After 29 Years, The 1990s' Best Science Fiction Film Returns With New Release

Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of those now immortal anime franchises that helped to define the decade during which it was produced. Today, the modern anime fan tends to look back at the 1990s through a rose-tinted lens, and not without reason. Many genre-defining, instantly recognizable titles were unleashed into the world and helped begin what was then a small, budding Western anime fandom. Some of those titles have maintained success throughout the decades since, but not quite to the level Evangelion has.

With a number of sequels and spin-off films, manga adaptations, and a brand-new series currently in the works, most anime fans likely won’t remember a time when Evangelion wasn’t in the spotlight, and that isn’t likely to change any time soon. Now, nearly three decades on from its theatrical debut, the career-defining work of creator Hideaki Anno, 1997’s The End of Evangelion, is set to return to U.S. theaters for one day only in July.

The End of Evangelion remains as haunting and profound as it was on release, acting as the perfect companion to the TV series’ cryptic and divisive conclusion, and North American fans will now have the opportunity to experience the film as it was meant to be seen 29 years ago. Before then, another Evangelion movie will hit U.S. theaters for the very first time.

Evangelion’s Death & Rebirth, The End of Evangelion to Hit Theaters for One Day Only in July

As part of Evangelion‘s official 30th anniversary celebration, which began last year, GKIDS is bringing both Evangelion‘s Death (True)² & Rebirth and The End of Evangelion to North American theaters. The two movies will screen respectively on July 21 and July 22, 2026, leaving fans one day only to see each of them. It isn’t the first time The End of Evangelion has landed in theaters in recent years, as GKIDS brought the film to U.S. screens beginning in 2024. However, this will be the first time Death (True)² & Rebirth will hit the big screen in North America.

The original release, titled Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth, premiered in Japan in March 1997, and acted as a compilation movie of the TV series with a little over 20 minutes of new footage from The End of Evangelion. The Death portion of the movie included the TV series compilation, while Rebirth accounted for the footage of The End of Evangelion. Later, the movie was recut and renamed Death (True), before being recut once more and retitled Death (True)². That version, without the Rebirth portion, is what is currently available on Netflix and for purchase in the West.

10 Untouchable ’90s Anime Nobody Remembers

Whether it’s nostalgic fans, or modern audiences seeking entirely novel vibes, the ’90s were a special time for anime.

The upcoming screening will be the first time North American fans will have an opportunity to see both the Death and Rebirth portions of the movie on the big screen. The next day, The End of Evangelion will take its place in theaters. Tickets may not be available for long, with each movie being shown for only one day next month.

The End of Evangelion Remains a Triumph of Animated Storytelling

The Classic Anime Film Is Just as Impactful as It Was 29 Years Ago

Neon Genesis Evangelion's Asuka Vs and Eva

Fans not just of the Evangelion TV series, but fans of anime and film on their own will do themselves a favor by experiencing The End of Evangelion. The 87-minute apocalyptic sci-fi film is just as shocking, breathtaking, and profound as it was on premiere 29 years ago. On Letterbox’d, a popular app and website used to rate and review movies, The End of Evangelion is ranked #27 in the 500 Greatest Narrative Films of All Time list.

Both Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death (True)² & Rebirth and The End of Evangelion will be available to watch in theaters on July 21st and 22nd respectively, and fans won’t want to miss out on a chance to see the franchise’s iconic mechs on the big screen. Tickets are currently available from distributor GKIDS.