Reader’s Question:
I don’t know anything about Evangelion, but I’m interested in watching it. Can you tell me the best order to watch it?
Discovering Evangelion: A Journey Worth Taking
So, I recently had a conversation with a friend who was curious about Neon Genesis Evangelion. Can you believe it? They had
never seen it! As someone who grew up watching it (and who might have a bit of a soft spot for giant robots and existential crises), I was excited to share my thoughts. I told them that the best way to dive into the world of Evangelion is to start with the original TV series. This is where the magic begins! It’s got that quintessential mix of drama, action, and some of the most memorable characters. The show runs for 26 episodes, and trust me, you’ll get hooked. After that, I suggested they check out the first movie, Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth. Now, this movie is a bit of a unique case. When it was released, the last two episodes of the TV series were reworked, so it serves as a sort of conclusion to the series. It’s like getting dessert after a hearty meal; you’re going to want it! Then, there’s another movie, Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death, which is essentially a recap of the TV series. I told my friend, “You can skip this one if you’re short on time, but it’s nice to have the option.” Now, here’s where it gets interesting. If they really wanted to dig deeper into the Evangelion universe, I recommended the manga by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki. It offers a different perspective on the story and characters, and it’s a treat for those who love reading. Plus, it’s always fun to see how adaptations differ from their source material, right?
Then Came the Rebuild Series
Once they’ve conquered the original series and its movie, I told them to brace themselves for the Rebuild of Evangelion film series. This four-part series is like a fresh take on the original, with new twists and turns. It’s fascinating how the creator, Hideaki Anno, weaves in new themes and ideas. I told my friend to expect the unexpected! The viewing order for these films is as follows: 1. Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone 2. Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance 3. Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo 4. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time I remember the first time I watched 1.0. I was sitting with a group of friends, snacks scattered everywhere, and we were just blown away by the animation and the emotional depth of the story. We laughed, we cried, and we even had a few awkward moments when someone accidentally spilled popcorn everywhere. Good times! By the end of our chat, I could see my friend’s eyes lighting up with excitement. They were ready to embark on this journey, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for my own experience.
Let’s Share Our Stories!
Have any of you watched Evangelion? What was your experience like? Did you have any favorite moments or characters? I’d love to hear your thoughts or any tips you might have for newcomers. Let’s chat in the comments!
