The new live-action "Street Fighter" reboot, directed by Kitao Sakurai, opened nationwide on October 16, 2026, following preview screenings. The film is set in 1993 and centers on estranged fighters Ryu and Ken as they are coaxed by Chun-Li into competing in the World Warrior Tournament. The ensemble cast features Andrew Koji as Ryu, Noah Centineo as Ken, Callina Liang as Chun-Li, alongside notable names like Jason Momoa, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Joe Anoa’i (Roman Reigns), and Cody Rhodes. Despite its high-profile lineup and nostalgic setting, the film has struggled to impress critics, scoring a “rotten” 44% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 55 reviews as the franchise tries to revive the classic Capcom game series.

Critics remain divided but lean negative in their assessment of the reboot. Some, like Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter and Siddhant Adlakha of Variety, criticized the film’s pacing and direction, calling the fight scenes dull and the plot increasingly nonsensical after an initially promising start. The movie was described as trying to balance fanservice and new audience accessibility but ultimately satisfying neither group. Negative reviews also pointed to unfulfilled humor and weak character development, particularly reviewing Noah Centineo’s portrayal of Ken Masters as annoying before his character suddenly shifts in tone.

On the other hand, a smaller number of critics praised the film’s energy and charm, awarding it “fresh” scores. William Bibbiani from The Wrap appreciated the director’s enthusiasm and the movie’s embrace of its own quirky style, while Liz Shannon Miller from Consequence found merit in its cartoonish tone, though she acknowledged its filmmaking flaws. Performances from Andrew Koji as Ryu, David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, and Jason Momoa as Blanka were highlighted as standouts, contributing some charisma and interest to the otherwise uneven production.

Despite some inspiring moments, including animated sequences that delve into the fighters’ backstories, the reboot fell short of expectations set by other recent successful video game adaptations like "Mortal Kombat." The review consensus suggests that while diehard fans might appreciate certain nods to the franchise’s legacy, the general audience could find the movie more exhausting than entertaining. The film’s reception continues a trend of mixed to poor critical response to live-action “Street Fighter” adaptations, following predecessors from 1994 and 2009 that also landed with rotten ratings.