Evangelion is one of the most recognizable anime universes, gaining well-deserved popularity around the world. In Russia, the original series was broadcast in 2005, at about the same time the full edition on DVD was released, which was reprinted only once - in 2009. The order of the Evangelion series was observed impeccably. But here numerous sequels, branches and alternative versions of history have not officially entered our country.
It is not surprising that a viewer who learns about this anime on the Internet or from friends may not understand in what order to watch Evangelion. The original series was released in 1995, and since that time, the world in which teenagers control combat robots to protect their planet from cruel Angels has been divided into two parallel stories. Looking at them in the order of exit, you can track how the author’s attitude towards his own characters has changed, to evaluate the development of animation and special effects.
What is Evangelion?
The original Evangelion was a real breakthrough in animation culture. With limited funding, a small staff and a tight time frame for television broadcast, screenwriter and director Hideaki Anno created a masterpiece that still resonates with a wide range of cultural circles.
Evangelion is a cruel, but honest story about growing up, finding your place in the world, forming connections and fighting the obstacles that life brings down to any teenager. In the grotesque world of Evangelion, NERV confronts powerful aggressive creatures with angels capable of destroying the whole world. Only EVA biorobots controlled by adolescents can fight them on equal terms. Children have to grow up very early, but the adults around them have to face a tragedy that can knock down even an emotionally mature person.
"Evangelion" is a series that continued in a feature film and turned into one of the most anticipated animated film franchises. This is an evil parody of the “fur” genre (Japanese cartoons and comics about combat robots), in which every detail matters. The dialogue with the viewer plunges into the narrative, forcing you to look for answers to the questions posed by the script in visual cues and numerous metaphors. The problems raised in this story are close and understandable to everyone, but they are presented from the angle from which we are not used to looking at ourselves. Perhaps that is why the meaning of the series "Evangelion" is still being discussed throughout the world.
Where to start: with the classics or with a remake?
Want to get a complete story? Then your choice is the original series with full-length sequels. This version is considered canonical: it is it that is revered throughout the world as a classic. The main characters of this story, Ikari Shinji and Ayanami Ray, are recognized as the most popular anime characters of the 90s. Their new, "improved" prototypes failed to repeat success: the new "Evangelion" is not watched for the sake of the characters.
If the quality of the image and special effects is more important to you than the presence of the final scene and the duration of the story, then try to get acquainted with the franchise with Rebuild of Evangelion. This version consists of 4 feature films (one has not yet been released), tells about events in a new way and adds a new character. The stunning quality of the graphics allows you to close your eyes to some plot flaws and enjoy the adventure. In addition, due to the full-length format, this option is shorter by several hours.
How to watch the 1995 Evangelion?
Surprisingly, fans are even debating about the order in which they watch the Evangelion series, aired on Japanese television in 1995. This is due to a sharp drop in the visual quality of the series in the last two series. Funding problems forced the creator to abandon the original plans for the original finale. As a conclusion, the audience received an “abstract” series, which differs from the main story both in terms of speed of storytelling and visual style.
The series Neon Genesis Evangelion can be watched in three ways:
- The original order up to the 20th series, inclusive, then the Director's Cut versions for the 24th episode, then End of Evangelion.
- It's all the same, but after the 24th episode, watch the original ending of the series (episodes 25 and 26).
- The original version of the series without alternative endings and directorial versions. So you can get an idea of what the Japanese saw when the cult series was shown on TV for the first time.
The Director's Cut series are directorial versions of episodes that have suffered from a lack of funding, but still not far enough away from the original idea to be redrawn in its entirety. They contain additional points (up to 4 minutes per series), animation errors are fixed, and the background is improved.
Evangelion: Death - view or skip?
If you tried to figure out what order to watch Evangelion on your own, you might notice that in addition to End of Evangelion, there are two more films: Death and Death and Rebirth. Both of these films contain a compilation of the main plot events of the series, but the second also includes the beginning of End of Evangelion.
Evangelion: Death is recommended to watch for additional scenes and new perspectives on familiar events. It is watched before the full-length film End of Evangelion, but if you are not inclined to watch the retelling of the story you just got acquainted with, you can skip the compilation.
When to watch The End of the Evangelion?
The footage from the full-length animated film End of Evangelion (1997) is the reason why many are wondering in what order to watch Evangelion. The anime is so beautiful that viewers want to start watching immediately. But this will only ruin the impressions of the story, so it is recommended to be patient.
"The End of the Evangelion" is the author's end of the series. That’s how Hideaki Anno wanted to finish his story, so End is watched instead of the 25th and 26th episodes.
Rebuild of Evangelion: Full Restart
"Rebuild" puts familiar characters in new conditions. When watching Neon Genesis Evangelion, viewers repeatedly asked questions: what if the characters behaved differently? New films not only give comprehensive answers, but also turn the situation around 180 degrees. For this reason, it is recommended to start Rebild only after acquaintance with the main story: there will be more impressions.
Here's the order in which to watch the Evangelion of the new generation:
- You Are (Not) Alone (2007);
- You Can (Not) Advance (2009);
- You Can (Not) Redo (2012).
Films are completely consistent and look like a series of non-standard format.
Will there be a sequel?
The Rebuild version has not yet been completed. The premiere of the fourth (and final) film is scheduled for 2020; release date has not yet been announced.
The classic anime got its planned end in the film End of Evangelion, its official continuation is not planned.
Alternative stories
So now you know in what order to watch the Evangelion. But the acquaintance with the franchise does not end there. If you like Hideaki Anno's universe, be sure to check out the following branches:
- Chibi Eva. A parody animated series in 3D with 3-minute episodes. In this cartoon, your favorite characters enjoy a quiet life, go to school and end up in a variety of comedic situations.
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Manga. Comic adaptation contains some additional scenes and events. Many characters reveal themselves from new perspectives, including the main character.
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Shinji Ikari Raising Project. “Ikari Shinji Education Project” is a visual novel in which you manage the main character’s schedule. Developing the skills of the character, the player gets the opportunity to influence the plot of "Evangelion".
Although these additions do not apply to “canonical” sequels, they were created with the participation of people who worked on the original story, which means they definitely deserve attention.