Akira

Year: 1989

Runtime: 124 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Katsuhiro Ôtomo

ActionSci-FiDramaMysteryThrillerFantasyAnimation

In 1988, a failed psychic experiment leads to a catastrophic event in Tokyo. Thirty years later, biker Kaneda finds himself facing a dangerous government project linked to his friend Tetsuo. Tetsuo's latent psychic abilities are growing uncontrollably, and Kaneda must fight against powerful, corrupt forces to stop him. The escalating conflict culminates in a confrontation at the Tokyo Olympiad, uncovering the dark secrets behind the original experiment and threatening the city's destruction.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Akira yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Akira (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Akira (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

Main Characters – Akira (1989)

Meet the key characters of Akira (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

Major Themes – Akira (1989)

Explore the central themes of Akira (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

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Frenetic Cyberpunk Chaos like in Akira

High-octane stories of rebellion and collapse in decaying futuristic cities.If you liked the high-octane action and oppressive atmosphere of Akira, you'll find similar thrills in these movies. This list features films with dystopian cityscapes, technological dread, and stories of rebellion against corrupt systems, perfect for fans of intense, visually arresting sci-fi.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically unfold in a near-future metropolis plagued by social unrest and authoritarian control. A catalyst event, often involving rogue technology or a powerful individual, sparks a chain reaction of violence and revelation, pushing the city toward a climactic confrontation or total collapse.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared setting of a decaying futuristic urban landscape, a fast-paced narrative driven by action and conspiracy, and a dark, heavy tone that explores the destructive potential of power and technology.

Power Corrupts Tragically like in Akira

Tragic stories of individuals whose newfound powers lead to self-destruction and collateral damage.For viewers who were captivated by Tetsuo's harrowing transformation in Akira, this collection features movies about characters overwhelmed by uncontrollable power. These stories explore themes of friendship tested by corruption, body horror, and the bittersweet tragedy of a fall from grace.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist or close associate who acquires a power that rapidly escalates beyond their understanding. This leads to a physical and mental unraveling, forcing a confrontation with friends or authorities who must stop them, often culminating in a destructive, bittersweet ending where the power is contained at a great personal cost.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by the core theme of power as a corrupting, destructive force. They share a heavy emotional weight, complex character arcs centered on loss of control, and a dark tone that blends body horror with profound sadness.

Unlock the Full Story of Akira

Don't stop at just watching — explore Akira in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Akira is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Akira Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Akira, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Akira Timeline

Track the full timeline of Akira with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Akira Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Akira

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Akira: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like Akira that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.