Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion

The End of Evangelion was produced by Studio Gainax and released in 1997 to provide a conclusion to the Neon Genesis Evangelion television series. Following the polarizing reception of the original series finale, which focused heavily on internal psychological exploration, this film was intended to offer a more literal and visceral representation of the story's climax. It serves as a replacement for the final two episodes, depicting the conclusion of the Human Instrumentality Project through a mix of high-concept science fiction and intense character drama.

Directed by Hideaki Anno, the film is noted for its distinctive visual language, which blends traditional animation with experimental techniques, including live-action footage and abstract imagery. The design choices were aimed at externalizing the protagonists' deteriorating mental states and the apocalyptic scale of the narrative. While it was initially met with mixed reactions due to its uncompromising and surreal nature, it has since been widely recognized as a landmark achievement in animation, celebrated for its bold narrative choices and profound thematic depth.