Akira Officially Returns to Theaters in IMAX and 4K for One Day Only
Akira, Katsuhiro Otomo’s landmark 1988 cyberpunk anime film, will return to theaters for a limited one-day-only theatrical re-release on September 4, 2026. The iconic animated feature—based on Otomo’s manga of the same name—will be shown in both 4K and IMAX formats across the United States and Canada, distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
This marks the second major theatrical opportunity for audiences to experience the restored version, following its 2020 4K remaster debut. The film will be presented in both its original Japanese language with English subtitles and an English-dubbed version, providing options for different viewer preferences.
Set in a dystopian Tokyo 31 years after the city’s destruction, Akira follows Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang, through Otomo’s visually stunning cyberpunk world. The one-day-only screening represents a rare chance to see this highly influential anime classic in premium formats, underscoring its continued cultural significance in the animation and entertainment industry.