Street Fighter review – This new trip from the arcade to the big screen may delight committed players who recognise every fighter and flourish, but it is a frustratingly thin and dull action movie for almost everyone else.
TV Central attended a complimentary preview screening. No payment was received for this review.
Set in 1993, the film reunites estranged street fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) when Chun-Li (Callina Liang) draws them into the World Warrior Tournament. Director Kitao Sakurai surrounds them with a sprawling roster drawn from Capcom’s games, including David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, Cody Rhodes as Guile, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog and Jason Momoa as Blanka.
Made For Players Who Know Every Move
There are two very different ways to approach Street Fighter. Viewed purely as a celebration of the game that began conquering arcades in the 1980s, and as another chapter after the 1994 film that featured Australia’s Kylie Minogue as Cammy, its choices make more sense. The exaggerated poses, instantly recognisable costumes, game-like transitions and deliberately heightened world are aimed directly at people who already understand the language of the franchise.
For those die-hard fans, even elements others may call flaws can feel like part of the appeal. The characters resemble the fighters players have selected for decades, and the movie is constantly reaching back towards the visual rhythm and larger-than-life attitude of the games. There was a warm round of applause at the premiere, so the film clearly connected with part of the audience. Anyone arriving ready to spot characters, moves and references may find plenty to enjoy.
Fan Service Cannot Carry The Fight
The problem is what happens when the film is judged as an action movie rather than a checklist for established fans. A newcomer who simply sees the title, knows it is probably based on a video game and expects an entertaining night of fights is likely to feel left behind. The screenplay gives the characters familiar names and striking costumes, yet too rarely gives them enough dimension to become people worth caring about.
The mix of live action with animated and game-inspired visual flourishes is also more distracting than exciting. It may be faithful to the source, but on screen the styles do not always sit comfortably together. The action follows the shape of Street Fighter, complete with showy moves and confrontations, although it feels subpar beside the speed, clarity and impact audiences now expect from modern action films.
At roughly two hours, that lack of momentum becomes the biggest opponent. The film keeps introducing colourful figures and staging fights, but very little lands with enough dramatic weight to break the monotony. Instead of building excitement towards a decisive final round, it becomes a long and surprisingly boring letdown.
A Game Adaptation Does Not Have To Exclude Newcomers
Faithfulness and accessibility do not have to be opponents. The recent Masters of the Universe showed how material rooted in a 1980s cartoon could retain the qualities fans love while still welcoming viewers who had never followed He-Man. Its world and characters translated into a movie that could stand on its own.
Street Fighter never finds that balance. It is so focused on recreating the franchise’s surface that it forgets to make its story and characters compelling beyond that recognition. The nostalgia is real, and the commitment to the game’s identity deserves acknowledgement, but familiarity alone cannot turn a collection of references into a satisfying film.
The TV Central Verdict
Aaron: 4/10
A faithful collection of game references cannot overcome one-dimensional characters, awkward visuals and two hours of disappointment.
Zak: 3/10
The nostalgia cannot disguise a long, boring fight that never becomes exciting.
Street Fighter Official Synopsis
In 1993, estranged fighters Ryu and Ken Masters are pulled back into combat when Chun-Li recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament. Behind the contest is a deadly conspiracy that forces the pair to confront one another as well as unresolved parts of their past.
Street Fighter Movie Details
- Australian cinema release: 15 October 2026
- Director: Kitao Sakurai
- Story: Dalan Musson and Gary Dauberman
- Screenplay: T.J. Fixman and Kitao Sakurai
- Principal cast: Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i, David Dastmalchian, Cody Rhodes, Andrew Schulz, Eric André, Vidyut Jammwal, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Jason Momoa
- Producers: Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Jason Momoa, Takayuki Nakayama and Stefan Makhoul
- Studios and distributor: Legendary Pictures and Capcom; distributed by Paramount Pictures
Watch The Street Fighter Official Trailer
Read TV Central’s earlier coverage of the official Street Fighter trailer, the Australian production in New South Wales and the first release and casting announcement. The official Paramount Pictures film page has more information.
Street Fighter At Event Cinemas Innaloo
Event Cinemas Innaloo once again delivered the fundamentals well. The auditorium offered comfortable seating, a large screen and strong sound, while the candy bar had a broad selection and there were several restaurants nearby for anyone turning the screening into a full evening out.
The premiere experience was the best part of the night. Guests received complimentary popcorn and drinks, costumed performers appeared as Street Fighter characters for photographs, and a bank of classic games had been set up on old consoles and television sets. That hands-on arcade nostalgia captured the franchise’s appeal far more successfully than the film itself and made the event feel considered, energetic and fun.
Street Fighter is in Australian cinemas from 15 October 2026.
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