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For the first time ever in the United States, the iconic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and two of its movies are available on streaming on Netflix. For anime fans, it’s kind of a massive deal. For the rest of you, it might be a head scratcher: what is this show? Why is there a series, and two movies? Who is in the cast? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you get your next binge-watch right.
Neon Genesis Evangelion first aired in Japan from 1995 to 1996. It later became popular stateside thanks to Cartoon Network’s anime block Toonami and Adult Swim. But Neon Genesis Evangelion is way more important than just a nostalgic cult favorite. The series follows Shinji, a teenage boy who is recruited by his father to pilot a giant bio-mech suit called an Evangelion. Because of his unique connection to his Evangelion, Shinji becomes tasked with killing the Angels, a group of incredibly powerful human-like creatures.
On its surface a teen boy killing monsters with a robot suit doesn’t sound like groundbreaking anime. It’s Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s execution that sets it apart. With each Angel Shinji and his friends kill, they’re pushed further into depression as they contemplate their role in both life and death. The series as a whole stands as an insightful and nuanced depiction of mental illness, depression, anxiety, war, and PTSD.
The series’ realistic depiction of emotional trauma has changed pop culture. Because of the nature of the industry, it’s difficult to track down other anime that were directly inspired by Evangelion, but shows like FLCL and Fullmetal Alchemist share notes of Eva’s thematic complexity. The series has even been been referenced by several American shows, including Avatar: The Last Airbender, Steven Universe, and Invader Zim.
And now the whole gloriously sad universe is finally on streaming. So what do you need to know before your binge? Here’s your guide to jumping into the world of Evangelion.
What Order Should I Watch Evangelion?
Starting this June, Netflix has added the original Evangelion series and two of its movies to streaming. So where should you start?
The best way to handle this viewing session is to start from the beginning with the original 26- episode Neon Genesis Evangelion. This is the real meat of the series and the work of art that changed anime for the better; so if you only have room in your life for one Evangelion stream, this needs to be it. The good news is that each episode of has a 23-minute runtime. Watching the entire series will take a little less than 10 hours.
If that’s still not enough Eva for you, Netflix has two additional Eva movies up its sleeve: The End of Evangelion and Evangelion: DEATH (TRUE)². Both movies retell the same story as the original series but with some editing tweaks. You’re going to want to start with the 1997 film with the confusing title. Evangelion: DEATH (TRUE)² is the director’s cut of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth, a previously released two-part movie that condenses this epic series into a 67-minute narrative.
However it’s The End of Evangelion that’s likely the most interesting to diehard fans. The 1997 movie replaces Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s controversial ending with a new one. It’s a lot of watching the same story over and over again, but when that story is as rich as this one, it’s a treat.
Who Is Casey Mongillo in Neon Genesis Evangelion?
New streaming rights mean a new English dub just for Netflix. Casey Mongillo is the voice of our new Shinji. Prior to this project, Mongillo has done voice acting work for B the Beginning, Mob Psycho 100, and Beyblade Burst Turbo.
Who Is Ryan Bartley in Neon Genesis Evangelion?
As for the rest of the cast, Ryan Bartley portrays the enigmatic prodigy Rei Ayanami. Rei pilots Evangelion Unit 00 and as this story unfolds she becomes more and more important to her classmate Shinji. Bartley has done voice acting work for Sword Art Online: The Movie, A.I.C.O. Incarnation, and The Promised Neverland.
Who Is Stephanie McKeon in Neon Genesis Evangelion?
Up next is Stephanie McKeon, our new voice of the aggressive and headstrong Asuka Langley Soryu. The pilot of Evangelion Unit 02, she develops a complicated friendship and rivalry with Shinji and Rei. Prior to Neon Genesis Evangelion, McKeon hasn’t had much credited voice acting work.
Who Is Ray Chase in Neon Genesis Evangelion?
And finally one of Netflix’s favorite voice actors in anime portrays Shinji’s hard-edged and demanding father Gendo: Ray Chase. Chase has done voice acting work for Sirius the Jaeger, FLCL Alternative, B: the Beginning, One-Punch Man, and The Seven Deadly Sins.
