out of the #streetfighter premiere, and I had a blast! The movie really captures the spirit of the games, with tons of fun references for fans. The soundtrack is awesome, and the 2D animation was a real highlight. Such a fun experience for Street Fighter fans.. https://t.co/t2aQjK2P4y

— Felix Ang (@SUBATUBE) October 13, 2026

AxelTalksFilm acknowledged strong performances and action but called the premise underbaked, despite an interesting hook. Another viewer said the fight scenes were well handled but wished the film had taken itself a little more seriously.

Across the more negative reactions, the most frequent criticism is a muddled, thin story. Some felt the plot lost focus, leaving the movie’s strengths in its action and nostalgia rather than its narrative.

As a big fan of the games, I was able to have some fun with #StreetFighter, but it has a lot of problems. It nails some characters, makes a complete mockery of others, and the humor is below American Pie levels of juvenile (I lost count of the gay jokes). The fight scenes are very well handled (which will be enough for some), but I wish the movie had taken itself just a *little* more seriously. Ryu, Ken and Akuma are standouts. Chun-Li is unfortunately landed with the worst dialogue and a frankly bizarre subplot involving an obsessive colleague who touches himself during one of her fights (yes, really). Bison is a creepy weirdo… and not in a good way. Blanka is mostly great but rubs his armpit and smells… you know what, I think the director may have some pretty messed up fetishes.

— Dark Cassidy 🎃👻💀 (@RorMachine) October 13, 2026

That divide could shape how general audiences respond. Fans of the games may find plenty to enjoy, while casual viewers might be less forgiving. Expectations for the film’s critical score have also shifted. According to Kalshi, traders are forecasting a 43% Rotten Tomatoes score, which would place it in “Rotten” territory.

#StreetFighter is a winner. It’s a 90s throwback with visual nostalgia but also in its humor and selling of a hot cast. Koji’s Ryu; great. Cody is really funny. Schulz lands a lot, too. Roman’s scary good as Akuma, especially in voiceover. A silly, fun, and fearless good time. https://t.co/I0kAeIqZxy

— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) October 13, 2026

That forecast reportedly dropped about 10.8 points after hovering in the mid-50s for weeks. Full reviews are expected once the embargo lifts on Thursday, following press screenings on Wednesday.

Set in 1993, the film follows estranged fighters Ryu and Ken Masters, played by Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo, who are recruited by Callina Liang’s Chun-Li for the World Warrior Tournament. One of its boldest swings is the use of animated sequences to explore the characters’ backstories.

#StreetFighterMovie is PERFECT! Kitao Sakurai delivers a total KNOCKOUT from start to finish and the most fun you’ll have at the movies this year. It’s nonstop, hilarious, and you feel every punch. This is a video game adaptation done right and the biggest surprise of the year. https://t.co/9FDk6IVU7C

— Daniel Baptista • The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) October 13, 2026

Sakurai explained to Polygon that leaning on the franchise’s deep connection to anime allowed the team to tell the emotional histories of Ken and Ryu without de-aging the actors or casting child performers. He has also cited the Jet Li films of his childhood as a major influence.

PERFECT! Watch the New Trailer for Street Fighter, hitting theaters everywhere October 16. https://t.co/jAAPf1k9jf

— Street Fighter Movie (@Street_Fighter) September 1, 2026

Regardless of critics, the franchise has never relied on glowing reviews to find an audience. With a stacked cast including Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns, and 50 Cent, ‘Street Fighter’ arrives in theaters on October 16.

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