Akira

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Akira

R

Released Jan 1, 1988

2h 4m

Sci-Fi

Anime

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Popcornmeter

91%

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54 Reviews

90%

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100,000+ Ratings

In 1988 the Japanese government drops an atomic bomb on Tokyo after ESP experiments on children go awry. In 2019, 31 years after nuking the city, Kaneda, a bike gang leader, tries to save his friend Tetsuo from a secret government project. He battles against anti-government activists, greedy politicians, irresponsible scientists and a powerful military leader until Tetsuo's supernatural power suddenly manifest. A final battle is fought in Tokyo Olympiad exposing the experiment's secrets.

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Critics Consensus

Akira is strikingly bloody and violent, but its phenomenal animation and sheer kinetic energy helped set the standard for modern anime.

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Chris Stuckmann

ChrisStuckmann.com

The opening motorbike chase is still thrilling, but the dedication to the backgrounds as well as crowds of people filling the screen, explosions happening in the distance, and a jaw-dropping sense of scope make Akira the classic that it is.

Rated: A

Jan 25, 2021

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Akira's strangeness is very startling and sometimes bewildering. But there is a thanatonic rapture to its vision of a whole world ending and being reborn as something else.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 8, 2020

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David Jenkins

Little White Lies

While its typically convoluted sci-fi plotting and sprawling ensemble of characters occasionally lead it to border on the incoherent, it's hard not to be in awe of the giant hand-drawn cityscapes that make up the backdrop for the eye-popping action.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 18, 2013

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Howard Waldstein

CBR

Akira is one of the great anime sci-fi classics and has been influential across various forms of media.

Jul 18, 2023

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Great to look at, but more exhausting than entertaining.

Rated: B

Aug 31, 2022

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Such an extraordinary achievement demands to be seen and seen again for re-evaluation into its deeper relevance—and to be appreciated as a landmark not just of anime but of international cinema.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 19, 2022

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Joshua

Neo Tokyo really blew up

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/17/22

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Paul S

This is one of the best anime movies I've ever seen. It was intense, action-packed, and its animation was beautiful. I definitely recommend it for anime, sci-fi, and action fans!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/25/25

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O&R m

Masterpiece. The sheer scale is stunning. The action is explosive.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/06/25

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giulio p

Genius movie. Absolutely great direction, great plot, great characters. It left me thinking for half an hour after the finale

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/03/25

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Audience Member

The animation is definitely the best when considering the time it was created. But in regards to the story, I am appalled at how the movie is rated highly and how it is defended to this day.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/25

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Shawan S

Akira isn’t just a film; it’s a whole vibe. First off, the animation blew my mind! I found myself stopping the movie every few minutes just to shout, “HOW DID THEY PULL THIS OFF IN 1988?!” The level of detail is absolutely crazy. I’ve never had such a strong urge to ride a bike, even if it means dodging danger in a ruined city. The plot is intense, touching on themes of friendship, shady government actions, and the risks of giving too much power to teens (both psychic and political). You know, classic coming-of-age stuff. And the music? Wow! The chanting, the pounding drums, the creepy synths—it feels like someone turned a wild dream into an epic soundtrack. If you haven’t checked out Akira yet, do yourself a solid and watch it. Just maybe keep the lights on and steer clear of milk for a bit. You’ll be glad you did.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/12/25

Full Review

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Katsuhiro Ohtomo

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Mitsuo Iwata

Shôtarô Kaneda

Nozomu Sasaki

Tetsuo Shima

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Akira: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In 1988 the Japanese government drops an atomic bomb on Tokyo after ESP experiments on children go awry. In 2019, 31 years after nuking the city, Kaneda, a bike gang leader, tries to save his friend Tetsuo from a secret government project. He battles against anti-government activists, greedy politicians, irresponsible scientists and a powerful military leader until Tetsuo's supernatural power suddenly manifest. A final battle is fought in Tokyo Olympiad exposing the experiment's secrets.

Director: Katsuhiro Ohtomo
Producer: Shunzo Kato, Ryôhei Suzuki
Screenwriter: Izou Hashimoto, Katsuhiro Ohtomo
Distributor: Streamline Pictures
Production Co: Akira Committee Company, Ltd.
Rating: R (Graphic Violence|Brief Nudity)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 1, 1988, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Mar 30, 2001
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 12, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $390.0K
Runtime: 2h 4m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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