Akira

Akira is a landmark 1988 Japanese animated film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, based on his manga of the same name. Set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo after World War III, the story follows Shōtarō Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang, and his friend Tetsuo Shima, who gains destructive telekinetic powers after a motorcycle accident. As Tetsuo’s abilities spiral out of control, he becomes a threat to the city, leading to a climactic confrontation with Kaneda and the awakening of the mysterious entity Akira. Known for its stunning animation, complex narrative, and influence on the cyberpunk genre, Akira remains a seminal work in anime and pop culture.