'Street Fighter' Audiences Ignore Poor Reviews With Impressive Popcornmeter Score

Live-action adaptations of video games have often faced harsh criticism, and ‘Street Fighter‘ is no exception. The 1994 original holds a mere 20% on Rotten Tomatoes, while 2009’s ‘Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li’ fared even worse with just 3%.

With the release of Paramount and Legendary’s reboot on October 16, expectations were understandably tempered. Directed by Kitao Sakurai and penned by T.J. Fixman and Sakurai, this PG-13 film is set in 1993 and follows estranged fighters Ryu and Ken Masters, portrayed by Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo, who are recruited by the enigmatic Chun-Li, played by Callina Liang, for the World Warrior Tournament.

The film boasts a large ensemble cast, featuring Cody Rhodes as Guile, Roman Reigns as Akuma, David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, Jason Momoa as Blanka, 50 Cent as Balrog, Eric André as Don Sauvage, and Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki. This marks the third live-action film based on Capcom’s beloved franchise.

The review embargo lifted late, just hours before the first screenings, which often raises concerns among fans. Initial scores reflected this apprehension, with the film debuting at around 28% on Rotten Tomatoes before climbing into the 40s as more reviews were published. It currently holds a 45% rating based on 64 reviews.

Screenshot 2026 10 16 at 16 25 37 Street Fighter 2026 Rotten Tomatoes

In contrast, audience reactions tell a more positive story. The Popcornmeter currently stands at an impressive 84% from over 250 verified ratings, highlighting a significant disparity from the critics’ score. Rotten Tomatoes’ initial audience roundup also reported an early score of 83%, indicating a consistently favorable response from fans during the film’s opening hours.

These numbers may fluctuate as more viewers share their opinions, especially with the weekend crowds expected. However, a score in the 80s suggests that fans eager to see their favorite characters on the big screen are leaving the theater satisfied.

Critics have noted several recurring themes in their reviews. Many pointed out that the film ends abruptly and spends excessive time setting up a sequel rather than delivering a complete narrative. Others criticized the script for its predictable dialogue and lackluster humor, with some describing the fight scenes as surprisingly uninspired.

Publications like The Hollywood Reporter and The Times of London issued negative reviews, while The Guardian remarked that the film seems content to mock the cringe-worthy aspects of the ’90s while remaining stuck in that era. IndieWire also criticized the convoluted plot and humor.

PERFECT! Watch the New Trailer for Street Fighter, hitting theaters everywhere October 16. https://t.co/jAAPf1k9jf

— Street Fighter Movie (@Street_Fighter) September 1, 2026

Not all reviews were negative, however. TheWrap’s critic awarded a fresh score, commending the filmmakers’ infectious enthusiasm, even if it may not meet traditional quality standards. Consequence also offered a positive review with some reservations, while ComingSoon rated it 6/10, praising the action choreography and visual style. Rotten Tomatoes’ own roundup described the film as colorful, quirky, and loud, crafted with evident affection for fans.

This divide in opinion reflects a familiar trend in genre films. Forbes noted that ‘Mortal Kombat’ received mixed reviews from critics but achieved high audience scores, suggesting ‘Street Fighter’ could follow a similar trajectory.

All eyes are now on the film’s opening weekend. Box Office Pro projected a domestic opening of $30 million to $40 million, while Box Office Theory estimated $25 million to $35 million. A more conservative estimate of $22 million to $29 million has also been discussed, with a global opening potentially reaching around $70 million. The film reportedly has a budget of $82 million, excluding marketing costs.

It will be released in IMAX and RealD 3D alongside ‘Whalefall’, which is projected to earn $10 million to $15 million, and ‘Sense and Sensibility’, making it likely to dominate the weekend without requiring a miracle. Positive word of mouth from fans could help it maintain momentum in the weeks to come.

For a franchise that has historically been a target for critics, the audience’s response is a rare silver lining. If fans continue to show up, the sequel setup that critics have lamented may ultimately pay off.

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