I first watchedNeon Genesis Evangelionwhen I was far too young, and now I’m a nervous mess.
All jokes aside, there’s a reasonNeon Genesis Evangelion, orEvangelionfor short, has become one of the greatest anime series of our time. From its gospel-like opening theme song to the controversial last two episodes, this anime series is regarded by many as legendary, much like the young boy in “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.”
But, if you’re new to the anime world and would like to giveEvangeliona shot (or if you’ve been here for a while but never bothered to check it out) then let’s go over the recommended series watch order. I’ll be honest: this can be incredibly complicated if you let it be. But, in much the same way, it can be simple, if you let it be. It’s for this reason we’re going to prioritize release order, as it’s when you consider the chronological order that things become headache-inducing and very much a work of headcanon.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
How to Watch:Netflix
OK — so, no matter where you fall in this debate, you’re gonna want to start with the original anime series,Neon Genesis Evangelion. There are a total of 26 episodes in the series, helmed by creator Hideaki Anno and Gainax.
Neon Genesis Evangelionis set in the far-off year of 2015, when Shinji Ikari is summoned to Tokyo-3 by his estranged father, Gendo. Gendo needs Shinji because he’s the only one capable of piloting a colossal mech suit and defending the city against an alien onslaught.
Evangelion Death(True)2
This one is ultimately up to you, as well. It’s supposedly a recap of the first 24 episodes of the anime series mashed up with a small amount of new footage. This was originally part ofNeon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth—Deathis what we now know asDeath(True)2, whileRebirthwas effectively the first half-hour of the actual continuation film,The End of Evangelion.
The End of Evangelion
The End of Evangelionis a film that was, at least partially, made in response to fan reception of the originalEvangelionfinale. It is, depending on your interpretation, an alternate ending or a different viewpoint altogether. It is also very depressing, so be aware if you felt off whilst watching the anime series, this film takes the depression factor to an 11.
Rebuild of Evangelion
How to Watch:Prime Video
In 2007 — a decade following the release ofThe End of Evangelion— theRebuild of Evangelionfilm series began. To boil it down to its most basic details,Rebuildis a four-film series set to reboot theEvangelioncanon under Anno at his new studio, Khara. In the beginning, all four films were planned to be released by 2008, but due to a variety of both personal and professional conflicts, the series didn’t conclude until 2021.
Evangelion 1.11: You Are (Not) Aloneis the firstRebuildfilm, and effectively covers the anime events of the first through sixth episodes. It does introduce some new concepts, but those don’t come into play until later in the series.Evangelion 2.22: You Can (Not) Advanceis the second, and re-imagines the anime events of episodes 8 through 23. It also introduces a character to the mix, Maki Illustrious Makinami.
Evangelion 3.33: You Can (Not) Redois a departure from everything we’ve seen in the series to date. It’s the point where Khara clearly shifts the Rebuilds into their ownEvastory. And lastly,Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, which is the final entry in the series (so far).
It can be tempting to skip the original series and movie in favor of theRebuildseries. I don’t recommend it, only because — without spoiling — theRebuildseries seems to imply it’s a continuation of the anime continuity, and not a traditional reboot. All I will say on that front is that making it toThrice Upon a Timewith knowledge of the series’ history — the good and the bad — means so much more than had I only picked the series up withYou Are (Not) Alone. But, ultimately, the choice is entirely yours to make.
