Introduction
The Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise is a masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades with its psychological depth, groundbreaking storytelling, and iconic visuals.
However, with multiple releases, alternate timelines, and reimagined narratives, understanding the best watch order can be daunting.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the release order and chronological order, helping both newcomers and returning fans experience the series to its fullest.
Release Order
Watching in release order lets you experience Evangelion as audiences originally did, witnessing its evolution from the 1990s classic to the modern Rebuild films.
| Year | Title | Format | Available Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995–1996 | Neon Genesis Evangelion | TV Series (26 episodes) | Netflix, Google Play Movies |
| 1997 | Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth | Theatrical Film | Not officially available on major streaming platforms |
| 1997 | Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion | Theatrical Film | Netflix |
| 1998 | Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death (TRUE)² | Theatrical Compilation Film | Netflix |
| 2007 | Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone | Rebuild Theatrical Film | Amazon Prime Video |
| 2009 | Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance | Rebuild Theatrical Film | Amazon Prime Video |
| 2012 | Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo | Rebuild Theatrical Film | Amazon Prime Video |
| 2021 | Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time | Rebuild Theatrical Film | Amazon Prime Video |
Chronological Order
The chronological order focuses on aligning the story’s timeline, including both the original and Rebuild universes. This order can help newcomers follow the narrative progression.
- Original Series Timeline
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (Episodes 1–24)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death (TRUE)² (Optional recap of Episodes 1–24)
- The End of Evangelion (Replaces Episodes 25–26 with an alternate conclusion)
- Rebuild Timeline
- Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone
- Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
- Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo
- Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
Synopsis and Highlights
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995–1996)
The iconic TV series follows Shinji Ikari as he pilots the giant mecha Evangelion to protect humanity from mysterious beings known as Angels.
It’s a deeply psychological and philosophical exploration of human relationships and identity.
The End of Evangelion (1997)
An alternate ending to the TV series, this film is visually stunning and emotionally intense, providing a definitive conclusion to the original timeline.
Rebuild Series (2007–2021)
A modern retelling of the original story with updated visuals and significant plot changes. Starting with Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone,
the series reimagines the narrative, culminating in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, which delivers a fresh and conclusive ending to the Rebuild timeline.
FAQ Section
- Do I need to watch both the original series and the Rebuild films?
While the Rebuild series offers an alternate storyline, the original series provides essential context and a deeper understanding of the franchise. - Can I skip Death (TRUE)²?
Yes, it’s a recap of Episodes 1–24 of the TV series and is not mandatory for understanding the story. - Which timeline is better for beginners?
Beginners may prefer starting with the Rebuild series for its modern animation and streamlined story. Fans looking for the full experience should watch the original series first.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to follow the release order to witness Evangelion‘s evolution or the chronological order for a streamlined narrative experience,
this franchise offers a unique blend of psychological depth and breathtaking visuals. With this guide, you can navigate the complex timelines and fully immerse yourself in the world of Evangelion.
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