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) – 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) (recap of the first 24 episodes + some extra content) - if you can find where 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 up before the release of The End of Evangelion (EoE) and is not essential viewing. Others write that the added scenes reveal a bit more of the story. So it's better to watch it and debate whether it was worth watching. If you find where to watch it, because I couldn't find this title on streaming services.
Rebuilds (alternative version of the story / film tetralogy)
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.
Optimal Option for 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
![Comparison of the Berserk animation [Let's watch the trailers]](https://tseivo-prod.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/l6nzq2kgnqny79yi8tcpf11pkb3i)
![🎥 [Studio Ghibli] A collection of trailers for the studio's masterpieces](https://tseivo-prod.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/u3lnk06ef5bzn92hn0c83w54nne4)
