Street Fighter First Reactions Are Mostly Positive, If Far From Perfect - Spoilers

The social media embargo for Street Fighter has lifted, and critics have been sharing their thoughts on Paramount Pictures, Legendary, and Capcom's adaptation of the classic fighting game series.

Somewhat surprisingly, given the late embargo lift, the reactions are mostly quite positive, if far from glowing.

It sounds like fans of the games will find a lot to enjoy, and the action sequences and 2D animated flashback scenes are said to be handled very well. When it comes to the cast, Andrew Koji (Ryu) and Noah Centineo (Ken) are singled out for the most praise, though some characters are reportedly underutilised.

Mild spoilers follow.

Several posts also mention that the ending is way too abrupt, with the rushed final action set piece described as "sequel bait."

Have a read through the reactions below, and we'll update as more come in.

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

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

I am a grown ass woman and when I tell you I got legit GOOSEBUMPS from watching #StreetFighter - the way they honour the characters fighting moves and had over 100 Easter eggs as a nod to those who grew up playing it and beyond made me smile. Noah Centineo crushed as Ken! ">https://t.co/gTRwePWufi

— Maude Garrett (@maudegarrett) October 13, 2026

Street Fighter has some good elements (2D animation is gorgeous & some entertaining fight sequences) but it ultimately falls flat. The cast does what they can with the (not great) dialogue but they look amazing! The jokes rarely land & it feels like half a movie. #StreetFighter ">https://t.co/JXiLnX1QM7

— Tessa Smith - Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) October 13, 2026

#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

Imagina um filme de luta não ter uma sequência de ação realmente boa? Street Fighter é isso aí. Um filme que brinca com a galhofa da MTV nos anos 1990, mas não se decide entre o humor e o drama barato. Tem mais a ver com o filme do Van Damme do que você gostaria. ">https://t.co/sCUTBmWPOI

— Alexandre Almeida (@acmalmeida2) October 13, 2026

#StreetFighter has bold and risky moves that give it the edge to be the best live-action fighting video game adaptation. It feels like the movie doesn’t know what direction it fully wants to take; consequently, those bold, risky moves hurt the film more than they help it. The characterisations of Cammy, M.Bison, and Guile are unrecognisable as they cater to the film's chaotic style. The pacing becomes a bit muddled towards the third act, but ultimately the care for the story throughout is there, with its focus on Ryu and Ken as found brothers. The film isn’t without its problems, but the combination of animated sequences, kick-ass fight sequences and a cast that are having a blast makes it a fun, silly viewing experience that still manages to honour the franchise. Review coming to @NexusPointNews

— Christopher Rates It 🦦 (@LuminousDagger) October 13, 2026

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. ">https://t.co/qdjb9Ydaes

— Bill Bria (@billbria) October 13, 2026

#StreetFighterMovie is one of the greatest video game adaptations of all time! It pays homage to the games perfectly and Kitao Sakurai directs the best ensemble cast of the year. It doesn’t take itself seriously and is a total blast, Callina Liang and Cody Rhodes are the MVPs! ">https://t.co/gVz5xmuqBH

— Thomas Ellinidis • One Take News (@ThomasOneTake) October 13, 2026

#StreetFighter has bold and risky moves that give it the edge to be the best live-action fighting video game adaptation. It feels like the movie doesn’t know what direction it fully wants to take; consequently, those bold, risky moves hurt the film more than they help it. The characterisations of Cammy, M.Bison, and Guile are unrecognisable as they cater to the film's chaotic style. The pacing becomes a bit muddled towards the third act, but ultimately the care for the story throughout is there, with its focus on Ryu and Ken as found brothers. The film isn’t without its problems, but the combination of animated sequences, kick-ass fight sequences and a cast that are having a blast makes it a fun, silly viewing experience that still manages to honour the franchise. Review coming to @NexusPointNews

— Christopher Rates It 🦦 (@LuminousDagger) October 13, 2026

#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) ">https://t.co/mugra84SkP

— Chris Killian (@chriskillian) October 13, 2026

This might be a controversial thing to say but STREET FIGHTER (2026) often feels like a better successor to Mortal Kombat (1995) than either recent MK movies. One of the few big-budget projects that actually nails the vibe and energy of anime in live-action.

— Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626) October 13, 2026

STREET FIGHTER is ONE FOR THE FANS. It’s an ADRENALINE-PUMPING spectacle with a striking blend of animation and live-action visuals that keeps fans hooked with every fight. Kitao Sakurai works with a good cast and Callina Liang SHINES as Chun-Li. #StreetFighterMovie ">https://t.co/AjpATPmal8

— Christopher Gallardo (@chrisagwrites) October 13, 2026

Just attended the World Premiere of #StreetFighterMovie , Packed with electrifying action, epic fight sequences, iconic characters, and incredible energy, this movie delivers a thrilling cinematic experience..A knockout entertainer @Street_Fighter @ParamountPics @Legendary ">https://t.co/Ed8uRNr5qb

— Kuldeep Gadhvi (@kuldeepgadhvi70) October 13, 2026

#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

#StreetFighterMovie is KICK-ASS! It PUNCHES its way into one of the BEST FILMS you’ll see this year. Kitao Sakurai hits the perfect combo of style, energy, and fun. Noah Centineo and Andrew Koji land every move, while Callina Liang is a dream Chun-Li. This is the Street Fighter movie fans have been waiting for. HADOUKEN!

— Anthony Gagliardi @ The Movie Podcast (@AJGaliardi) October 13, 2026

Kitao Sakurai (The Eric Andre Show, Twisted Metal) signed on to direct Street Fighter after Talk to Me filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou parted ways with the project.

“Set in 1993, estranged Street Fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) are thrown back into combat when the mysterious Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament: a brutal clash of fists, fate, and fury. But behind this battle royale lies a deadly conspiracy that forces them to face off against each other and the demons of their past. And if they don’t, it’s GAME OVER!”

The movie stars Noah Centineo as Ken Masters, Andrew Koji as Ryu, Callina Liang as Chun-Li, Cody Rhodes as Guile, Orville Peck as Vega, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog, Jason Momoa as Blanka, Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim, Olivier Richters as Zangief, Hirooki Goto as E. Honda, David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i as Akuma, Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki, Eric André as Don Sauvage, Mel Jarnson as Cammy, Rayna Vallandingham as Juli, and Alexander Volkanovski as Joe.