Crunchyroll Bringing Akira to U.S., Canada Theaters in 4K and IMAX
Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will release Katsuhiro Ōtomo's landmark Akira anime film in select theaters across the U.S. and Canada on September 4 in 4K and IMAX formats, with both Japanese and English audio options.
Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment are bringing Katsuhiro Ōtomo's Akira back to the big screen. The iconic 1988 cyberpunk anime film will screen in select U.S. and Canadian theaters on September 4 in 4K and IMAX—giving fans a chance to experience one of anime's most influential works with upgraded picture quality.
The theatrical release will offer both the original Japanese soundtrack with English subtitles and an English dub, letting viewers choose their preferred format.
Why This Matters
Akira remains a watershed moment for anime globally. Ōtomo's film fundamentally changed how the world perceived Japanese animation, demonstrating that anime could tackle complex, mature storytelling and visual ambition at a scale previously unimaginable. Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo in 2019, Akira follows Kaneda, a young biker gang leader, as he attempts to rescue his friend Tetsuo from a military research facility—only to discover Tetsuo has developed devastating psychic powers through illegal government experiments.
The film's influence on anime, manga, and broader sci-fi media cannot be overstated. Its combination of hand-drawn animation, cyberpunk aesthetics, and philosophical depth spawned countless imitators and inspired creators across all mediums.
About the Release
This theatrical run marks another effort by streaming platforms to bring classic and contemporary anime to theaters, capitalizing on growing mainstream interest in the medium. Crunchyroll has been increasingly active in theatrical releases over recent years, recognizing that certain anime—particularly landmark titles—benefit from the immersive experience of IMAX and 4K restoration.
Katsuhiro Ōtomo, the original creator and director, has remained prolific since Akira's 1988 release. He recently founded OVAL GEAR, a new feature animation studio based in Tokyo, with its first original project currently in production.
Fans interested in catching Akira in theaters should check Crunchyroll's website for participating cinema locations and showtimes as the September 4 release date approaches.