Evangelion Order To Watch

Alright, so you're thinking about diving into Neon Genesis Evangelion, huh? Good choice! But then comes the age-old question: where do you even start? It's a valid concern. The Evangelion universe can seem like a tangled mess of angels, giant robots, and teenage angst. Fear not, friend! I'm here to guide you through it, chill style.

Think of it like ordering at a really, really complicated coffee shop. You could just wing it, but you might end up with a double-shot espresso when all you wanted was a simple latte. Let's avoid that, shall we?

The OG Experience: The Original Series

First, and arguably foremost, you gotta watch the original 26-episode TV series. This is the bedrock, the foundation upon which all the other Evangelion goodness is built. It's called Neon Genesis Evangelion (duh!). This is where you meet Shinji, Asuka, Rei, and the rest of the crew. This is where you see the Angels attack, the Evas fight, and the psychological drama unfolds. It's... intense.

Imagine watching the original Star Wars trilogy before the prequels. You get the core story, the emotional impact, and the cultural significance. Same deal here.

Why is it so cool? Well, beyond the awesome mech battles, it's the exploration of trauma, identity, and the human condition. It's like Power Rangers meets existential philosophy. Trippy, right?

End of Evangelion: The (Original) End

Okay, so you’ve finished the series. Now, here's where things get a little…Evangelion-y. The original ending of the TV series was... divisive. Some loved it, some hated it, some were just plain confused. This is where End of Evangelion comes in. This is a movie that offers an alternate ending to the original series. It takes place after episode 24, and it's... well, let's just say it's a visual and emotional rollercoaster.

Think of it like this: the TV ending is a cryptic poem, while End of Evangelion is a Shakespearean tragedy. Both powerful, both thought-provoking, but very different experiences.

Should you watch it? Absolutely. It’s a crucial part of the Evangelion experience. Just…prepare yourself. It's not exactly a feel-good movie.

The Rebuilds: A Modern Retelling

Now, let's talk about the Rebuild of Evangelion movies. These are a series of four films that retell and reimagine the original story. They are: 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.

Think of them as a remix of your favorite song. They take the familiar elements and add new beats, new instruments, and sometimes even new lyrics. The animation is stunning, the action is epic, and the story…well, it goes in some pretty wild directions.

The big question: When should you watch them? Many recommend watching them after the original series and End of Evangelion. This way, you have a good grasp of the characters and the underlying themes. You'll appreciate the changes and the additions more. It's like watching the director's cut after seeing the theatrical release.

But some people suggest watching them instead of the original series. Honestly, there's no wrong answer! It depends on what you're looking for. If you want a modern, visually stunning introduction to Evangelion, the Rebuilds are a great option. Just know that they diverge from the original story quite a bit, especially in the later films.

So, What's the Best Order?

Okay, so here’s the simplest, most popular order:

1. Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV Series - Episodes 1-26)
2. End of Evangelion (Movie)
3. Rebuild of Evangelion (Movies 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.0+1.0)

This order allows you to experience the original story in its rawest form, then explore its alternate ending, and finally see how it's been reimagined for a new generation.

But honestly, the most important thing is to just jump in and enjoy the ride. Don't get too hung up on the "right" way to watch it. The beauty of Evangelion is that it's open to interpretation. It's a series that rewards multiple viewings and encourages discussion. So, grab some snacks, settle in, and prepare to have your mind blown. You might even cry a little. We all do.

Happy watching!