The Evangelion franchise in release order. Includes the original series, it’s concluding film, the feature length series and movie re-edits, and the Rebuild films.
As is stated in the comments, I’d first recommend watching the original series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and it’s conclusion, End of Evangelion. This is the definitive Evangelion story.
If you’re hungry for more, watch the four films in the Rebuild series. My opinions have softened on the Rebuilds with time, mostly due to the fourth film being such a strong conclusion. It finally made the previous three feel like they have a reason to exist.
Since creating this list I’ve changed the purpose of the list to be chronological as opposed to my personal ranking, which…
The Evangelion franchise in release order. Includes the original series, it’s concluding film, the feature length series and movie re-edits, and the Rebuild films.
As is stated in the comments, I’d first recommend watching the original series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and it’s conclusion, End of Evangelion. This is the definitive Evangelion story.
If you’re hungry for more, watch the four films in the Rebuild series. My opinions have softened on the Rebuilds with time, mostly due to the fourth film being such a strong conclusion. It finally made the previous three feel like they have a reason to exist.
Since creating this list I’ve changed the purpose of the list to be chronological as opposed to my personal ranking, which can now be found HERE. I didn’t really expect this to become the Letterboxd Evangelion list but here we are.
—RECOMMENDATIONS—
Other Mecha anime that have similar themes and vibes to Evangelion? Try RahXephon or Bokurano. These ones are just as messed up, especially Bokurano.
Love the gorgeous grit of the 90’s animation and the deep and tightly written characters? Please please PLEASE watch Cowboy Bebop if you haven’t already. Probably my favorite piece of fictional media. Wonderful.
Love Anno’s directing style and approach to man vs monster of godlike power? Try Shin Godzilla. This one is crazy unique and worth a watch even if you’ve never touched a Godzilla film before.
Like the monster vs mech premise but aren’t so hot on the psychological drama? Pacific Rim has you covered. America’s silliest and best kaiju flick (in my opinion of course)
Fan of the psychological and cyberpunk-esque look into the future? Serial Experiments Lain is another cult classic. Now take that but switch psychological with philosophical police procedural, and you have the Ghost in the Shell franchise. Another personal favorite of mine.
Want another mecha anime directed by Hidaeki Anno? Try Gunbuster. This one just got a blu-ray release with a fresh dub.
Love the robots but want something a bit less grounded? Try Gurren Lagann, from the very same studio that brought you Evangelion. This one is WILD.
—MY TERRIBLE REVIEWS—
Here are my very dated Evangelion reviews, if you for some reason want to see those. I’ll warn you now: they’re very bad.
End of Evangelion (though really it’s a review of the show. NGE hadn’t been added to Letterboxd yet so I had to make due)
Evangelion 1.0
Evangelion 2.0
Evangelion 3.0
Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0
