Entertainment · Film · 1 hr ago
Early reactions to Street Fighter praise its visuals but question its story
The new Street Fighter film has drawn mixed early reactions after screenings for critics and other attendees.
Directed by Kitao Sakurai, it adapts Capcom’s fighting-game franchise and stars Andrew Koji as Ryu and Noah Centineo as Ken.
The story brings the estranged fighters back into combat after Chun-Li recruits them for a tournament, with a conspiracy behind the contest.
Several viewers praised its colorful visuals and 2D animation, as well as its energetic action and throwback style.
Others said the plot, dialogue and jokes feel uneven, and that the film struggles to settle on a tone.
The mixed response matters because the movie is a new big-screen attempt to bring a major video-game franchise to audiences.
The film opens in theaters on Oct.
16, with critics’ reviews due on Oct.
14.
Early reactions to the 2026 film Street Fighter praise its visuals, animation, action and humor.
Some critics say the film’s story, dialogue and jokes do not work, and that its tone and direction lack cohesion.
Several reactions describe it as a playful throwback to 1990s action films and say it works best when it does not take itself too seriously.
The film is directed by Kitao Sakurai and stars Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo as Ryu and Ken Masters.
Street Fighter is scheduled to open in theaters on Oct. 16.
- Who
- Critics and other attendees shared early reactions to the film. The cast includes Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo.
- What
- Street Fighter received mixed early reactions, with praise for its visuals and humor and criticism of its story and dialogue.
- When
- First reactions were published on Oct. 14, 2026. The film is scheduled to open on Oct. 16.
- Where
- The film premiered in Los Angeles and was screened for media and other attendees.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Street Fighter held its premiere in Los Angeles.
Critics and attendees posted reactions to the film on social media.
First reactions were published, and critics’ reviews were due to appear.
Street Fighter is scheduled to open in theaters.
- Director
- Kitao Sakurai
- Ryu
- Andrew Koji
- Ken Masters
- Noah Centineo
- Premiere location
- Los Angeles
- Theatrical release
- Oct. 16, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
A silly, fun, and fearless good time.
a chaotic mixed bag of action, anime madness, epic characters, combos, and showdowns that don't always land
(not great) dialogue
loses the plot one too many times, and its fight scenes begin to feel less like a treat and more like a distraction
Posts on X
#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.
STREET FIGHTER is one sexy looking movie, from the mixed medium elements to its color-saturated palette to its impeccably attractive cast. Sadly, it literally loses the plot one too many times, and its fight scenes begin to feel less like a treat and more like a distraction.
#StreetFighter is like Bloodsport on horse steroids, featuring some delightfully over-the-top, explosive action. It's also funny in a way that both homages the ridiculousness of 80s action movies while poking fun at the toxic machismo those same movies helped inspire. (1/2)