One of the most influential anime films of all time is set to return to cinemas, including IMAX, starting April 17, 2026. Originally released in Japan in 1988, AKIRA slowly made its way across the globe, eventually arriving in the UK in 1991. It was a pivotal cultural moment that introduced a wider audience to the world of anime, with The Washington Post declaring AKIRA “a visceral example of the future of animation.”
Taking place in the distant year 2019, Tokyo is rebuilt from the ashes of World War III, Neo-Tokyo is now a breath-taking, neon-lit metropolis where lawlessness and corruption run riot. Racing through its streets are Kaneda and Tetsuo, two delinquents and members of a local biker gang. When they stumble into a secret government plot, Tetsuo is subjected to some horrific experiments that would change the fates of everyone involved. The result is an explosive, mesmerizing masterpiece of animation that changed cinema forever.
Check out the trailer below:
AKIRA has been such a pivotal piece of cinema that it has inspired countless works since its debut—from the numerous “bike slide” homages appearing in hundreds of TV shows and films to its direct influence on blockbusters like The Matrix, Chronicle, and even Stranger Things.
It was also a key player in the growth of the “Cyberpunk” genre, creating a distinct aesthetic that has expanded into comics, anime, films, and video games.
You will not want to miss this opportunity to catch this iconic piece of cinema on the big screen again. AKIRA releases in IMAX and standard cinemas in both the original Japanese (with English subtitles) and English-dubbed versions starting Friday, April 17th.
