Neon Genesis Evangelion Watch Order: Your Ultimate Viewing Guide for an Enjoyable Journey

For anime fans, especially those delving into the world of psychological and existential storytelling, Neon Genesis Evangelion stands as one of the most iconic and complex anime series of all time. Since its debut in 1995, this groundbreaking anime has left viewers both intrigued and confused due to its intricate plot, layered characters, and the varied ways it has been reinterpreted over the years. Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime fan wanting to revisit the series, understanding the proper Neon Genesis Evangelion watch order is essential for fully enjoying the narrative’s depth.

In this guide, we’ll break down the Neon Genesis Evangelion watch order—both for the original series and the newer Rebuild films—to ensure you don’t miss out on any key storylines or revelations. Let’s begin!

Neon Genesis Evangelion Watch Order : A Complete Viewing Guide,' offering a detailed roadmap for navigating the complex timeline of the iconic anime series. The guide likely includes visual cues or steps to help fans understand the chronological order of episodes, movies, and related media, ensuring an optimal viewing experience.
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The Different Versions of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Before jumping into the watch order, it’s important to recognize that there are three primary versions of the Evangelion story:

  • The Original TV Series (1995): The show that started it all, consisting of 26 episodes.
  • The End of Evangelion (1997): A film that reinterprets the final episodes of the TV series and provides a different, more complete conclusion.
  • Rebuild of Evangelion (2007–2021): A series of four movies that offer a reboot or reinterpretation of the original story with updated visuals and some new plot twists.

Recommended Neon Genesis Evangelion Watch Order

Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series cover showcasing Shinji Ikari and Evangelion Unit-01,and other characters symbolizing the start of the iconic anime series. Essential for understanding the Neon Genesis watch order.

1 Neon Genesis Evangelion TV Series (1995) – Episodes 1 to 26

The Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series is the foundation of the entire story. It introduces Shinji Ikari, a young boy recruited to pilot the Evangelion Unit-01, and his fight to save humanity from mysterious creatures called Angels. While the initial episodes focus on mecha battles, the series gradually delves into heavy psychological themes, philosophy, and the nature of human relationships.

  • Where to watch: Available on Netflix
  • Why watch it first: This is the original and unaltered version of Evangelion, which sets the stage for all future versions of the story.

3 Evangelion: Death(true)² (1997)

For those looking for a recap, Death(true)² is a re-edited version of Death & Rebirth, a film that condenses the first 24 episodes of the TV series into a 67-minute summary. It adds some new scenes but doesn’t contribute anything drastically new to the story. You can skip it if you’re already familiar with the TV series.

  • Where to watch: Available on Netflix
  • Should you watch it?: Optional; serves as a recap before moving to the finale
over art of Evangelion: Death(True)² featuring Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Langley with overlapping scenes from the series, serving as a recap of the original storyline. Optional part of the Neon Genesis watch order.
Cover art of The End of Evangelion movie featuring Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami against a post-apocalyptic landscape, symbolizing the alternate and darker conclusion to the original series. Key in the Neon Genesis watch order.

2 The End of Evangelion (1997)

The final two episodes of the TV series (episodes 25 and 26) take a surreal and psychological turn that left many fans confused. In response, the creators released The End of Evangelion, a feature-length film that offers an alternative, more action-packed conclusion. It is widely regarded as the “true” ending to the original series, providing more clarity to the narrative.

  • Where to watch: Available on Netflix.
  • Why it’s crucial: The movie delivers the intended finale, tying up loose ends and providing a more comprehensible resolution to the series

The Rebuild of Evangelion Series

The Rebuild of Evangelion is a tetralogy of films released between 2007 and 2021 that reinterpret the original series. While the first two films closely follow the storyline of the TV series, the third and fourth films take a radically different direction, with new characters, events, and revelations.

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

This film covers the events of the first six episodes of the original TV series with updated animation and slight changes to the narrative. It’s a great starting point for newcomers who prefer modern animation, though it doesn’t stray too far from the original plot.

  • Where to watch: Available on Prime Video
  • Why watch it: Provides a visually refreshed retelling of the first few episodes of the TV series.
Cover art of Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, featuring Evangelion Unit-01 in a dynamic pose with a vibrant, updated aesthetic. A modern retelling of the first episodes in the Neon Genesis watch order.
Cover art of Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, featuring new and returning characters alongside Evangelion Unit-02, highlighting the series' shift from the original storyline. A crucial divergence in the Neon Genesis watch order.

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

2.0 continues the story, but diverges significantly from the original TV series, introducing new characters and altering key events. The stakes rise, and the film’s changes set the stage for a radically different storyline.

  • Where to watch: Available on Prime Video
  • Why watch it: Starts to depart from the original, introducing new plot elements and preparing the viewer for the divergence in future films.

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

This is where the story goes in a completely different direction from the original. Set 14 years after the events of 2.0, 3.0 takes a much darker, more philosophical turn and introduces brand-new story arcs that weren’t present in the TV series.

  • Where to watch: Available on Prime Video
  • Why watch it: To understand the new, original narrative being developed in the Rebuild series.
Cover art of Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, featuring a futuristic setting with Shinji Ikari and Kaworu Nagisa standing before a dramatically altered world. A pivotal installment in the Neon Genesis watch order.
Cover art of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, featuring Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Langley with a vibrant and apocalyptic backdrop, marking the epic conclusion of the Rebuild series. Final chapter in the Neon Genesis watch order.

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

The final film in the Rebuild series, Thrice Upon a Time, brings a conclusion to the Rebuild universe and offers a definitive ending. It’s a visually stunning, emotionally impactful film that ties together the entire Rebuild series with a fresh and satisfying conclusion.

  • Where to watch: Available on Prime Video
  • Why it’s essential: This movie concludes the entire Evangelion saga in the Rebuild universe, providing closure to all of the changes made in the previous films.

Want to Read Instead? Evangelion Manga as an Option

For those who would rather immerse themselves in the Evangelion story through reading, the Neon Genesis Evangelion manga is a great alternative. Written and illustrated by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, who was also the character designer for the anime, the manga presents the story in a slightly different light, providing additional insights into character backstories and plot points.

  • How does it differ? While the manga follows the general plot of the original TV series, it has subtle differences, especially in character development and the final chapters. Some scenes are expanded or altered, offering a fresh perspective even for seasoned fans of the anime.
  • Why consider the manga? The Neon Genesis Evangelion manga gives readers more detailed explanations of certain plot elements that might feel rushed in the anime. If you want a slightly slower-paced, introspective experience, this is an excellent companion or alternative to the watch order.

You can purchase the full manga series in physical or digital format for a deep dive into the world of Evangelion. If you prefer reading manga over watching the series, this might be the perfect way to experience the story at your own pace.

Cover art of the Neon Genesis Evangelion manga featuring Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, and Evangelion Unit-01 in a striking pose, offering a detailed and alternate exploration of the anime’s storyline. An optional part of the Neon Genesis watch order.

What’s the difference between the original series and the Rebuild movies?

The original TV series sticks to the core plot of the Neon Genesis Evangelion universe, with a focus on mecha battles and deep psychological exploration. The Rebuild of Evangelion films start off similarly but later diverge, introducing new characters and drastically altering the story, especially after Evangelion 2.0.

Do I need to watch Death(True)² or Death & Rebirth?

Not necessarily. Death(True)² is mostly a recap of the TV series with some additional scenes, but it doesn’t offer anything essential to the overall plot. If you’ve already seen the original series, you can skip it.

Should I watch the original series or the Rebuild movies first?

If you’re a newcomer, it’s recommended to watch the original TV series and The End of Evangelion first, as this is the core of the Neon Genesis Evangelion story. The Rebuild films can then be enjoyed as a re-imagining or alternate universe take on the story.

Is The End of Evangelion necessary?

Absolutely! The End of Evangelion provides a more comprehensible and action-packed conclusion to the original TV series, especially for those confused by the last two episodes.

Where can I watch all versions of Evangelion?

The original TV series and movies (The End of Evangelion and Death(True)²) are available on Netflix, while the Rebuild films are available on Prime Video.

What is the “true” ending of Evangelion?

Many fans consider The End of Evangelion as the true ending to the original series. However, if you follow the Rebuild films, Evangelion 3.0+1.0 serves as the conclusion for that alternate storyline.

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