Neon Genesis Evangelion,” a seminal anime series that debuted in 1995, continues to captivate fans and inspire conversations in the anime community. Directed by Hideaki Anno and produced by Gainax, the show pushed the boundaries of what anime could accomplish, blending complex psychological themes with groundbreaking animation. One of the most commonly asked questions surrounding this iconic series is: how many episodes does Neon Genesis Evangelion actually have?
In this article, we will explore the episode count for the original Neon Genesis Evangelion series, examine its spin-offs, movies, and various adaptations, and delve into the significance of the episodes themselves. Let’s explore the series in-depth and gain a full understanding of how many episodes exist, the release history, and the implications these episodes had on the world of anime.
The Original Series: 26 Episodes
The original Neon Genesis Evangelion series consists of 26 episodes. The show aired on TV from October 1995 to March 1996, spanning a period of six months. It was groundbreaking for its time, as it fused various genres, such as mecha, psychological drama, and apocalyptic science fiction, in a manner that was unique for anime. The story of Evangelion focuses on Shinji Ikari, a teenager who is tasked with piloting the giant bio-mechanical mecha Evangelion Unit-01 to protect humanity from mysterious, monstrous beings known as “Angels.”
Though the show initially appears to follow a straightforward plot, it quickly becomes clear that Neon Genesis Evangelion is much more than a simple mecha anime. The episodes dive deep into the psychological turmoil of the characters, exploring themes of identity, isolation, self-worth, and the complexity of human relationships. This intricate storytelling is one of the reasons the series has remained so impactful and beloved by fans worldwide.
The Two Alternate Endings: The Controversy
While Neon Genesis Evangelion initially concluded its run with 26 episodes, the ending of the series became a point of contention for many fans. The final two episodes, Episode 25 and Episode 26, are widely considered to be abstract and introspective, offering a psychological resolution rather than a conventional narrative one. These episodes focus on Shinji’s internal struggles and his attempt to understand himself and his place in the world. Many viewers were left confused by the symbolic nature of the conclusion, which led to the creation of alternative versions of the ending.
In response to the mixed reactions and the demand for a more traditional conclusion, Gainax decided to release two additional films, Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (1997) and The End of Evangelion (1997). These films were designed to provide a more definitive ending to the story, with The End of Evangelion being an alternative retelling of episodes 25 and 26. These films are essential viewing for fans who felt that the original series left them wanting more clarity or closure.
The Rebuild of Evangelion: A New Generation of Episodes
In the years following the original airing of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the franchise experienced a resurgence with the release of The Rebuild of Evangelion series. This four-part film series began in 2007 with Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone and concluded with Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time in 2021.
The Rebuild films are not a direct continuation of the original series but rather a reimagining of the events. They present the story with updated animation, additional plot points, and some changes to character arcs. The Rebuild series includes four movies, and each one can be considered an alternate retelling of the original anime.
Here’s a breakdown of the Rebuild of Evangelion films:
Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007) – This movie serves as the first in the Rebuild series and covers the first six episodes of the original series.
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009) – The second film introduces new plot elements and diverges from the original anime, retelling parts of the story with additional characters and scenes.
Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012) – This movie picks up after the events of the first two films and takes the story in a new direction.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021) – The final film concludes the Rebuild series, offering a new resolution to the storyline.
Though the Rebuild films include new material, they are often considered to be in continuity with the original anime. They represent a fresh perspective on the Evangelion story while maintaining core themes and ideas.
The Legacy of Evangelion’s Episodes
When considering how many episodes Neon Genesis Evangelion has, it’s important to take into account the wider impact of the series. The original anime, despite its 26-episode count, left an indelible mark on the anime landscape, influencing countless works in the mecha genre and beyond. The show’s exploration of complex themes such as depression, self-doubt, and existentialism resonated with audiences, and it remains a touchstone for anyone who wants to understand the evolution of anime as a medium for storytelling.
In addition to the 26 episodes, the inclusion of the two films—Death & Rebirth and The End of Evangelion—serves as a necessary complement to the series. These films help provide a more complete understanding of the narrative, addressing some of the questions that fans raised after watching the original show’s ending. They are often viewed as essential pieces of the Evangelion experience, and without them, one could argue that the series remains incomplete.
Similarly, the Rebuild of Evangelion series, with its four films, has further solidified the franchise’s legacy. These films introduce a new generation to Evangelion, combining modern animation techniques with the core ideas of the original. Rebuild not only brings the story to new audiences but also allows longtime fans to revisit the world of Evangelion with a fresh perspective.
Conclusion
In total, Neon Genesis Evangelion has 26 episodes in its original television run, but the story continues beyond those episodes in multiple forms. With the two films (Death & Rebirth and The End of Evangelion) providing an alternative ending and the Rebuild of Evangelion series offering a reimagining of the original narrative, fans have a wealth of material to explore.
For those curious about how many episodes Neon Genesis Evangelion has, the answer is clear: 26 episodes from the original series. However, the franchise’s expanded media content, including films and alternate retellings, makes Evangelion a much larger experience than just a series of 26 episodes. Whether you are a newcomer or a lifelong fan, the rich storytelling of Neon Genesis Evangelion offers endless layers to explore, making it one of the most influential anime series of all time.
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