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Neon Genesis Evangelion isn’t just another anime—it’s a global cultural icon.
Before diving in, many new viewers ask:
“How long is Neon Genesis Evangelion?” or “How many hours do I need to finish everything?”
This guide answers that fully—covering anime episodes, movies, and manga, plus practical tips for planning your Evangelion journey.
Quick Answer: Total Runtime Summary
|
Version |
Format |
Episodes / Chapters |
Average Length |
Total Time |
|
TV Anime (1995) |
26 episodes |
24 min each |
≈ 10 h 25 min |
|
|
The End of Evangelion (1997) |
Movie |
1 film |
1 h 27 min |
|
|
Rebuild Films (2007 – 2021) |
4 films |
98 – 155 min each |
≈ 8 h 40 min |
|
|
Manga (1994 – 2013) |
14 volumes / 97 ch. |
— |
≈ 25 – 30 h reading |
|
Total anime watch time: about 19 hours
Full experience (anime + Rebuild + manga): roughly 45 – 50 hours
How Long Is the Neon Genesis Evangelion Anime?
The original 1995 series consists of 26 episodes.
Each runs about 24 minutes, including opening and ending credits.
Estimated total:
26 × 24 minutes = 624 minutes ≈ 10 hours 25 minutes
Episodes 1–20 build the world and characters, while 21–26 become psychological and abstract—so the pacing shifts midway.
How Long Is Each Episode of Neon Genesis Evangelion?
Every episode fits the classic 1990s broadcast format:
- Opening theme: ~90 seconds
- Main content: ~21 minutes
- Ending theme + preview: ~2 minutes
So, one episode takes about 24 minutes total.
That means you can watch two or three comfortably in an hour.
The End of Evangelion Movie Runtime
Released in 1997, The End of Evangelion replaces the final two TV episodes with a cinematic conclusion.
- Runtime: 87 minutes (1 hour 27 minutes)
- Format: Single movie, 2 acts
- Purpose: Provides an alternate, darker ending
Fans consider it essential to understand the full story tone.
The Rebuild of Evangelion Films Length
The Rebuild series (2007–2021) retells and expands the original story through four movies:
|
Film Title |
Year |
Runtime |
|
Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone |
2007 |
98 min |
|
Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance |
2009 |
112 min |
|
Evangelion 3.0: You Can (Not) Redo |
2012 |
106 min |
|
Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon a Time |
2021 |
155 min |
Total runtime: about 471 minutes ≈ 7 hours 50 minutes
Together with the TV series and The End of Evangelion, the full anime experience equals ≈ 19 hours of watch time.
How Long Is the Neon Genesis Evangelion Manga?
The manga adaptation by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto began in 1994 and concluded in 2013.
- Volumes: 14
- Chapters: 97
- Reading time: ≈ 25–30 hours for average readers
Although it follows the same premise, the manga explores character psychology differently and delivers a more linear ending than the anime.
How to Watch Evangelion in the Right Order
To enjoy the story smoothly and understand its length, use this order:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV 1995) – 26 episodes
- The End of Evangelion (1997) – movie conclusion
- (Optional) Rebuild Movies (1.0 → 3.0+1.0) – alternate retelling
This sequence lets new fans finish the core story first, then explore the modern reinterpretation.
Bullet Overview: Evangelion Watch Time Essentials
- Total TV runtime: ~10 h 25 m
- Final movie: 1 h 27 m
- Rebuild films: ~8 h
- Manga reading: 25–30 h
- Total franchise time: 45–50 h if you experience everything
- Episode duration: ~24 min each
- Best order: TV → Movie → Rebuild
- Streaming tip: Available on Netflix worldwide
Comparison Table: Evangelion vs Other Anime Length
|
Series |
Episodes |
Avg Runtime |
Total Hours |
|
Neon Genesis Evangelion |
26 |
24 min |
≈ 10.4 h |
|
Cowboy Bebop |
26 |
24 min |
≈ 10.4 h |
|
Attack on Titan (S1) |
25 |
24 min |
≈ 10 h |
|
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood |
64 |
24 min |
≈ 25 h |
Evangelion fits neatly within a typical single-season schedule, making it approachable despite its reputation for complexity.
How Long to Finish Evangelion for Casual Viewers
If you watch 2–3 episodes a day, the TV series finishes in about 9 days.
For the full cinematic experience:
|
Viewing Plan |
Episodes/Films Per Day |
Days to Finish |
|
Light Watcher |
2 eps/day + 1 film/week |
≈ 2 weeks |
|
Average Viewer |
3 eps/day + 1 film/week |
≈ 10 days |
|
Marathon Viewer |
6 eps/day + 1 film/day |
≈ 4 days |
That makes Evangelion a medium-length anime—not as long as multi-season shows but deep enough for immersive storytelling.
Why Knowing the Runtime Matters
Understanding how long Neon Genesis Evangelion is helps fans:
- Plan viewing sessions around its emotional pacing.
- Separate the main timeline from Rebuild versions.
- Appreciate how much storytelling fits into only 26 episodes.
Because the series becomes increasingly introspective, taking breaks improves comprehension and enjoyment.
Evangelion for Collectors & Fans
For enthusiasts who love to extend the experience beyond the screen, detailed Evangelion and action editions capture iconic designs like EVA-01 and Rei Ayanami’s Plug Suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime?
The TV series has 26 episodes, each around 24 minutes. Total watch time ≈ 10 hours 25 minutes.
How long is Neon Genesis Evangelion including movies?
Add The End of Evangelion (87 min) and the four Rebuild films (~8 h). That’s about 19 hours total.
How long is the Evangelion manga?
Fourteen volumes (97 chapters) take ≈ 25–30 hours to read casually.
How long is one episode?
Each episode lasts about 24 minutes including opening and ending themes.
Is the Rebuild series required?
Not required, but highly recommended for a modern visual and thematic reinterpretation of the original story.
Conclusion: A Manageable Yet Deep Experience
Watching Neon Genesis Evangelion takes less time than most long-running anime—but delivers far more depth.
- TV Series: ≈ 10 hours
- All Films: ≈ 9 hours
- Full Franchise: ≈ 19 hours of viewing
Add the manga, and you have nearly 50 hours of Evangelion’s universe—rich in philosophy, emotion, and artistry.
For fans ready to immerse themselves, it’s the perfect blend of manageable length and unforgettable storytelling.
