Akira (1988) Review: A Japanese Classic
★★★★½ 4.5/5
Essential viewing — a certified classic.
Is Akira worth watching?
Yes — Akira remains one of the most celebrated films from Japan, with a 90% Critic Score and enduring audience appeal. On Celluloid it holds a 90% Critic Score, 91% Audience Score, 77 Metascore, 4.3 on Letterboxd, and 8 on IMDb — numbers that explain why it still surfaces on every “best of Japan” list.
What is Akira about?
A biker gang member in neo-Tokyo develops destructive psychic powers amid government conspiracy and urban collapse after World War III. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, the film stars Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, and remains a reference point for Animation and Sci-Fi filmmaking from Japan.
Should you watch Akira?
Yes, without hesitation — Akira rewards viewers who want more than algorithm-friendly new releases. At 124 minutes, it more than earns its running time — and the critics’ consensus still resonates today: Otomo’s cyberpunk landmark reshaped anime aesthetics and still influences sci-fi worldwide.
Where can I watch Akira?
Streaming availability varies by region — check major platforms in your country or local cinemas for revival screenings. Akira (1988) is widely indexed on IMDb (tt0094625) and remains one of the most searched classic titles from Japan on NewMoviesReviews.com.