Is Neon Genesis Evangelion Finished?#
If you are looking for a straightforward “yes” or “no,” the answer is a bit more complex. The original Neon Genesis Evangelion series aired from 1995 to 1996 and provides a narrative foundation. However, to get a truly satisfying conclusion, viewers generally need to look beyond the original broadcast.
There is an alternate ending provided in the film The End of Evangelion, as well as a complete alternate retelling of the story through a series of films known as the “Rebuilds,” which culminates in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time. If you only watch the initial series, you may find yourself wanting more; therefore, we highly recommend continuing with the films to fully resolve the plot.
If you’re ready to dive into this psychological journey, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
What is Neon Genesis Evangelion About?#
Set in the city of Neo Tokyo-3, the story follows 14-year-old Shinji Ikari, who is summoned by his cold and estranged father years after their separation. Shinji is thrust into the role of a pilot for EVA01, a giant robot designed to protect humanity from enigmatic invaders known as “angels.”
Themes and Appeal#
While it features “super robot” and mecha action, Neon Genesis Evangelion is far more than a military sci-fi show. It is a heavy psychological drama and tragedy that explores themes of self-acceptance and familial trauma. It is best suited for audiences who enjoy stories that challenge their emotions and delve deep into the human psyche.
Because of its legendary status and deep lore, there is a vast array of collectibles available. You can buy Neon Genesis Evangelion merchandise here to celebrate your journey through Neo Tokyo-3.
Navigating the Watch Order#
The Evangelion franchise can be daunting due to its various alternate endings and retellings. To help you navigate, we have mapped out the best paths based on your goals. For a detailed visual breakdown, please refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.
The Release Order#
If you want to experience the series as the world did, follow this sequence:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (Original Series)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (Remix)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (Alternate Ending)
- Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone $\rightarrow$ 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance $\rightarrow$ 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo $\rightarrow$ 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time (The Rebuild series)
The Recommended Order for Newcomers#
For those who want the most cohesive experience, we suggest starting with the original series and immediately following it with the alternate ending film to close that narrative loop before moving on to the Rebuilds.
The Completionist’s Path#
For those who want every single piece of content, the order expands significantly. After the original series and The End of Evangelion, you should watch Death & Rebirth, the entire Rebuild movie tetralogy, and the supplementary film Evangelion: 3.0 [-46h]. You can also add the Petit Eva - Evangelion@School anime and the Evangelion 30th Anniversary Special Screening short to your list.
For Fans of Source Material#
If you don’t mind supplementing your viewing with reading, there is a Neon Genesis Evangelion manga that serves as an alternate retelling. This opens the door to a variety of spinoff manga, including Campus Apocalypse, The Shinji Ikari Detective Diary, Tony Takezaki’s Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Legend of the Piko-Piko Middle School Students. There is also Evangelion: Angelic Days and The Shinji Ikari Raising Project.
You can buy the Neon Genesis Evangelion manga to explore these different perspectives of the characters.
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Neon Genesis Evangelion • anime • 1995-10-04 to 1996-03-27
└─(alternate ending)→ Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion • anime • 1997
└─(remix)→ Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth • anime • 1997
└─(alternate retelling)→ Neon Genesis Evangelion • manga • 1995
└─(related)→ Neon Genesis Evangelion: Campus Apocalypse • manga • 2008-03-26
└─(spinoff)→ Neon Genesis Evangelion: Comic Tribute • manga • 2010-04-03
└─(spinoff)→ Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Detective Diary • manga • 2010-02-24 to 2010-11-24 (serialized in Asuka)
└─(spinoff)→ Tony Takezaki's Neon Genesis Evangelion • manga • 2011-10-01
└─(spinoff)→ Neon Genesis Evangelion: Legend of the Piko-Piko Middle School Students • manga • 2014-04-04 (serialized in <i>Young Ace</i>)
└─(alternate retelling)→ Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days • manga • 2003-11 (Begins serialization in Asuka Comics)
└─(alternate retelling)→ Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone • anime • 2007-09-01
└─(sequel)→ Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance • anime • 2009 (Japan)
└─(sequel)→ Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo • anime • 2012-11-17
└─(sequel)→ Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time • anime • 2021-03-08
└─(related)→ Evangelion: 3.0 [-46h] • anime • 2023-03-08
└─(related)→ Petit Eva - Evangelion@School • anime • 2009-03-11
└─(related)→ Petit Eva First • manga • 2008
└─(related)→ Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project • manga • 2006-03-25
└─(related)→ Evangelion 30th Anniversary Special Screening • anime • 2026-02-21 (screened at Evangelion:30+;)
