Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) is a visually striking, emotionally intense anime that blends high-stakes mecha action with deep psychological drama. Set in a post-apocalyptic 2015, the story follows 14-year-old Shinji Ikari, who is summoned by his estranged father to pilot EVA-01—an enormous bio-mechanical weapon—on behalf of the shadowy organization NERV to defend humanity against mysterious attackers known as Angels. Alongside fellow young pilots (notably the reserved Rei and the fiery Asuka) Shinji must confront deadly battles, impossible choices, and the heavy burden of being humanity’s last line of defense. Watching the series delivers contrasting experiences: adrenaline-charged, cinematic fights between Evangelions and Angels that showcase inventive mech design and intense stakes; intimate, character-driven scenes that slowly peel back the protagonists’ traumas, insecurities, and fractured relationships; and increasingly surreal, symbolic sequences that push into philosophical and existential territory. Expect heavy themes—identity, loneliness, the need for connection, grief, and the nature of self—expressed through personal interactions, psychological breakdowns, and recurring religious and mythic imagery. Tonally, Evangelion shifts from straightforward action-drama into darker, more introspective and experimental storytelling as it progresses, often leaving viewers unsettled, reflective, and emotionally moved. Its haunting soundtrack, striking visuals, and provocative ideas made it one of the most influential and talked-about anime of the 1990s. If you enjoy emotionally challenging stories that combine spectacle with psychological depth and symbolic complexity, Neon Genesis Evangelion will be a powerful, unforgettable experience.

Actors: Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara, Kotono Mitsuishi

Genres: Action, Animation, Drama

8.5 /10 8.5 /10