Evangelion Returns to the Big Screen and Still Packs a Punch
The legendary mecha franchise continues to prove its massive impact on the global anime industry. Specifically, the Evangelion 30th Anniversary Box Office performance saw Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo re-enter Japanese theaters and rank #6 during its opening weekend. Consequently, this revival screening serves as a core part of the “Monthly Eva” movie festival spanning 2025 and 2026. Initially, fans flocked to theaters to experience the enhanced “3.333” version of the film. Therefore, the series remains a dominant force in Japanese cinema even decades after its original debut.
Special Content and Future Screenings
The current revival run offers fans much more than just a standard rewatch of the classic film. Initially, the screenings include two bonus pieces: the Evangelion: 3.0(-46h) short and a special motion comic. Furthermore, this carefully curated presentation turned the event into a must-see experience for both veterans and newcomers. Notably, the Evangelion 30th Anniversary Box Office momentum will likely continue into February. Moreover, the studio plans to screen the final movie, Thrice Upon A Time, from February 13 to February 19. Consequently, the 30th-anniversary celebrations show no signs of slowing down.
A Special Revival Experience
The revival run began on January 9 and will continue through January 15, offering fans more than just a standard rewatch. The screenings feature the enhanced “3.333” version of the film, accompanied by two bonus pieces:
- Evangelion: 3.0(-46h) short
- Evangelion: 3.0(-120min.) motion comic
This carefully curated presentation has turned the revival into a must-see event for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Looking ahead, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time will receive its own revival screening from February 13 to February 19, showing the “3.0+1.01” version of the film.
Demon Slayer Continues Its Historic Run
While Evangelion reclaimed the spotlight, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle – Akaza Sairai continues its jaw-dropping box office performance.
- Climbed from #10 to #8 in its 26th weekend
- Earned 65,005,200 yen (approx. US$408,300) from Friday to Sunday
- 26.76 million tickets sold in Japan
- 39.0 billion yen (approx. US$244 million) total domestic earnings
The film previously surpassed Spirited Away to become the second highest-grossing film in Japanese box office history, and it hasn’t stopped breaking records since.
A Global Phenomenon
- Highest-grossing anime film worldwide
- Highest-grossing Japanese film worldwide
- 106.3 billion yen (approx. US$685 million) earned globally
- First Japanese film to surpass 100 billion yen worldwide
Meanwhile, Demon Slayer – Mugen Train still holds the title of highest-grossing film ever in Japan, with 40.75 billion yen in total domestic earnings.
Quiet Winner in Mini Theaters
Elsewhere, the 4K remaster of Satoshi Kon’s Paprika held firm at #1 in the mini-theater rankings for its second consecutive week, showing that classic anime continues to resonate on the big screen.
