Kyle Cooke is hitting back at backlash over him posing for a photo with estranged wife Amanda Batula at the New York City premiere of Bravo’s In the City.

“You guys, yes, Amanda and I took a picture together,” Kyle, 43, said in a video posted to his Instagram Stories early Tuesday, May 19, after the former couple hit the red carpet the night before on Monday, May 18.

The Summer House star continued, “I was just happy that she showed up. She almost didn’t come to a show that she participated in. Shoot me. Shoot me. But don’t call my life, my relationship, my marriage, and my implosion of a marriage, fake.”

“With all due respect, we’re all adults here and we all showed up to a premiere party,” Kyle added. “And, yes, Amanda did not want to come, and I convinced her to come and we took a photo together. Grow the f*** up.”

Related: Messiest Bravo Breakups of All Time: Kyle Cooke, Amanda Batula and More

Over the years, Bravo stars from every franchise have been subject to the messiest of breakups — from Real Housewives to Southern Charm. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive […]

Kyle and Amanda, 34, announced their separation after four years of marriage in January.

“After much reflection, we have mutually and amicably decided to part ways as a couple,” the couple said in a statement at the time. “We share this with a heavy heart and kindly ask for your grace and support while we focus on our personal growth and healing.”

“It feels ironic to ask for privacy during this time. since we’ve always tried to be open and honest about our relationship, but your kindness and respect will go a long way as we try to navigate our next chapter,” they added.

Amanda sent shockwaves through the Bravo universe in March when she and Summer House costar West Wilson announced that they were seeing one another. West, 31, previously dated Amanda’s best friend, Ciara Miller.

“We’ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,” West and Amanda wrote in a joint statement in March. “It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”

“We’ve shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what’s developed recently was the last thing either of us expected,” they continued. “Our connection grew out of a genuine, longstanding friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care.”

West and Amanda added, “As our feelings evolved, we wanted to take time to understand exactly what we were feeling,” they concluded. “We also recognize that this has had an impact beyond just us and never wanted our actions to cause any hurt or be perceived as careless. We truly appreciate the understanding and respect as we navigate this.”

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News of the romance blindsided the Summer House cast, including Kyle and Ciara.

Related: Did Producers Know About Amanda Batula and West Wilson’s Romance?

Bravo chairman Frances Berwick is shedding insight on whether Summer House producers knew about Amanda Batula and West Wilson’s joint statement confirming their romance. “Did they have a jump that they were going to do that? Yes,” Berwick told Ankler in an interview published on Thursday, April 30. “Did anyone know? Minor heads-up, a few […]

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“Kyle always knew Amanda would eventually move on, but he never imagined it would be with a castmate or anyone within their own circle,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly in March. “The idea of her dating a castmate is something he’s really struggled to wrap his head around.”

In the City, a spinoff of Summer House, is set to premiere on Bravo on Tuesday, May 19, following Kyle, Amanda and costar Lindsay Hubbard, as well as several Bravo newcomers, as they navigate life in the Big Apple.

The next time we see Tyrese Gibson sobbing about his daughter, Shayla, could likely be at her upcoming high school graduation. For now, fans got to see him BIG cheesin’ at her recent prom send-off! He shared a video posing next to her and her prom date, sparking hilarious reactions! Then, he circled back to explain the EXTRA mile he went for his Shayla this past weekend—jewel-crusted suit included!

RELATED: Not A Baby Anymore! The Internet Goes WILD As T.I. & Tiny Host Major Harris’ Senior Prom Send-Off (VIDEO)

Tyrese Matches Shayla’s Prom Look In Sweet Video

“Yes, I was the driver. The stylist, the Navy Seal level of security land and water, I flew a drone over the afterparty and I did Valet……. As a retired ex savage…. We know what boys try and do on prom night….. All jokes aside side….…. He was a great sport, very respectful and honorable young man and Shayla has the best time ever…. But I def feel like I’m gonna be sleep for 3 days it was all hands on deck I’m wiped out……. Graduation next week fast forward…. College dreams….. #MyShayla,” Tyrese Gibson wrote in the comment section.

Fans Are Cracking Up & Sharing In Tyrese’s Joy

In addition to Tyrese’s update, The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section was also poppin’ with over 3,200 reactions. Fans had plenty to say, from cracking jokes about Tyrese’s suit to congratulating Shayla Gibson on her exciting memory!

“Ty is such a Capricorn cause why you dressed too ❤️❤️❤️❤️😂,” @iamlayelle commented. 

“Awwww his Shayla. Happy to see them enjoying these moments together ❤️,” @dominiquechinn wrote.

@itskitsovain added, “Lmao the date’s face as Tyrese was inching closer 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂, but I love to see it! They look so nice.”

“I love how he loves her!!! Believe it or not, he’s showing her she is worth it, this is exactly where we learn the value we have to a man!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️,” @sweettea_hairlyfe commented.

These High Schoolers Aren’t Playing Behind Prom

Speaking of proms, roomies have y’all tapped into our #TSRPromWarz hashtag on Instagram? If you haven’t, below is a little taste of how high schoolers around the country (and their loved ones) are going all out for prom season. From luxury cars to live DJs, thousands of balloons and even fireworks, these extravagant set-ups for sendoffs are turning heads and drawing mixed reactions. It’s giving someone needs to call a network and get a ‘My Prom Send-Off’ show on our televisions.

SWIPE BELOW TO SEE VIDEOS. 

RELATED: Family Of Caleb Wilson Walks Across Southern University Stage In Emotional Graduation Tribute After Hazing Death (VIDEO)

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul has officially become a homeowner following a tumultuous few months.

“Officially a solo home owner and thank you to the best real estate agent in Utah [Liann May, her mother],” Paul, 31, announced via Instagram on Monday, May 18. “I see the sadness through the excitement but I am trying.”

The reality star shared a video montage set to an instrumental version of The Verve’s 1997 hit “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” showing her being presented with the ceremonial key to her new home as confetti fell all around her.

Earlier this month, Paul confirmed that she was in the final stages of purchasing her first residence.

“I just bought my first house on my own,” she shared via her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, May 6. “[I had] been renting for years.”

Becoming a homeowner is a significant accomplishment for Paul following a rough few months where her personal and professional lives were in turmoil.

In March, ABC scrapped plans to air Paul’s season of The Bachelorette three days before its scheduled premiere date amid news that she and ex Dakota Mortensen were both under investigation in Utah for an alleged domestic incident. Production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 5 was also paused amid the investigation.

The scandal intensified when bodycam and cellphone footage leaked from a past domestic violence altercation with Mortensen, which led to her 2023 arrest. (Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was put on probation to resolve that 2023 case.)

Paul’s most recent domestic violence investigation was resolved when the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges against her in April.

Related: Taylor Frankie Paul Shares ‘Gratitude’ After Domestic Dispute With Dakota

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Taylor Frankie Paul addressed the support she has received after her domestic dispute with ex Dakota Mortensen and their ongoing custody battle. “Just want to say THANK YOU to those that have all helped carry,” Paul, 31, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, April 9. “Nothing but gratitude for these gifts given by different people at […]

“Cried when I got the call 🙏 THANK YOU to those that have stood with me,” Paul wrote via Instagram after news broke they would not be charged.

Mortensen broke his silence over the Salt Lake City DA’s decision by pledging to focus on his and Paul’s son Ever, 2, moving forward.

“Over the past several weeks, I’ve taken a step back and had time away from the chaos. That space has been a breath of fresh air and has given me clarity. My focus now is where it should have been all along-on my son and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward,” he wrote via Instagram on April 20.

Mortensen continued, “I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on me and my son.”

However, Paul faced yet more legal trouble when she temporarily lost custody of her and Mortensen’s 2-year-old son, Ever. She received supervised visitation with Ever ahead of a June 1 hearing while Paul and Mortensen were both granted protective orders against each other on April 30. (Paul also shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, with her ex-husband, Tate Paul.)

“Today’s hearing was a significant step forward as the court entered protective orders requiring that Taylor’s ex-partner stays far away from her,” Taylor’s attorney, Eric M. Swinyard, told Us about the protective order ruling. “Taylor was incredibly candid with the court that she is not perfect and owned her faults, which is in direct contrast to how the other party presented their argument, despite evidence and input from law enforcement that showed otherwise.”

The attorney went on, “Taylor feels solidarity with the many survivors who have endured similar hardships behind closed doors and shared only part of their stories, and she remains grateful for the outpouring of support she continues to receive. She looks forward to continuing to cooperate with the court to make progress in the custody case.”

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Related: Taylor Frankie Paul Addresses ‘Mormon Wives’ Production Pause on ‘GMA’

Taylor Frankie Paul is continuing to speak out after her alleged domestic altercation with ex Dakota Mortensen. “Honestly it’s been a heavy time to see the headlines, especially during this time of The Bachelorette being released,” Taylor, 31, said on the Wednesday, March 18, episode of Good Morning America. “It’s supposed to be a really […]

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The exact status of Paul’s season of The Bachelorette remains unknown, though The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives producer Jeff Jenkins confirmed on May 1 that season 5 of the Hulu reality series will resume filming soon.

Asked whether Paul could return for the new episodes, Jenkins, 58, hinted, “I certainly hope [she will film with the other women]. Again, first and foremost, is she healthy of body and mind, then we’ll talk about it.”

If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” fans saw the demise of Camille Grammer‘s marriage to superstar actor Kelsey Grammer. However, there are a few painful details about their split that viewers don’t know about. During an appearance on Cynthia Bailey and Crystal Kung Minkoff‘s podcast, “Humble Brag,” the “Real Housewives” OG said she received a painful message from her ex-husband amid their messy divorce between 2010 and 2011.

During the latest episode of “Humble Brag,” Bailey and Minkoff spoke with the “RHOBH” alum about the downfall of her marriage and asked the reality star whether Kelsey ever showed remorse.

“When you asked me if [he said] I’m sorry or remorse … he sent me a text saying, ‘I feel no remorse for what I am doing,’” Camille alleged, adding that his words caused a deep wound. “And that was very harsh because I was very much in love with him, and I believed he was very much in love with me. We did have very many good years in our marriage and a lot of fun times.”

Camille and Kelsey married in 1997 and shared two kids together, Mason, 24, and Jude, 21. Despite sharing kids together, Camille said she hasn’t spoken to her ex-husband in nearly 15 years. “He called it parallel parenting, and that’s what it was like,” Camille claimed.

Camille Grammer Claimed She Helped Keep Kelsey Grammer Afloat During His Stint On ‘Frasier’

As the conversation continued, Camille mentioned Kelsey’s sobriety, stating that while she can’t take credit for his journey, she “helped him and held his hand through it,” adding that it “wasn’t easy.”

Camille made even more allegations during the podcast episode, claiming that Kelsey used to “bash” her up until recently. “I think Kelsey would have been happy for me to just fade away,” she said. “But then, no, here I am, and now, I can defend myself.”

Camille continued, empathizing with other women on “Real Housewives” who have endured difficult public divorces.

“I feel bad for every woman going through divorce that people watch [on] these shows and defend the ex-husband. I hate that,” she said. “Not all these ladies are perfect … but we’re still moms, and we have children.”

What Does Camille Grammer Miss About Her Relationship With Kelsey? She Says…

Back in 2021, Camille got candid about her relationship with Kelsey and shared what she missed about her marriage with the “Cheers” actor.

After joking with “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen about the question, saying “nothing,” she changed her tune shortly after.

“Well, I miss, you know, the family unit being together back then when it first happened — and being alone for so long and our children without their dad around,” she said.

Even then, Camille said she wasn’t too concerned about her previous marriage, stating that she was very happily remarried to her new husband, David C. Meyer.

Camille Is Living Large Thanks To ‘Frasier’ Money

During BravoCon 2025, Camille revealed that she’s been living large since her divorce, thanks to the hefty sum she received from Kelsey.

“Thank you, Mr. Kelsey Grammer, for all that ‘Frasier’ money. I am living my best life,” she said. “And the kids are doing great.”

She added, “I mean, Mason’s got a beautiful car. Jude is traveling around Europe. It’s fabulous. Thank you.”

Camille Believed The End Of Her Marriage Was Near After Kelsey Encouraged Her To Audition For ‘Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills’

Also, at BravoCon, Camille said that it was her ex-husband’s idea for her to audition for the Beverly Hills iteration of the “Real Housewives” franchise.

However, Camille said she believed his willingness to allow her to film gave her pause. “Immediately, when he said, ‘No, honey, I think this is really good for you.’ I thought, ‘Oh, what’s really going on?’ No, I had my suspicions,” she said. “I had my doubts.”

According to Camille, years before the show came around, Kelsey allegedly wouldn’t have “allowed” her to pursue the series. “We were very private years ago,” she said. “And then all of a sudden he’s like, ‘No, go out there. Do whatever.’ I’m like, ‘OK, something’s going on.’”

In case you missed it, 2026 is the year of pastel blue. Nicky Hilton just hopped on board, wearing a billowy white dress with a dreamy blue handbag style. The frock was sweet, of course, but Hilton’s bag was the main event. We found the east-west look for only $37!

While attending a Valentino fashion and beauty event, Hilton carried an expensive-looking blue bag that fit her aesthetic perfectly: polished, ladylike and slightly unexpected. The A-lister’s choice likely costs thousands, but this sky-blue wonder channels the same vibe for less. The color plays beautifully against white, camel, denim and anything else in your summer rotation.

Get the Onlvye Large Vegan Leather Handbag for $37 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Like Hilton’s, this Onlvye Large Vegan Leather Handbag comes in a gorgeous baby blue shade with structured top handles, intricate stitching and a long rectangular silhouette that’s now the ‘It’ look for the season. Equally stylish and durable, the vegan leather bag wipes clean, resists scratches and holds its shape, all while screaming ‘designer.’

Related: Anne Hathaway‘s Old Money Tote Style Doubles as a Work Bag

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Anne Hathaway leans into clean tailoring, neutral palettes and timeless outfit pieces, all telltale characteristics of old money. Her latest New York appearance nailed the aesthetic, and all it took was this bag style. The actress was spotted in the Financial District looking mega wealthy. She wore a cropped blazer with wide-leg jeans, accessorizing with […]

Better yet, this pastel-toned bag is built for real life. There’s a top zipper for security reasons, plus internal pockets to keep your lipstick, phone and wallet organized. The straps give you styling options, too. Carry it as a top-handle bag for lunch, then sling it over your shoulder for errands.

This east-west purse truly goes with everything, be it wide-leg trousers, linen jumpsuits and white dresses, like Hilton’s. No matter what you wear it with, this chic style gives any outfit an old money flair. Grab it in this blue shade to mimic Hilton’s look, or opt for one of the many other colors available to switch things up. Grab yours before summer officially starts.

Get the Onlvye Large Vegan Leather Handbag for $37 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Not what you’re looking for? Shop other chic bags and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Influencer Patriotic Kenny has died at age 84 following a battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

“The tears may never stop flowing,” read an Instagram statement on Monday, May 18. “It is with the most indescribable sadness we share that Patriotic Kenny has passed. He experienced the most profound love and was Earth’s bright light.”

The statement continued, “He passed surrounded by love and he was in peace. Any memorial contributions should go to his amazing nonprofit, the @patriotickennyfoundation which will live on in his memory. We will share more as time goes on. #patriotickenny”

Patriotic Kenny (real name Kenny Jary) gained more than 3 million TikTok followers and nearly 1 million Instagram followers for the inspirational videos he filmed with his neighbor, Amanda Kline.

In March, the U.S. Navy veteran revealed to his social media followers that he’d been diagnosed with cancer following an unexpected hospital trip.

“I’m home from the hospital and I feel a lot better — not bad at all,” he explained to his fans. “But also, I would like to tell you that I’ve got stage 4 lung cancer. So that’s the way it goes. I mean, we can’t live forever. But I love you all, fans.”

At the time, he launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for his medical care, with the appeal raising more than $330,000, as of publication.

Related: Italian Influencer Damiano Alberti Dead at Age 23

Italian influencer Damiano Alberti has died after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 23. “A part of us has flown away forever,” Alberti’s family wrote in a Monday, February 16, Instagram post translated to English by ChatGPT. “Damiano is free from everything he went through.” The statement continued, “Thank you for always supporting and […]

“I don’t know what to say,” Kenny said of the fundraiser’s success. “That is just unbelievable, and I mean it. You know, if I can make some more kids and people happy and veterans — you know, mainly veterans — I’d be so much happier. … Thank you.”

Following his death, Patriotic Kenny’s neighbor Kline encouraged grieving fans to take comfort in the joy her late friend brought to the world.

“I know your heart is breaking over the news of Kenny’s passing,” Kline wrote via Instagram on Monday. “I carry the weight of your grief on top of my own. I am so sorry for your loss. Kenny’s videos comforted so many of you in really, really dark times of your lives. You’ve been vulnerable and have opened up to us about those moments.”

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She went on, “Go back and watch a few videos. They will never be taken down. Then, take a breath. Kenny would say, ‘We can’t be little babies! We gotta settle down now and struggle on.’”

Related: Tanner Martin Announces His Death at 30 in Pre-Recorded Instagram Video

Influencer Tanner Martin has died following a five-year battle with terminal cancer. He was 30 years old.  Martin had recently become a first-time father and welcomed a daughter with wife Shay Wright in May. At the age of 25, he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in November 2020. He and Wright began sharing […]

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In addition to starring together in TikTok videos, Kline helped her neighbor create the Patriotic Kenny Foundation to provide mobility scooters for military veterans. Kline encouraged fans to donate to the foundation as a way to keep Kenny’s memory alive.

“Two weeks before Kenny passed, he told our board [of] his strong desire and wish for his legacy to continue ending isolation in veterans through mobility scooters,” she wrote on Monday. “One of the last things I told him before he passed is that I’ll do everything I can to honor his wish. I meant it.”

Video games are all about the gameplay, and while that can include puzzle solving, exploration, and role-playing, it is mostly about the combat, whether that be shooting, slashing, or punching. With games such as Elden Ring and Halo, this medium is ripe with a variety of options to beat stuff up. However, why complicate things with fantasy, sci-fi, and shooters when fans can simply play fighting games?

The fighting genre is defined by its 2D side-scrolling style, where characters battle it out until only one is left standing. This ultimate battle between players is riveting, which is why this list will rank the ten greatest fighting games of all time. Based on gameplay, design, combat, originality, influence, polish, networking, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality, these are the best games to beat something up.

10

‘Injustice 2’ (2017)

Image via DC, NetherRealm Studios

Superhero games have been getting better, but DC, in particular, has always delivered the best of the best, including a fantastic fighting game, Injustice 2. With Superman’s insurgency stopped by Batman, a new villain threatens the world: Brainiac. Allying with the remnants of Superman’s regime, Batman challenges the alien villain to save the planet.

Made by NetherRealm Studios, a veteran in the fighting game scene, Injustice 2 features polished, brawling gameplay that is a staple of the company. The most popular DC heroes and villains come together for a fighting game extravaganza. The story isn’t anything special, but the armor system and customizable characters, paired with the interactable stadium and in-depth controls, create a love letter to the DC universe.

9

‘Dragon Ball FighterZ’ (2018)

Image via Arc System Works

Like Injustice 2, many other franchises get fighting game adaptations, and one of the best comes from the hit anime, Dragon Ball. While there are many games in this franchise, Dragon Ball FighterZ is the best. A new Android descends onto Earth, instantly reviving classic villains and creating evil clones of Goku’s friends, starting a war between old enemies and new friends.

No anime game is as good as Dragon Ball FighterZ, a sci-fi video game masterpiece, and it achieved this feat by delivering a well-crafted fighting experience that honors the series while being something new. The captivating visuals create an explosive and dynamic feast that is a spectacle to witness. However, it doesn’t overshadow the fast-paced gameplay with combo attacks and strategic chess-match fights.

8

‘The King of Fighters ’98 (1998)

Image via SNK

Fighting games have been around for a while, but they are known for the arcade era, which expanded into the 1990s. Aptly named, The King of Fighters ’98 is one of the best fighting games. It isn’t the most well-known franchise and doesn’t have a canon story, but it is supposed to be a Dream Match between alive and dead characters from different times with separate allegiances.

While the ’80s were the peak of the arcade era, the 1990s had plenty of hits, including this one, which captures that nostalgic feeling with classic combat and great visuals. The King of Fighters ’98 has a magnificently balanced roster where characters offer different strengths. This perfect selection, paired with its refined combat, results in a polished fighting game masterpiece that is tactile and thrilling.

7

‘Tekken 5’ (2004)

Image via Namco

Out of all the fighting games, there are a few franchises that stick out as legendary, such as Tekken. Out of all the great games in this series, Tekken 5 takes the cake as the best overall experience. After the death of their leader, the corporation is taken over by the undead father, who announces the fifth King of the Iron Fist Tournament, with the winner taking over the company.

All the Tekken games are great, but Tekken 5 changed the formula and the way the franchise operates, because anything else would be a downgrade. Returning to its fast and fluid roots, this game also delivers rich worldbuilding and fascinating lore to expand the universe. Tekken 5 is a masterpiece that mixes its gimmicks with tight gameplay that creates a definitive entry in the franchise.

6

‘Guilty Gear Strive’ (2021)

Image via Arc System Works

Some of the best fighting games are older titles, but the newest one featured on this list is Guilty Gear Strive, which came out in 2021. Sol embarks on one last mission to confront his former friend and the creator of a deadly weapon, hoping to end the hundred-year tragedy of the Gears Project.

It may have had the least time to establish itself, but Guilty Gear Strive is already a modern classic and must-play fighting experience. This game features one of the best and most dynamic art styles on this list, showcasing its vibrant style and art direction with visual spectacle. The Roman Cancel system offers more gameplay opportunities that spice up the perfected formula, making Guilty Gear Strive an innovative modern masterpiece.

5

‘Mortal Kombat’ (2011)

Image via NetherRealm Studios

Out of all the fighting game franchises on this list, Mortal Kombat is arguably the most popular and relevant, and with so many classics, Mortal Kombat 9, also known simply as Mortal Kombat, is the best. After Armageddon, Raiden sends visions to his past self, who must interpret these messages in order to stop the events of the first three games from happening.

As a franchise, Mortal Kombat is highlighted by its brutal style and overly gory combat, and this game dials it up to eleven. The fatalities are gruesome, and the story is surprisingly complex for a fighting game. This seminal title completely redefined the gameplay and style, and also saved the franchise. Mortal Kombat ignited that competitive edge among gamers that most games don’t, becoming a staple in one of the most iconic gaming series.

4

‘Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire’ (1997)

Image via Capcom

When it comes to fighting games, it is hard to beat Capcom, which has many incredible franchises, including Darkstalkers, and the third one, Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire, is the greatest. When the demon lord learns that his realm is collapsing, he creates a dimension and brings the strongest darkstalkers into it, hoping to harvest their souls for power.

This hyper-stylized gothic game is superbly macabre, showing off its avant-garde aesthetic for all to see. Vampire Savior is more than visually stunning; it is also a technical marvel that abandons the round system in favor of an uninterrupted fight. The gameplay is blisteringly fast, and Vampire Savior rewards an aggressive style where momentum is the key to victory, making it one of the best video games of the 1990s.

3

‘Soulcalibur’ (1998)

Image via Bandai Namco Entertainment

Fighting games were mostly 2D side-scrolling titles, but the 1990s started the shift, specifically with the groundbreaking game Soulcalibur. The Soul Edge is a legendary artifact that holds great power, and the potential of this sword gathers dozens of the strongest warriors in the 16th Century to find it. Some want to destroy it and make sure no one uses its powers for evil, while others want to harness it for themselves.

Soulcalibur is one of the highest-rated games on Metacritic, and for good reason, as it revolutionized the fighting genre and the gaming industry. Indeed, introducing 3D rotating movement innovated and laid the blueprint for the genre going forward. This fluid movement was a technical achievement that enhanced arcade gaming, and the port was even better, bringing this style to home consoles.

2

‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ (2018)

Nintendo is known for its accessible gameplay style and innovative mechanics, which are felt in its fighting franchise, Super Smash Bros. From the game-changing title on the GameCube to the fan-favorite on the Wii, the best is the most recent, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In the campaign mode, a cosmic entity captures all Nintendo characters, leaving only Kirby to save the day.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the largest video game crossover, bringing characters such as Steve from Minecraft, Sora from Kingdom Hearts, and Snake from Metal Gear Solid into one game. Its expansive roster, creative spirits, familiar items, and imaginative level design pair nicely together, creating a new experience every match. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a smorgasbord of fighting that balances combat through chaos and unscripted events. Over-the-top, unexpected, and dynamic, this modern video game masterpiece is a collaboration of creativity and passion.

1

‘Street Fighter II’ (1991)

Image via Capcom

The top of this list could have gone either way, but the most influential and popular fighting game franchise is arguably Street Fighter, and while the second and third games are both masterpieces, Street Fighter II is the magnum opus. A worldwide fighting tournament hosted by the ruthless M. Bison is underway, and some of the strongest fighters on the planet convene to give each other a good beatdown.

Street Fighter II isn’t just the greatest fighting game; it is one of the best video games of all time, proving to be the most iconic and influential by delivering a perfect brawling experience, whether fans play at home or in the arcade. The six-button layout, combinations, and introduction of special moves were foundational mechanics that influenced the history of video games, even further highlighting the influence it had on the industry. Street Fighter II is a landmark of the 1990s and the definitive fighting game that stands atop this list.

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Street Fighter

Release Date

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October 16, 2026

Director

Kitao Sakurai

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Writers

Dalan Musson

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