The Correct Watch Order for the Anime 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' Along with Its Synopsis

Kapanlagi.com - Who here has never delved into the complex and meaningful world of Neon Genesis Evangelion? Or maybe you have, but are still confused about the dizzying watch order?

Don’t worry! This time, we will thoroughly discuss the watch order of the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, complete with a brief synopsis, so you can enjoy every moment without confusion.

But before that, the question is: Why is Evangelion so iconic?

Neon Genesis Evangelion, often abbreviated as Evangelion or Eva, is a Japanese anime television series produced by Gainax and Tatsunoko Production, and directed by Hideaki Anno. The series first aired on TV Tokyo from October 1995 to March 1996. The story is set in the year 2015, fifteen years after a global disaster known as the Second Impact, in the futuristic city of Tokyo-3.

This anime tells the story of Shinji Ikari, a teenager recruited by his father, Gendo Ikari, to join a mysterious organization called Nerv. Shinji's task is to pilot the Evangelion, a giant biomechanical mecha, to fight mysterious beings known as Angels. However, Evangelion is not just an ordinary mecha anime. This series is known as a deconstruction of the mecha genre, which deeply explores the experiences, emotions, and mental health of the Evangelion pilots and Nerv members.

To fully enjoy the story of Evangelion and understand its layers, there is a recommended watch order. Let's break it down one by one!

1. The Beginning of the Chaos: The Original TV Series

Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV Series)

Air Date: October 4, 1995 – March 27, 1996

Synopsis: This is the starting point of everything! This TV series consists of 26 episodes that introduce us to Shinji Ikari, a shy boy who suddenly has to pilot a giant robot called Evangelion Unit-01 to protect humanity from the attacks of Angels.

Note: You can watch all 26 episodes on Netflix.

2. Recap and New Perspective: Compilation and Closing Films

Neon Genesis Evangelion Anime Poster (Credit: IMDB)

After finishing the TV series, you will be presented with several films that serve as a recap, alternative closing, or even a combination of both.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death(true) 2

Release Date: March 15, 1997

Synopsis: This film is a compilation of important scenes from the first 24 episodes of the TV series, plus some new scenes that were not aired.

Note: This film is optional if you have just watched the TV series.

The End of Evangelion

Release Date: July 19, 1997

Synopsis: This film is an alternative and more "conventional" ending for the TV series, replacing the original episodes 25 and 26.

Note: This film is very important to understand the conclusion of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion story.

Revival of Evangelion

Release Date: March 8, 1998

Synopsis: This film is a combination of "Death(true)²" and "The End of Evangelion".

Note: If you have already watched both films separately, you do not need to watch this one.

3. New Adventure: Rebuild of Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion Anime Poster (Credit: IMDB)

After finishing the original story, you can continue to the Rebuild of Evangelion film series. This is a retelling of the original story with different plot elements, characters, and an ending.

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (also known as 1.11)

Release Date: September 1, 2007

Synopsis: The first film in the Rebuild series is largely a re-adaptation of the first six episodes of the original TV series.

Note: The Blu-ray/DVD version is often titled 1.11.

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (also known as 2.22)

Release Date: June 27, 2009

Synopsis: This film continues the story from 1.0 and begins to diverge further from the original TV series.

Note: The Blu-ray/DVD version is often titled 2.22.

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (also known as 3.33)

Release Date: November 17, 2012

Synopsis: This is the film that diverges most drastically from the original story.

Note: The Blu-ray/DVD version is often titled 3.33.

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (also known as 3.0+1.01)

Release Date: March 8, 2021

Synopsis: The final film in the Rebuild series concludes the entire Evangelion saga.

Note: The latest and most complete version is 3.0+1.01.

4. Recommended Watching Order

- Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV Series, Episode 1-26)
- The End of Evangelion (This is the most important conclusion to the original story)
- Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (or version 1.11)
- Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (or version 2.22)
- Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (or version 3.33)
- Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (or version 3.0+1.01)

Enjoy a deep and unforgettable journey into the world of Neon Genesis Evangelion!

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