The End of Evangelion

The End of Evangelion is a 1997 Japanese animated apocalyptic science fiction film directed by Hideaki Anno and Kazuya Tsurumaki, written by Anno, and animated by Gainax and Production I.G. It serves as an alternate ending to the television series Neon Genesis Evangelion, which aired from 1995 to 1996.

Taking place after episode 24 of the series, the film follows the paramilitary organization Nerv as they are attacked by the secret organization Seele, who seek to initiate the Human Instrumentality Project on their own terms, while Nerv operations director Misato Katsuragi searches for 14-year old Shinji Ikari to pilot his Evangelion, a biomechanical mecha. The series' voice actors reprise their roles, including Megumi Ogata as Shinji, Yuko Miyamura as Asuka, and Megumi Hayashibara as Rei.

Shortly before the release, Anno and Gainax released another film, Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth; the first segment, Death, summarizes first twenty-four episodes of the series. The second segment, Rebirth, is a 25-minute preview of The End of Evangelion. In 1998, the overlapping films were edited together and released as Revival of Evangelion.

The End of Evangelion was a box-office success, grossing ¥2.47 billion. It received critical acclaim, and was honored at the Awards of the Japanese Academy, the Animation Kobe, and won the 1997 Animage Anime Grand Prix. It has been cited as one of the greatest animated films of all time.