Akira
1988
Sci-fi, Suspense/Thriller
2h 4m
Kaneda is a bike gang leader whose close friend Tetsuo gets involved in a government secret project known as Akira. On his way to save Tetsuo, Kaneda runs into a group of anti-government activists, greedy politicians, irresponsible scientists and a powerful military leader. The confrontation sparks off Tetsuo's supernatural power leading to bloody death, a coup attempt and the final battle in Tokyo Olympiad where Akira's secrets were buried 30 years ago. (imdb)
Directed by:
Your probable score
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Akira
1988
Sci-fi, Suspense/Thriller
2h 4m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 66.28% from 6829 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
(6829)
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Rated 05 Jan 2008
70
56th
The animations are good, and the first part of the movie with motorcycle gangs rampaging through a worn down city is both beautiful and promising. Sadly, the movie doesn't live up to those promises. After a while, it takes a turn for the worse with psychic kids and murderous toys. I suppose it's a mater of taste, but I didn't appreciate it. The final scene saves the movie from being just mediocre, but still... I suppose my expectations might have been to high, but I'm a bit disappointed.
Rated 05 Jan 2008
Rated 16 Apr 2009
90
97th
I have read the manga and I don't give a fuck what other people think, this is better. Akira is what got me into both movies and animation, and I find it odd that after all these years I still see it as one of the greatest works of both. The narrative is gripping, the soundtrack is one of the best ever and the animation is absolutely jaw-dropping. According to Criticker, my PSI for this is 79. Fuck that. Akira is an absolute masterpiece. Now only if Otomo would make another movie...
Rated 16 Apr 2009
Rated 04 Feb 2017
83
77th
A confusing yet immersive messiah tale exploring the psychic fallout of post-war Japan. It goes without saying that Neo-Tokyo is impressively detailed and vibrant, the gamelan soundtrack is unforgettable, and it's tough to overestimate the impact this had on animation (who else was imitating the camera like this - panning shots, tracking shots, lens flare?) but what I find most impressive is how consistently funny it is. If it weren't for all the apocalyptic body horror it'd almost be a comedy.
Rated 04 Feb 2017
Rated 27 Apr 2016
85
63rd
Starts promisingly with several strong ideas, but quickly abandons them and becomes a confusing, overblown mess by the end. Pretty to look at, but somewhat disappointing.
Rated 27 Apr 2016
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
97th
Much like films like Terminator 2, this movie is still impressive more than 20 years later. The animation is still very quality, the backgrounds are still glorious, and it hasn't lost any of it's impact over time. This is the film that put anime on the map in the US (for better or worse), and it's worthy of all of the praise it has received. It does differ mightily from the manga, but that really couldn't be helped with the time constraints. It still stands well on it's own.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 09 Dec 2009
95
96th
Absolutely spectacular. AKIRA is perhaps the most well known of the early animé movies to sweep over the western world, teaching awestruck teenagers that cartoons could be more than Disney. Technophobia and body horror, violence and a dystopian world with teen-angst at the heart of it. This is the spark that fired the MANGA craze - the film that more than so many others sent the message to the world, that animation film had grown up.
Rated 09 Dec 2009
Rated 20 Mar 2007
95
96th
The space where ultra-violence and transhumanism meet. If you're not up your own ass enough to be intrigued by that concept, no amount of beautiful cel animation will keep you interested. I, however, happen to like the smell of my own farts.
Rated 20 Mar 2007
Rated 27 Dec 2008
96
97th
A story of completely epic proportion. It can only be portrayed by animation and to think that it achieved so much for the time it was created is incredible. The lush details of the city, characters and the events that unfold are all mind blowing. Truly a classic.
Rated 27 Dec 2008
Rated 25 Jun 2012
99
99th
This movie just thrills and mesmerizes me, it's fun to watch no matter how many times I've seen it...12 times and counting
Rated 25 Jun 2012
Rated 29 Oct 2013
5
91st
There's a lot to chew on here - technophobia, anti-capitalist/militarist themes, spirituality vs. science, nuclear fallout, et. al, wrapped in a rather out-there plot - but at its core, this is a creative, unique, and badass sci-fi/action hybrid with the most visionary and awe-inspiring setting this side of Blade Runner. Maybe in all of film.
Rated 29 Oct 2013
Rated 13 Jun 2015
95
84th
There are some more creative anime out there, but Akira is still pretty freakin' imaginative and the story is really good! Animation is pretty groundbreaking and the feel and heft of the movie was done really well. Good characters, good writing, good violence, good setting, good score, and a good movie. One of the best anime movies out there for sure.
Rated 13 Jun 2015
Rated 30 Jun 2020
82
88th
Oh, so THAT'S where [insert any sci-fi animation of the last 30 years] got that from.
Rated 30 Jun 2020
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
55th
An epic and seminal film in anime history. It's not really my taste anymore, but I fully acknowledge its importance.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
5
93rd
A seminal work, at home in the pantheons of animation and science fiction. A detailed and visionary presentation, not only in its gorgeous urban futurescapes, but in the unique rendition of its thematic conceit: the postwar fallout ever present in Japanese psychology represented as a supervillain origin story, taking place in a state of political and social sedition, a tale of teenage angst as the end of the world. It's best described as real fucking cool.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 21 Jan 2010
93
95th
Perhaps we could say this is the Blade Runner of anime, post-WWIII cyberpunk with no shortage of telekinetic ultraviolence and all the '80s angst and decadence you could ask for. There is no "information highway," just a rotting modern society; politicians are corrupt and drug-addicted biker gangs roam the streets of Neo-Tokyo; the military's psychic experiments threaten to make history repeat itself. Even now, Akira's animation is stunning and the soundtrack immense. Demands repeated views!
Rated 21 Jan 2010
Rated 01 Sep 2010
96
97th
Still all these years later the brutal outlay of the apocalpytic and dystopian future Akira presents grips me. The animation, well- I think most peoples feelings on this film usually throw in a breathless "the animation..." sentence, so enough said on that. The images capture you, but it's the feel of the story and its coldness that really sinks home.
Rated 01 Sep 2010
Rated 18 Jun 2011
80
85th
The storytelling might be chaotic and irregular, with some unnecessary ultraviolence all around, but the animation is unquestionably fascinating.
Rated 18 Jun 2011
Rated 16 Oct 2011
40
8th
The filmmakers seem to revel in the ultra-violence, undermining any coherence regarding the clearly tragic circumstances of post-apocalyptic Tokyo. The detailed backgrounds often draw the eye, while the characters possess virtually no redeeming qualities and the story barely holds together. A bit more focus on compelling characters and a lot less delight in the darker sides of the human experience would make this a worthwhile experience . . . and a different movie altogether.
Rated 16 Oct 2011
Rated 19 Nov 2011
96
99th
You aren't allowed to call yourself an anime fan if you don't like Akira. It's got pretty much every definitive anime theme. The teenage rebellion, ineptitude and harshness of authority, and that constant threat that the whole city might just evaporate at some point. It gets these themes across really deftly, sparing us all the bullshit that would come to plague anime of the 90s and the early 21st century.
Rated 19 Nov 2011
Rated 09 Nov 2013
80
78th
Slightly overrated. Of course, the animation is fantastic, groundbreaking work, the soundtrack is solid and even the plot is decent. The issue is that--while the plot has great content and covers a wide variety of themes--the director fails at telling the story in a cohesive and suspenseful manner; scenes just don't flow smoothly from one to the next, so the pacing feels off. Add to that some rather forgettable characters, and I'm left respecting but not loving this anime.
Rated 09 Nov 2013
Rated 10 Aug 2016
6
34th
The animation is stunning to say the least - with Tetsuo's hallucinations/transformation emerging as the film's most indelible sequences - but too many forgettable characters and a cluttered storyline get in the way of any kind of emotional involvement. While I wasn't bored, I remained mostly indifferent to the proceedings.
Rated 10 Aug 2016
Rated 09 Jul 2007
3
61st
One of the only animes I've ever enjoyed. The last half hour gets a bit annoying with the constant repetition of names and the plot unwinds and goes straight to hell. It's about as sloppy and muddled as that giant blob man that takes over the stadium, ho ho. Really cool animation style though.
Rated 09 Jul 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
90th
I don't understand how this has a release date of 2001 when people were worshipping this movie when I was in high school. I'm not a big anime fan, per se, but Akira is the film that put the genre on the map.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
20
9th
Animation pretty good - I guess that's what all the fuss is about. The actual movie is boring and profoundly stupid.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
97th
A furious film that gradually draws you into its madness. Probably the greatest effort in Japanese animation.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
84th
Slightly overrated - definitely not the "vert best anime of all time" as many would have you believe. Action packed, smart and beautifully animated. Not for the easily disturbed.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
99th
Cumulatively esoteric parable about a bullied amphetamine addict punk inheriting the powers of a god. Typically apocalyptic Japanese take on human evolution noodlings. Astonsihingly detailed animation and utterly convincing close-knit relationships too.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
92nd
Akira is an absolute joy to watch. It doesn't just progress, it unfolds and keeps you on the edge of your seat with its insane transitions and animation.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
48th
Much the reason anime is so popular in America today, this one was of the first animated films from Japan to make it to the states. The story is relentlessly confusing, but the animation is slick. Take it or leave it, Akira began a revolution in popular cartoons. Although, I personally don't like it that much, it's kind of an important film, and for that, I say it's... Pretty good!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
91st
No self respecting nerd would miss this one, but maybe not miss it several times to get all that's going on herem in the same way you should not miss Terry Gilliam's "Brazil" several times either
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 07 Feb 2008
93
94th
Creates a striking atmosphere that pulls you in and gives you some scenes that continue you to make you feel bad-ass no matter how many times you watch or how old you get. To me the biggest issues are the pacing as the movie does lose it's momentum at times.
Rated 07 Feb 2008
Rated 26 Oct 2008
90
90th
Without reading the manga it is a excellent movie, but when familiar with the far superior printed version this movie tends to disappoint. But with beautiful animation and one of the most unique and fitting soundtracks you can not but help love this movie.
Rated 26 Oct 2008
Rated 14 Dec 2008
90
94th
I'm not overly fond of anime or cyberpunk, but damn if this isn't one of the coolest movies I've ever seen.
Rated 14 Dec 2008
Rated 22 Mar 2009
75
54th
The film most responsible for popularizing the anime genre in the West. The animation is so complexly cinematic, incorporating more than 2,000 individual shots, that it's easy at times for you to forget you're not watching a live-action movie. Like many Japanese films, ranging from _Godzilla_ to _Akira Kurosawa's Dreams_, this is another attempt -- albeit in a high-tech, rocknroll, comic-book format -- to grapple with the atomic destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Rated 22 Mar 2009
Rated 23 May 2009
8
90th
This definitely has it's problems, a lot of them actually, but the animation is still incredible over 20 years later.
Rated 23 May 2009
Rated 21 Jul 2009
100
99th
The top-notch animation and soundtrack are a great complement to one of the most twisted apocalypse plots ever devised.
Rated 21 Jul 2009
Rated 20 Feb 2010
88
89th
For someone that is not a big fan of anime films to begin with, this film literally blew me away. Visually brilliant but intelligent enough so you can enjoy it. Immersive at even its lowest quality...a marvelous achievement.
Rated 20 Feb 2010
Rated 01 Jul 2011
100
97th
Still one of the best anime films to be made. In terms of its visuals, animation, music and imagination, it makes most of the anime I've seen from this last decade look like garage in comparison. It was a task for the director to adapt his mammoth manga series into this 2 hour film, but he did an admirable job.
Rated 01 Jul 2011
Rated 28 Feb 2012
5
44th
what the fuck was this
Rated 28 Feb 2012
Rated 29 Dec 2012
95
97th
Totally bonkers from start to finish, this film is a hell of a hallucinatory ride with a very strong and clear, but well-delivered message about the military, technology, power, and their combined effects. This is an animated masterpiece and stellar proof that 2-D animation kicks ass
Rated 29 Dec 2012
Rated 10 Feb 2013
84
75th
Akira in 5 words: 1. Motorcycles 2. Neo Tokyo 3. Explosions 4. "KANEDA!" 6. "TETSUO!"
Rated 10 Feb 2013
Rated 28 Jan 2014
50
14th
Set in a conventionally conceived if stylishly realized dystopian Tokyo, "Akira" is a post-apocalyptic tale that's told with some visual razzle-dazzle and some energy but without much weight or -to me, at least- entertainment value. Stock characters, a convoluted, dull plot, a clichéd run-through of the themes of oppression, apocalypse and tortured childhood and a near-ridiculously overwrought tone: the film, derivative just as it is influential, failed to engage or move me.
Rated 28 Jan 2014
Rated 23 May 2014
95
97th
A Fantastic film with an ending meant to be interpreted. The characters are easy to relate to and understandable, and the story may get a little crazy, but never to the point that makes it a bad movie. Most importantly, this 2 hour film is animated at 60 Frames per second. One must appreciate how well an already almost perfect film can look.
Rated 23 May 2014
Rated 17 Jun 2014
90
94th
One of most exciting things I've watched in a while. Wonderful animation, cool story, and the soundtrack is ridiculously good.
Rated 17 Jun 2014
Rated 21 Sep 2014
6
51st
Some of the sickest animation I've ever seen. Truly a landmark for the medium.
Rated 21 Sep 2014
Rated 13 May 2015
8
71st
Groundbreaking and quintessential Science-fiction--animated or otherwise--"Akira" is intricately animated and detailed; features thrilling action; an awesome, almost tribal score; and does this all while exploring themes and consequences of a post-nuclear world.
Rated 13 May 2015
Rated 12 Jul 2015
10
95th
The part where Tetsuo transforms is literally one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Holy SHIT.
Rated 12 Jul 2015
Rated 12 Jul 2015
70
51st
This is such a difficult one to rank. I love the universe it's set in, which the filmmakers obviously took great care to represent onscreen, but the script doesn't do nearly enough to properly establish it. The visuals are striking and unforgettable, but sometimes excessively over-the-top and unpleasant. The story (when it's intelligible) manages to suck you in... and promptly drops the ball whenever it's asked to progress naturally. Overall, a weird movie, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it.
Rated 12 Jul 2015
Rated 17 Nov 2017
5
91st
Well that sure was a whole lot of everything. Almost too much to fully take in
Rated 17 Nov 2017
Rated 30 Jun 2021
80
77th
I think I know what was going on! The animation in this is stunning and don’t worry it’s not one of those gross anime movies that rightfully get you shunned from society.
Rated 30 Jun 2021
Rated 27 Feb 2007
75
34th
This was the first anime movie I had ever seen.
Rated 27 Feb 2007
Rated 07 Mar 2007
65
73rd
Manga excellence.
Rated 07 Mar 2007
Rated 09 Mar 2007
85
81st
visceral nonsense
Rated 09 Mar 2007
Rated 25 Mar 2007
91
94th
Classic anime. Incredibly dated, now. Must see for any anime fan, but you're better served with something a bit more modern for people new to the genre.
Rated 25 Mar 2007
Rated 04 Apr 2007
75
42nd
Strange and stylish and altogether crazy-as-hell.
Rated 04 Apr 2007
Rated 04 May 2007
60
47th
OK it's different but there's not much of a story here, and it's not what you'd consider "beautiful" either
Rated 04 May 2007
Rated 20 May 2007
70
30th
Beautifully animated, even if it's like a 30 minute adaptation of Lord of the Rings - ultimately the manga has much more.
Rated 20 May 2007
Rated 08 Jun 2007
70
57th
An anime classic. A bit too angry teen boy for me, but visually and aurally spectacular, and a very imaginative and immersive SF setting.
Rated 08 Jun 2007
Rated 11 Jun 2007
90
86th
So good the animation stands up even to todays standards.
Rated 11 Jun 2007
Rated 12 Jul 2007
90
66th
A great anime flick, though it gets pretty weird near the end.
Rated 12 Jul 2007
Rated 13 Aug 2007
80
74th
Still don't really get it, but I think that adds something to it. Loose ends are rare in modern cinema, which is a shame. But even still, 'wuh?!'
Rated 13 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
59
58th
TETSUOOOOOO! KANEEEEEDAAAAA! TETSUOOOOOO! KANEEEEEDAAAAA!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
79
45th
It was pretty exciting.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
92
60th
One of the best anime's I've seen. Good plot that will require repeated viewing to fully digest.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
80th
TETSUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
87
87th
Absolutly stunning adaptation by Otomo of his own long running manga. If you like manga and you have never seen this then you are missing one of the best movie's of the genre.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
Amazing animation and complex plot. Constant action and intrigue to keep the most cynical anime critics interested. If you're going to see any Japanese animation in your lifetime, see this one.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
58
38th
Starts out well enough, but then gets boring.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
50th
Cool stuff.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
7
84th
The animation is sensational, and the whole movie is dark and cyberpunk as all hell. It transcends anime and just becomes a really entertaining apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, and the whole weird transformation thing at the end is scary as hell.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 18 Aug 2007
69
48th
Pretty good anime. Visually it is very exciting. The dubbed version I have is kind of hard to follow sometimes.
Rated 18 Aug 2007
Rated 29 Aug 2007
100
99th
YES! This movie is perfect. Great story, great sound, amazing animation, and great music.
Rated 29 Aug 2007
Rated 09 Sep 2007
70
56th
I'm not into anime, but the animation here is a must see.
Rated 09 Sep 2007
Rated 27 Oct 2007
87
72nd
This is one of my favorite manga films - the artwork is exceptional, and the story isn't half bad. I especially love the scenes where the characters are riding their motorcycles, and of course the scenes where Tetsuo uses his newfound powers to wreak havoc.
Rated 27 Oct 2007
Rated 11 Nov 2007
80
86th
- highly recommended
Rated 11 Nov 2007
Rated 06 Dec 2007
90
52nd
One of Mangas classic films... this movie broke the mold and pushes the cartoon genre to its limits... for its day and age it is a master piece
Rated 06 Dec 2007
Rated 13 Dec 2007
90
96th
possibly the greatest anime ever (though i prefer unico and spirited away) massively composed visuals hiding a tender and difficult metaphor for personal and societal adolescence
Rated 13 Dec 2007
Rated 14 Jan 2008
79
67th
Symbolic anime movie. Although the art style isn't quite as crisp as the newer animated flicks, the story and cultural impact can't be denied.
Rated 14 Jan 2008
Rated 15 Jan 2008
60
24th
A classic, but really not a terribly good one. Lots of loose threads and plot holes leave you unsatisfied.
Rated 15 Jan 2008
Rated 16 Jan 2008
75
25th
Great soundtrack and visual detail, but everything else is such a mess in execution despite some decent themes and ideas.
Rated 16 Jan 2008
Rated 26 Feb 2008
80
82nd
Groundbreaking anime still amazes after 19 years.
Rated 26 Feb 2008
Rated 18 Apr 2008
82
62nd
Disturbing, trippy, artful.
Rated 18 Apr 2008
Rated 29 Apr 2008
100
90th
Masterpiece of animation.
Rated 29 Apr 2008
Rated 27 Jul 2008
95
97th
A classic anime, with great animation and an interesting plot. It was also able to gross me out at times.
Rated 27 Jul 2008
Rated 29 Sep 2008
50
36th
I recognize the quality and respect for those who like anime, especially this one. But just not my style, not like.
Rated 29 Sep 2008
Rated 02 Oct 2008
85
80th
Excellent animation and an interesting story that manages to entertain. perhaps overly long. The only thing that marks it as from the 1980s is the score.
Rated 02 Oct 2008
Rated 22 Oct 2008
85
61st
Akira is a great Anime about a dark future prophecy. It's nice to watch the story grabs you if you like Science Fiction and the Japanese style of course.
Rated 22 Oct 2008
Rated 23 Nov 2008
4
55th
I must find the special glasses that makes this animation look exceptional.
Rated 23 Nov 2008
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