《殘酷天使的行動綱領》（日語：残酷な天使のテーゼ，羅馬音：Zankoku na Tenshi no Tēze）是日本經典動畫《新世紀福音戰士》（Neon Genesis Evangelion）於1995年首播時的片頭主題曲，由及川眠子作詞、佐藤英敏作曲與編曲，演唱者為高橋洋子。這首歌曲不僅是動畫史上最具代表性的主題曲之一，也成為日本流行文化中最廣為人知的動畫歌曲之一，其影響力遠超出動畫本身，已經成為一種世代符號。

歌曲本身以激昂的旋律與略帶神秘感的編曲風格為特徵，開場以強烈的鼓聲和電子合成器勾勒出濃厚的末世氛圍，緊接著高橋洋子穩定而有力的嗓音進入主歌，情感層層堆疊，最終在副歌爆發。歌詞深具詩意且富含象徵意義，呼應《新世紀福音戰士》動畫中探討的人類存在、神性、自由意志等複雜主題。特別是開頭那句「殘酷な天使のように 少年よ 神話になれ」（如殘酷天使般，少年啊，成為神話吧）成為日本動畫迷間的經典台詞之一。

這首歌最初的推出並未有極為驚人的銷售成績，但隨著《EVA》動畫的人氣不斷攀升，作品逐漸成為現象級文化象徵，主題曲也因此經歷長時間的銷售長紅。根據日本Oricon公信榜資料，該曲於1995年首度發行時便曾打入週榜，並在其後因重新編輯版、電影版上映、遊戲版釋出等多次重刷熱度。高橋洋子後來也多次重錄或重新編曲此曲，包括2009年的「Director’s Edit. Version」，進一步鞏固其在J-POP與ACG（動畫、漫畫、遊戲）領域的地位。

截至2020年代初期，〈殘酷天使的行動綱領〉在日本本土的實體與數位總銷量已累積超過百萬張，是少數在動畫歌曲中能夠橫跨數代人、仍持續被翻唱與引用的長壽金曲。此曲也常在卡拉OK排行榜中名列前茅，在JOYSOUND與DAM等大型卡拉OK平台的長年熱門曲目榜上幾乎年年入選。甚至在日本紅白歌合戰、東京奧運預熱活動、各大動漫演唱會與國際展演場合中都可見其身影，成為「動漫音樂國歌」等級的存在。

除日本國內的評價極高，也因EVA動畫在全球的文化輸出而為國際動漫迷所熟知。尤其在中文圈、歐美和東南亞地區，〈殘酷天使的行動綱領〉經常被作為日本動畫歌曲的代表被傳唱與致敬，甚至被翻唱成多種語言版本，是跨語言、跨文化交流的例證之一。

總體來說，《殘酷天使的行動綱領》不僅是動畫歌曲的經典，更是動漫文化與日本流行音樂的象徵。它以不朽的旋律和深層的主題意象，跨越時間與地域的限制，從1995年延續至今，依然活躍在各類舞台與播放平台上，成為J-POP歷史中最具有傳奇色彩的曲目之一。

“A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” (Japanese: 残酷な天使のテーゼ, Romaji: Zankoku na Tenshi no Tēze) is the iconic opening theme song of the classic Japanese anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, which premiered in 1995. With lyrics by Neko Oikawa, composition and arrangement by Hidetoshi Satō, and vocals by Yoko Takahashi, the song has become one of the most recognized and enduring anime theme songs in history. Its influence extends far beyond the anime itself, solidifying its status as a generational symbol within Japanese pop culture.

The song is characterized by its rousing melody and a mysterious, apocalyptic arrangement, opening with powerful drumbeats and synthesizers that create an intense atmosphere. Yoko Takahashi’s steady and commanding voice enters the verse, building in emotion until it climaxes in a soaring chorus. The lyrics are poetic and rich in symbolism, reflecting the complex themes explored in Neon Genesis Evangelion, such as human existence, divinity, and free will. The iconic opening line—“Like a cruel angel, young boy, become a legend”—has become one of the most quoted lines among anime fans in Japan.

Although the song’s initial release didn’t achieve spectacular commercial success, its popularity grew in tandem with the rise of Evangelion as a cultural phenomenon. According to Oricon chart data, the song made it onto the weekly charts upon its 1995 debut and saw recurring popularity through re-releases tied to various Evangelion media—such as film editions, remastered soundtracks, and video game adaptations. Yoko Takahashi has since re-recorded and rearranged the track multiple times, including the 2009 “Director’s Edit. Version,” further cementing its place in both J-pop and the broader ACG (anime, comics, games) landscape.

By the early 2020s, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” had surpassed one million copies sold in combined physical and digital formats in Japan. It remains one of the few anime songs to maintain such longevity, regularly covered, remixed, and referenced across generations. The song consistently ranks high on karaoke charts, such as JOYSOUND and DAM, and has been a fixture at major events—from Kōhaku Uta Gassen and Tokyo Olympic pre-events, to anime concerts and international pop culture showcases—earning it the informal title of “the national anthem of anime music.”

Its acclaim is not limited to Japan. Thanks to Evangelion’s global reach, the song has become beloved by international anime fans. In Chinese-speaking regions, North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” is often hailed as a quintessential anime anthem and has been translated and performed in multiple languages—serving as a powerful example of cross-cultural musical exchange.

In summary, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” is far more than just an anime theme—it is a lasting symbol of anime culture and Japanese pop music. With its immortal melody and profound thematic depth, the song continues to resonate across time and borders, remaining active in performance circuits and streaming platforms to this day. It stands as one of the most legendary and culturally significant tracks in the history of J-pop.