Where to start
Neon Genesis Evangelion
5 versions · originally a series, 1995
Themes: Existentialism, Trauma, Coming-of-Age, Dystopian Society, Giant Monsters.
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a harrowing psychological exploration of human isolation and existential dread told through the framework of apocalyptic mecha combat.
✦ Most fans start here
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
The original tv
✦ Start hereNeon Genesis Evangelion
Series · 1995
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) serves as the definitive foundation of the franchise, establishing the complex character dynamics and philosophical questions that define the series' legacy for all new viewers.
1997 film
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
Film · 1997
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997) provides a visceral, high-budget cinematic conclusion that replaces the television series' final episodes with a definitive and haunting vision of humanity's fate.
2026 film
EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)²
Film · 2026
EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)² (2026) offers an experimental, non-linear recap of the series' core events, functioning primarily as a stylistic distillation of the original narrative for those already familiar with the story.
2026 film
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth
Hideaki Anno · Film · 2026
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth (2026) acts as a transitional historical document, blending series highlights with a partial, early attempt at crafting the franchise's cinematic conclusion for completionist viewers.
Inspired by
Pacific Rim
Guillermo del Toro · Film · 2013
Pacific Rim (2013) translates the franchise's fundamental spectacle of massive, piloted robot combat into a blockbuster action format, focusing on the external heroism of the battle against alien threats.
Common questions
What order should I watch the Neon Genesis Evangelion series and movies in?
You should begin with the 1995 Neon Genesis Evangelion television series. After finishing the series, proceed to the 1997 film Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion. The movies EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)² and Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth provide additional context for the franchise.
Is Neon Genesis Evangelion related to the movie Pacific Rim?
No, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Pacific Rim are separate entities. While both involve giant mecha piloted by humans fighting against threats, they belong to different creative franchises and do not share a common narrative universe or production history.
How long is the original Neon Genesis Evangelion series?
The original Neon Genesis Evangelion television series consists of 26 episodes that aired in 1995. Following the conclusion of these episodes, the story continues in the 1997 feature film titled Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion.
Are EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)² and Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth the same?
EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)² and Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth are distinct movie releases within the franchise. Both titles serve as part of the broader Neon Genesis Evangelion collection, offering different ways to experience the narrative established in the original 1995 television series.