Neon Genesis Evangelion, a groundbreaking anime series created by Hideaki Anno and produced by Gainax, has captivated audiences worldwide with its complex narrative, deep psychological themes, and rich character development. It has also spurred many debates among fans about the best way to experience the series. With multiple versions of the show, movies, and spin-offs, deciding the optimal order to watch the franchise can be confusing for newcomers and even long-time fans.
What order should you watch neon genesis evangelion? This article will guide you through the different viewing orders for Neon Genesis Evangelion, detailing the key series, films, and alternate versions. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or revisiting the series, understanding the nuances of the viewing order will ensure you get the most out of this iconic anime.
The Core Series: Neon Genesis Evangelion
The foundation of the Evangelion franchise lies in the original 26-episode TV series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, which first aired in 1995. The show is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to mysterious beings called Angels. The protagonist, Shinji Ikari, is recruited by a covert organization, NERV, to pilot a giant bio-mechanical robot called an Evangelion to protect humanity.
This series introduces the central plot points, characters, and the dystopian world. However, it is well-known for its existential themes, heavy symbolism, and abstract ending, which have left many fans confused and seeking more clarity.
Watching the TV Series First
The most straightforward approach for new viewers is to start with the original Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series (1995). This will give you a solid foundation in the series’ key themes and characters. The show is renowned for its deeply emotional story arcs, and watching it in its original broadcast order allows you to experience the gradual build-up of tension, character exploration, and intense moments.
While the series starts with relatively typical mecha-action episodes, it quickly evolves into a deeply introspective, philosophical work that explores the psyche of its characters and the nature of existence. The last two episodes, in particular, are experimental and focus heavily on psychological introspection, often leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
The End of Evangelion: A Necessary Follow-Up
The series’ conclusion in Episodes 25 and 26 is widely debated. While they offer a psychological resolution, many viewers felt that the conclusion was unsatisfying or difficult to understand. The End of Evangelion (1997), a two-part film, was created as a direct follow-up to the original TV series to provide an alternative, more concrete ending.
For many fans, The End of Evangelion is essential viewing after the TV series. It offers an epic conclusion to the story with far more action and clarity than the final episodes of the original TV series. The End of Evangelion also fills in many gaps and expands on the themes explored in the TV show.
Thus, after watching the 26 episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion, it is highly recommended to follow up immediately with The End of Evangelion films to ensure a full and coherent understanding of the series’ story.
Alternate Viewing Orders: The Movies and Rebuild Films
After watching the core series, there are several additional movies and spin-offs that can expand your experience. These include alternate retellings, reimaginings, and additional stories that delve deeper into the Evangelion universe.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (1997)
Before jumping into The End of Evangelion, some fans opt to watch Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth, a movie released in 1997. This film is divided into two parts: Death, which is a recap of the TV series, and Rebirth, which provides a preview of The End of Evangelion.
Death & Rebirth is not strictly necessary for first-time viewers, as it rehashes content from the original series and only partially sets up the movie’s conclusion. However, it can provide useful context for those looking to revisit key events before diving into The End of Evangelion.
The Rebuild of Evangelion (2007-2021)
The Rebuild of Evangelion is a series of four films released between 2007 and 2021, directed by Hideaki Anno himself. These films serve as a reimagining of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion story, with updated animation, new characters, and slight changes in the plot. The first two movies in the series (Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone and Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance) follow the original series closely but with notable changes.
The third and fourth movies, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo and Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, take the story in a radically different direction, offering a unique ending to the series that contrasts with both the original series and The End of Evangelion.
For those watching the series for the first time, it is not necessary to watch the Rebuild films in a specific order immediately after the original series. The Rebuild movies can be considered a separate alternate version of the story. However, they can be a fascinating experience for viewers already familiar with the original series and films, providing a fresh perspective on the familiar plot.
Watching the Rebuild Films After the Original Series
The ideal approach for many fans is to watch the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series and then follow up with The End of Evangelion films. Afterward, the Rebuild of Evangelion films can be enjoyed as an alternate version of the story.
Spin-offs and Additional Content
There are also several spin-off materials, including manga, light novels, and a few other films, that expand the Evangelion universe. However, these are not essential for a primary viewing order. Some of the key works include:
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project (manga)
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (Manga), which adapts the events of the movie into a manga format
Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (film), which serves as a retelling of key moments
These spin-offs can offer interesting takes on the series and its characters, but they can be enjoyed after the core series and films.
Is There a Correct Viewing Order?
Ultimately, the “correct” order to watch Neon Genesis Evangelion depends on the viewer’s preferences. The recommended sequence is:
Neon Genesis Evangelion TV Series (Episodes 1-26)
The End of Evangelion (Movies 1 & 2)
Optionally: Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth
The Rebuild of Evangelion Films (if desired after completing the original series)
This order will give a thorough experience of the series, from the original anime through its reimaginings and alternative endings. It is important to note that the Rebuild films offer a completely different experience, so they should be viewed as a separate alternative to the original TV series and movies.
Conclusion
The world of Neon Genesis Evangelion is rich, complex, and filled with numerous viewing options. By watching the TV series followed by The End of Evangelion, you’ll be able to experience the core of what made Evangelion an iconic work. If you’re a die-hard fan looking for an alternate take or additional exploration, the Rebuild films will offer fresh perspectives and new narrative twists.
Choosing the right viewing order depends on how deeply you want to dive into the intricate storytelling and themes of the series. Regardless of your approach, Neon Genesis Evangelion remains one of the most influential and mind-bending anime series of all time.
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