‘Street Fighter’ brings arcade nostalgia to the big screen

By Lucas Dennis

The date was August 30th, 1987. As Takashi Nishiyama and Hiroshi Matsumoto released a new game in Japanese arcades, they unknowingly laid the foundation for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. Developed by Capcom, “Street Fighter” introduced players to a new type of fighting style: one-on-one combat. What began as a simple fighting arcade game soon would evolve into a global phenomenon that became recognizable far beyond the gaming world.

However, “Street Fighter” did not just stop there. As its popularity grew, instead of being confined to arcades, it expanded into the world of cinema. The franchise has inspired animated films and live-action adaptations, with Hollywood trying repeatedly to capture the energy that made the games so popular. Sadly, the results have been lacking, leaving fans to wonder whether the charm and magic of the arcade could ever translate onto the big screen.

On October 16th, 2026, Paramount Pictures and Legendary Entertainment released a new and improved “Street Fighter” into theaters. A very ambitious and fast-paced film, this reboot was a major improvement and a fantastic addition to the legendary franchise. Although critics have a generally negative opinion of “Street Fighter,” the fans have praised the film for its nostalgia, faithful adaptation, great casting and over-the-top action.

However, beneath all of the action and nostalgia lies a noticeable weakness. The movie struggles to maintain its pacing, and the story is lacking in substance. With such a large cast of characters, the film tries to cram too much into its runtime, making the story feel overcrowded. 

“Street Fighter” is very fast-paced, rarely ever taking its foot off the gas, and rarely ever having a quiet moment. There is almost always some fight or action sequence happening on the screen. The film feels like one continuous series of fights with some dialogue mixed in to create a semblance of a story. This approach puts combat and action front and center, making “Street Fighter” a film that prioritizes excitement, action and nostalgia over plot.

Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken (Noah Centineo) stand back-to-back, fists raised and ready for a fight.

For the fans who grew up playing the original “Street Fighter” games, this film is a nostalgic roller coaster. It embraces the colorful characters, iconic moves and extravagant style that have defined the franchise for decades. 

From the recognizable fighting techniques to the distinctive personalities and appearances of the characters, there is a very clear appreciation for the source material woven throughout the film. It leans into its video game roots, bringing back the many elements of the games that fans have come to love.

Another area where “Street Fighter” excels is its casting. It is a challenging task trying to bring such a large roster of characters to life, but the casting director Nikki Barret did an excellent job of selecting actors that capture the personality and appearances of the video game characters. 

Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo excel at capturing the personalities of Ryu and Ken Masters. Koji brings a serious and disciplined presence to Ryu, while Centineo gives Ken a more outgoing personality. 

Callina Liang as Chun-Li is another standout performance. She brings strength, confidence and determination to one of the franchise’s most recognizable characters. Meanwhile, David Dastmalchian delivers a fantastic performance as M. Bison. He captures the character’s menacing presence. He delivers a performance that stays true to the games and brings M. Bison’s intimidating presence to the big screen.

Ken (Noah Centineo) delivers a soaring uppercut to Dhalsim (Vidyut Jammwal) during a tournament fight.

Other major highlights of the movie are the fight choreography and the soundtrack. Each character has their own distinct fighting style, and “Street Fighter” does a great job incorporating their signature moves and styles, staying true to the game. 

Moreover, the soundtrack does an amazing job of conveying the energy of “Street Fighter”. Composed by Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson, the score blends electric guitars and cinematic orchestration that reminds listeners of classic ‘90s action movies and video games. Another fun and exciting detail is the inclusion of Guile’s Theme, one of the most recognizable musical pieces in the franchise.

Overall, “Street Fighter” is a very entertaining and action-packed rebooted adaptation of one of the most influential video game franchises. Although it had trouble with its pacing and story (ending on a cliffhanger), its excellent casting, energetic fight choreography and nostalgic visuals make up for what it lacks. 

It may not be the most polished or perfect video game adaptation, but it is a huge step for the “Street Fighter” franchise. For longtime fans, there is plenty to appreciate, and for newcomers, it is a great introduction to one of the most iconic fighting games ever.

“Street Fighter” is currently playing in theaters.

Lucas Dennis is an aspiring director, A&E writer, and screenwriter who has watched more than 1,660 films and is always looking to add another one to the list.

Pictures courtesy of Paramount Pictures, Legendary Pictures, and Capcom.