Where can I watch Neon Genesis Evangelion in the US/UK?

Netflix has the complete series (26 episodes) and The End of Evangelion with English dub and subtitles. Amazon Prime Video offers the Rebuild films (1.11, 2.22, 3.33, 3.0+1.01) for rental or purchase. Some regions may have different availability.

Is Rebuild of Evangelion a remake or sequel?

The Rebuild films (4 movies, 2007-2021) are an alternate reimagining, not a direct remake. They share characters and initial premise but the story diverges significantly. You can watch them without the original series, but watching the series first enhances appreciation of the differences.

How long does it take to watch all of Evangelion?

The TV series runs approximately 10 hours (26 episodes x 23 minutes). The End of Evangelion is 87 minutes. The 4 Rebuild films total about 7 hours. In total, watching all primary Evangelion content requires roughly 18-19 hours.

Home › Guides › Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion Watch Order: Complete Guide (TV Series, OVAs & Rebuild)

Q: How many episodes does Evangelion have?

The original TV series has 26 episodes (1995-1996). Additionally, there are 2 original films (1997) and 4 Rebuild films (2007-2021), totaling over 18 hours of content.

Q: What OVAs does Neon Genesis Evangelion have?

NGE doesn't have traditional filler OVAs. Extra content includes Death (True)² (2015, an extended cut of Death & Rebirth) and the CGI short EVANGELION:ANOTHER IMPACT (2015, 6 minutes).

Neon Genesis Evangelion (新世紀エヴァンゲリオン) is one of the most influential anime of all time and the definitive work in the psychological mecha genre. Created by Hideaki Anno in 1995, its universe spans across multiple series, films, and the Rebuild cycle (2007-2021). This guide explains the correct watch order for everything, what's essential, what's optional, and where to legally stream it in the US, UK, and other regions.

Anime fans at a Japanese convention — Evangelion continues to generate one of the most active fan communities worldwide, more than 30 years after its debut.

Quick Facts: Studio Gainax / Khara · Director Hideaki Anno · TV Series 26 episodes (1995-96) · 2 Original Films (1997) · 4 Rebuild Films (2007-2021) · Genres: Mecha, Sci-Fi, Psychological Drama

Complete Watch Order Table for Evangelion

All NGE content organized chronologically by release date, with indicators for whether it's required or optional:

#	Title	Type	Year	Episodes / Duration	Notes
1	Neon Genesis Evangelion	TV Series	1995–1996	26 ep. (~23 min each)	Essential Mandatory entry point
2	Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth	Film	1997	70 min	Optional Recap of ep. 1-24 + EoE preview
3	The End of Evangelion	Film	1997	87 min	Essential Canonical ending to episodes 25-26
4	Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death (True)²	OVA / Recut	2015	70 min	Optional Extended version of Death & Rebirth
5	Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone	Rebuild Film	2007	98 min	Essential Beginning of Rebuild cycle
6	Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance	Rebuild Film	2009	108 min	Essential Story significantly diverges from original
7	Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo	Rebuild Film	2012	96 min	Essential Major narrative shift
8	Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time	Rebuild Film	2021	155 min	Essential Definitive conclusion to the entire saga

Where Should You Start? Two Routes by Viewer Type

Route A — For the First-Time Viewer (Recommended)

Neon Genesis Evangelion TV Series (26 episodes) — Start here without exception. It introduces the universe, characters, and all the emotional and symbolic weight.
The End of Evangelion (1997) — The true ending of the series. It replaces the controversial episodes 25-26. Absolutely essential.
Optional: Death & Rebirth — Only if you want complete context or the Rebirth section (an alternate version of EoE's opening).

Route B — Rebuild Cycle as an Entry Point

You can watch the 4 Rebuild films (1.11 → 2.22 → 3.33 → 3.0+1.01) without seeing the original series. They're an alternate reimagining with a higher budget and superior visuals. However, many references and emotional resonance are better appreciated after watching the original series first.

Route C — Completionist Path

TV Series → Death & Rebirth (optional) → The End of Evangelion → Complete Rebuild (1.11, 2.22, 3.33, 3.0+1.01). This covers all official canon.

Japanese manga in a library — The original manga by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto was published alongside the series and offers a complementary perspective on the story.

What Are Evangelion's OVAs?

Evangelion doesn't have traditional filler OVAs. The "extra" content includes:

Death (True)² (2015) — An improved re-cut of the original Death film. Features new scenes and better image quality.
EVANGELION:ANOTHER IMPACT (Confidential) (2015) — A 6-minute CGI short produced for the Japan Anima(tor)'s Exhibition. Unrelated to the main plot.
Evangelion: 1.01 / 2.22 / 3.33 — Blu-ray versions of the Rebuild films include additional scenes compared to theatrical releases.

Official Neon Genesis Evangelion Trailer (Netflix)

Main Characters in NGE

Shinji Ikari — Protagonist. Pilot of EVA Unit-01. Introverted, haunted by fear of rejection, and has a devastated relationship with his father. The most analyzed character in modern anime.
Rei Ayanami — Pilot of EVA Unit-00. Enigmatic, reserved, with an origin that shakes the narrative's foundations.
Asuka Langley Soryu — Pilot of EVA Unit-02. Brilliant, competitive, and emotionally complex. One of anime's most beloved characters.
Misato Katsuragi — NERV Operations Officer and Shinji's guardian. Her past involving the Second Impact defines her as much as her military role.
Gendo Ikari — Shinji's father and NERV Commander. A cold antagonist whose motivations are gradually revealed.
Kaworu Nagisa — Appears in the final episodes. His relationship with Shinji is one of anime's most memorable moments.

Where to Watch Neon Genesis Evangelion (US/UK/International)

Platform	Available Content	English Audio
Netflix	Complete TV series (26 ep.) + The End of Evangelion	Yes (Dub + Subtitles)
Amazon Prime Video	TV series + Rebuild 1.11, 2.22, 3.33 (Rental/Purchase)	Yes
MUBI	Rotating availability of films	Subtitles

For more legal streaming options, check our guide to where to watch anime legally worldwide.

TV screen displaying Japanese anime — NGE is available on Netflix with English dub and subtitles, making it accessible to audiences worldwide.

Is Neon Genesis Evangelion Worth Watching in 2026?

Absolutely. Evangelion isn't just a giant robot anime—it's a work of art blending spectacular action with intense psychological exploration. Its themes—fear of rejection, depression, existential meaning, father-son dynamics—remain profoundly relevant three decades later. It influenced nearly every psychological mecha anime that followed, from Gurren Lagann to Darling in the FranXX.

Evangelion's arrival on Netflix in 2019 (with new translation and English dub) gave it a global resurgence that brought an entire generation of new fans. The Rebuild cycle's conclusion with 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time in 2021 delivered the cathartic ending the franchise needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neon Genesis Evangelion

What is the correct order to watch Neon Genesis Evangelion?

Start with: 1) TV Series (26 episodes, 1995-96), 2) The End of Evangelion (1997) as the canonical ending. Death & Rebirth is optional. Afterward, you can watch the Rebuild of Evangelion (4 films, 2007-2021) as an alternate reimagining.

Is Death & Rebirth required?

No. Death & Rebirth recaps episodes 1-24 of the series and is skippable if you've already watched them. The "Rebirth" portion serves as a prelude to The End of Evangelion. It's only valuable for completionists seeking full context.

How many episodes does Evangelion have?

The original TV series has 26 episodes (1995-1996). Plus 2 original films (1997) and 4 Rebuild films (2007-2021), totaling over 18 hours of primary content.

Is Rebuild an alternate ending or remake?

The Rebuild films (4 movies, 2007-2021) are an alternate reimagining, not a direct remake. They share characters and initial premise but diverge significantly. You can watch them without the original series, though watching the series first enhances appreciation of the differences and references.

What OVAs does Neon Genesis Evangelion have?

NGE lacks traditional filler OVAs. Extra content includes Death (True)² (2015, an improved re-cut of Death & Rebirth) and the 6-minute CGI short EVANGELION:ANOTHER IMPACT (2015).

How long does it take to watch everything?

The TV series takes ~10 hours (26 episodes x 23 minutes). The End of Evangelion is 87 minutes. The 4 Rebuild films total ~7 hours. Overall, watching all primary Evangelion content requires approximately 18-19 hours.

Are episodes 25-26 the same as The End of Evangelion?

No. Episodes 25-26 are an alternate introspective ending made on a reduced budget, taking place within Shinji's mind. The End of Evangelion is the "external" ending with larger scope and action, making it the canonically preferred conclusion. Watching both is ideal.

Anime Similar to Evangelion You Should Watch

Ready to enter Evangelion? Start with episode 1 of the series and prepare for an experience you'll never forget. Updated June 2026.