Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion

After a top level faction called SEELE launches a full scale assault on NERV, the agency that runs the towering Evangelion units, the aim is to cripple the defense and derail a secret plan that could reshape humanity. The battle spills into corridors, cities, and faith itself, turning the facility into a pressure chamber where every move could mean life or oblivion. Shinji finds himself caught between fear, duty, and a gnawing doubt about his place in the world. As the threat intensifies, he must face choices that test loyalty, compassion, and the price of stepping into a wider destiny for all people.

Released in 1997, the film was directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki and Hideaki Anno for Gainax, with music by Shiro Sagisu. It functioned as a dramatic continuation and an alternative ending to the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series, expanding the world and the pilots' stakes on a cinematic scale.

End of Evangelion left an enduring mark on anime cinema through its bold visuals, intense sound design, and willingness to probe grief and identity in a sweeping finale. Its imagery and themes have sparked numerous homages, debates, and references across anime and broader pop culture. Scholars and fans alike study its symbolism and narrative structure, recognizing its influence on later directors.

Critics widely praised the film for its audacious storytelling and its serious treatment of trauma, identity, and choice within a sprawling, often brutal, emotional landscape. It refuses simple answers and invites viewers to question what progress costs and what it means to be human. The animation and sound design are hailed as a peak of its era, reinforcing the work's status as a landmark.

The End of Evangelion drew a large international audience and remains a landmark in anime cinema. Its commercial performance helped propel Evangelion's cultural footprint beyond television, influencing merchandising, theater releases, and fan engagement across multiple countries.