Street Fighter (2026) film receives mixed reviews

The new Street Fighter film (2026) has received mixed critical reception, characterized by its strong visual commitment to the source material but criticized for a lack of narrative depth. The film utilizes a 1990s aesthetic, incorporating pop culture references and vibrant, stylized visuals that evoke works like Scott Pilgrim.

Critics note that while the film successfully recreates iconic character moves—such as the Hadouken and Shoryuken—and features a wide array of recognizable characters, the plot remains thin. The story follows Ryu winning a tournament, which inadvertently awakens a dark force and affects his relationship with Ken, leading to a subsequent championship organized by a demonic antagonist.

Reviews suggest the film struggles to balance its appeal between hardcore gaming fans and casual viewers. While the visual details and costume accuracy are praised, some reviewers describe the experience as chaotic and lacking a cohesive idea, ultimately landing somewhere between a colorful spectacle and a hollow parody.