The opening motorbike chase is still thrilling, but the dedication to the backgrounds as well as crowds of people filling the screen, explosions happening in the distance, and a jaw-dropping sense of scope make Akira the classic that it is.

| Original Score: A | Jan 25, 2021

Akira's strangeness is very startling and sometimes bewildering. But there is a thanatonic rapture to its vision of a whole world ending and being reborn as something else.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 8, 2020

While its typically convoluted sci-fi plotting and sprawling ensemble of characters occasionally lead it to border on the incoherent, it's hard not to be in awe of the giant hand-drawn cityscapes that make up the backdrop for the eye-popping action.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 18, 2013

Pounding away, it becomes monotonous.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 10, 2013

Plenty of superb recent blockbusters, including The Matrix, The Dark Knight, Minority Report, Dark City and Inception, are all in its debt - not to mention a fair number of shockers, like Star Wars Episode II and the most recent Resident Evil atrocity.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Jun 25, 2011

Put it up there with the most astonishing animated features ever made.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 24, 2011

Style and substance run neck and neck in this thrilling, bold landmark film that just refuses to become dated.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Jun 23, 2011

The movie, even at 124 minutes, has the densely packed sweep and go-for-it pep of a pop epic.

| Sep 7, 2008

Simply put, no Akira, no Matrix. It's that important.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 10, 2008

Grade-school violence freaks may find a few kicks here, but even they may have trouble coping with this ugly movie's ending about eight separate times.

| Apr 16, 2007

A lavish animation extravaganza produced at a cost of $8 million, this futuristic exploration is a followup by author-director Katsuhiro Otomo to his tremendously popular comic books.

| Apr 16, 2007

An impressive achievement, often suggesting a weird expressionist blend of 2001, The Warriors, Blade Runner and Forbidden Planet.

| Feb 9, 2006

A furious spectacle of lush colors and dynamic movement.

| Original Score: B+ | May 3, 2005

A phenomenal work of animation with all the hallmarks of an instant cult classic.

Full Review | Original Score: 4.5/5 | Aug 30, 2004

Set the modern standard of excellence for Japanese anime despite the movie's emphasis on blood and violence.

| Mar 10, 2003

Easily the most breathtaking and kinetic anime ever made.

Full Review | Mar 27, 2001

The most expensive animated feature ever made in Japan... and it's easily the most impressive, as well.

| Jan 1, 2000