Neon Genesis Evangelion, the groundbreaking anime franchise, has captivated audiences for decades with its complex themes, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters. But navigating its cinematic output can be confusing. In short, the Evangelion franchise boasts a total of seven distinct theatrical releases: two films directly tied to the original series, and five as part of the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy and the final film.
Tracing the Evolution of Evangelion on the Big Screen
The journey of Evangelion on the big screen began in the aftermath of the original anime series’ controversial ending. To truly understand the film count, we must appreciate the context of their creation and the unique position each film holds within the Evangelion universe.
The Original Series Era Films
The first two films, released in 1997, served to both recap and provide an alternative conclusion to the original Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. These are crucial for fans seeking closure after the divisive television ending.
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (1997): This film is essentially divided into two parts. “Death” is a compilation of scenes from the first 24 episodes of the anime series, retold with some new footage and edits. “Rebirth” features the first 27 minutes of The End of Evangelion.
- The End of Evangelion (1997): This film provides an alternate ending to the original series, presenting a more definitive and visually stunning climax to the narrative. It is often considered the true conclusion to the TV series.
The Rebuild of Evangelion: A Modern Retelling
More than a decade later, Hideaki Anno embarked on Rebuild of Evangelion, a series of four films designed to retell and reimagine the original story for a modern audience, with updated animation and deeper explorations of the characters’ psychological landscapes. A fifth film was also released following the ending of Rebuild of Evangelion.
- Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007): The first film in the Rebuild series, covering roughly the first six episodes of the original anime, but with significantly updated visuals.
- Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009): The second Rebuild film expands the narrative beyond the original series, introducing new characters and storylines.
- Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012): This film takes a drastically different turn, showcasing a drastically changed world and exploring the consequences of the previous events.
- Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021): The final film in the Rebuild series, providing a definitive conclusion to this new interpretation of the Evangelion story.
- Evangelion: 3.0(-46h) (2021): This short film was originally screened alongside the theatrical release of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Evangelion Movies
Here are some common questions surrounding the Evangelion filmography, designed to help you navigate this complex and rewarding series.
H3: Are the Rebuild movies a direct remake of the original series?
No, the Rebuild of Evangelion films are not a direct remake. While they cover similar ground in the beginning, they quickly diverge into new narratives, characters, and themes, ultimately offering a different, more complex conclusion. They can be seen as a reinterpretation or a continuation of the original story.
H3: In what order should I watch the Evangelion movies?
For newcomers, the most recommended order is to watch the original anime series (Neon Genesis Evangelion), followed by The End of Evangelion. After that, you can dive into the Rebuild of Evangelion series in order: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, and 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. 3.0(-46h) should be watched following the completion of 3.0+1.0.
H3: Is Death & Rebirth necessary to watch?
Death & Rebirth is largely a recap of the TV series, so it’s not strictly necessary if you’ve already watched Neon Genesis Evangelion. However, it does contain a few new scenes and a slightly different perspective. The “Rebirth” portion is essentially the beginning of The End of Evangelion, so seeing it offers an incomplete experience.
H3: Where can I watch the Evangelion movies?
Currently, all four of the main Rebuild of Evangelion films and Neon Genesis Evangelion along with The End of Evangelion are available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Death & Rebirth is less readily available but can sometimes be found through physical media or digital rentals. 3.0(-46h) has no official streaming release.
H3: Are the Rebuild movies canon to the original series?
The canonicity of the Rebuild films is a topic of much debate. Many fans interpret them as a sequel or a reboot within a multiverse framework, suggesting that they exist in a separate, but related, timeline. Hideaki Anno himself has remained somewhat ambiguous on the subject.
H3: What is the significance of the titles of the Rebuild movies?
The titles of the Rebuild movies, which all follow the pattern “Evangelion: X.0 You Can (Not) Y,” are deliberately ambiguous and open to interpretation. They hint at the characters’ emotional states, the themes of the films, and the meta-narrative of the series’ evolution.
H3: Are there any significant differences between the original series and the Rebuild movies?
Yes, there are several significant differences. The Rebuild movies feature updated animation, new characters (such as Mari Illustrious Makinami), altered plot points, and a different overall tone. They also explore certain themes, such as the nature of humanity and the cycle of rebirth, in greater depth.
H3: Is there a post-credits scene in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time?
Yes, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time has a significant post-credits scene that provides closure to the characters’ arcs and hints at the future of the Evangelion universe. It’s essential viewing for fans looking for a definitive ending.
H3: What makes the Evangelion films so popular and influential?
The Evangelion films, like the series, are celebrated for their complex characters, psychological depth, religious symbolism, philosophical themes, and groundbreaking animation. They have had a profound impact on anime and popular culture, influencing countless artists and creators. The films’ exploration of existentialism, trauma, and human connection continues to resonate with audiences.
H3: Is the short film Evangelion: 3.0(-46h) essential viewing?
While not essential to understanding the main plot of Rebuild, Evangelion: 3.0(-46h) provides additional backstory and context for the events leading up to Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo. It enriches the viewing experience and offers insights into the characters’ motivations.
H3: Will there be any more Evangelion movies in the future?
While Hideaki Anno has stated that Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time is his definitive ending to the Evangelion story, the possibility of future spin-offs, remakes, or adaptations remains open. The franchise’s enduring popularity suggests that we may see more Evangelion content in some form down the line, though probably not under Anno’s direct guidance.
H3: Where can I find more information about Evangelion films?
Many online resources provide in-depth information about the Evangelion films, including fan wikis, forums, and review websites. Official sources, such as the Evangelion website and studio Khara’s website, also offer valuable insights into the production and lore of the series. Look for reputable sources known for their accuracy and comprehensive coverage.
Conclusion
Evangelion’s complex filmography – encompassing seven major releases – reflects the series’ ambitious scope and enduring appeal. Understanding the relationships between the original series and the Rebuild films is key to fully appreciating this cinematic achievement. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, the world of Evangelion offers a rich and rewarding experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.