Navigating the World of Neon Genesis Evangelion: A Comprehensive Viewing Guide

For many anime enthusiasts, diving into the world of Neon Genesis Evangelion can feel overwhelming. This complex saga weaves together intricate themes, compelling characters, and an intricate narrative that has stood the test of time. With an original series comprised of 26 episodes, followed by a series of films, the viewing order may seem simple at first glance but is actually quite layered. This guide breaks down how to best enjoy the Neon Genesis Evangelion universe, ensuring viewers experience the heart of Shinji's journey without getting lost in its enigmatic structure.

Discovering the Core Anime Series

At the heart of the Neon Genesis Evangelion experience is the original anime series, consisting of 26 engaging episodes. You can easily access this series through streaming services such as Netflix, which also includes director’s cuts for episodes 21 through 24. While the original broadcast versions of these episodes are harder to locate, the director’s cuts offer a more comprehensive view of the story, effectively enhancing the experience for new viewers.

It’s important to note that the subtitles used in the Netflix version have been revised, which may spark some debate among fans, particularly regarding the dynamics of several key relationships. However, for accessibility and ease, most viewers will find the Netflix version to be a rewarding entry point into the narrative.

Completing the Journey with End of Evangelion

Once you've immersed yourself in all 26 episodes, the next step is to watch the feature film, End of Evangelion. This movie serves as a critical extension and conclusion to the series, bridging important gaps in the story and providing closure to Shinji’s tumultuous journey. Luckily, this film is also accessible through Netflix, making it simple to jump into.

The Rebuild of Evangelion: A Fresh Perspective

In the 21st century, the creator Hideaki Anno revisited the Neon Genesis Evangelion narrative with a series of four recap films, collectively known as the Rebuild of Evangelion. The names of these films are listed here: Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, and Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. For home viewing, these films were re-released with additional content—specifically, versions designated as 1.11, 2.22, and 3.33. These enhanced versions build upon the originals and are available on Amazon Prime Video.

While the Rebuild films offer a fresh take on the story and reimagine certain narratives, it’s essential to watch them after completing the original series and End of Evangelion to avoid significant spoilers. Thus, the recommended viewing sequence is: all 26 episodes of the original series, followed by End of Evangelion, and culminating in the four Rebuild movies.

The Broader Chronological Perspective

For those seeking a more intricate understanding of the story, you might consider watching Neon Genesis Evangelion in chronological order. This approach, however, requires more careful navigation through the episodes and movie.

To follow this order, start with episodes 1 through 24. Next, watch the first hour of End of Evangelion. Then, transition to episodes 25 and 26 for an introspective view of the main characters during a pivotal narrative moment. Finally, finish with the remaining portion of End of Evangelion before moving on to the Rebuild films. While this viewing method provides additional context, many fans recommend sticking with the traditional order for the sake of clarity and narrative flow.

What About Evangelion: Death(True)2?

One piece of media that some viewers may encounter is Evangelion: Death(True)2, also known as Evangelion: Death and Rebirth. This film is a compilation of the original series, featuring a recapitulation of events alongside some newly animated scenes. The 'Rebirth' section offers a sneak peek into the first part of End of Evangelion and was originally intended as a teaser for Japanese audiences.

Despite its interesting premise, it is advisable to skip this film if you are looking for essential plot details. It does not add significant value to the overall understanding of the series, making it easy for first-time viewers to forego this addition. If you aim for complete familiarity with the franchise, you will find that watching it after episode 26 and before End of Evangelion might suffice, but it ultimately holds no critical importance.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Embarking on the journey of watching Neon Genesis Evangelion may seem daunting at first due to its complexity and often perplexing nature. However, with the right viewing order, including the accessibility of the series and its films on various streaming platforms, you're equipped to explore this legendary anime without the guesswork.

To summarize, the ideal viewing order for Neon Genesis Evangelion is: the complete 26-episode series on Netflix, followed by End of Evangelion, and then the four Rebuild films available on Amazon Prime Video. Whether you choose to watch it in the traditional order, explore the chronological perspective, or skip non-essential films like Evangelion: Death(True)2, you’ll find yourself immersed in a captivating story that has captivated audiences for decades. Dive into this phenomenon and witness the impactful narratives and themes that continue to resonate with viewers around the world!