Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion
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Neon Genesis Evangelion

"Mankind's greatest fear is mankind itself."

8.6
Yr 1995
Rt 25m
Status Ended
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Animation Drama
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Series Brief

Overview

At the turn of the century, the Angels returned to Earth, seeking to wipe out humanity in an apocalyptic fury. Devastated, mankind's last remnants moved underground to wait for the day when the Angels would come back to finish the job. Fifteen years later, that day has come... but this time, humanity is ready to fight back with terrifying bio-mechanical weapons known as the Evangelions. Watch as Shinji, Rei, Asuka and the rest of the mysterious shadow agency Nerv battle to save earth from total annihilation.

Status

Latest

  • Evangelion streaming on Criterion Channel Sept. 1 — July 30, 2026 (ign.com, polygon.com)
Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 90 /100

Neon Genesis Evangelion is widely regarded as a titan of the genre and a definitive anime masterpiece. Critics praise the series for its dark, gritty, and innovative approach to storytelling, noting that it successfully blends intense giant-robot action with complex psychoanalytic themes, existential angst, and deep character development.

While the show is celebrated for its technical craft, it is noted for its challenging and often bleak tone. Viewers are advised that the narrative is far from lighthearted, as it frequently explores themes of trauma, depression, and apocalyptic conflict. The series remains highly regarded for its longevity and its profound impact on the animation landscape decades after its initial 1995 broadcast.

“A masterclass in screenwriting, directing, editing, worldbuilding and character building.”

“A classic anime TV series that exposes existential angst and psychoanalytic processes behind trauma.”

“If you expect an animated feature to cheer you up or make you feel hopeful… there’s absolutely no shelter for you in the Tokyo-3 of Neon Genesis Evangelion.”

“The way it handled its subject material was dark, gritty, and was something that hadn’t been seen much if ever during the time period.”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Netflix
US • CA • UK
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US • CA • UK
Why fans love it

On the surface, the 1995 anime *Neon Genesis Evangelion* delivers exciting science fiction spectacle. Mankind's last remnants operate from underground, relying on the mysterious shadow agency Nerv to defend Earth against returning apocalyptic threats known as Angels. To fight back, young pilots like Shinji, Rei, and Asuka must control terrifying bio-mechanical weapons called Evangelions in high-stakes combat.

Beyond the giant robot battles, fans gravitate toward the series for its intense psychological drama and heavy symbolism. The story delves into themes of loss, affectation, and depression, placing the characters' internal struggles on equal footing with the threat of total annihilation. Anchored by voice performances like that of Megumi Ogata, the show remains a reflective, deeply layered exploration of trauma wrapped in an apocalyptic battle for survival.

Signal Match

Similarity

Where Neon Genesis Evangelion overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

angel depression symbolism affectation loss love mecha giant robot piloted robot cyberpunk self love self-loathing alien attack disturbed anime reflective psychological science fiction robots suspense suspenseful exciting depressing admiring post-apocalyptic
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
October 04, 1995
Status
Ended
Episode Runtime
25 minutes
Origin
JP
TMDB Votes
2,145