How to watch

Neon Genesis Evangelion Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Neon Genesis Evangelion series and movies in order

Last updated: September 30 2026

Written by: ChronoAlice

Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of anime's most influential works, but its mix of a classic series, alternate-ending films, and a full remake tetralogy makes the watch order genuinely confusing. This guide sorts it out.

Hideaki Anno's Evangelion follows teenager Shinji Ikari, drafted to pilot a giant biomechanical Eva against mysterious beings called Angels. The franchise spans the original 1990s television series, its controversial film ending, and a modern four-film 'Rebuild' retelling, so it pays to know where to begin.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order preserves the historical experience and is the path most longtime fans recommend for newcomers.

  1. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995–1996)
  2. Death & Rebirth (1997)
  3. The End of Evangelion (1997)
  4. Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007)
  5. Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009)
  6. Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012)
  7. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021)

Story chronology matters here because the 'Rebuild' films are a separate continuity that retells and then diverges from the original series.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Watch the original series and 'The End of Evangelion' as one complete story first, then treat the four 'Rebuild' films as a standalone continuity that starts familiar before charting its own bold path.

  1. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995–1996)
  2. The End of Evangelion (1997)
  3. Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007)
  4. Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009)
  5. Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012)
  6. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021)

Which Order Should You Choose?

Start with the original series, then watch 'The End of Evangelion' as its true finale β€” 'Death & Rebirth' is largely a recap you can skip. Afterward, enjoy the 'Rebuild' tetralogy as a modern reimagining. Watching in this order lets you appreciate both the raw original and how the newer films reflect on it.

πŸ”— Related Guides

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  • Naruto Watch OrderGuide
  • Death Note Watch OrderGuide

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