Audience Rallies Behind ‘Street Fighter’ Despite Critics’ Low Scores
Few franchises have faced as much critical scrutiny as ‘Street Fighter’. The 1994 film holds a mere 11% on Rotten Tomatoes, while 2009’s ‘Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li’ is even lower at just 3%. Despite this, the original film grossed $99.4 million worldwide on a $35 million budget, demonstrating that this franchise has always found its audience, regardless of critical acclaim.
When Paramount’s latest reboot premiered, many longtime fans reacted with indifference to the initial reviews. The real question became whether critics truly understood the film’s intentions.
As the review embargo lifted on October 15, ‘Street Fighter’ debuted with a 34% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 29 reviews, and a Metacritic score of 46. Some early ratings were even lower, with a 28% score from just 25 reviews. However, as more critics weighed in, the score has gradually improved.
Currently, the film sits at 41% on the Tomatometer from 92 reviews, still considered rotten. In stark contrast, the audience score on the Popcornmeter shows a much more favorable 80% from over 500 verified ratings. This 39-point discrepancy has led fans to argue that critics may have missed the mark.
It’s important to note that the critical reception isn’t entirely negative. Metacritic categorizes the film as mixed or average based on 22 reviews, with many leaning towards mixed rather than outright negative. Even critics who were not fond of the film found elements to appreciate, such as its vibrant style and the hand-drawn flashback sequences created by Titmouse.
These animated segments have drawn comparisons to a modernized version of ‘Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie’. Reviewers also praised the fight choreography and the enthusiastic performances from the cast, particularly highlighting Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, with Rhodes receiving special mention.
The primary criticisms focus on the script and tone. Some reviewers described the dialogue as predictable and uninspired, while others felt that writer-director Kitao Sakurai struggled to define the film’s direction. Additionally, several reviews pointed out that the film’s numerous characters and references could overwhelm casual viewers.
These criticisms are valid, but they may not detract from the enjoyment for many fans. Early reactions from the Los Angeles premiere on October 12 indicated that gamers were particularly enjoying the film, praising its campy tone, exciting fight scenes, and over 100 Easter eggs.
The disconnect between critics and audiences may stem from differing expectations. Set in 1993, the same year ‘Street Fighter II’ dominated arcades, the film embraces a nostalgic ’90s vibe filled with silly humor and an exaggerated cast. Viewers who grew up playing the game may appreciate this approach more than critics evaluating it as a standard action film.
Video game adaptations are currently experiencing a resurgence. Zach Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ recently achieved a franchise record with a reported $60 million debut and a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, while ‘Mortal Kombat II’ opened to $38.5 million. In this context, audiences may be more inclined to support a film that respects its source material, even if it doesn’t resonate with every critic.
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
While early audience scores often reflect the views of the most devoted fans, 250 ratings still represent a small sample size. A high Popcornmeter score during the opening weekend does not guarantee lasting success, and the film’s flaws remain evident. It’s possible that both critics and fans have valid points, with critics identifying structural issues while fans simply enjoy the experience.
Box office performance will ultimately provide clarity. Projections for the weekend range from approximately $22 million to $40 million domestically, depending on the source. For comparison, the horror film ‘Other Mommy’ topped the box office last week with a $27.5 million opening, despite holding an 18% Rotten Tomatoes score and a D+ CinemaScore, while its audience reaction was the opposite of this film.
Regardless of the final figures, the movie has already cultivated a passionate fan base and a distinct identity. Rhodes has expressed interest in a sequel, and discussions about a potential follow-up are underway if box office results are favorable. With strong audience support, this film has the potential to develop a loyal following that previous adaptations lacked.
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