‘Street Fighter Is a ‘Winner’: First Reactions Hail Its ‘Explosive Action’, ’90s Nostalgia and ‘Fearless Fun’

Paramount Pictures and Legendary Entertainment’s Street Fighter is all set to make its way to the big screen this Friday. Recently, the film’s star-studded world premiere was held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The event brought together stars Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Jason Momoa, 50 Cent, Roman Reigns, along with India’s favourite action hero, Vidyut Jammwal, and other cast members ahead of the film’s theatrical release.

Adding to the buzz, early reactions are out and praising the film’s explosive action, irreverent humour, ’90s nostalgia and faithful adaptation of the beloved video game franchise. Describing it as a “winner”, “kick-ass” and “a silly, fun, and fearless good time”, the film is drawing praise for its larger-than-life spectacle, standout performances and striking animation.

Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) called: #StreetFighter is a winner. It’s a 90s throwback with visual nostalgia but also in its humor and selling of a hot cast. Koji’s Ryu; great. Cody is really funny. Schulz lands a lot, too. Roman’s scary good as Akuma, especially in voiceover. A silly, fun, and fearless good time. Read his reaction: https://x.com/BrandonDavisBD/status/2109875065080918253

Thomas (@ThomasOneTake) wrote: #StreetFighterMovie is one of the greatest video game adaptations of all time! It pays homage to the games perfectly and Kitao Sakurai directs the best ensemble cast of the year. It doesn’t take itself seriously and is a total blast, Callina Liang and Cody Rhodes are the MVPs!
Read his reaction: https://x.com/ThomasOneTake/status/2109872973683527996

AJ Galiardi (@AJGaliardi) wrote: #StreetFighterMovie is KICK-ASS! It PUNCHES its way into one of the BEST FILMS you’ll see this year. Kitao Sakurai hits the perfect combo of style, energy, and fun. Noah Centineo and Andrew Koji land every move, while Callina Liang is a dream Chun-Li. This is the Street Fighter movie fans have been waiting for. HADOUKEN!
Read his reaction: https://x.com/AJGaliardi/status/2109871759985868885

SubaTube (@subatube) said: Just got out of the #streetfighter premiere, and I had a blast! The movie really captures the spirit of the games, with tons of fun references for fans. The soundtrack is awesome, and the 2D animation was a real highlight. Such a fun experience for Street Fighter fans. Read the reaction: https://x.com/SUBATUBE/status/2109824180502008088

Meanwhile, critic Chris Killian (@chriskillian) elaborated: #StreetFighter is like Bloodsport on horse steroids, featuring some delightfully over-the-top, explosive action. It’s also funny in a way that both homages the ridiculousness of 80s action movies while poking fun at the toxic machismo those same movies helped inspire.
Even the flashbacks sprinkled throughout feature some of the most beautiful SF animation you’ll ever see. I can’t imagine anyone making a more faithful, bombastic Street Fighter film. For what it aims to be, I think it’s damn near perfect.
Read his reaction: https://x.com/chriskillian/status/2109871682408395043

With its blend of adrenaline-fuelled combat, larger-than-life characters, comedy and nostalgic callbacks, Paramount Pictures’ Street Fighter is shaping up to be a big-screen spectacle for longtime gaming fans and action enthusiasts alike. The film stars Noah Centineo as Ken Masters, Andrew Koji as Ryu, Callina Liang as Chun-Li and Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim, alongside Jason Momoa, 50 Cent, David Dastmalchian, Cody Rhodes and Joe Anoa’i.

Paramount Pictures’ Street Fighter will release in Indian cinemas this Friday, 16 October 2026, in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.