8.0
Where can I stream Akira legally?
You can rent or buy it from Blockbuster. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Akira
1988·Movie
Akira fingerprint
Relentless energy, stunning style, light on feelings.
Energy
Epic and nerve-racking
Fast from start to finish.
- Spectacle10
- Tension9
- Adrenaline8
Heart
Nostalgic and wondrous
- Nostalgia8
- Wonder7
- Melancholy6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody4
- Dark Humor2
- Wit & Wordplay1
World
The future, technology, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion10
- Rewatchability9
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout direction and storytelling
- Direction9
- Narrative Structure8
- Intrigue8
Style
Standout cinematography, score, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Music Composition10
- Visual Stylization10
Energy
Very highEpic and nerve-racking
Fast from start to finish.
Akira is epic, nerve-racking, and thrilling.
All energy traits
- Spectacle10Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowNostalgic and wondrous
Emotionally, it's nostalgic and wondrous.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe future, technology, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around the future, technology, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality4Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Futuristic10Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Tech & Humanity10Human stories in a tech world.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout direction and storytelling
The direction and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, score, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, score, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition10Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization10Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle10Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Psychedelic6Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers youYou want something quiet and calm
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About
Neo-Tokyo is about to E.X.P.L.O.D.E.
A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath that only two teenagers and a group of psychics can stop.
Cyberpunk DystopiaVisually Stunning AnimeIconic Synth ScorePsychological HorrorNuclear AnxietyBody HorrorNeo-Tokyo AtmosphereHigh-Octane ActionPhilosophical Sci-FiCult Classic Status
Actors
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Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Akira
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Akira worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 8, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Akira rated?
RViolenceDisturbing imageryDrug useStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, drug use, and strong language.
How long is Akira?
2 h 4 min
Akira runs 2 h 4 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Akira?
Critics78
Audiences85
Yes. Critics average 78 and audiences 85 out of 100, so both groups see Akira much the same way.
Was Akira a box office hit?
Budget$6 million
Box office$57 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $6 million to make and earned $57 million worldwide, 10.0 times its budget.
What language is Akira in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch Akira?
61
+47
+47GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Akira in 61 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Akira use?
Really 700 Years OldScenery PornFaceless GoonsWham EpisodeMind over MatterDrama PanesCyberpunkCaptain ErsatzKill SatBattle AuraSpider TankBullet Dodges Youand 241 more
TV Tropes lists 253 storytelling tropes for Akira, including Really 700 Years Old, Scenery Porn, Faceless Goons.