There are four Evangelion Rebuild movies, also known as Rebuild of Evangelion. This tetralogy re-imagines and expands upon the original Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series, offering a fresh perspective on the characters, story, and themes.
Unpacking the Rebuild of Evangelion
The Rebuild of Evangelion movies are not simply a direct remake of the original anime. While they begin by closely following the initial plot points, they quickly diverge, introducing new characters, concepts, and a drastically different narrative trajectory. This makes them a fascinating, and sometimes divisive, entry point into the Evangelion universe for newcomers and a compelling exploration for long-time fans. Each film contributes significantly to the evolving narrative, pushing the boundaries of the original series in bold and unexpected directions.
The Complete Rebuild List: From 1.0 to 3.0+1.0
Understanding the order and titles of these films is essential for navigating this complex series:
- Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007)
- Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009)
- Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2012)
- Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021)
Notice the unconventional numbering system and the evocative titles, which hint at the psychological and emotional journeys of the characters. Each film presents a distinct stage in the rebuild process, both for the characters and the world around them. The final film, 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, provides a definitive conclusion to the story, addressing lingering questions and offering a sense of closure to the overarching narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rebuild of Evangelion
This section will address some of the most common questions regarding the Rebuild of Evangelion films, providing clarity and insight into this complex and thought-provoking series.
What Exactly is the Rebuild of Evangelion?
The Rebuild of Evangelion is a tetralogy of anime films that retell and expand upon the story of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. They’re produced by Studio Khara, co-founded by Hideaki Anno, the creator of Evangelion. While initially resembling a remake, the Rebuild films progressively deviate from the original storyline, introducing new elements and leading to a significantly different conclusion. It’s best understood as a parallel story or a “what if?” scenario, exploring similar themes with a new perspective.
Are the Rebuild Movies a Direct Remake of the Original Anime?
No. While the first film, 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, closely mirrors the beginning of the original anime, the subsequent films increasingly diverge from the original plot. New characters are introduced, existing characters experience different arcs, and the overall narrative evolves in unexpected ways. The later films explore themes and concepts only hinted at in the original series.
Do I Need to Watch the Original Anime Before Watching the Rebuild Movies?
It’s highly recommended to watch the original Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series and End of Evangelion movie before watching the Rebuild movies. While not strictly necessary, understanding the original context, characters, and themes will greatly enhance your appreciation of the Rebuild films and allow you to fully grasp the significance of the changes and additions.
What Makes the Rebuild Movies Different From the Original Anime?
Several key differences exist:
- Visual Upgrades: The Rebuild movies feature significantly improved animation quality, with more detailed character designs, smoother action sequences, and stunning visual effects.
- Pacing: The Rebuild films often condense or accelerate certain plot points from the original series, resulting in a different pacing experience.
- New Characters: The introduction of new characters, such as Mari Illustrious Makinami, adds new dynamics and perspectives to the story.
- Altered Character Arcs: Existing characters, like Asuka and Shinji, undergo different emotional and developmental journeys.
- New Lore and Concepts: The Rebuild movies introduce new elements to the Evangelion lore, such as the “See-le” conspiracy being slightly different.
- Different Ending: Crucially, the Rebuild movies have a vastly different ending than the original series and End of Evangelion, offering a sense of closure and resolution.
Who is Mari Illustrious Makinami?
Mari Illustrious Makinami is a new Eva pilot introduced in Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance. She’s a mysterious and enigmatic character with a distinct personality and piloting style. Her presence significantly alters the dynamic between the existing pilots (Shinji, Asuka, and Rei) and adds a new layer of intrigue to the overall plot.
Is the Rebuild of Evangelion a Sequel, Prequel, or Reboot?
It’s best described as a reboot with sequel elements. It retells the original story while introducing new elements that suggest a connection to the original series, blurring the lines between reboot and sequel. Some theories even propose a cyclical nature, with the Rebuild films being a continuation of the events from the original series and End of Evangelion.
Why Did They Rebuild Evangelion?
Several factors likely contributed to the decision to create the Rebuild of Evangelion movies:
- Technical Advancement: The opportunity to utilize modern animation technology to create a visually stunning and technically advanced version of Evangelion.
- Creative Vision: Hideaki Anno’s desire to revisit the story with a fresh perspective and explore new themes and ideas.
- Commercial Appeal: The enduring popularity of Evangelion made a Rebuild project a commercially viable venture.
- Addressing Concerns: Anno himself has addressed issues he had with the original series’ ending, using the Rebuild as an opportunity to offer a more satisfying conclusion.
Where Can I Watch the Evangelion Rebuild Movies?
The Evangelion Rebuild movies are available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video worldwide. They are also available for purchase on Blu-ray and DVD. Availability might vary depending on your region.
Are There Any Post-Credit Scenes in the Rebuild Movies?
Yes, several of the Rebuild movies contain post-credit scenes that offer clues, foreshadowing, or simply comedic moments. Be sure to watch the credits until the very end to catch these hidden gems. Notably, the ending of Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance has a very important post credit scene setting up 3.0.
What is the Correct Viewing Order for All Evangelion Media?
While opinions vary, a generally recommended viewing order is:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV Series)
- End of Evangelion (Movie)
- Rebuild of Evangelion Films (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.0+1.0)
This order allows you to experience the original story in its entirety before diving into the Rebuild films, maximizing your understanding and appreciation of both versions.
What are Some of the Key Themes Explored in the Rebuild Movies?
The Rebuild movies delve into similar themes as the original anime, including:
- Existentialism: Exploring the meaning of life and the individual’s place in the universe.
- Depression and Isolation: Examining the psychological effects of trauma and the challenges of human connection.
- Human Relationships: Highlighting the complexities of relationships and the importance of empathy and understanding.
- Choice and Responsibility: Emphasizing the power of individual choices and the responsibility that comes with them.
- Technology and Humanity: Questioning the impact of technology on human existence and the potential consequences of its misuse.
- Loss and Grief: Coping with loss and the ways individuals heal and move forward from trauma.
Is Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time Really the End?
While Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time is presented as the definitive conclusion to the Rebuild of Evangelion series, and presumably to the Evangelion franchise itself, the nature of Evangelion is that it’s always open to interpretation. The ending offers a sense of closure and resolution for the characters, suggesting a hopeful future. However, the ambiguous nature of the series leaves room for future interpretations and explorations, though currently, no further projects are planned.