Tokyo, Japan – The 1997 anime film Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth has made a surprising comeback, re-entering Japan’s box office top 10 nearly 28 years after its original release. The film, screening as part of the “Monthly Eva EVANGELION 30th MOVIE Fest. 2025-2026,” secured the 10th spot in the box office revenue rankings for October 10-12th, grossing 118.25 million yen and drawing over 70,000 viewers across 90 theaters in just four days.
This marks the first time the film has appeared in the top 10 since its initial theatrical run in 1997. The unexpected resurgence highlights the enduring legacy and dedicated fanbase of the Evangelion franchise as it approaches its 30th anniversary.
A Celebratory Return to the Big Screen
The revival screening of Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (specifically the “DEATH(TRUE)²&REBIRTH” version) is a key event in the “Monthly Eva EVANGELION 30th MOVIE Fest. 2025-2026”. This festival celebrates the three-decade milestone of the Neon Genesis Evangelion series, which first aired in October 1995. The celebratory project involves screening one Evangelion film per month, for one week each, from October 2025 through February 2026, exclusively in Japanese theaters. Death & Rebirth kicked off the festival, running from October 10-16, 2025. Due to its popularity, some theaters have already decided to extend its screening period.
The Legacy of Death & Rebirth
Originally released on March 15, 1997, Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth was the first installment of the Neon Genesis Evangelion feature film project. It was developed in response to the television series’ success and significant fan demand for an alternate ending.
Understanding the Film’s Structure
The film is comprised of two distinct parts:
- Evangelion: Death: This segment is a compilation and re-edit of the first 24 episodes of the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series. It rearranges scenes, often abandoning chronological order to create thematic juxtapositions, and includes additional footage not seen in the original series or its Director’s Cuts.
- Evangelion: Rebirth: This portion served as a 28-minute preview of the alternative ending that would later become The End of Evangelion. It contained the first 25 minutes of what would eventually be The End of Evangelion, offering a glimpse into the ongoing narrative.
Over the years, components of Death & Rebirth have been re-edited and re-released multiple times. The current screening is of the “DEATH(TRUE)²&REBIRTH” version. While Death & Rebirth itself is often considered an obsolete entity in favor of the later “Revival of Evangelion” (which paired “Death(True)2” with The End of Evangelion), its initial release grossed ¥1.87 billion.
A Milestone for Anime Cinema
The unexpected return of Evangelion: Death & Rebirth to the box office charts underscores the potent nostalgia and enduring cultural impact of the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. As the series celebrates its 30th anniversary, this revival festival allows long-time fans to relive the iconic saga on the big screen and introduces a new generation to the seminal work of anime. The strong box office performance of a nearly three-decade-old film signals continued commercial viability for classic anime re-releases and special theatrical events.
