With the release of Street Fighter 6, Capcom has maintained the strong quality we know Street Fighter games for (save for the Street Fighter V launch). It is one of the best fighting games on PlayStation 5, just like Ultra Street Fighter 4 was on the PS3/Xbox 360, Street Fighter 3: Third Strike was on the PS2, and Street Fighter 2 was on the PS1.
Ranking Street Fighter games from worst to best always ensure heated discussions among fans. Some prefer the nostalgia of Street Fighter 2, while others love the accessibility that Street Fighter 4 offers.
Be it as it may, here’s the definitive ranking (well, not really?) of the best Street Fighter games from worst to best.
Best Street Fighter Games Ranked (Worst to Best)
15. Street Fighter: The Movie (1995)
At the bottom of our Street Fighter games ranking is this infamous title. Released in 1995, Street Fighter: The Movie, The Game failed to capture the franchise’s essence. It relied heavily on the film’s popularity, which resulted in a poor execution that rarely gets revisited by fans. This game serves as a cautionary tale in the series’ history.
14. Street Fighter I (1987)
The original Street Fighter, while good for its time, hasn’t aged well as compared to its successor. Its stiff controls and limited mechanics make it difficult to enjoy in the modern era. However, it introduced iconic characters like Ryu and Ken, laying the foundation for a franchise that remains a classic among classics.
13. Street Fighter EX Plus Alpha (1997)
Street Fighter EX Plus Alpha marked a departure from the traditional 2D style. It used a 3D graphics style similar to Tekken and Virtua Fighter. While it introduced interesting mechanics and characters, it struggled to resonate with fans accustomed to the classic 2D sprite-based gameplay. The mixed reception places it lower in our Street Fighter games ranked list, but it (along with its two successors) remains a notable experiment in the franchise’s history.
12. Street Fighter II: Turbo (1992)
Street Fighter II: Turbo is a classic that helped define the fighting game genre in the early ’90s. While it introduced speed and balance changes, it is often overshadowed by its successors. Its legacy is undeniable, but it lacks the depth found in later iterations (take Hyper Street Fighter 2 as an example) of the best Street Fighter games.
11. Street Fighter V (2016)
The original release of Street Fighter V had a rocky start, lacking content and features that fans expected. However, it laid the foundation for what would become a robust competitive platform. Despite its flaws, the game introduced new mechanics and a fresh roster, paving the way for the much-improved Champion Edition.
10. Street Fighter Alpha 2 (1996)
Street Fighter Alpha 2 is often praised for its balance and gameplay mechanics. It introduced the concept of “Alpha Counters” and refined the gameplay from the original Alpha. While it may not have the same level of recognition and roster as Alpha 3 MAX, it remains a solid entry that contributed to the series’ legacy.
9. Street Fighter III: Second Impact (1997)
The game Second Impact is often overlooked in favor of its successor, Third Strike, but it actually set the stage for many of the series’ defining mechanics. It brought in new characters and polished gameplay elements from the original Street Fighter III. While it may not have gained the same level of praise as Third Strike, it still played a crucial role in the franchise’s development.
8. Street Fighter IV (2008)
Street Fighter IV marked a significant revival of the franchise. Some would say that it saved the franchise in a way, commercially speaking. It reintroduced classic characters with a fresh 3D, shaded art style while maintaining the 2D gameplay mechanics that fans loved. The game’s introduction of the Focus Attack mechanic added a layer of strategy. Its success revived the competitive fighting game scene, leading to numerous updates and expansions.
7. Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers (2017)
This nostalgic homage to the classic Street Fighter II was released for the Nintendo Switch. Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers features enhanced graphics, new characters, and a variety of gameplay modes, including a cooperative mode. While it may not have the depth of its predecessors, its charm lies in its ability to introduce new players to the roots of the franchise while catering to longtime fans.
6. Super Street Fighter 4 (2010)
Super Street Fighter IV is a highly regarded entry in the series, known for its balanced gameplay and expansive character roster. It introduced the “Ultra Combo” system, allowing players to perform devastating special moves when their health is low, adding a strategic comeback mechanic.
5. Street Fighter V: Champion Edition (2020)
Street Fighter V: Champion Edition represents a remarkable turnaround for a game that faced significant criticism at launch. Through multiple updates and expansions, it evolved into a comprehensive fighting experience – one of the best on the PS4. The Champion Edition included all previous DLC characters and stages, offering a complete package. Its diverse gameplay mechanics and competitive scene have made it a staple in tournaments.
4. Street Fighter VI (2023)
Street Fighter VI has quickly garnered acclaim for its fresh approach to gameplay and character design. With a blend of classic mechanics and new features like the “Drive System,” the game revitalizes the series for both veterans and newcomers. The vibrant art style and expansive roster make it a standout title with the potential to become a cornerstone of the franchise.
3. Street Fighter III: Third Strike (1999)
Street Fighter III: Third Strike is often hailed as the most mechanically sophisticated entry in the franchise. It introduced the parry system, allowing players to counter attacks with precision. This mechanic, combined with a unique roster, created a steep learning curve that appealed to hardcore players. Its stunning 2D graphics and fluid animations set a high bar for visual presentation in fighting games.
2. Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX (2006)
Taking the top spot in our list of the best Street Fighter games is Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX. This game perfected the Alpha series formula, offering an extensive roster, multiple play styles through the ISM system, and a perfect balance of accessibility and depth. Its vibrant visuals, engaging World Tour mode, and refined gameplay mechanics make it a favorite among both casual and competitive players. Street Fighter Alpha 3 represents the pinnacle of 2D fighting game design and remains a timeless classic in the franchise.
1. Ultra Street Fighter IV (2014)
Ultra Street Fighter IV stands tall as one of the series’ pinnacles, combining a robust character roster with refined mechanics that enhance competitive play. This version introduced new characters and stages from Street Fighter X Tekken, along with the innovative Ultra Combo system, allowing players to choose between two unique Ultra Combos for added strategic depth. Its accessibility for newcomers, paired with the depth required for seasoned players, solidifies its number one position in our ranking of Street Fighter games.
Also Read: 9 of the Biggest Upcoming Games Releasing in 2025
The Street Fighter franchise has changed a lot over the years, but each entry has contributed something to its rich legacy. Be it the idyllic mechanics of Ultra Street Fighter IV or the nostalgic charm of Ultra Street Fighter II, each title offers something unique. While debates about rankings will continue among fans, the appeal of Street Fighter remains a testament to its impact on gaming culture. New entries will be released and the rankings will shift, but the love for this iconic series will always stay.
Hadoken!
