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Neon Genesis Evangelion

Original title: Shinseiki Evangelion
  • TV Series
  • 1995–1996
  • TV-MA
  • 24m
IMDb RATING
8.5/10
98K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
735
33
Megumi Hayashibara, Kotono Mitsuishi, Yûko Miyamura, Megumi Ogata, Fumihiko Tachiki, and Yuriko Yamaguchi in Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
In 2015. Tokyo 3 is under attack by powerful creatures known as the Angels. The young Shinji Ikari is chosen to pilot the Humanoid Decisive Weapon Evangelion - the only way for humanity to battle the Angels. The 26-episode series that started it all, "Neon Genesis Evangelion," and the two feature films 'The End of Evangelion' and 'Evangelion: Death (True)2,' will stream on Netflix from Spring 2019.
Play trailer0:56
10 Videos
99+ Photos
Action EpicAdult AnimationAlien InvasionAnimeComing-of-AgeCyberpunkDystopian Sci-FiEpicHand-Drawn AnimationKaiju

A teenage boy finds himself recruited as a member of an elite team of pilots by his father.A teenage boy finds himself recruited as a member of an elite team of pilots by his father.A teenage boy finds himself recruited as a member of an elite team of pilots by his father.

  • Creator
    • Hideaki Anno
  • Stars
    • Megumi Ogata
    • Megumi Hayashibara
    • Kotono Mitsuishi
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.5/10
    98K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    735
    33
    • Creator
      • Hideaki Anno
    • Stars
      • Megumi Ogata
      • Megumi Hayashibara
      • Kotono Mitsuishi
    • 328User reviews
    • 31Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated TV #226
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination total

    Episodes26

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-ratedSeason

    Videos10

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 0:56
    Official Trailer
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Platinum Edition
    Trailer 1:16
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Platinum Edition
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Platinum Edition
    Trailer 1:16
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Platinum Edition
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: Perfect Collection
    Trailer 1:10
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: Perfect Collection
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Platinum Edition
    Trailer 1:17
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Platinum Edition
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Perfect Collection
    Trailer 1:13
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Perfect Collection
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: Director's Cut Vol 1 --Resurrection
    Trailer 1:47
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: Director's Cut Vol 1 --Resurrection

    Photos694

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    + 686
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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Megumi Ogata
    Megumi Ogata
    • Shinji Ikari…
    • 1995–1996
    Megumi Hayashibara
    Megumi Hayashibara
    • Rei Ayanami…
    • 1995–1996
    Kotono Mitsuishi
    Kotono Mitsuishi
    • Misato Katsuragi…
    • 1995–1996
    Spike Spencer
    Spike Spencer
    • Shinji Ikari
    • 1995–1996
    Allison Keith-Shipp
    Allison Keith-Shipp
    • Misato Katsuragi
    • 1995–1996
    Sue Ulu
    Sue Ulu
    • Ritsuko Akagi
    • 1995–1996
    Amanda Winn Lee
    Amanda Winn Lee
    • Rei Ayanami
    • 1995–1996
    Tristan MacAvery
    Tristan MacAvery
    • Gendo Ikari
    • 1995–1996
    Tiffany Grant
    Tiffany Grant
    • Asuka Langly Soryu
    • 1995–1996
    Guil Lunde
    • Kozo Fuyutsuki
    • 1995–1996
    Matt Greenfield
    Matt Greenfield
    • Makoto Hyuga
    • 1995–1996
    Kendra Benham
    • Maya Ibuki
    • 1995–1996
    Jason Lee
    • Shigeru Aoba
    • 1995–1996
    Casey Mongillo
    • Shinji Ikari (2019 re-dub)
    • 1995–1996
    Carrie Keranen
    Carrie Keranen
    • Misato Katsuragi (2019 re-dub)
    • 1995–1996
    Erica Lindbeck
    Erica Lindbeck
    • Ritsuko Akagi (2019 re-dub)
    • 1995–1996
    Ryan Bartley
    Ryan Bartley
    • Rei Ayanami (2019 re-dub)
    • 1995–1996
    Pedro D'Aguillón Jr.
    • Seele Member
    • 1995–1996
    • Creator
      • Hideaki Anno
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews328

    8.597.5K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' delves into depression, trauma, and existential angst, focusing on characters' personal fears and suffering. It explores complex psychological and philosophical questions about humanity, relationships, and childhood experiences. The series alternates between mecha battles and introspective character studies, emphasizing emotional and mental struggles. Its blend of action, drama, and philosophical inquiry offers a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience, though some find its psychological depth overwhelming.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    bodycry

    Anime with a twist.

    The Evangelion series is based on some of Sigmund Freuds non discussed theories and banned portions of the Bible that the mainstream do not know about but are well documented. The series points out what the original Bible does, shows the dualities we face in life whereas the homogenized version of the bible(new testament) would have you believe in a more monotheistic point of view. The mention of Lillith in this series which is Adams real first wife in the Bible not Eve as the newer versions of the bible would have you believe. Its hard to comprehend some portions of this Anime series without knowing a little about the unknown portions of the Bible such as the mentioning of Lillth and the Angels and Eva's. The Eva's are humankinds attempt at making the Angels which in the bible fell from heaven. The angels in this interpretation are trying to destroy mankind instead of eating them like in the original bible transcripts(Same idea). This series is a great interpretation of a lot of unknown aspects of the Bible and throwing in a little Freud and some elements of B.F. Skinners take on behaviours(such as the Absolute Terror Field which is created by children without a strong Female in their life,usually males Frued states abused children can create an AT barrier to keep others away)(Hypotheticaly but in this series it visually appears as a shield or as an attack weapon as in the knife). On the outside this is a great animated movie by studio Gainax/ studio I.G. but when your dwelve into the actual plot of is so beautifully orchestrated chaos. The game Xenogears was loosely based off this anime although more on the Psych aspect. This series has yet to be matched by any anime. I caught wind of this anime since I'm a big fan of MacrossPlus. I've been an anime fan since my pops went to Japan in the early 80s and always had awesome Mecha toys when he came back. This is a series you cannot passup. Rent them or buy them but take an entire day because you'll want to just watch the entire series all the way thru, its that good.
    8enricoshapka

    What do you wish?

    Now I understand why people say this is the anime of animes. First don't watch this anime if you're not mature or 18+. There's also some epileptic and tripping parts that should be warned before watching. This is one of the darkest, most depressing and disturbing anime I've seen. After half episodes it becomes the real thing (hate,nudity,tools,betrayals for each character). The characters are likeable, the drawings are good and music is amazing, you can really see it's a 90's anime. But holy the Story is fkd up and disturbing. The last 2 episodes can be skipped if you don't want to see the perspective of Shinji. I agree that this is overrated but it's a great anime, that I don't recommend to children but adults.
    xstrongmenalsocryx

    Greatest Achievement in Audio/Visual Entertainment

    Whether you enjoy the world of anime or not this is an experience you must have before you die. Nothing else in the world is like it. For the sake of your personal experience I cannot tell you much about it and here's why. The first 20 some episodes you are immersed in the semi-futuristic world of Tokyo 3 and the characters are developed beautifully, some of the best character development I've ever witnessed. You get a very very good feel for the world and the situation they live in, only to have that blown away in the final episodes. Please for the sake of yourself watch this, from the start, you will not regret it.

    Hideaki Anno has conceived of a story more important to my life than any other.

    Hideaki Anno is pure genius.
    washuu

    This is real MUST SEE TV!

    This is quite possibly the best fantasy ever devised on the face of the planet. It has large unique mecca, nifty technology, emotional byplay, philosophical questions, great characters, unique music, great artwork... you name it it's got it. If you love anime watch it! If you hate anime watch it! Be warned though it looks deceptively simple at first. To get its full effect you must be willing to watch the entire series.
    Arnold-10

    The most controversial, talked about, and yes, impressive anime series ever...

    Well, what can I say about a series that's as absolutely mind-blowing as the 26 episodes and two movies that make up Neon Genesis Evangelion? This is, quite simply, a masterpiece. What starts out as a simple "save the world" mecha story evolves into a shocking and powerful psychological drama full of conspiracy, dysfunctional characters, and some of the most harrowingly emotional and painful fight scenes ever. Don't let the first several episodes fool you- they're entertaining enough, but the power of the series remains hidden.

    When I popped in the first video, I was excited to see a new anime, but otherwise pretty relaxed. By the end of episode 18 or so, my heart was racing, and I was nearly in tears. It never let up after that. This is not just an anime. This is an experience.

    More like this

    Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
    8.1
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
    Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time
    8.0
    Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth
    7.2
    Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth
    Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone
    7.5
    Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone
    Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
    7.9
    Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
    Cowboy Bebop
    8.9
    Cowboy Bebop
    Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo
    6.9
    Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo
    Berserk
    8.7
    Berserk
    Code Geass
    8.7
    Code Geass
    Death Note
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    Mob Psycho 100
    8.5
    Mob Psycho 100
    Steins;Gate
    8.8
    Steins;Gate

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The 2019 re-release on Netflix omits the ending theme, "Fly Me to the Moon" due to rights issues and replaces it with a piano theme from the series' original soundtrack. However, it's still present on the Japanese Netflix release. The replacement (among other changes) was widely criticized by western fans.
    • Goofs
      In one episode, Rei and Shinji exchange EVAs during an experiment in synchronizing. However, when Shinji speaks to Rei over the video link, her display shows him as broadcasting from "EVA-01", his normal EVA, when he should be shown in "EVA-00", her normal EVA.
    • Quotes

      Ryoji Kaji: So, can I buy you a drink? Cup o' tea?

      Shinji Ikari: Kaji, I'm a boy.

    • Crazy credits
      A different version of "Fly Me to the Moon" is played in each episode.
    • Alternate versions
      The international version released on Netflix in 2019 omits "Fly Me to the Moon" by Claire Littley and replaces it with a piano track from the show's original soundtrack.
    • Connections
      Edited into Evangelion: Death (True)² (1998)

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    FAQ18

    • How many seasons does Neon Genesis Evangelion have?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 20, 1997 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • Japan
    • Languages
      • Japanese
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Evangelion
    • Production companies
      • Gainax
      • Nihon Ad Systems (NAS)
      • TV Tokyo
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      24 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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