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Animated drama

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021): Cast & Ratings

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021) movie poster

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time is a 2021 animated drama directed by Hideaki Anno and Katsuichi Nakayama, starring Maaya Sakamoto as Makinami Mari Illustrious, Megumi Ogata and Yûko Miyamura. It runs 2 hours 34 minutes and earned $93.9 million worldwide on a $29.7 million budget. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 85 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.0/10.

IMDb rating
8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$93.9M
Echo Score
79
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Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 34m (154 min)
Genres
Action , Sci-Fi , Drama , Animation
Original language
Japanese
Budget
$29.7M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time About?

The premise of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In the thrilling conclusion to the Evangelion series, Shinji and his fellow pilots confront their ultimate challenge in Paris. As the city teeters on the brink of destruction, Misato’s anti-NERV group, Wille, struggles to restore order and face the consequences of past events. Director Hideaki Anno delivers stunning visuals and deep emotional storytelling to bring this complex saga to a close.

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Themes & Keywords

· 43 tags
  • mecha
  • violence
  • anime
  • fourth part
  • paris france
  • france
  • based on tv series
  • anime animation
  • mature animation
  • older actors younger roles
  • high school
  • high school student
+31 more
  • biblical references
  • giant head
  • parallel universe
  • breaking the fourth wall
  • father son relationship
  • post apocalyptic world
  • robot
  • south pole
  • pyramid
  • train station
  • beach
  • arc de triomphe paris
  • space
  • sequel
  • kaiju
  • eiffel tower destroyed
  • biopunk
  • emotionally vulnerable
  • postmodern
  • eiffel tower paris
  • for grown ups animation
  • city
  • lesbian character
  • legacy sequel
  • mecha anime animation
  • female nudity
  • clothed male naked female scene
  • female rear nudity
  • giant monster sci fi
  • bisexuality
  • 2029
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Cast & crew

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Cast & Characters

Maaya Sakamoto leads the cast as Makinami Mari Illustrious, with Megumi Ogata as Shinji Ikari and Yûko Miyamura as Asuka Langley Shikinami. Directed by Hideaki Anno, Katsuichi Nakayama and Kazuya Tsurumaki; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

· 6 more
From the directors

More from the Directors of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

More films directed by the directors of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, best-rated first: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, Shin Kamen Rider, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone and Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance.

Ratings

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 85 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 79/100, strongest in art & craft (84) and weakest in story & flow (68).

79 /100

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Echo Score Breakdown

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time delivers a largely triumphant conclusion that balances ambitious visual design with emotional closure. Critics highlight its bold, maximalist style and heartfelt thematic resolution, while many viewers praise the soundtrack, character growth, and sense of finality; a minority note narrative opacity and occasional visual overload. The net impression is that the film succeeds as a resonant, if occasionally dense, farewell to the series.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 84

    In terms of art and craft, the film showcases strikingly detailed 2D animation, inventive camera work, and meticulous editing. Reviewers commend the bold visual palette and polished sound mixing, though some point to an overreliance on 3D CGI and overly busy sequences. Overall, the craftsmanship is perceived as high‑quality and enhances the cinematic experience.

  • Character & Emotion 82

    When it comes to character and emotion, the narrative deepens several protagonists, offering nuanced performances and resonant voice work. Viewers highlight the growth of Rei and the emotional weight of the closure, while a few criticize lingering confusion around character motives. The prevailing view is that the film delivers a satisfying emotional payoff.

  • Story & Flow 68

    Regarding story and flow, the film provides a definitive ending that ties together long‑running themes, though its pacing is occasionally uneven. Critics describe the plot as dense and occasionally inscrutable, and some users note a rushed prologue. Nevertheless, many appreciate the overarching sense of maturity and resolution, resulting in a mixed but generally positive assessment.

  • Sensory Experience 80
  • Rewatch Factor 73

    The rewatch factor reflects strong appeal for fans seeking closure and thematic resonance, with many labeling it a must‑see finale. Some viewers, however, find the final act confusing or overly complex, limiting repeat enjoyment for a subset of the audience. Overall, the film holds solid replay value for its dedicated fanbase.

Plot

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Plot Summary

What happens in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the heart of Paris, a team of younger members from the WILLE organization, under the guidance of Maya Ibuki, is dedicated to the restoration of the city and its defenses. Their efforts are suddenly interrupted by an assault from NERV forces; however, they are valiantly protected by the Wunder fleet and Makinami Mari Illustrious in Unit-08. Mari successfully defeats the attackers, allowing WILLE to continue their work and restore Paris to its former glory.

Full summary

The whole story of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Box Office & Budget

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time grossed $93.9 million worldwide on a $29.7 million budget, 3.2 times what it cost. $810,744 came from the US and Canada and $93.1 million (99%) from the rest of the world.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$93.9M

3.2× its budget

US & Canada
$810.7K
International
$93.1M
Budget
$29.7M
US & Canada 1% Rest of the world 99%
Videos

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

Official Trailer [Subtitled]
  • Trailer GKIDS Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who leads the team from WILLE to revitalize Paris?

Cars

Cars in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

10 cars on screen, including the Suzuki Jimny and the unknown.

All 10 cars
  • Suzuki Jimny in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Suzuki Jimny Important role
  • unknown in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time unknown Minor role
  • 2013 Citroën C3 in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time 2013 Citroën C3 Background role
  • 2002 Hino Ranger in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time 2002 Hino Ranger Background role

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FAQ

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time?

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time runs 2 hours 34 minutes (154 minutes).

When was Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time released?

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time was released on August 13, 2021.

Who directed Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time?

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time was directed by Hideaki Anno, Katsuichi Nakayama and Kazuya Tsurumaki.

More films by Hideaki Anno

Who is in the cast of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time?

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time stars Maaya Sakamoto as Makinami Mari Illustrious, Megumi Ogata as Shinji Ikari and Yûko Miyamura as Asuka Langley Shikinami, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time make at the box office?

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time grossed $93.9 million worldwide ($810,744 domestic, $93.1 million international) on a budget of $29.7 million.

How is Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time rated?

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time has 8.0/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic and 82% on TMDB.

Does Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time have a post-credit scene?

No. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time in?

The original language of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time is Japanese.

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