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Hollywood’s recent success with Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece has again sparked debate over the potential to adapt other legendary anime on the big screen. While some franchises may translate well, there remains one film that is simply untouchable: Akira (1988).

A scene from the One Piece live-action movie. | Credit: Netflix

Under Katsuhiro Otomo’s direction, Akira is not simply an animated movie rather it is an artistic and cinematic marvel that has remained unmatched for its visual storytelling, depth, and cultural relevance. With such an incredible legacy, one may ask: can it ever successfully be translated into a live-action film? For many fans, the answer is an absolute ‘no’. And here’s why.

Akira: A timeless masterpiece that redefined animation

A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Akira reveals an insane level of devotion, with each and every animation cell carefully hand-drawn. Several fans continue to be awed over how,...

Few anime films have had as much cultural impact as Akira. The 1988 cyberpunk masterpiece shaped the sci-fi genre and influenced countless filmmakers, animators, and storytellers. Based on Katsuhiro Otomo’s groundbreaking manga, the anime was an ambitious adaptation that showcased breathtaking animation, a gripping narrative, and an unforgettable futurist vision of Neo-Tokyo.

A scene from the 1988 sci-fi masterpiece Akira. | Credit: Tms Entertainment

However, the man behind Akira, Otomo himself initially feared the anime would be a failure. This belief might surprise modern-day anime fans, given the film’s legacy, but Otomo’s reaction was rooted in the challenges of adapting his own sprawling manga into a feature-length movie.

Otomo’s initial disappointment with the Akira movie

In a revealing interview with Forbes, Otomo recounted his first impression of the movie, his influences as a creator, and how time changed his perspective on the film’s success. Oromo recounts that when...

A diverse and uniquely appealing medium with countless devoted fans, anime has long since established its niche in mainstream pop culture. What has been considered an obscure and commonly misunderstood hobby in the past has now evolved into a booming worldwide cultural phenomenon acclaimed by general audiences and critics alike.

However, even if anime is more internationally accepted now than ever, plenty of people - even those deeply engrossed in other visual storytelling mediums, like film and TV - are still prejudiced against it, not recognizing anime as worthwhile. Be it due to the intrinsic mischaracterization of animation as “childish,” the lingering negative stereotypes, or the simple lack of exposure; many refuse to give anime a fair chance. Thankfully, these incredible anime films could help even the most skeptical movie buffs change their outlook on the medium.

Related10 Most Rewatchable Anime Films of All Time

Some anime films are so compelling they demand multiple viewings,...

If you're an anime fan or curious about the globally beloved animation medium from Japan, a Crunchyroll subscription is a no-brainer. The streaming service is the premier platform for viewing anime movies and shows, along with selling these programs and their related merchandise. With its library of titles constantly growing, there's always something to watch on Crunchyroll for anime fans of every level and interest. This catalog spans from the formative classics that brought anime to international audiences to modern hit shows and movies to check out.

Simply put, Crunchyroll offers something for everyone, genre-wise, including slice-of-life stories, sports anime, romance, and bloodcurdling horror titles. With so much to choose from, it can be tough to settle on a show or movie to make your next anime obsession. Fortunately, /Film is here with our own list of must-watch recommendations. Here are the 15 best anime movies and TV shows available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Few anime films have left a cultural impact as lasting as that of Akira. Originally released in 1988, this sci-fi epic set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo revolutionized the anime industry and introduced international audiences to anime's artistic and storytelling potential. Now, decades later, fans can experience Akira like never before with its new 4K remaster. This breathtaking restoration promises to take the film’s iconic visuals and sound to a new level, giving a better viewing experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

To celebrate this milestone, Akira's 4K remaster has been released in a stunning steelbook edition, and is now available at a discounted price on Amazon. Normally retailing for $34.98 Usd, the steelbook is currently on sale for $29.49 Usd, making it an irresistible deal for collectors and anime enthusiasts alike. Whether revisiting Akira for the hundredth time or discovering it for the first, this release is the perfect chance...

Katsuhiro Otomo has revolutionized the cyberpunk genre through his iconic and cult-popular manga Akira. Be it dystopian, futuristic, or political elements, the manga is exceptional in every way. This holds for its excellent animation and storytelling. The 1988 film has also reshaped pop culture and the entertainment space.

Shotaro Kaneda’s bike slide in the 1988 movie | Credit: Tokyo Movie Shinsha Co.

Furthermore, it continues to influence artists including filmmakers and songwriters to this date. While the animated film achieved a breakthrough due to its animation, its first rush disappointed the mangaka.

Akira’s first rush disappointed Katsuhiro Otomo

Apart from being a manga artist, Katsuhiro Otomo is a seasoned animator, screenwriter, and film director. He is popular for his works such as Neo Tokyo, Steam Boy, and Short Piece. However, he pioneered the cyberpunk genre in manga through his work Akira (1982-1990). To say the least, the series garnered cult popularity...

In the world of the hack and slash genre, not every title rises to the top. But it seems a title called Enenra: Daemon Core is trying to give it a try. The game has a great chance to reach the top as it offers various features that will provide the thrill of combat, and the adrenaline rush of high-octane action.

The title is developed by solo developer Zahid Ali Jeelan and is looking to make its mark on the hack and slash landscape by blending classic inspirations with fresh innovations, delivering an immersive experience that is both nostalgic and groundbreaking.

Enenra: Daemon Core Drawing Inspiration from the Genre Classics

For fans of the genre, Enenra: Daemon Core will feel a lot more nostalgic than some of the other hack and slash games. The game is set in the cyberpunk world of Neo Tokyo and draws inspiration from classics like Ninja Gaiden,...

Anime is one of the most popular artistic mediums in the world, and with each passing year, it is introduced to hundreds of thousands — if not millions — of new fans. Franchises like Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Pokémon have become synonymous with animation over the past few decades and played a large role in establishing the medium as a legitimate art form.

Because so many anime series focus on combat or, at the very least, violence, there are dozens of iconic anime fights throughout the medium's history. Even though some classic shows may not benefit from the impressive visuals of modern animation, they've still produced fights that are as good as any in anime history.

Related 10 Anime Match Ups Every Fan Would Love To See In a perfect world, anime fans could see their dream match-ups come to life with epic battles between their favorite characters. Rikiishi Gives His Life To...

Director Albert Hughes had a heated argument with the head designer at BMW over the design of the motorcycles for the live-action Akira movie. Hughes walked out after feeling offended by the designer's attempt to introduce unrelated technology and insulting the concept art. Despite the obstacles faced, Taika Waititi is currently set to direct the live-action Akira movie, but it remains uncertain if the project will come to fruition.

Director Albert Hughes recalls how the live-action Akira movie's bikes caused a fight with BMW. The Japanese manga series, adapted into an animated film back in 1988, explores Neo-Tokyo, following Shōtarō Kaneda as he attempts to stop his childhood friend Tetsuo Shima from using telekinetic powers against the city. The movie has been praised for its style, and overall influence on the genre, but a live-action iteration of the source material has struggled to come to fruition. Various directors, including Hughes and his brother Allen,...

Anime with confusing endings can either enhance the series by adding ambiguity or harm the viewer experience and leave a notorious reputation. Ghost in the Shell and Akira have ambiguous endings that leave audiences questioning the ultimate outcomes of the stories. Higurashi: When They Cry - Sotsu and Mawaru Penguindrum have confusing endings that detract from the compelling seasons leading up to them.

Anime from every genre – whether it be a casual slice-of-life show or battle-centric action shonen – are able to explore a variety of ideas and narrative threads that aren't present in other media. However, this broad range of creativity occasionally results in a series having a confusing ending.

In some cases, this can strengthen a series by giving it a layer of ambiguity to keep audiences fixated on those final moments long after its conclusion. It can also be detrimental to the overall viewing experience. A confusing ending...

The world and weapons of DC's Blue Beetle owe a lot to anime.

Per Den of Geek, director Angel Manuel Soto broke down the medium's influence on the weapon-generating abilities of Jaime Reyes' Scarab suit, including a Cloud Strife-like Buster Sword teased in Blue Beetle's original trailer. "I've always wanted to create something I would enjoy. If I had Jaime's powers, why would I limit myself? Why would I limit my imagination?," Soto explained, attributing this logic to his own history with anime culture. "As a Latino, I embrace anime; I grew up watching anime. I grew up watching that sword. I always wanted to wield it, and even if I can't, I'm wielding it vicariously through Blue Beetle," he added.

Related: Blue Beetle Unleashes the Full Power of the Scarab in Electrifying Trailer

Blue Beetle's anime references further extend to its depiction of Palmera City, Jaime's movie hometown.

The Academy Awards have historically ignored anime despite the many Oscar-worthy anime films released each year. In the ninety years since the Oscars started, only one anime film has actually netted an Oscar, and with some years forgoing nominating any anime movies at all, that is unlikely to change any time soon. Still, that doesn't mean there isn't a veritable cornucopia of anime films beloved by viewers and critics alike. From standalone stories like the filmography of Studio Ghibli to spinoff movies of existing shows, anime deserves more recognition in the world of film.

Though the term "Oscar-worthy" might conjure images of weighty and dramatic films, the anime films that most deserved recognition span a wide variety of genres and tones. Optimistic slices of life and fantastical tales like Howl’s Moving Castle are just as deserving of the Academy's favor as are heart-sinking tragedies like Grave of the Fireflies. More...

This article contains some spoilers

In 1995, we screamed, “Hack the planet!” Today, my mom can watch any movie on her phone. When we walk around with computers in our pockets, fantasies about jacking into cyberspace and accessing vast amounts of information seem quaint, if not outright laughable. But it’s that very mundane nature that makes cyberpunk such an important genre, even in 2023.

The cyberpunk genre began in literature, first in stories published in the UK magazine New Worlds and later in novels from writers such as William Gibson (Neuromancer), J.G. Ballard (High Rise), and Philip K. Dick. These writers took a darker look at the technology of the future, showing how new inventions did nothing to change inequality and corruption, only reinforcing the worst parts of humanity.

For most people, cinematic cyberpunk is synonymous with 1982’s Blade Runner, an adaption of the Dick book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.

Acclaimed writer and director Jordan Peele explains why he did not direct the live-action remake of the beloved Japanese animated classic Akira. Released in 1988, the dystopian futuristic science-fiction action movie is based on Katsuhiro Otomo's manga of the same name. Directed by Otomo, Akira fuses slick visuals, a cyberpunk aesthetic, and a riveting story with break-neck action to create one of the most lauded anime films of all time. Akira follows biker gang leader ShÅ.tarÅ. Kaneda, whose friend develops dangerous telekinetic abilities, creating chaos within the dense metropolis of Neo-Tokyo.

While on the Happy Sad Confused podcast (via IndieWire), Peele shares why he ultimately did not direct the Akira live-action remake. The director explains that although he is passionate about the project, he admits he feels rejecting Warner Bros.' offer allowed him to create the original films he always wanted to make. Read what Peele says below:...

Hollywood history is filled with stories of unmade films from elite directors. From Quentin Tarantino’s “Luke Cage” to David Fincher’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” it’s always fun to speculate about how great artists would have handled famous IP.

One of the most intriguing unmade projects in recent years is Jordan Peele’s “Akira.” After the success of “Get Out,” Warner Bros. approached Peele to direct a live action remake of Katsuhiro Otomo’s anime, and Peele seriously considered the project. While he ultimately declined the offer and made “Us,” the idea of him bringing Neo-Tokyo to life with his unique visual style will live on as a what-if in the minds of many cinephiles.

In a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Peele reflected on his “Akira” remake that never was. While he still remains a fan of the source material, he has no...

The "Funimation" 'anime' streaming platform returns in 2022 with simulcasts from Japan of new and returning animated TV series including "Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2", "Tokyo 24th Ward", "Tribe Nine" and a whole lot more:

"...in "Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2", streaming January 5, 2022, the war for 'Paradis' zeroes in on 'Shiganshina' just as 'Jaegerists' have seized control. After taking a huge blow from a surprise attack led by 'Eren', 'Marley' swiftly acts to return the favor. With the true plan of 'Zeke' revealed and a military forced under new rule, this battle might be fought on two fronts. Does Eren intend on fulfilling his half-brother's wishes or does he have a plan of his own?..."

"...in 'Tokyo 24th Ward', streaming January 8, 2022, enter the '24th Ward', a man-made island inside Tokyo Bay. Three of its inhabitants: 'Shuta', 'Ran' and 'Koki', have been best friends since childhood,...

The "Funimation" 'anime' streaming platform returns in 2022 with simulcasts from Japan of new and returning animated TV series including "Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2", "Tokyo 24th Ward", "Tribe Nine" and a whole lot more:

"...in "Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2", streaming January 5, 2022, the war for 'Paradis' zeroes in on 'Shiganshina' just as 'Jaegerists' have seized control. After taking a huge blow from a surprise attack led by 'Eren', 'Marley' swiftly acts to return the favor. With the true plan of 'Zeke' revealed and a military forced under new rule, this battle might be fought on two fronts. Does Eren intend on fulfilling his half-brother's wishes or does he have a plan of his own?..."

"...in 'Tokyo 24th Ward', streaming January 8, 2022, enter the '24th Ward', a man-made island inside Tokyo Bay. Three of its inhabitants: 'Shuta', 'Ran' and 'Koki', have been best friends since childhood, but after a deadly incident,...

Ryan Lambie Oct 26, 2017

Eighties action flick The Running Man was set in a dystopian version of the present. So what did the movie get right about 2017?

"By 2017, the world economy has collapsed. Food, natural resources and oil are in short supply. A police state, divided into paramilitary zones, rules with an iron hand. Television is controlled by the state and a sadistic game show called The Running Man has become the most popular program in history..."

See related Gunpowder episode 1 review Amazon Prime UK: what’s new in October 2017? New on Netflix UK: what's added in October 2017?

So reads the opening crawl of The Running Man, a Stephen King novel loosely adapted as a sci-fi action vehicle for brawny star Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987. If you've been loitering around Twitter, you may be familiar with its angular white typeface set against a blood red background, as users have screencapped and shared...

Cast members from the hit Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen are showing off their vocal talents while supporting a good cause.

The musical, which won six Tony Awards this year, has been frequented by a parade of celebrities, including Beyoncé, Amy Schumer and Katy Perry. But on Tuesday, the casts’ “VIP” audience members were all under the age of eight.

Laura Dreyfuss, Olivia Puckett and Ben Ross gave a special performance for four young patients at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at Nyu Langone. The performance featured one ukulele, a Taylor Swift hit and a memorable dance party.

“Once you have...

The “Stranger Things” marketing team continues laying on the nostalgic charm. Each and every Thursday on the road to Season 2, Netflix has been releasing fun “Stranger Things” posters that pay tribute to the films that served as Season 1 inspirations. So far, the art tributes have included Stand by Me, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Running Man, Alien, Firestarter, The Evil […]...

A new spin on the classic Running Man, Giancarlo Esposito’s newly titled The Show (formerly This is Your Death), penned by Kenny Yakkel and Noah Pink, is an unsettling look at reality TV where a disturbing hit game show has its contestants ending their lives for the public’s enjoyment. It’s on VOD now with a home […]...

The ultimate experience in nostalgic terror. Each and every Thursday on the road to Season 2, Netflix has been releasing fun “Stranger Things” posters that pay tribute to the films that served as Season 1 inspirations. So far, the art tributes have included Stand by Me, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Running Man, Alien and, most recently, Firestarter. This latest one is […]...

Eleven is normal in every way… but one. Each and every Thursday on the road to Season 2, Netflix has been releasing fun “Stranger Things” posters that pay tribute to the films that served as Season 1 inspirations. So far, the art tributes have included Stand by Me, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Running Man and Alien. This week’s […]...

So Netflix’s “Death Note” is finally available to stream around the world, and everyone is completely thrilled about it with no reservations whatsoever, the end.

Just kidding. While the release of Adam Wingard’s controversial manga adaptation has been overshadowed by everything from Hurricane Harvey to “Game of Thrones” and even a different story of Hollywood white-washing (albeit one with a happy ending, thanks to actor Ed Skrein agreeing to remove himself from the “Hellboy” remake), the movie has been kicking up a fuss ever since it was first announced that none of its major characters would be played by actors of Asian descent. The case may not be quite as cut-and-dry as it was with this year’s ill-conceived “Ghost in the Shell” remake, but the discussion around it may be even more valuable for that.

Below, IndieWire critics David Ehrlich and Hanh Nguyen dig into the issue.

Neo Tokyo (or "Labyrinth Tales") is a classic anime science fiction anthology adapted from the short stories written by Taku Mayumura.

The hour long film features three stories, each written and directed by different creators. The include:

1. Rintaro's "Labyrinth Labyrinthos," an exploration into the maze of a little girl's mind.

2. Yoshiaki Kawajiri's "Running Man," focusing on a deadly auto race.

3. Katsuhiro ?tomo's "Construction Cancellation Order," a cautionary tale about man's dependency on technology.

Enjoy!

Video removed due to Dmca compla [Continued ...]...

This is Will Byers. Only survivor of The Upside Down. Signing off. We’ve been loving Netflix’s new “Stranger Things” posters the last few weeks, which have been paying homage to specific films that were huge inspirations on the first season of the series. Stand by Me, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Running Man have thus far been paid […]...

Last year’s Stranger Things certainly left quite the impact on fans around the world. Our minds were captivated by the great horror story it brought to the table, the talented young cast it introduced, and the myriad of ’80s references. Any second season would be faced with a good amount of scrutiny, but with creators Matt and Ross Duffer seeming to understand that story and character reigns supreme, we seem to be in good hands.

Stranger Things Season 2 is set to hit Netflix in a couple short months, but speaking with Vulture, The Duffer Brothers confirmed that Season 3 was also officially a go. This is fantastic news. Netflix tends to wait for a couple months after the release of a series before making an announcement, but given the huge acclaim the first season had, as well as the anticipation for the third, it makes sense they’d give them go-ahead this early on.

Streaming platform Kocowa has launched in the Us by Kcp Global, a joint venture between major South Korean broadcasters Kbs, Mbc and Sbs.The platform says it will offer South Korean TV programmes translated into English within hours of their local broadcast, including drama, variety shows and K-Pop shows.Kocowa will be available on a range of platforms including PC, mobile and tablets and, later this year, smart TVs. ?Content includes TV dramas such as School 2017

Streaming platform Kocowa has launched in the Us by Kcp Global, a joint venture between major South Korean broadcasters Kbs, Mbc and Sbs.

The platform says it will offer South Korean TV programmes translated into English within hours of their local broadcast, including drama, variety shows and K-Pop shows.

Kocowa will be available on a range of platforms including PC, mobile and tablets and, later this year, smart TVs.

Content includes TV dramas such as School 2017, Into The World Again (pictured...

By Brian Salisbury

Plenty of science-fiction movies have conjectured about distant futures, and for every off-base flying car prediction, there is a Running Man.

The article The Game Remains the Same: The New Relevance of ‘The Running Man’ appeared first on Film School Rejects.

Chinese film studio Huayi Brothers Media has partnered with French mini-major Gaumont to co-produce a Chinese-language remake of French comedy The Party (La Boum, 1980), the first film to star Sophie Marceau.

Also partnering on the project is Shanghai-based production company Aim Media, best known for the hit Chinese reality series Running Man, and later film adaptation of the same name, along with the hit romantic comedy Beijing Love Story. Aim's CEO Li Yaping will serve as a producer on the remake, along with Huayi Brother's CEO Jerry Ye.

The partnership was announced at a Huayi Brothers-hosted party on the eve...

Film opens this week in Us through Bleecker Street.

Meridian Entertainment has acquired Chinese theatrical rights from Sierra/Affinity to the drama Megan Leavey starring Kate Mara.

Ld Entertainment produced and financed the film, which opens in the Us this week via Bleecker Street and is based on the true life story of a young Marine officer and her military combat dog.

Leavey was assigned to the Army’s K9 unit after a disciplinary hearing and formed a strong bond with a particularly aggressive dog, Rex. Together, they saved many lives on deployment in Iraq. Edie Falco, Ramón Rodríguez, Bradley Whitford, and Common round out the key cast.

Gabriela Cowperthwaite of Blackfish fame directed from a screenplay by Pamela Gray and Annie Mumolo and Tim Lovestedt.

Meridian Entertainment will release the film through its distribution arm United Entertainment Partners in the fourth quarter of the year.

Nicholas Sherry negotiated the deal on behalf of Sierra /Affinity.

“We...

Hiro Murai has words of advice for whoever plans to take on the live-action “Akira” remake: don’t whitewash.

“Not just because of the backlash lately, but that story is so tied to post-war Japan and ideology,” he said in an interview with IndieWire. “I think it’d be a shame, it’d be a missed opportunity [to cast non-Asians].”

Read More: ‘Twin Peaks’ to Akira Kurosawa: How FX’s Most In-Demand Director Learned His Visual Storytelling Style

“Akira” began as manga in 1982 and was adapted into an anime film six years later. Taking place 37 years after a nuclear explosion starts World War III, the story centers on the new city called Neo-Tokyo, which is beset by anti-government terrorism and gang violence. Shotaro Kaneda leads a local biker gang who has to stop his friend Tetsuo Shima from using his newly awakened psionic powers. The fierce Kei is a member of the...

Inside the cyberpunk anime masterpiece that rocked the world.

Almost thirty years later, the tremors of Akira can still be felt across the world. The quintessential anime film that not only is the pinnacle of its genre, but continues to inspire artists world wide even to this day. There have been numerous attempts to get a live-action film off the ground, the latest having Get Out director Jordan Peele attached. With any luck the poor returns on Ghost in the Shell will put this one on the shelf. There is little chance that Hollywood would be able to get Akira right, for all the reasons that make it so great. Akira is still a landmark and continues to shine as a titan of animation.

For those unfamiliar with Akira, it takes place thirty-one years after explosion led to the start of World War III. Tokyo is rebuilt as Neo Tokyo and in 2019, a young motor cycle gang...

We all knew this day would come. Earlier this year, Jordan Peele (of Key and Peele fame) released his directorial debut effort, Get Out. It was a horror flick that managed to rise above its genre by making a social commentary about racism. Critics raved about the film's quality, and right now, the film sits at 99 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and only one "rotten" review from Armond White. Audiences also responded greatly to this film, as the flick has received an A- CinemaScore, along with over $150 million at the box office. Given its $4.5 million budget, there is no question that this is a breakout success for Peele and his career.

It was inevitable that he would be courted by studios to take on bigger budget films, and maybe even full franchises. Well, a new report from Jeff Sneider over at The Tracking Board is now reporting that Warner Bros is...

Fresh off his mega-successful directorial debut, “Get Out,” Jordan Peele is now been courted by Warner Bros. to helm the live-action adaptation of the iconic cyberpunk manga “Akira,” as reported by The Tracking Board. According to the site, the studio is moving “aggressively” to seal the deal with the comedian-turned-filmmaker, and the talks seem “encouraging.”

Read More: Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out’ Is the First Debut Feature From an African-American Writer/Director to Make $100 Million

Set in a dystopian version of Tokyo called Neo-Tokyo, “Akira” centers around two teenage bikers, Tetsuo and Kaneda, whose lives change dramatically after Tetsuo realizes he has psychic powers. Fearing that the city will be hit with another catastrophic psychic explosion, a government agency goes after Tetsuo, all the while fearing the monstrous power of the mysterious Akira.

Read More: ‘Get Out’ Is the First of Many ‘Social Thrillers’ Jordan Peele Has Planned

The Warner Bros....

It’s back to the running world for Prince Harry!

The royal traveled north on Tuesday to visit runners competing in the London marathon in April to raise awareness for mental health. In Gateshead, England, he met leading local sports stars — including Olympian Steve Cram — who will help promote the Heads Together campaign that is spearheaded by Harry, his brother Prince William and his sister-in-law Princess Kate.

Runners from #TeamHeadsTogether are getting ready to welcome Prince Harry to their marathon training day‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/9MunfCobxR

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 21, 2017

During his visit, Harry learned how the veterans’ group Walking...

Katsuhiro Otomo’s magnum opus, based on his own manga that stretches for more than 2000 pages, is one of the landmarks of the anime genre, being universally acclaimed and having garnered a large cult following. The film is the epitome of post-apocalypse, one of the genre’s most cherished themes. Furthermore, the permeating violence, the not-so-obvious messages, and the complex story established the fact that anime were not only addressed to children and young teenagers, creating in the process a completely new market for the category.

Neo-Tokyo is a post-apocalyptic megalopolis that was built near the remains of the old city, which was destroyed during World War 3 by a nuclear attack. There, a motorcycle punk gang headed by Kaneda, is in constant fights with another gang, whose members call themselves “Clowns”. Unfortunately, Kaneda and his comrades find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, in an incident that...

Here at Et, we love an anniversary -- whether it’s the 20th anniversary of Scream or Clueless, 10 years in the life of The Hills or the magical time making No Doubt’s Magic Kingdom 20 years later. And as we settle in 2017, it’s time to look ahead at all those upcoming moments that will have you saying, “I remember when…”

Here’s a brief look at our favorite TV and film milestones of 2017:

Jan. 25, 2002: A Walk to Remember (15 Years)

While fans are crying over Mandy Moore’s Golden Globe-nominated performance on NBC’s hit new series This Is Us, it was just 15 years ago that they cried over her performance in the weepy adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ book about a girl with cancer who falls in love with a rebellious classmate.

Let’s not also forget that 2002 gave us Naomie Harris in 28 Days Later, Barbershop, Ryan Gosling in Murder by Numbers, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, [link...

Ryan Lambie Dec 12, 2016

The Nintendo Game Boy almost got its own Akira game before it was cancelled. Here's what it looked like...

We're not sure whether a monochrome clone of Excitebike quite captures the Technicolor grandeur of Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira, but then again, rendering the anime classic in videogame form has long proved elusive.

See related  James Cameron's Avatar: five years on Avatar review

Adaptations appeared on the Famicom (Japan's Nes), Commodore Amiga and PS2, and none of them particularly set the world on fire. Other Akira games were planned for such systems as the Sega Game Gear and Super Nintendo in the 90s, but little emerged from their production other than a handful of news pieces in magazines.

Likewise an Akira game for the Game Boy, which failed to get past the prototyping stage. Thanks to videogame collector Patrick Scott Patterson, however, we can at least get...

New mom of two and Little Women L.A. star Terra Jolé is making history as the first little person to compete on Dancing with the Stars, and she's blogging about season 23 exclusively for People. Follow Jolé, 36, and her partner Sasha Farber, 33, on Twitter!Just one week in, I can already say Dancing with the Stars has been everything I dreamed it could be and more. Being backstage for the first time during the live show was an adrenaline rush that I can't describe. Everyone was cheering each other on, and yet nervous about their own potential for the evening.

New mom of two and Little Women L.A. star Terra Jolé is making history as the first little person to compete on Dancing with the Stars, and she's blogging about season 23 exclusively for People. Follow Jolé, 36, and her partner Sasha Farber, 33, on Twitter!

Just one week in, I can already say Dancing with the Stars has been everything I dreamed it could be and more.

Being backstage for the first time during the live show was an adrenaline rush that I can't describe. Everyone was cheering each other on, and yet nervous about their own potential for the evening.

It’s been 28 years since the film debuted (and more than 30 after the original manga ran), and Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira is still inspiring people around the world. It has influenced countless artists, filmmakers, animators, and musicians, among others, with its post-apocalyptic tale of warring factions, psychic abilities, and teen angst. There was that Simpsons-inspired mashup, Bartkira, which slammed the residents of Springfield into Otomo’s world of body horror and urban plight. And now there’s a new tribute to the film from two animators who wanted to see the film rendered through computer graphics animation, as opposed to the hand-drawn method of the original.

Akira 28 from Brad Kremer on Vimeo.

Brad Kremer and Dean Fowler worked together (despite often being miles apart) to create this tribute trailer for an Akira that uses CG animation to recreate the world and denizens of Neo-Tokyo. As Kremer ...

Even Jennifer Lopez isn't immune to the internet's latest dance craze. With some help from her vocal coach Stevie Mackie on the keyboard, J. Lo croons the hit song "My Boo" by Ghost Town DJs in a new video. Before long, the sweet serenade turns into a dance party featuring Lopez's boyfriend Casper Smart and TV personality Terrence J doing their best running man. Related Video: Watch: See How Jennifer Lopez Supports Casper Smart Lopez and crew are participating in the Running Man Challenge, the latest viral dance sensation, similar to the Harlem Shake or the Dougie. The trend, a...

[[tmz:video id="0_jd86py3x"]] You're about to witness the sheer majesty of a 6'8", 355 pound man straight Gettin' It. The man is former NFL stud Bryant McKinnie ... who joined the Miami-Dade Police department for a Running Man Challenge vid that proves size doesn't matter when it comes to turning up. McKinnie steals the show wearing his U of Miami colors and Dwarfing every other cop in the shot ... but we still gotta give major kudos to the Mdpd ... who have some mighty fine dancers.

The latest internet fad is coming to a close, but that because there aren't too many ways you can top the "Running Man Challenge." For those who don't know, the challenge is based off of the Ghost Town DJ's song "My Boo" and started when someone noticed how ridiculous the dance moves in the music video are...

This sparked many parodies which you can find all over Youtube. One of my favorites is this particularly geeky one...

Now my favorite "Running Man" video has been topped by the robotics team at UCLA. They teamed up with Wired to make a "robot" version, and it's just fantastic. Enjoy!

Hong Kong-based Young Live Entertainment (Yle) has sold action title SPL2: A Time For Consequences to Japan’s Twin Co.

Directed by Soi Cheang, the film grossed around $90m in mainland China last summer and has sold widely to other territories. Tony Jaa, Wu Jing, Zhang Jin, Simon Yam and Louis Koo head the cast.

Yle has also sold three titles to Korea’s Poongkyung Sori Inc: Lin Yiqi’s 798090, Leung Kar Yan’s The Scroll Of Wing Chun White Crane and Shu Miao’s Taste Of Love.

Fantasy epic Taste Of Love and drama 798090, about a woman’s quest for independence during China’s economic reform period, both feature Korean stars – Yoo Seung-jun (Dragon Blade) and Song Ji-hyo (Running Man) respectively.

Meanwhile, ITN Distribution has acquired North American rights to two Chinese horror titles sold by Yle: Wong Pak Kei’s Are You Here, produced by Patrick Kong, and Chan Pang-chun...

Do you know about the #RunningManChallenge? If you’re on Twitter or Facebook, you’ve probably seen a few examples of it in the last few days. The idea is similar to the Harlem Shake a couple years ago, with people posting videos of themselves doing the Running Man dance to Ghost Town DJ’s “My Boo,” often in public or in whatever awkward setting they can come up with. For whatever reason, the #RunningManChallenge has been particularly popular with police departments around the world, from Los Angeles to London and beyond. But, of course, anybody can get in on this,...

Exclusive: Finance secured for Thai boxing feature starring Joe Cole; first-look image.

Chinese financier Meridian Entertainment, through its production deal with James Schamus’ Symbolic Exchange, has boarded finance on action film A Prayer Before Dawn, starring rising actor Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Green Room).

Principal photography got underway in Thailand last week on the sophomore feature from director Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire, whose debut Johnny Mad Dog premiered in Un Certain Regard in 2008.

Former Wild Bunch exec Rita Dagher (Soy Nero), Sol Papadopoulos and Roy Boulter (Sunset Song) and Nicholas Simon are producing. HanWay handles international sales, CAA reps the Us.

Former Focus CEO Schamus (Brokeback Mountain) will executive produce with Meridian’s Jennifer Dong and Woody Mu, along with Hanway’s Thorsten Schmuacher. Writer is Jonathan Hirschbein (Bad Country), based on a prior draft by Nick Saltrese.

Cole will star as Billy Moore, whose autobiography is the basis for the film, which tells the...

The Running Man challenge has been Gronk'd -- with all 5 Gronkowski brothers coming together in a gym (where else?) ... to bust out the dance moves.  Fyi -- the Running Man Challenge has taken over social media ... with stars like Kyrie Irving, Justise Winslow and scores of college hoops players dancing along to "My Boo" by Ghost Town DJ's.  Now, the Gronks have entered the mix.  The best part ... when one of the bros slips and falls during a box jump.

Exclusive: Zhang Meng’s remake of Guiseppe Tornatore’s Stanno Tutti Bene stars Zhang Guoli.

Hong Kong’s Edko Films has added Zhang Meng’s Everybody’s Fine, a remake of Guiseppe Tornatore’s Stanno Tutti Bene, to its Berlin slate.

Zhang Guoli (Back To 1942) stars as a widower who embarks on a road trip to reconnect with his four adult children and discovers that their lives are far from perfect. The children are played by Chen He (Running Man), Yao Chen (Monster Hunt), Shawn Dou (Wolf Totem) and Ye Qianyun.

Scripted by Liu Ya and Song Xiao, the film is a more commercial turn for Zhang Meng, who is known for arthouse fare such as The Piano In A Factory.

Tornatore’s 1990 original starred Marcello Mastroianni and a 2009 Hollywood remake featured Robert De Niro as the concerned patriarch.

Edko is also launching sales on romantic comedy Finding Mr Right 2, which reteams director Xue Xiaolu and actors...