In what order should I watch the anime Evangelion?

04 Feb 15:30

2 min. read

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Classic Order (Original + Movie)For Those Who Want to See More Rebuilds (Alternative Version of the Story / Tetralogy of Films)Optimal Option for the First Viewing of Evangelion

This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.

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Neon Genesis Evangelion – a cult anime that has several versions and alternative endings. If you want to make sense of all the chaos, here are the main viewing options.

Classic Order (Original + Movie)

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) – 26 episodes

The End of Evangelion (1997) – an alternative ending instead of episodes 25-26

This is the canonical viewing path that best conveys the original story. The series gradually immerses you in the world, while The End of Evangelion expands the ending.

For Those Who Want to See More

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) – 26 episodes
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (1997) (a recap of the first 24 episodes + some extra content) - if you find a place to watch it
The End of Evangelion (1997)

There are many different opinions about the title Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth. Some say it was a marketing ploy to hype people before the screening of The End of Evangelion (EoE) and that it is not essential to watch. Others write that the added scenes reveal the story a bit more. So it's better to watch and argue about whether it was worth seeing. If you find a place to watch it, because I couldn't find this title on streaming services.

Rebuilds (Alternative Version of the Story / Tetralogy of Films)

If you want modern animation and a slightly different development of events:

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007)

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009)

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012)

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021)

These rebuilds (Rebuild) start as a remake but gradually diverge from the original story and provide a new ending. It is recommended to watch them after viewing the original/canonical story.

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Optimal Option for the First Viewing of Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
The End of Evangelion (1997)
Rebuild of Evangelion (2007-2021) – if you want to see the remake/rebuild and new animation