Japanese cyberpunk action film Akira is the landmark of anime cinema. First released in 1988, it’s been given a full 4K restoration and is returning to cinemas. And this time you can experience it in IMAX. For long-time fans who first discovered it on VHS and want the nostalgia hit, then prepare for your mind to be blown when you see it in IMAX. For newer fans it’s your chance to see one of the films that changed everything, on the big screen.
The 4K upgrade sharpens the visuals and audio, with richer colours and more detail than ever. The upgrade injects new life into this iconic film, ready for a new big-screen run. Akira is ready for 2026.
It’s impossible to big up the reach of this animated film enough. It became a behemoth, with a huge cultural reach. It showed the way for countless anime films and influenced far more than just the big screen. Here's everything you need to know about the Akira re-release.
BOOK AKIRA (SUBTITLED) TICKETS
What’s Akira about?
Shōtarō Kaneda is the anti-hero leader of a motorbike gang; Tetsuo Shima his old friend turned nemesis who, after an accident, becomes both psychic and unstable. Which is a pretty unsettling combo. Set in the future, 30 years after Tokyo was ruined in an explosion, Tetsuo goes on a dangerous rampage, which threatens to turn apocalyptic, and Kaneda tries to stop him. With the story looping itself around themes such as wayward governments and disillusioned youth, Akira is just as relevant in 2026.
When is Akira releasing in the UK?
Akira will be showing at cinemas on Friday 17th April, and you can book tickets in advance through the link below.
Like your films dubbed or subtitled? Watch Akira in both versions
Some prefer dubbing for seamless action, some prefer subtitles because it’s a more authentic experience. We’re showing both versions at Cineworld, so you can pick which you like.
What is the voice cast of Akira – here’s who you’ll hear in each version
The subtitled version will feature the original Japanese cast, which includes:
- Mitsuo Iwata as Shōtarō Kaneda
- Nozomu Sasaki as Tetsuo Shima
- Mami Koyama as Kei
- Tarō Ishida as Colonel Shikishima
- Mizuho Suzuki as Doctor Ōnishi
- Tesshō Genda as Ryūsaku
- Yuriko Fuchizaki as Kaori
- The dubbed version is voice acted by the 2001 cast, comprising:
- Johnny Yong Bosch as Shōtarō Kaneda
- Joshua Seth as Tetsuo Shima
- Wendee Lee as Kei
- Jamieson Price as Colonel Shikishima
- Simon Prescott as Doctor Ōnishi
- Bob Buchholz as Ryūsaku
- Michelle Ruff as Kaori
Can I watch Akira in IMAX at Cineworld?
Whether you’ve seen Akira once, never or dozens of times before, seeing it on the biggest screen there is what this anime was originally made for. From the shimmering metropolis of a broken Tokyo to the motorbike chases and psychic manifestations, they’re all the more awesome and explosive on an IMAX screen. Watch the subtitled version in IMAX, and the dubbed version on a regular 2D screen.
What is the runtime?
Akira is 124 minutes long.
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
