Neon Genesis Evangelion: Complete Guide to the Iconic Anime Series

What makes Neon Genesis Evangelion one of the most influential anime series ever created? Since its 1995 debut, this psychological mecha series has captivated audiences worldwide with its complex characters, philosophical depth, and groundbreaking storytelling.

Evangelion transcends typical giant robot anime by prioritizing psychological exploration over action spectacle. Director Hideaki Anno crafted a narrative that uses apocalyptic battles as backdrop for examining depression, trauma, identity, and the human struggle for connection.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Evangelion: the complete watch order, main characters, major themes, cultural impact, and how to start your journey with this legendary series.

What Is Neon Genesis Evangelion?

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a 26-episode anime series that aired from October 1995 to March 1996. Created by Hideaki Anno and produced by Studio Gainax, it revolutionized the mecha genre by combining robot battles with intense psychological drama.

The Basic Premise

The story takes place in 2015, fifteen years after a catastrophic event called the Second Impact killed half of humanity. Mysterious beings known as Angels attack Tokyo-3, and only giant bio-mechanical weapons called Evangelions can stop them.

Core Story Elements:

• Setting: Post-apocalyptic Tokyo-3 (2015)
• Protagonist: Shinji Ikari, reluctant 14-year-old pilot
• Organization: NERV, secretive agency defending humanity
• Threat: Angels seeking to trigger Third Impact
• Weapons: Evangelion units piloted by selected teenagers

The series starts as seemingly straightforward monster-of-the-week combat before gradually revealing deeper psychological and philosophical layers.

Why It Changed Anime Forever

Evangelion arrived at a pivotal moment in anime history. The mecha genre had grown stale with repetitive formulas, and Anno deliberately subverted every expectation.

Revolutionary Elements:

This approach influenced countless anime that followed, proving the medium could handle sophisticated psychological and philosophical content while remaining commercially successful.

Complete Evangelion Watch Order

New viewers often feel confused about where to start with Evangelion. The franchise includes the original series, movies, and a complete reimagining, each offering different perspectives.

The Recommended Watch Order

For first-time viewers, this order provides the most coherent and rewarding experience:

Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV Series)

• 26 episodes (1995-1996)
• Foundation of entire franchise
• Episodes 1-24 follow main narrative
• Episodes 25-26 are controversial abstract ending

The End of Evangelion (Movie)

• Released 1997
• Provides alternate/complementary ending
• Shows physical events during episodes 25-26
• Essential viewing after TV series

Rebuild of Evangelion (Optional)

• Four films: reimagining the story (2007-)
• Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone
• Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
• Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo
• Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

Alternative Watch Orders

Some fans prefer different approaches depending on their priorities and time availability.

Chronological Order: Same as recommended order above—the story unfolds chronologically.

Movie-First Approach (Not Recommended): Some suggest starting with Rebuild films for modern animation, but this loses narrative impact and thematic depth that makes the original so powerful.

Manga Alternative: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto's manga (1994-2013) offers another complete version with slightly different character development and ending.

What About Death & Rebirth?

"Evangelion: Death & Rebirth" (1997) is largely skippable. "Death" recaps the TV series with some new scenes, while "Rebirth" shows the first portion of "End of Evangelion." Watch "End of Evangelion" instead—it includes everything "Rebirth" offers plus the complete conclusion.

Main Evangelion Characters

Evangelion's characters are its greatest strength. Each pilot, NERV staff member, and supporting character carries deep psychological complexity and trauma.

The Eva Pilots

These teenagers bear the weight of humanity's survival while struggling with their own psychological damage.

Shinji Ikari (Protagonist)

The reluctant hero who pilots Unit-01. Abandoned by his father as a child, Shinji struggles with worthlessness, fear of rejection, and inability to connect with others.

• Age: 14 years old
• Eva Unit: Unit-01 (Test Type)
• Core Trait: Desperate for approval while rejecting it
• Development: Spirals deeper into depression throughout series

Shinji deliberately subverts the typical heroic mecha protagonist, showing realistic psychological responses to trauma.

Rei Ayanami

The mysterious first pilot who seems emotionally detached. Rei's true nature and origins become central to the series' mythology.

• Age: 14 years old (complicated)
• Eva Unit: Unit-00 (Prototype)
• Core Trait: Appears emotionless but deeply complex
• Significance: Key to NERV's secret plans

Rei became one of anime's most iconic characters, spawning countless imitators.

Asuka Langley Soryu

The confident, aggressive pilot who hides deep insecurity behind her bold personality. Asuka's psychological breakdown forms one of the series' most devastating arcs.

• Age: 14 years old
• Eva Unit: Unit-02 (Production Model)
• Core Trait: Overcompensating confidence masking trauma
• Development: Experiences severe psychological collapse

Asuka represents how different people respond to similar traumas with opposite coping mechanisms.

NERV Command Staff

The adults at NERV all carry their own damage while using the teenage pilots for purposes beyond simple defense.

Misato Katsuragi

Operations Director at NERV and Shinji's guardian. At 29, Misato tries to balance professional responsibilities with personal trauma from surviving Second Impact.

Key Characteristics:

Misato serves as surrogate parent while being barely more emotionally developed than the children she guides.

Gendo Ikari

Shinji's father and NERV's commander. Cold, manipulative, and secretive, Gendo pursues his own agenda throughout the series.

• Abandoned Shinji after his wife's death
• Uses everyone as pawns in his plans
• Driven by obsession to reunite with his deceased wife
• Primary antagonist despite fighting Angels

Gendo represents how trauma can turn people into monsters who hurt others.

Ritsuko Akagi

NERV's head scientist, responsible for Eva maintenance and many technical aspects. Ritsuko knows NERV's darkest secrets and struggles with moral compromises.

Major Themes in Evangelion

Evangelion operates on multiple thematic levels, rewarding viewers who engage deeply while providing surface-level entertainment.

The Hedgehog's Dilemma

This recurring concept explains why relationships are simultaneously necessary and painful—like hedgehogs needing warmth but hurting each other when close.

How Characters Experience This:

• Shinji wants connection but fears rejection
• Asuka craves attention but pushes people away
• Gendo isolates completely to avoid pain
• Misato uses false cheerfulness as barrier

The series argues that despite inevitable pain, connection remains essential to human existence.

Depression and Mental Health

Anno channeled his own clinical depression into Evangelion, creating anime's most honest portrayal of mental illness.

Depression Depiction:

• Shinji's constant negative self-talk
• Inability to accept praise or love
• Running away when overwhelmed
• Seeking validation while rejecting it
• Paralysis from fear of making wrong choice

This authentic representation resonated deeply with viewers facing similar struggles.

Identity and Self-Worth

The series constantly questions what defines individual identity and whether we exist independently of others' perceptions.

Identity Questions Explored:

These philosophical questions reach climax in the series' controversial ending.

Religious and Mythological Symbolism

Evangelion famously uses Christian imagery, Jewish mysticism, and various mythological references—though often for aesthetic impact rather than theological meaning.

Symbolic Elements:

• Angel names from biblical and apocryphal texts
• Dead Sea Scrolls predicting events
• Tree of Life diagrams from Kabbalah
• Crucifixion and resurrection imagery
• Creation myth parallels

Anno has stated much symbolism was chosen for visual impact. The series is about human psychology, not religious commentary.

End of Evangelion: The Controversial Conclusion

The End of Evangelion film provides concrete resolution that the TV series' abstract ending lacked. However, it's far darker and more disturbing than most viewers expected.

What Happens in the Movie

The film depicts Third Impact in graphic detail, showing SEELE's assault on NERV, Asuka's desperate final battle, and humanity's consciousness merging during Instrumentality.

Major Movie Events:

• SEELE attacks NERV to seize control
• Asuka fights Mass Production Evas brutally
• Shinji reaches his psychological lowest point
• Rei/Lilith triggers Third Impact
• All human consciousness merges temporarily
• Shinji chooses individuality over unity

The movie's apocalyptic imagery and uncomfortable themes challenged viewers while providing thematic closure.

The Ambiguous Beach Scene

End of Evangelion concludes with Shinji and Asuka alone on a beach after the world reforms. This final scene remains intensely debated.

What It Might Mean:

• Humanity gets another chance despite flaws
• Human connection remains difficult even after Instrumentality
• Life continues with all its pain and possibility
• Nothing fundamentally changes about human nature
• Open to multiple valid interpretations

Anno deliberately crafted an ambiguous ending forcing viewers to create their own meaning.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Evangelion's influence extends far beyond anime into broader pop culture, academic study, and ongoing fan discourse nearly three decades later.

Influence on Anime Industry

Evangelion proved anime could be commercially successful while handling complex psychological and philosophical content.

Industry Changes Post-Evangelion:

• More series tackled mature psychological themes
• Deconstruction of genre tropes became common
• Character-focused narratives gained prominence
• Ambiguous, challenging endings more acceptable
• Raised expectations for thematic depth

Countless anime show Evangelion's influence, from obvious homages to subtle incorporation of its techniques.

Academic Recognition

Universities worldwide teach Evangelion in courses on media studies, psychology, philosophy, and Japanese culture.

Academic Interest Areas:

Merchandising and Collectibles

Evangelion spawned massive merchandising success continuing decades later. From high-end collectibles to everyday items, Eva branding appears on countless products.

Popular Collectible Categories:

• Detailed action and statues
• Model kits of Eva units
• Character in various styles
• Replicas of props and equipment
• Limited edition collaborations

Getting Started With Evangelion

Ready to experience this legendary series? Here's practical advice for beginning your Evangelion journey.

Where to Watch

Evangelion is available through various streaming platforms, though availability varies by region.

Current Streaming Options:

• Netflix (most regions): Complete TV series, End of Evangelion, Rebuild films
• Amazon Prime Video (varies by region)
• Physical media: Blu-ray collections for best quality

Check current availability in your region as licensing changes periodically.

What to Expect

Going in with appropriate expectations enhances enjoyment and prevents disappointment.

Set Your Expectations:

• First half is relatively straightforward mecha action
• Second half becomes increasingly psychological
• Not a traditional feel-good series
• Requires active engagement and thought
• Rewards rewatching with new understanding

Evangelion demands more from viewers than typical anime but offers proportionally greater rewards.

After Finishing the Series

Evangelion benefits tremendously from discussion, analysis, and revisiting.

Post-Viewing Activities:

• Discuss with other fans online or in person
• Read analyses exploring themes and symbolism
• Watch Rebuild films for alternative perspective
• Consider collecting or art books
• Rewatch with new understanding of foreshadowing

The series reveals new layers with each viewing as you notice details that seemed insignificant initially.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct Evangelion watch order?

Watch the 26-episode TV series first, then The End of Evangelion movie. The Rebuild films are optional reimaginings you can watch after completing the original story. This order provides the most coherent and impactful experience for new viewers.

The TV series establishes characters and themes, while End of Evangelion provides concrete resolution.

Who are the main characters in Evangelion?

The main characters are Shinji Ikari (reluctant protagonist), Rei Ayanami (mysterious first pilot), Asuka Langley Soryu (confident second pilot), Misato Katsuragi (operations director and Shinji's guardian), and Gendo Ikari (NERV commander and Shinji's distant father). Each carries deep psychological complexity.

Understanding these characters is key to appreciating the series' psychological depth.

How does End of Evangelion end?

End of Evangelion concludes with Third Impact occurring, all human consciousness temporarily merging, and Shinji ultimately choosing to maintain individual existence despite its pain. The final scene shows Shinji and Asuka alone on a beach in the reformed world, with Asuka's final words being "How disgusting."

The ending remains deliberately ambiguous, supporting multiple interpretations.

Is Evangelion appropriate for children?

No, Evangelion is not appropriate for children despite featuring teenage protagonists and giant robots. The series contains intense psychological themes including depression and trauma, disturbing imagery, violence, and mature content. It's best suited for mature teenagers and adults.

The psychological intensity can be difficult even for adult viewers.

Why is Evangelion so popular?

Evangelion's popularity stems from its revolutionary approach to mecha anime, honest portrayal of mental health struggles, complex characters, philosophical depth, and willingness to challenge viewers. It arrived at the perfect time to shake up a stagnant genre while addressing universal human struggles.

The series rewards engagement and continues generating discussion decades later.

Do I need to understand Christianity to watch Evangelion?

No, Christian and religious knowledge isn't necessary to understand Evangelion. Creator Hideaki Anno used religious imagery primarily for aesthetic and symbolic impact rather than theological meaning. The series is fundamentally about human psychology and relationships, not religious commentary.

Viewers from any religious or non-religious background can fully appreciate the story.

Conclusion

Nearly three decades after its debut, Neon Genesis Evangelion remains one of anime's most important and influential works. Its revolutionary approach to storytelling, honest psychological exploration, and philosophical depth continue resonating with new generations.

Evangelion's Lasting Significance:

• Transformed what anime could achieve thematically
• Provided honest representation of mental health struggles
• Created complex, flawed, deeply human characters
• Challenged viewers to think critically about existence
• Built cultural phenomenon transcending anime fandom