Reader’s Question:
I’m thinking about starting to watch Evangelion, but I would like to know the best order to watch it in. If possible, could you also include information about the movies?
Unpacking the Evangelion Viewing Order
So, I remember the first time I decided to dive into the world of Neon
Genesis Evangelion. A friend of mine, who’s a huge anime buff, convinced me that it was a must-watch. Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting into! I settled down one evening with a bowl of popcorn—probably too much popcorn, actually—and hit play on the first episode. Now, when it comes to the best way to watch Evangelion, I found that starting with the original TV series is definitely the way to go. You really get the full experience of Shinji, Rei, and Asuka’s complex dynamics right from the get-go. It’s like being introduced to a wild group of friends who all have their quirks and unresolved issues. Watching their interactions is both heartwarming and, at times, hilariously awkward—especially when Shinji is just trying to figure out life while, you know, piloting a giant robot. After you finish the series, you should definitely check out the Air/まごころを君に movie. It’s like a culmination of everything you’ve just seen, but it also takes you on a deeper dive into the characters’ psyches. I remember watching it and thinking, “Wow, this is a complete mind-bend!” There were moments that made me laugh and others that left me scratching my head, wondering if I had missed something profound. Then, if you’re in for a treat, move on to the Rebuild of Evangelion movies. These are a reimagining of the original series, starting with 新劇場版序, then 破, and finally Q. The animation is stunning and the storytelling is a fresh twist on what you’ve already experienced. But fair warning: Q is a bit of a trip. I found myself laughing at some scenes simply because they were so unexpected! And then there’s シンエヴァ, which wraps everything up in a way that’s both satisfying and, honestly, pretty emotional. I found myself reminiscing about all the ups and downs of the characters as I watched the final moments unfold. It’s funny to think about how I approached this epic journey, munching on snacks and trying to keep track of the themes and complex character arcs. There were definitely times I felt overwhelmed, but I loved how the show continually pushed boundaries and made me think. If you’ve watched Evangelion before or are planning to, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What was your favorite moment? Did you have any quirky snacks or drinks that made the experience even better? Share your stories in the comments!
