One of the most influential anime series of the ’90s, Neon Genesis Evangelion remains a cult classic even after decades. It has literally shaped an entire generation of anime fans. Despite being a fantasy sci-fi series, its deep psychological themes remain just as relevant by modern anime standards.
Therefore, it’s necessary to address the correct watch order for Neon Genesis Evangelion. Why? For new-gen anime fans who are willing to give the series a try, it can be a bit confusing. There are multiple movies, after all, and even the original anime series had a rather unconventional release pattern. Thus, the guide below should help you have a smoother experience with the franchise.
What Is the Best Order to Watch Neon Genesis Evangelion?
If you want a spoiler-free guide to dive into the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime, then the list below is the quickest roadmap to experiencing everything the series has to offer. From the original series to the latest rebuild movie, each is included here:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
- Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone
- Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance
- Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo
- Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time
Of course, some entries in this list may feel a bit confusing at your first watch, as it happens with most new fans. That’s why we’ve explained each part chronologically with a bit more editorial nuance later in the article. So keep reading.
A Chronological Listing of Every Neon Genesis Evangelion Season and Movie
Why is a chronological watch order for the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime and movies necessary? While the original anime wraps up the main storyline, the rebuild films provide a more satisfying conclusion. That’s why you’re advised to watch both to get the full experience, which makes following this chronological order matter.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion
What the original 26-episode Neon Genesis Evangelion did best was explore psychological themes of depression and individuality. And it didn’t just stop there. Despite being one of the most influential mecha anime series, it masterfully tackled themes of religion and even human evolution. All of this was exceptionally done in this very first installment of the franchise.
NOTE: After finishing Neon Genesis Evangelion, you can choose to watch the Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth movie, which is basically a bridge between the anime series and the conclusion movie. The first half of the movie is a retelling of the series (Death), while the second half includes the first 30 minutes of The End of Evangelion.
2. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
After you finish watching the original 26-episode anime, you will surely be left with thousands of questions. And that’s where The End of Evangelion movie comes in. It essentially replaces the last two episodes of the original anime and adds completely new material. However, many of its creative choices can still feel quite ambiguous at times, as it is more like an artistic interpretation of the franchise’s finale.
The very conclusion of the movie is also made deliberately difficult to grasp. So much so that it has even polarized the fanbase to a certain extent. Even so, from a narrative point of view, The End of Evangelion is nothing short of a masterpiece.
NOTE: You technically can start your Evangelion journey from the below-mentioned Rebuild movies, as they are a reimagining of the original plot. However, after the first film, they offer completely new material that becomes a must-watch even for original EVA fans.
3. Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone
The very first film of the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy remains fairly faithful to the first six episodes of the original anime. So, after watching the original series, if you watch this movie, it will definitely give you a better understanding of the major plot points presented in the storyline. And of course, the improved animation and fitting soundtrack will further enhance the experience.
4. Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance
Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance is where things start to change from the original. The major change in this movie is the introduction of a new character, Mari Illustrious Makinami, who becomes a major part of the cast in the future movies. The animation also looks sharper and more dynamic in this movie. So, it will be a great time to catch the differences from the original, even for first-time viewers.
5. Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo
Almost everything changes in Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo. The story takes place 14 years after the events of Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance. A bunch of new characters are introduced in this movie. And this is where the movie truly becomes a complete reimagining, only taking slight inspiration from the original.
6. Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time
The deserving finale that fans had hoped for from the franchise as a whole finally arrived with Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time. This is one of the longest anime films ever produced, and why wouldn’t it be? There were so many things that needed to be addressed after the ending of the 3.33 movie. Fortunately, this movie filled in all the gaps that the series could’ve left unexplored. Thus, after finishing 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time, your Evangelion journey will finally come to a close.
A Quick Glance at Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s Release Order
Although the chronological order would be the best way for you to watch Neon Genesis Evangelion, you might also want to watch it in the release order as well. After all, the only difference there is the Death and Rebirth movie. So, here it is:
| TITLE | RELEASE DATE | MAL SCORE (as of July 18, 2026) |
| 1. Neon Genesis Evangelion | October 4, 1995 | 8.37/10 |
| 2. Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth | March 15, 1997 | 7.50/10 |
| 3. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion | July 19, 1997 | 8.57/10 |
| 4. Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone | September 1, 2007 | 8.00/10 |
| 5. Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance | June 27, 2009 | 8.29/10 |
| 6. Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo | November 17, 2012 | 7.67/10 |
| 7. Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time | March 8, 2021 | 8.58/10 |
Does the Neon Genesis Evangelion Anime Have Any Fillers?
In its entirety, Neon Genesis Evangelion does not have any filler episodes within its chronological release order, including both the anime episodes and the movies. In fact, the Death and Rebirth movie is also technically a recap, but not exactly a filler.
That said, there’s a spin-off series of Evangelion that many people might not even know exists, which can be considered a definitive filler, called Petit Eva: Evangelion@School. The spin-off throws the original anime’s psychological themes out the window and reimagines the characters as classmates at Tokyo-3’s Nerv School. So, if you want to watch your favorite characters in a rather lighthearted setting, then you can always give this spin-off a try.
Where to Watch Neon Genesis Evangelion Online?
All 26 episodes of the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime, the Evangelion: Death and Rebirth film (also known as Evangelion: Death (True)²), and The End of Evangelion are currently available to watch on Netflix. However, after finishing them, the Rebuild of Evangelion movies are unfortunately not available on the platform.
All four Rebuild of Evangelion movies are exclusively available on Prime Video, which you can watch with a subscription.
With that said, let us know how helpful this guide has been for you.
The original Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series can be watched on Netflix, while the rebuild movies are currently available to watch on Prime Video.
