If there’s one genre that ruled the arcades (and eventually our living rooms) in the 1990s, it was fighting games. Whether you were button-mashing on a worn-down arcade stick or perfecting combos on your SNES controller, the ‘90s delivered some of the most iconic, era-defining fighting games ever made — the kind that could forge friendships or completely destroy them in a single heated match.
But not all ‘90s fighting games were created equal. Some broke new ground with innovative mechanics. Others stole the spotlight with unforgettable characters. And a few nailed that perfect “KO!” sound that still echoes in our heads to this day.
So, throw on a backwards cap, fire up the CRT, and take a pixelated trip down memory lane. Here are the best ‘90s fighting games — ranked, debated, and still kicking.
1. Street Fighter II (1991)
You can’t talk about ‘90s fighting games without starting with Street Fighter II. It wasn’t just a game – it was the game. The one that took arcades by storm and practically created the competitive fighting scene as we know it. Capcom’s masterpiece introduced players to a colorful roster of global warriors, each with unique movesets and stories that instantly hooked fans.
Ryu’s Hadouken, Guile’s Sonic Boom, Chun-Li’s rapid kicks – this was the game that made special moves feel genuinely special. It had balance, depth, and a learning curve that separated button mashers from true martial artists (or at least made you feel like one). The sheer number of updated versions released throughout the decade – Champion Edition, Turbo, Hyper Fighting – was proof of just how wildly popular it became.
Street Fighter II didn’t just define the fighting genre – it became it.
2. Mortal Kombat II (1993)
While Street Fighter was busy being technically polished, Mortal Kombat crashed onto the scene like a rebellious teen – edgy, brutal, and shockingly photorealistic for its time. Then Mortal Kombat II came along and turned everything up a notch, refining the gameplay, adding gorier Fatalities, new fighters, and a deeper mythology that cemented its legendary status.
Let’s be honest: if you grew up in the ‘90s, someone definitely showed you Sub-Zero’s spine rip at a sleepover, and your jaw absolutely dropped. The game fueled schoolyard rumors about secret characters, hidden moves, and cheat codes that may or may not have actually existed.
And of course, it stirred up so much controversy over its violence that it helped inspire the creation of the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board). How’s that for a legacy?
3. Tekken 3 (1997)
By the late ‘90s, fighting games were evolving – and Tekken 3 was the evolutionary leap that left jaws on the floor. With buttery-smooth 3D animations, lightning-fast gameplay, and a cast that ranged from martial arts masters to literal wooden men (shoutout to Mokujin), this was the PlayStation brawler of the decade.
Tekken 3 wasn’t just fun – it was ridiculously deep. Each fighter had dozens of moves, intricate combos, and a level of fluidity that made every match feel like a cinematic dance battle. And that sidestep mechanic? It added a layer of tactical depth that 2D fighters simply couldn’t match at the time.
One of the best things about Tekken 3 was how distinct its fighters felt. You’d naturally gravitate toward a handful that matched your play style – making matches with friends even more fun as you clashed in wildly different ways.
4. Super Smash Bros. (1999)
Okay, it barely squeaked into the ‘90s, but Super Smash Bros. (N64) absolutely deserves a spot on this list. This wasn’t your average fighting game – it was a chaotic, joyful Nintendo crossover fever dream where Mario could throw down with Pikachu, or Link could square off against Samus in matches that felt equal parts ridiculous and brilliant.
While more casual than traditional 1v1 fighters, Super Smash Bros. brought a party-game spirit to the genre, making it approachable for newcomers yet still competitive for hardcore players. Its biggest innovation was ditching health bars for percentages and ring-outs, forcing players to think strategically instead of just button-mashing for hits.
And let’s be honest – there’s nothing quite as satisfying as cracking someone with a Home Run Bat and watching them rocket into the sky with that iconic “ping!”
5. Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes (1998)
Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe was even a glimmer in Iron Man’s eye, Marvel vs. Capcom gave us the crossover of our dreams. Who would’ve imagined Ryu teaming up with Wolverine to take on Spider-Man and Mega Man? It was over-the-top, chaotic, and absolutely glorious.
With its fast-paced tag-team mechanics, flashy super moves, and high-flying combos, Marvel vs. Capcom felt less like a traditional fighter and more like a comic book battle come to life. The assist system added even more strategic depth, turning every match into a full-blown spectacle.
This game was pure style. The animations, the sound effects, the announcer shouting “Hyper Combo Finish!” — it all screamed peak ‘90s energy in the best possible way.
6. Killer Instinct (1994)
“K-K-KOMBO BREAKER!” – if you heard it once, it’s probably still echoing in your head. Killer Instinct was Rare and Nintendo’s answer to the Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat craze (pre-Smash Bros.), and it came wrapped in a slick, cyber-industrial aesthetic.
Fast, flashy, and brutally satisfying, the game introduced a unique combo system that rewarded aggressive, rhythmic play — and punished you hard if you didn’t learn how to break those strings. And the characters? Absolutely wild: a flaming skeleton, a cybernetic raptor, and a boxer made of literal ice.
Yeah, the ‘90s were weird — but they were also seriously good fun.
7. Virtua Fighter 2 (1994)
Not as flashy as its peers, Virtua Fighter 2 was the thinking person’s fighting game. With crisp 3D graphics that were ahead of their time and a grounded, almost simulation-style approach to martial arts, this game didn’t rely on gimmicks — it relied on skill.
Every character had a fighting style rooted in real-world techniques. No projectiles, no over-the-top power moves — just you, your opponent, and the depth of your knowledge and reflexes. If you mastered Virtua Fighter 2, you earned it.
8. Darkstalkers (1994)
If Street Fighter was the disciplined martial artist, Darkstalkers was its gothic, party-loving cousin. Capcom went full Halloween mode with this beautifully animated fighter, filling the roster with vampires, werewolves, mummies, succubi, and even Frankenstein’s monster. But don’t let the monster-mash vibe fool you — this game had serious chops.
Darkstalkers stood out with vibrant, exaggerated animations and surprisingly technical gameplay. It also introduced mechanics like air blocking and EX moves before they were mainstream. And Morrigan? She became a ‘90s icon overnight and remains one of Capcom’s most beloved characters.
For fans craving a fighter dripping with atmosphere and attitude, Darkstalkers was a dream come true… or a nightmare, depending on how good your opponent’s Jedah was.
9. Samurai Shodown II (1994)
SNK knew how to craft a stylish fighter, and Samurai Shodown II might be their sharpest effort — literally. Unlike many other games of the era, this wasn’t about chaining flashy 10-hit combos. It was about mind games, spacing, and the thrill of landing a single, devastating slash.
Set in feudal Japan with a roster of warriors, swordsmen, and mystical fighters, every encounter felt deadly. One mistake, and you’re finished. One perfectly timed counter, and you’re a legend.
The slower pace, striking character designs, and rich atmosphere set Samurai Shodown II apart from the fireball-happy competition — and it remains one of the most respected weapons-based fighters ever made.
10. Fatal Fury: King of Fighters (1991)
Before The King of Fighters became its own powerhouse franchise, Fatal Fury was where it all began — and it deserves to be remembered. For anyone who played it, Terry Bogard in his red cap remains an absolute legend. Its multi-plane battle system was ahead of its time, and the soundtrack was undeniably exciting.
Fatal Fury helped SNK carve out its place in the fighting game world, offering a more cinematic feel and deeper storylines than many competitors. It proved that SNK wasn’t just a Street Fighter imitator — they had their own identity, packed with charm and swagger.
The eventual crossover of Fatal Fury and other SNK characters into The King of Fighters universe created a legacy that still thrives in tournaments and cosplay circles today.
Wall Art That Hits Like a Combo
While gaming has leveled up far beyond the chunky pixels and CRT glow of the ’90s, those early fighting legends still pack a serious punch of nostalgia. They weren’t just games — they were milestones that defined how we play, compete, and celebrate victory.
So why not KO your blank walls with some of that same energy? Our officially licensed metal posters let you transform your setup into a visual high score — with bold, detailed artwork inspired by the games that started it all. From Tekken and Street Fighter to retro icons like Sonic and Pac-Man, and even today’s biggest AAA titles, each piece is easy to hang, swap, and show off — no frames, no tools, no fuss.
What are you waiting for? Bring that boss-level style home.
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