Round one. FIGHT!

Directed by Kitao Sakurai, Street Fighter transports the viewer back to the futuristic year 1993 as the evil M. Bison (David Dastmalchian) embarks on a quest for ultimate power. Knowing that the only way to increase his own strength is to drain it for others, he attempts to lure the most brutal fighters imaginable to town with the next World Warrior Tournament. As combatants from around the globe arrive in the city, the two most notable entrants are Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo), two estranged brothers who are forced to confront the demons of their past if they ever want to overcome their differences.

Noah Centineo, left, and Andrew Koji star in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”

As an adaptation of the video game, one can’t deny that Street Fighter knows which buttons to mash. Correcting the many, many wrongs from the original 90s film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, this new Fighter understands exactly where they went wrong. Game accurate costumes and audio clips, over-the-top visuals and yes, those fancy finishers are all on full display as characters attempt to put away their opponents in the most insane ways. (In fact, Sakurai even makes sure that most of the action takes place outside the arena, mimicking the game’s penchant for destruction everywhere but the ring.)

“You gotta give the people what they want,” we’re told repeatedly.

And that it does.

Andrew Koji stars in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”

Fueled by wanton mayhem and campy dialogue, Fighter never tries to be anything other than what it is. Unlike the more serious tone taken within its archrival, Mortal Kombat, Sakurai dials up the campiness to 11, bringing the same ridiculous energy that fans have grown up with over the last three decades.

In a lot of ways, the film’s tone and style echo the goofier sci-fi actioners of the late-80s and early 90s. In essence, Street Fighter feels like a bizarre blend of Bloodsport and The Fifth Element. This is a brightly-coloured, frenetically-paced popcorn flick that cares little for reality and revels within its own fan service. For some, that will be a criticism. But, for those who are lining up on opening night waiting to see the game come to life, this will be a sonic boom of fun and chaos.

Cody Rhodes stars in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”

It’s worth noting that the cast performs admirably as well. Led by Koji and Centineo, everyone here understands the assignment. There might be little in the way of character growth but everyone here is in fighting shape, giving their all when given the opportunity to shine. (Though, without question the most memorable work comes from Jason Momoa’s mother-loving Blanka and an entirely over-the-top Cody Rhodes as Guile.)

Now, having said this, Street Fighter plays fast and loose with its storytelling. With a plot that borders on nonsensical, Sakurai and his co-writer T.J. Fixman keep the script absolutely threadbare. Character arcs are messy, events are erratic and any form of coherence comes at a minimum.

In short, it’s nuts.

Callina Liang, left, and Rayna Vallandingham star in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”

But again, it’s hard to expect anything else from this franchise. Despite the fact that Sakurai actually has an interesting premise in M. Bison’s desire to claim power by draining it from others, very little is done to explore it on any particularly deeper level. At most, Fighter’s best angle comes through a story about attempting to choose light in the face of overwhelming darkness… but even that isn’t particularly well-developed. Instead, Sakurai offers its fans two hours of cinematic chaos, unleashing magic, mayhem and wanton destruction.

And, there’s nothing wrong with that.

For what it is, Street Fighter is good fun. For those who are excited about the franchise, Sakurai has delivered a knock-out punch that checks every box for its fanbase. It’s stylish, silly and remains entirely unashamed of it. (After all, you gotta give the people what they want.) At the same time though, viewers who care little about the world of Fighter may find themselves left out of the arena.

Street Fighter is available in theatres on Friday, October 16th, 2026.