Akira Returns to US and Canadian Theaters After 38 Years with 4K IMAX
Akira, one of the most influential works in anime history, is returning to the big screen after 38 years. Crunchyroll will screen the film in 4K and IMAX versions at select theaters in the US and Canada on September 4, 2026. Both the original Japanese audio with English subtitles and an English dub will be offered.
Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo in 1988, Akira is not only a sci-fi classic but also considered one of the cornerstones that transformed anime into a globally popular art form. Set in Neo-Tokyo, the film tells the story of young motorcycle gangs and a child with telekinetic powers in a dystopian future. With its visual splendor, complex themes, and animation quality ahead of its time, it remains one of the most respected anime of all time.
This new screening marks the first time the film will be shown in IMAX format following its 4K restoration in 2020. Previously, Crunchyroll brought other anime giants like Spirited Away and Your Name. to IMAX theaters, aiming to provide a cinematic experience for both old and new generations. The company plans to release Akira along with several other classic and contemporary anime films in North America this year.
For fans, this is not just an opportunity to watch a film; it is also a tribute to the roots of anime culture. Akira inspired later major works such as Ghost in the Shell and Neon Genesis Evangelion, and influenced many Western directors. The film garnered great interest during its 30th anniversary screenings in 2018; with this new 4K IMAX version, it is expected to reach an even wider audience.
Tickets are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks, but it is not yet clear whether Crunchyroll will hold similar screenings in other regions. Fans in Japan and Europe are hoping for an expansion of international distribution. If this screening proves popular, it would not be surprising to see Akira's restoration brought to theaters on other continents.
