Akira (1988) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath that only two teenagers and a group of psychics can stop.
Rated R • 1988 • 2h 4m
Akira earns its R rating for its landmark, yet graphic and intense, animated violence and disturbing body horror. The story of biker gang members Kaneda and Tetsuo in a cyberpunk Neo-Tokyo is a vehicle for frequent bloody violence, including shootings, brutal beatings, and a final act featuring a character's grotesque, city-sized mutation that is considered a benchmark in body horror. Parents should also be aware of a scene of… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Akira appropriate for kids?
Akira earns its R rating for its landmark, yet graphic and intense, animated violence and disturbing body horror. The story of biker gang members Kaneda and Tetsuo in a cyberpunk Neo-Tokyo is a vehicle for frequent bloody violence, including shootings, brutal beatings, and a… Read more — free account
Content severity in Akira
What happens in Akira, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:08 🍷 Substances 5/10
- 0:10 💬 Language 5/10
Sex and nudity in Akira
A scene of sexualized violence shows a young woman's shirt being torn open during an assault, briefly exposing her breasts. In a separate, brief moment, a couple is seen kissing on a bench while the man has his hand up the woman's shirt. One of the young psychic children is also seen nude from a distance but without any graphic detail.
Violence and gore in Akira
The film is famous for its frequent and graphic animated violence. Scenes include intense gang fights with weapons like pipes, characters being shot with bloody impacts, and large-scale explosions. The violence escalates to include extreme body horror, most notably a prolonged sequence where a major character, Tetsuo, mutates into a grotesque, city-consuming mass of flesh and viscera. Other graphic moments include a character's head being crushed (off-screen, with the results implied), an arm being blown off by an…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Akira
Strong language is used throughout, particularly in the most common English dubs. The profanity includes multiple uses of 'f--k' and 's--t', as well as 'bitch', 'ass', and 'bastard'. The frequency and strength of the language contribute to the R rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Akira
Characters, including the teenage gang members, are frequently shown smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol in a bar setting. In an early scene, the bikers are shown taking pills, implied to be amphetamines or other stimulants, before a confrontation.
Mature themes in Akira
The film explores incredibly dark and mature themes. It is set against a backdrop of societal collapse, anti-government terrorism, and authoritarian military control. Core to the plot are the horrors of human experimentation, the trauma of uncontrolled power, and psychological breakdown. The terror of Tetsuo's mutation serves as a powerful metaphor for puberty, body dysmorphia, and the terrifying loss of self-control, making for intensely disturbing and frightening scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Akira appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Akira is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Akira earns its R rating for its landmark, yet graphic and intense, animated violence and disturbing body horror. The story of biker gang members Kaneda and Tetsuo in a cyberpunk Neo-Tokyo is a vehicle for frequent…
What age rating does Akira have?
Akira is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Akira about?
Akira earns its R rating for its landmark, yet graphic and intense, animated violence and disturbing body horror. The story of biker gang members Kaneda and Tetsuo in a cyberpunk Neo-Tokyo is a vehicle for frequent bloody violence, including shootings, brutal beatings, and a final act featuring a character's…
Is there sex or nudity in Akira?
A scene of sexualized violence shows a young woman's shirt being torn open during an assault, briefly exposing her breasts. In a separate, brief moment, a couple is seen kissing on a bench while the man has his hand up the woman's shirt. One of the young…
How violent is Akira?
The film is famous for its frequent and graphic animated violence. Scenes include intense gang fights with weapons like pipes, characters being shot with bloody impacts, and large-scale explosions. The violence escalates to include extreme body horror, most…
Is the language in Akira appropriate for kids?
Strong language is used throughout, particularly in the most common English dubs. The profanity includes multiple uses of 'f--k' and 's--t', as well as 'bitch', 'ass', and 'bastard'. The frequency and strength of the language contribute to the R rating.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Akira?
Characters, including the teenage gang members, are frequently shown smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol in a bar setting. In an early scene, the bikers are shown taking pills, implied to be amphetamines or other stimulants, before a confrontation.
What mature themes appear in Akira?
The film explores incredibly dark and mature themes. It is set against a backdrop of societal collapse, anti-government terrorism, and authoritarian military control. Core to the plot are the horrors of human experimentation, the trauma of uncontrolled power…
How long is Akira?
Akira runs 124 minutes, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, released in 1988.
Where can I read the full Akira parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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