The Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise has been a beloved and thought-provoking series for over two decades, with a complex and intricate storyline that has captivated audiences worldwide. However, with the numerous movies, TV series, and spin-offs, it can be challenging to determine the best watch order. Let’s break down the Evangelion watch order, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the franchise.
The Original Series (1995)
The original Neon Genesis Evangelion series, directed by Hideaki Anno, consists of 26 episodes and is the foundation of the franchise. The series follows Shinji Ikari, a young boy who pilots the giant humanoid robot Evangelion to fight against the mysterious beings known as Angels.
The Movies (1997-2021)
The Evangelion franchise has spawned several movies, each offering a unique perspective on the story. Here’s a brief overview of each movie:
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (1997): A compilation movie that retells the story of the original series, with some new footage.
2. The End of Evangelion (1997): A movie that serves as an alternate ending to the original series, exploring the psychological effects of the events on Shinji and his friends.
3. Revival of Evangelion (1998): A compilation movie that combines Death & Rebirth and The End of Evangelion.
4. Rebuild of Evangelion (2007-2021): A tetralogy of movies that retell the story of the original series, with new characters, plotlines, and animation. The movies are:
– 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+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time (2021)
The Watch Order
Now that we’ve covered the different components of the Evangelion franchise, here’s a suggested watch order:
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995): Start with the original series to get a feel for the story, characters, and themes.
2. Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (1997): Watch this compilation movie to see an alternate take on the story.
3. The End of Evangelion (1997): Experience the psychological and emotional conclusion to the original series.
4. Rebuild of Evangelion (2007-2021): Watch the tetralogy of movies, which offer a new and expanded take on the story.
Alternative Watch Orders
If you’re looking for alternative watch orders, here are a few options:
– Chronological Order: Watch the original series, followed by Death & Rebirth, The End of Evangelion, and then the Rebuild of Evangelion movies.
– Release Order: Watch the original series, followed by the movies in the order they were released (Death & Rebirth, The End of Evangelion, Rebuild of Evangelion).
– Thematic Order: Watch the original series, followed by the Rebuild of Evangelion movies, and then The End of Evangelion (which explores the themes and consequences of the story).
The Evangelion watch order can be complex, but with this guide, you’ll be able to navigate the franchise with ease. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned fan, the Evangelion series has something to offer, with its thought-provoking themes, complex characters, and stunning animation. So, grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and experience the epic story of Neon Genesis Evangelion!
