Akira

Overview

In the year 2019, Neo-Tokyo is a city still rebuilding after a devastating explosion, and its streets belong to restless biker gangs, protest movements and a government that is hiding far more than it admits. Kaneda, the confident leader of one such gang, watches his world tilt when his friend Tetsuo is caught in a strange accident and begins to develop powers he cannot control. What starts as a rivalry on motorbikes soon becomes a race to understand a secret the military thought it had buried.

Akira works because it never lets its spectacle outrun its characters. Kaneda is brave but reckless, Tetsuo is angry at always living in someone else’s shadow, and Kei, a young resistance fighter, gives the story its conscience. Around them, scientists, soldiers and politicians all try to contain a force that grows stronger every time it is denied. The result is a dense, fast-moving film about power, friendship and a city that keeps paying for the mistakes of its past.

Quick facts

• Year: 1988
• Type: Movie
• Runtime: 2 hours 4 minutes
• Genres: Animation, Science Fiction, Action
• Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
• Original language: Japanese
• Status: Released

Watch the Trailer

Watch the official trailer from Crunchyroll below:

Where to Watch

Akira is not currently confirmed on a legal streaming platform in India. JustWatch India lists the 1988 film as not available for streaming in India, so no watch link is shown here rather than guessing one.

Frequently asked questions

What is Akira about? It follows Kaneda and Tetsuo, two friends in Neo-Tokyo, after Tetsuo gains dangerous psychic powers linked to a secret military project known only as Akira.

Who directed Akira? Katsuhiro Otomo directed the film and co-wrote its screenplay, adapting his own manga for the screen.

How long is Akira? The film runs for 2 hours and 4 minutes, telling a complete story in a single sitting.

Can I watch Akira legally in India? As of this guide, no legal streaming option in India is confirmed for the 1988 film, so check a trusted guide before using an unofficial source.