New Street Fighter Film: 7 Reasons to Watch for ’90s Parents

For millennial parents who spent their ’90s childhoods lining up quarters at mall arcades, Street Fighter was more than just a game, it was a rite of passage

For many who grew up in the ’90s spending after-school hours and weekend mall visits at arcade centers, Street Fighter was an absolute staple. Alongside classics like Pac-Man, Super Mario, X-Men, and Castlevania, it defined a generation’s childhood gaming memories.

Following the iconic 1994 live-action adaptation featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Ming-Na Wen, and Kylie Minogue, Capcom’s beloved video game franchise returns to the big screen with a fresh reboot. Centered on the origins of Ryu and Ken Masters, here are seven reasons why millennial parents might want to check out this nostalgic cinematic ride.

1. Nostalgic Mainstays Meets Fresh Faces

Fans will love seeing classic favorites like Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, M. Bison, Cammy, E. Honda, Dhalsim, Zangief, Balrog, Sagat, Guile, and Blanka back in action. The story also expands the cinematic universe by introducing characters like Juli, Dan Hibiki, Akuma, and Master Gouken. With a setup hinting strongly at future sequels, there is plenty of potential to see even more roster additions down the line.

2. A Core Message on Brotherhood and Found Family

Stepping away from the ensemble-focused structure of the 1994 adaptation, this reboot zeros in on the bond between Ryu and Ken as they train under their master, Gouken. Their relationship is put to the test when Gouken’s brother, Akuma, steps into the fold—forcing Ryu to resist the temptations of the dark side.

Beyond the action, Ken and Ryu’s dynamic offers a heartwarming takeaway for younger viewers and parents alike: true family isn’t always defined by blood. Deep friendships can be just as strong and meaningful as sibling bonds.

3. Capable, Action-Packed Female Characters

Chun-Li and Cammy return, joined by Juli—a member of M. Bison’s elite assassin group, the Dolls. Juli holds her own with sharp combat skills, while Cammy leaves a strong impression despite limited screen timeScreen TimeThe hours a child spends on phones, tablets, TV, and games. Pediatric groups advise little to no screen use for toddlers and limited, high-quality content for older kids, with family. Chun-Li takes center stage with a clear, personal drive: seeking justice against M. Bison for the murder of her father. Powerful and independent, these characters bring substantial energy to the film’s combat sequences.

4. Unapologetic ’90s Pop-Culture Flair

If you remember the heyday of ’90s MTV and early reality TV, the film leans into that specific aesthetic—primarily through Noah Centineo’s portrayal of Ken Masters. While some of the humor and style skew deliberately campy, it effectively captures the lighthearted energy of the decade.

5. A Throwback Soundtrack

The film’s soundtrack doubles down on nostalgia with tracks like 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” and Baha Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out.” Whether these musical cues make you smile or laugh out loud, they bring an undeniable sense of retro fun to the theater experience.

6. Game-Accurate Costume Design

The costume design stays remarkably faithful to the source material. From Ken’s signature red gi and Ryu’s classic white attire to Chun-Li’s recognizable outfit, the character styling respects the iconic visual look of the arcade originals.

7. Authentic Combat Moves and Martial Arts Choreography

A Street Fighter adaptation lives or dies by its action sequences. The film delivers classic special moves directly from the game—including Chun-Li’s Spinning Bird Kick, alongside Ryu and Ken’s Hadoken and Shoryuken techniques. A standout sequence features a memorable confrontation between Ryu and E. Honda that feels straight out of an arcade match.

The Verdict

Is the new Street Fighter worth a trip to the theater? For longtime fans of the franchise and parents wanting a light, nostalgic escape, it is an enjoyable watch. While it keeps the storyline simple and straightforward, the visual callbacks, action sequences, and retro charm make it a fun choice for a movie outing.

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