In the history of anime, few movies have been more influential than Akira. Katsuhiro Otomo’s 1988 film left an indelible mark on the sci-fi and cyberpunk genres, and almost 40 years after its initial release, it continues to entertain fans around the world with its jaw-dropping visuals.

Luckily for Akira fans, there’s good news on the way. Courtesy of two anime giants, the film is returning to theaters this fall.

Crunchyroll & Sony Pictures Partner for the IMAX Re-Release of Akira

According to Crunchyroll’s official social media accounts, the 4K remaster of Akira (1988) is set to hit IMAX theaters across the United States and Canada on September 4, 2026. With both the original Japanese audio and English dub set to be shown, it’s a great chance for anime fans to check out the legendary movie in all its glory.

This isn’t the first time that the 4K remaster of Akira has hit theaters, with this version of the film first showing in Japan back in May 2020. That said, its upcoming re-release is a great chance for North American fans to watch one of the most critically-acclaimed animated films of all time after COVID derailed its original release.

Released in 1988 and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, who also created the original Akira manga, Akira introduced countless international viewers to anime‘s potential, and its influence can still be felt across science fiction, animation, fashion, and filmmaking. After all, the Akira slide alone is influential enough to warrant its place in the annals of cinema history.

Set in a dystopian version of 2019, Akira follows the story of teen delinquents Shotaro Kaneda and Tetsuo Shima as they navigate the streets of Neo-Tokyo and uncover the strange circumstances that led to the destruction of the original Tokyo. It’s a thrilling (albeit mind-bending) story, and with its breathtaking array of colors, the film is perfectly suited for the silver screen.

Even decades later, the movie’s mix of street-level rebellion and apocalyptic imagery is incredibly evocative, making it perfect for IMAX. Whether it’s Akira‘s famous motorcycle sequences, neon cityscapes, grotesque body horror, or surreal final act, the scale of IMAX gives modern audiences a chance to experience the film closer to the overwhelming spectacle it was always meant to be.

At this time, tickets for Akira have yet to go on sale, but fans interested in seeing the 4K remaster on the biggest screen possible should keep an eye on Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures, IMAX, and local theater listings as September approaches.