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‘Street Fighter’ Movie Review: A Ridiculously Fun, Action-Packed & Faithful Live Action Adaptation
When the video game Street Fighter first came out in 1987, I wasn’t even born yet. But somehow, it was a big part of my childhood. I played the 1997 Street Fighter Collection on the Sega Saturn growing up. So, I was naturally excited, nostalgic even, when I heard a movie was coming out in 2026.
Immediately, the 2D hand-drawn animation of the flashback scenes is reminiscent of the 1997 version I played. It brought back a lot of memories. Street Fighter is a visually stunning, action-packed film faithful to the source material with its own creative reinterpretations.
The film is set in 1993 and follows estranged fighters and training partners Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken (Noah Centino). The two drifted apart after the death of their master, Gokuen (Don Lee). Ryu stops fighting, and Ken becomes a washed-up TV star. After years apart, they’re thrown back into combat when Chun Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the World Warrior Tournament to crown the next champion. But behind this battle lies a deadly conspiracy that not only forces them to face each other but also their own past.
Before the Street Fighter movie, director Kitao Sakurai worked on all six seasons of The Eric Show, two episodes of Beef Season 2, and the Netflix comedy Bad Trip. His confidence in finding the balance between comedy and tension is even more evident in Street Fighter, which brought the playful nature of the video game to the screen.
He centres the story on Ryu and Ken, the foundational characters of the franchise, as a treat for fans, but also adds creative license to appeal to those not familiar with the characters. The film is character-driven as much as it’s action-packed, extending to themes of brotherhood and self-acceptance. Furthermore, Ryu and Ken’s friendship is as interesting as their dynamic as rivals. This love-hate relationship becomes the film’s emotional core, and the other characters perfectly come along for a full-circle moment. Sakurai honours the characters, right down to their signature fighting moves that were executed perfectly, with plenty of Easter eggs for fans (like Ken beating up cars) to enjoy.
The action is explosive, which some may consider over the top, but it captures the spirit of the game in live-action. Sakurai and lead stunt choreographer Jon Valera aren’t afraid to be ridiculous, and it ends up being fun instead. The slow motion and close-ups from low angles capture the video game and anime style, accompanied by the most exaggerated soundtrack. But somehow, it works. If anything, these overblown camera angles and fun shots by cinematographer Ken Seng transcend the screen.
The costumes, colours, choreography, and even the soundtrack pop out, making the viewing experience more immersive. The costumes don’t look like cosplay — costume designer Kym Barrett isn’t just faithful to the source material; she also captures the gritty and dirty side of fighting. You should absolutely watch the Street Fighter movie in IMAX.
Production designer Kevin Kavanaugh also captures the Y2K aesthetic of the 1990s with the use of a digicam aesthetic and the inclusion of MTV. It is visual nostalgia with hints of cyberpunk. While set in the past, it doesn’t feel like a historical piece, but a real, visceral world that is somehow familiar. My only issue is with the editing. Frequent cuts between scenes disrupt the momentum, particularly during fight scenes or emotional moments. At times, the impact doesn’t last or land because of this.
Backstories are condensed well enough to move forward, and there is great chemistry between the actors. It seems like they had fun making the film. It’s nice to see Andrew Koji finally get a lead role after an impressive performance in Warrior. Noah Centineo, who shot to fame in All the Boys trilogy, is almost unrecognizable as Ken, as he bulked up for the role. Callina Liang, as Chun Li, is a star in the making. Not only are her initials the same as her character, but she also worked hard to be game-accurate to Chun Li’s physique.
The majority of the cast, like wrestlers Cody Rhodes (Guile) and Joe Anoa’i (Akuma, who also does an amazing voiceover in the 2D flashback scenes), and actress-martial artist Rayna Vallandingham (Juli), know how to fight, which makes the action more believable. Moreover, many of them grew up playing the video game.
Our Verdict on the Street Fighter movie
This is how a video game franchise should be brought to the screen. You’ll have fun from start to finish, even if you’re not familiar with the video game. For fans, the Easter eggs make for a nostalgic watch and are an upgrade from the 1994 film. I’m not surprised if the Street Fighter movie brings in a new generation of fans.
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