The long-awaited live-action Street Fighter movie has finally stepped into the critical arena, and the initial verdict is far from a flawless victory. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 38% from 32 reviews at the time of writing, the adaptation is struggling to win over critics ahead of its October 16 theatrical release. But is the film truly a knockout loss, or are there signs of a fighting chance?
Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the movie transports audiences back to 1993, where estranged fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken (Noah Centineo) are recruited by Chun-Li (Callina Liang) for the World Warrior Tournament. What begins as a chance to prove their mettle quickly spirals into a conspiracy that forces the duo to confront their shared past. It's a setup ripe for explosive action and nostalgic callbacks, but critics suggest the execution doesn't always land.
What the Critics Are Saying
The Guardian's Radheyan Simonpillai gave the film two out of five stars, criticizing its heavy reliance on '90s references and an overcrowded narrative. He noted that while a fight between Ken and Ryu hints at a more inventive movie, the overall package falls short. The Times was even less impressed, awarding one star and calling out a disjointed story and underwhelming fight sequences—a particularly harsh blow for a film whose main draw is watching iconic characters unleash their signature moves in live action.
Yet the critical response isn't a total KO. Collider's Aidan Kelley offered a more balanced 6/10, writing, "It may not be a total knockout, but Street Fighter rolls with enough punches to be a combination that is a win nonetheless." Screen Rant's Brandon Zachary was similarly receptive, giving it a 7/10 and praising its visual style for helping to paper over storytelling flaws. These mixed reactions suggest that while the movie may not be a critical darling, it could still deliver an entertaining night out for fans.
A Step Up from 1994, But Not Quite Fresh
One small consolation: the new Street Fighter has already surpassed the infamous 1994 adaptation, which holds a dismal 20% critics' score from 90 reviews. However, clearing that low bar doesn't bring it close to a Fresh rating. The film will need to win over audiences if it hopes to build momentum after its opening weekend.
For those curious about how other video game adaptations have fared, check out our ranking of the best video games since 2020. And if you're a fan of horror games, don't miss the horror games that redefined fear.
Ultimately, Street Fighter faces an uphill battle. The 38% score puts it on the defensive, but with a passionate fanbase and a few positive notices, it's not down for the count just yet. Whether it becomes a cult favorite or a cautionary tale remains to be seen when it hits theaters on October 16.
