If you grew up with Street Fighter, there is a good chance you will recognize the world of this movie almost immediately.

Opening exclusively in theaters today, October 16, the new live-action Street Fighter brings Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) back together for the World Warrior Tournament. But this time, their rivalry is tied to something much more personal, especially as both fighters face their own struggles.

Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the movie fully embraces its video game roots. There are plenty of over-the-top fights, familiar characters and even 2D animated sequences that bring back the feel of ’90s anime and classic video games. The soundtrack also leans into the decade, adding another layer of nostalgia to the experience.

And the cast brings together some pretty unexpected. Callina Liang plays Chun-Li, while Jason Momoa takes on Blanka, David Dastmalchian is M. Bison, Roman Reigns is Akuma, Cody Rhodes is Guile and 50 Cent plays Balrog.

Online reactions have been mixed so far. Some fans are enjoying the action, ’90s nostalgia, cast and animated sequences, while others have questioned the humor, story and ending. In other words, Street Fighter is already giving fans something to talk about.

One of the more interesting parts of the movie is Ken. Behind all the confidence, flashy clothes and need for attention is someone who has spent years feeling like he is second to Ryu.

When I spoke with Centineo, he explained that understanding that insecurity was key to playing Ken.

“He’s never been able to really become who he believes that he is or wants to be,” Centineo told Somos La Revista. He described Ken’s larger-than-life personality as a way of hiding “that deep-seated insecurity” and the abandonment he feels from Ryu.

That makes the relationship between Ken and Ryu about more than who is the better fighter. Ken wants to prove himself, while Ryu is dealing with his own battle against the darkness within him. At its heart, their story is also about friendship, sacrifice and finding a way back to each other.

Centineo also pointed to Sakurai as a big part of what makes the movie’s tone work. The characters take this completely wild world seriously, while the audience gets to enjoy how ridiculous it can be. That contrast is what gives the film its very ’90s, very Street Fighter personality.

Whether you grew up playing the games or are discovering these characters for the first time, one thing is clear: this movie is not trying to be subtle. It wants the big fights, the big personalities and all the arcade-style fun that comes with them.

And yes, there is a “Hadouken!” or two. 

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photo credits: 
PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER” | ©2026 PARAMOUNT PICTURES, CAPCOM AND LEGENDARY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.