Death & Resurrection in Movies, Anime & Games
The Pattern of Dying and Rising Again
Christ's death and resurrection is the pattern behind countless stories. These titles feature characters who descend into death or darkness and return transformed — the mythic archetype that C.S. Lewis called the 'true myth' fulfilled in the Gospels.
The most-referenced Bible passages across all titles exploring this theme.
241 movies, anime, TV series, and games that explore the theme of death & resurrection.
MovieThe Gospel According to Matthew(1964)
AnimeHellsing Ultimate
AnimeNeon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion(1997)
AnimeEvangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
MovieSon of God(2014)
MovieThe Greatest Story Ever Told(1965)
AnimeNeon Genesis Evangelion(1995)
A.D. The Bible Continues(2015)
MovieKing of Kings(1961)
MovieThe Passion of the Christ(2004)
AnimeEvangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
TVThe Bible(2013)
AnimeSaint Young Men(2013)
AnimeDevilman Crybaby(2018)
AnimeAngel's Egg(1985)
Superbook (reboot)(2011)
What's in the Bible?(2011)
My Last Day(2011)
Animated Stories from the New Testament(1987)
The Greatest Adventure: Stories from the Bible(1985)
GameDoom Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part Two(2021)
GameNieR:Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition(2019)
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind(1984)
AnimeTrinity Blood(2005)
GameNieR Replicant v1.22474487139...(2021)
GameThe Talos Principle: Road to Gehenna(2015)
In the Beginning: The Bible Stories(1997)
GameI Am Jesus Christ(2023)
GameSilent Hill 2(2024)
AnimeWolf's Rain(2003)
MovieMother!(2017)
TVMidnight Mass(2021)
MoviePaul, Apostle of Christ(2018)
MovieRisen(2016)
MovieMary Magdalene(2018)
GameDarksiders II(2012)
GameXenogears(1998)
GameNi no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch(2011)
GameASURA'S WRATH(2012)
AnimeFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood(2009)
AnimeTo Your Eternity(2021)
GameXenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht(2003)
GameShin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor(2009)
GameShin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse(2016)
GameHellblade: Senua's Sacrifice(2017)
GameFear & Hunger 2: Termina(2022)
GameNieR RepliCant(2010)
GameOneShot(2016)
GameGod of War: Ragnarök(2022)
GameNieR: Automata(2017)
GameDark Souls(2011)
GameShin Megami Tensei II(1994)
GameShin Megami Tensei Persona 2: Innocent Sin(1999)
GameShin Megami Tensei: Persona 3(2006)
GameFINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster(2013)
GameShin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne(2003)
GameKINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX(2002)
GameShin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux(2018)
GameShin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey(2010)
GameTo the Moon(2011)
GameCastlevania: Rondo of Blood(1993)
GameNIER(2010)
GameBloodborne: Game of the Year Edition(2015)
GameHalo: The Master Chief Collection(2014)
Death Parade(2015)
AnimeFullmetal Alchemist(2003)
AnimeAngel Beats!(2010)
Haibane Renmei(2002)
AnimeRahXephon(2002)
AnimeToward the Terra(2007)
MovieThe Matrix(1999)
GameKing Arthur: Knight Tale(2022)
The Chosen(2019)
MovieThe Lion King(1994)
MovieHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2(2011)
MovieBen-Hur(1959)
MovieRedeeming Love(2022)
MovieThe Blues Brothers(1980)
MovieBreakthrough(2019)
MovieThe Miracle Maker(2000)
MovieWhat Dreams May Come(1998)
MovieThe Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe(2005)
GameUndertale(2015)
GameRadiant Historia(2011)
GameDark Souls III: The Ringed City(2017)
GameShin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES(2007)
GameBaten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean(2003)
GameDark Souls: Remastered(2018)
GameFinal Fantasy XIV: Heavensward(2015)
GameAssassin's Creed II(2009)
GameKingdom Hearts(2002)
GameDark Souls III(2016)
GameElden Ring(2022)
GameXenogears (1998)(1998)
GameDivinity: Original Sin 2(2017)
GameDOOM Eternal(2020)
GameDark Souls: Prepare To Die Edition(2012)
GameOMORI(2020)
MovieThe Day the Earth Stood Still(1951)
Record of Lodoss War(1990)
MovieAlong with the Gods: The Last 49 Days(2018)
Dororo(2019)
AnimeRe:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-(2016)
AnimeKaiba(2008)
AnimeTo Your Eternity Season 2(2022)
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean Part 2
AnimeSaint Seiya: The Lost Canvas
AnimeJoJo's Bizarre Adventure (2012)(2012)
MovieThe Last of Us(2023)
MovieAlong with the Gods: The Two Worlds(2017)
MovieOrdet(1955)
MovieThe Color Purple(1985)
MovieCorpus Christi(2019)
MovieThe Fountain(2006)
GameThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D(2011)
GamePersona 3 Portable(2009)
GameFINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers(2019)
GameShadow Hearts(2001)
GameCastlevania: Dawn of Sorrow(2005)
GameThe Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (1993)(1993)
GameOkami(2006)
GameThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom(2023)
GameCastlevania: Aria of Sorrow(2003)
GameCastlevania Requiem: Symphony of the Night & Rondo of Blood(2018)
GameHalo 3(2007)
GameShadow Hearts: Covenant(2004)
GameCastlevania: Symphony of the Night(1997)
GameShin Megami Tensei IV(2013)
GamePlanescape: Torment(1999)
GameBlack Myth: Wukong(2024)
GameThe Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask(2000)
GameJourney(2012)
GameDRAGON QUEST XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age(2017)
GameThe Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition(2003)
GameDemon's Souls(2009)
GameBioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea - Episode One(2013)
GameShin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2(2005)
GameFinal Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age(2017)
GameTales of Symphonia (2003)(2003)
GameShin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga(2004)
GameXenosaga Episode I(2002)
GameNioh 2(2020)
GameDigital Devil Saga(2004)
GameNioh(2017)
GameSpiritfarer(2020)
MovieJacob's Ladder(1990)
TVSupernatural(2005)
MovieJesus Revolution(2023)
MovieThe Iron Giant(1999)
MovieE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial(1982)
TVThe Good Place(2016)
Fantasia: Night on Bald Mountain / Ave Maria(1940)
GameDisco Elysium: Final Cut(2021)
GameHello Charlotte EP2: Requiem Aeternam Deo(2016)
GameThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild(2017)
GameFate/Stay Night [Realta Nua](2007)
GameHollow Knight(2017)
GameFinal Fantasy X(2001)
GameDisco Elysium(2019)
GameOri and the Blind Forest(2015)
GameThe Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (2019)(2019)
GameValkyrie Profile(1999)
GameKINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 +2.5 ReMIX(2017)
GamePaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door(2004)
GameWorld of Warcraft(2004)
GamePersona 2: Eternal Punishment(2000)
GameThe Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages(2001)
Game仙剑奇侠传四-Chinese Paladin 4(2007)
GameThe Forgotten City(2021)
GameDead Cells(2018)
GamePrince of Persia: The Sands of Time(2003)
GameStar Wars: KOTOR Knights of the Old Republic(2013)
GameGrandia(1997)
GameDark Souls II(2014)
GameLords of the Fallen (2023)(2023)
Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] Season 2(2015)
MovieThe Last Temptation of Christ(1988)
MovieSuperman(1978)
AnimeKanon(2006)
AnimeGankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo(2004)
AnimeRe:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2(2020)
Persona 3 the Movie: #4 Winter of Rebirth
MovieTender Mercies(1983)
AnimeErased(2016)
AnimeAnohana: The Flower We Saw That Day(2011)
Naruto Shippuden(2007)
MovieMiracle in Cell No. 7(2019)
MovieAwakenings(1990)
MovieA Matter of Life and Death(1946)
MovieMagnolia(1999)
MovieFrozen(2013)
GameThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess(2006)
GameWorld of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King(2008)
GameTerranigma(1996)
GameStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords(2004)
GameShin Megami Tensei: Persona 4(2008)
GameThe Walking Dead - Episode 1: A New Day(2012)
AnimeYona of the Dawn(2014)
AnimeLittle Busters! ~Refrain~(2013)
MovieKONOSUBA - God's blessing on this wonderful world!(2016)
MovieThe Book of Life(2014)
Fantasia 2000: Firebird Suite(1999)
MovieA.I. Artificial Intelligence(2001)
GameXenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra(2006)
MovieHercules(1997)
MoviePuss in Boots: The Last Wish(2022)
GameSOMA(2015)
MovieCoco(2017)
GameSignalis(2022)
AnimeSailor Moon Sailor Stars(1996)
MovieCast Away(2000)
MovieThe Count of Monte Cristo(2002)
MovieMortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge(2020)
GamePokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky(2009)
GameHades II(2025)
GamePokémon Gold, Silver(1999)
GameKingdom Hearts II Final Mix(2007)
Soul Land
GameReturnal(2021)
TVGuardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin)(2016)
AnimeThe Tale of the Princess Kaguya(2013)
Beauty and the Beast(1991)
MovieInterstellar(2014)
AnimeFrieren: Beyond Journey's End(2023)
AnimeBlassreiter(2008)
AnimeFate/Apocrypha(2017)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs(1937)
Tangled(2010)
Akira(1988)
Earth Maiden Arjuna(2001)
Gargoyles(1994)
AnimeGhost in the Shell(1995)
Raya and the Last Dragon(2021)
The Black Cauldron(1985)
Kubo and the Two Strings(2016)
Solo Leveling(2024)
AnimeDragon Ball(1986)
Tutenstein(2003)
Song of the Sea(2014)
Ne Zha 2(2025)
New Gods: Nezha Reborn(2021)
Detailed biblical connections found in each title, mapped to specific scenes and scripture passages.
The act of human transmutation in the series directly parallels the creation of man from dust in Genesis, highlighting the dangers of attempting to play God.
The theme of sacrificing oneself for the greater good is echoed in this episode, reflecting the biblical notion of laying down one's life for friends.
The themes of sacrifice and transformation resonate with Paul's call for believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, reflecting the characters' journeys.
The characters' willingness to sacrifice for their beliefs parallels the biblical call to present oneself as a living sacrifice.
The struggle for the Philosopher's Stone and the cost of life reflects the biblical teaching on the value of the soul over material gain.
The ultimate sacrifice made by a character parallels the biblical notion of laying down one's life for friends, emphasizing love and redemption.
The emotional turmoil of sacrifice in this episode parallels Abraham's test of faith, highlighting the theme of sacrifice for a greater purpose.
The consequences faced by characters for their actions reflect the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, emphasizing moral responsibility.
The character's ultimate sacrifice for the sake of others reflects the core message of love and sacrifice in John 3:16.
The characters grapple with the concept of sacrifice for a greater good, resonating with Luke 9:24's message about losing one's life.
The themes of judgment and the afterlife in the game connect to Revelation 14:13's promise of rest for the faithful.
The themes of suffering and redemption in the game resonate with the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah.
The inevitability of judgment faced by the characters parallels Hebrews 9:27's teaching on appointed death.
The exploration of love and sacrifice in the game parallels the message of God's love for humanity found in Romans.
The characters' struggles against oppression reflect the beatitude in Matthew 5:10 about being blessed when persecuted for righteousness.
The decision to fight for others at great personal cost reflects the call to take up one's cross in Matthew.
The introduction of the Angels as beings that descend upon humanity parallels the Nephilim narrative in Genesis, suggesting a divine judgment theme.
The imagery of the Angels in the series draws from Isaiah's vision of seraphim, highlighting their destructive nature.
The conflict between the Angels and humanity can be seen as a reflection of the heavenly battle described in Revelation.
The apocalyptic themes in the series resonate with the promise of a new creation found in Revelation.
The themes of suffering and sacrifice in the series resonate with the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah.
Shinji's internal struggle mirrors Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, reflecting themes of suffering and sacrifice.
This passage about suffering leading to glory resonates with the characters' struggles throughout the series.
The apocalyptic events depicted in the series align with Jesus' warnings about the end times in Matthew.
In this scene, Kratos is faced with the decision to sacrifice for the greater good, reminiscent of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac.
The theme of sacrifice is prevalent as Kratos must confront the cost of wielding sacred weapons, paralleling the biblical concept that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.
The final confrontation with the enemies mirrors the judgment of the dead as described in Revelation, emphasizing divine judgment.
The ultimate sacrifice made by characters in the game reflects the biblical teaching that greater love has no one than this, to lay down one's life for friends.
The journey through Helheim reflects the biblical depiction of the underworld, where souls face judgment.
The narrative of sacrifice in this chapter parallels Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, reflecting the heavy burden of divine commands and the test of faith.
Kratos' commitment to protect his son and the world reflects the idea of being a living sacrifice, as discussed in Romans.
Kratos' journey can be seen as a living sacrifice, echoing Paul's exhortation to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.
The moment Joel makes a life-altering decision to save Ellie reflects the biblical principle of laying down one's life for friends.
Joel's choice to save Ellie at the cost of many lives echoes the sacrificial love described in John 15:13, where greater love is shown in laying down one's life for friends.
Joel's love for Ellie, demonstrated through his sacrifices, mirrors God's love for humanity as described in Romans.
The initial outbreak and the chaos that ensues reflect the concept of unconditional love and sacrifice, as portrayed in Romans 5:8, where Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
The moment when Joel must choose to sacrifice Ellie to save humanity parallels Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22:2, highlighting themes of faith and sacrifice.
The choices Joel and Ellie face in a dangerous world reflect the narrow path described in Matthew, emphasizing the struggle for survival.
Joel's internal struggle about the morality of his actions can be likened to Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, where He wrestles with His impending sacrifice.
The transformation of Joel and Ellie through their experiences and sacrifices reflects the idea of becoming a new creation in Christ.
Hyakkimaru's journey of sacrifice mirrors Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, highlighting themes of faith and redemption.
The scene where the samurai sacrifices his son's organs for power parallels Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, highlighting the theme of sacrifice for power.
Hyakkimaru's self-sacrifice for the sake of others reflects the call to present oneself as a living sacrifice.
Hyakkimaru's journey to reclaim his body can be seen as a living sacrifice, echoing Paul's call for believers to present themselves as living sacrifices.
Hyakkimaru's suffering and eventual redemption reflect the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah, emphasizing themes of sacrifice and healing.
Hyakkimaru's choice to bear his burdens and fight for others aligns with Jesus' teaching on taking up one's cross.
The samurai's pursuit of power at the cost of his son's humanity echoes Jesus' teaching about the futility of gaining the world at the expense of one's soul.
Hyakkimaru's suffering for the sake of others parallels the suffering servant described in Isaiah.
The scene depicts the final judgment where souls are weighed, paralleling the Last Judgment described in Revelation.
Rei's transformation into Lilith echoes the promise of redemption through the woman in Genesis, symbolizing the birth of a new creation.
Kaworu's death and its implications for humanity reflect the suffering servant motif in Isaiah, emphasizing themes of sacrifice and redemption.
The concept of Instrumentality as a means of salvation mirrors the message of God's love and the gift of eternal life in John.
The Lance of Longinus is a direct reference to Christ's crucifixion, paralleling the themes of sacrifice and the new covenant.
The imagery of darkness covering the deep in the opening scene reflects the creation narrative in Genesis, setting the tone for the themes of creation and destruction.
The episode humorously depicts Jesus delivering the Beatitudes, directly referencing His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount.
The scene where Jesus miraculously feeds a crowd with loaves and fishes mirrors the biblical account, emphasizing His miraculous nature.
The portrayal of Jesus's birth in a comedic light references the Nativity story, highlighting the contrast between divine and mundane.
The comedic resurrection scene plays off the biblical resurrection narrative, emphasizing the joy and surprise of the event.
Jesus's laid-back demeanor in the series reflects His invitation to rest and find peace, paralleling His teachings in Matthew.
The visual of the ark in the background serves as a direct reference to Noah's Ark and the divine judgment of the flood.
The egg symbolizes hope and faith, paralleling the definition of faith in Hebrews as the assurance of things hoped for.
The imagery of darkness covering the deep reflects Genesis 1:2, emphasizing the theme of creation from chaos.
The hatching of birds from the egg symbolizes new life and resurrection, echoing Jesus's teaching about the grain of wheat.
The theme of light emerging from darkness connects to the call to be a light in the world as described in Matthew.
The depiction of God wiping out humanity parallels the narrative of the Flood in Genesis, emphasizing divine judgment.
Ryo's character as a fallen angel reflects the themes of pride and rebellion found in Isaiah's description of Lucifer.
Akira's self-sacrifice for humanity echoes the message of love and sacrifice found in John's Gospel.
The theme of the new creation and the end of suffering parallels the vision of a new heaven and earth in Revelation.
Akira's crucifixion scene draws parallels to the passion of Christ, emphasizing themes of suffering and redemption.
This verse encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission, which is highlighted in the film during his interactions with Nicodemus.
In this scene, Jesus teaches about being the light of the world, which resonates with the film's portrayal of his teachings on love and goodness.
This passage describes the Last Supper, which is a pivotal moment in the film as it foreshadows Jesus' sacrifice.
This passage describes the darkness that fell over the land during Jesus' crucifixion, paralleling the film's depiction of this moment.
The quest for Paradise in the series echoes the biblical description of the Garden of Eden as a place of perfection and divine presence.
The depiction of a new world free from suffering and death parallels the vision of a new heaven and earth in Revelation.
The journey of the characters towards Paradise reflects the biblical teaching of the narrow path that leads to life.
Kiba's role as a protector and leader mirrors the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.
The scene depicting the crucifixion of key characters echoes the crucifixion of Christ, highlighting themes of sacrifice.
The gathering of characters in a significant meal mirrors the Last Supper, emphasizing themes of betrayal and sacrifice.
The quest for the holy relics parallels the biblical idea of sacrifice and redemption through blood.
Ezio's role as a protector of his people reflects the concept of the Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep.
The characters' willingness to sacrifice themselves for others resonates with the biblical teaching of laying down one's life for friends.
The theme of love demonstrated through sacrifice is reflected in the characters' actions throughout the narrative.
The moral choices faced by characters echo the biblical principles of judgment and mercy.
The healing themes and the suffering of the characters resonate with the prophecy of the suffering servant.
In this scene, Jesus calls his first disciples, echoing the invitation found in Matthew 4:19.
This scene emphasizes Jesus' command to love one another, which is a central theme throughout the series.
This passage highlights the women who supported Jesus' ministry, paralleling the series' portrayal of female characters.
In this finale, the series reflects on the Great Commission, emphasizing the call to spread Jesus' teachings.
The battle against supernatural forces in Hellsing reflects the spiritual warfare described in Ephesians.
The theme of overcoming evil with good is a central message in both the series and Romans 12:21.
The characters' roles as protectors against evil reflect the call to be a light in the world as described in Matthew.
The struggle against evil and the quest for life resonate with the contrast between the thief and the shepherd in John 10:10.
The necessity of blood for atonement in the game parallels the biblical teaching on the importance of sacrifice.
The constant struggle against death and sin in the game reflects the biblical concept of sin leading to death.
The confrontation with death and the ultimate victory over it mirrors the biblical proclamation of death being swallowed up in victory.
The struggle against darkness and the call to be a light in the world reflects the teachings of Jesus about being the light of the world.
The theme of sacrifice is central to the protagonist's journey, paralleling the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for humanity's salvation.
The protagonist must offer themselves for the greater good, reflecting the call to present oneself as a living sacrifice.
The moment where characters must embrace their burdens and follow their path mirrors Jesus' call to take up one's cross.
The protagonist's suffering for the sake of others reflects the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah.
Mufasa's sacrifice for Simba mirrors the biblical theme of sacrificial love, as expressed in John 3:16.
Simba's return to reclaim his rightful place reflects the biblical theme of creation longing for redemption.
The anointing of Simba as king parallels God's choice of David, emphasizing that God looks at the heart.
Simba's suffering and the burden of guilt reflect the biblical theme of being wounded for our transgressions.
Yuna's willingness to sacrifice herself for the sake of Spira mirrors the ultimate sacrifice described in John 3:16.
The journey of Yuna and her guardians can be seen as a living sacrifice, akin to Romans 12:1, as they strive to save their world.
The characters' choices to follow their paths, even at great personal cost, reflect the call to take up one's cross in Matthew 16:24.
The hopeful ending of Final Fantasy X, where a new dawn rises, resonates with the promise of no more tears and suffering in Revelation 21:4.
Movies
52 titles52 films explore death & resurrection through cinematic storytelling — from blockbusters to independent dramas that wrestle with these ancient biblical themes on the big screen.

The Gospel According to Matthew(1964)

Son of God(2014)

The Greatest Story Ever Told(1965)
A.D. The Bible Continues(2015)

King of Kings(1961)

The Passion of the Christ(2004)
+ 46 more movies exploring this theme above.
Anime
48 titles48 anime series and films draw on the theme of death & resurrection, weaving biblical imagery into the distinctive visual and narrative traditions of Japanese animation.

Hellsing Ultimate

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion(1997)

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

Neon Genesis Evangelion(1995)

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

Saint Young Men(2013)
+ 42 more anime exploring this theme above.
Games
118 titles118 video games immerse players in interactive narratives shaped by death & resurrection — inviting them to experience these biblical themes firsthand through gameplay and choice.

Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part Two(2021)

NieR:Automata Game of the YoRHa Edition(2019)

NieR Replicant v1.22474487139...(2021)

The Talos Principle: Road to Gehenna(2015)

I Am Jesus Christ(2023)

Silent Hill 2(2024)
+ 112 more games exploring this theme above.
TV Series
5 titles5 television series use the long-form narrative format to deeply explore death & resurrection, developing these biblical themes across multiple episodes and seasons.
Explore other biblical archetypes that frequently appear alongside death & resurrection in modern media.