About Evangelion
Evangelion stands as one of anime’s most influential and controversial works, revolutionising the mecha genre through its unflinching exploration of psychology, philosophy, and the human condition.
Created by Anno Hideaki, this groundbreaking franchise challenged conventional storytelling and redefined what animated entertainment could achieve.
The Evangelion franchise features giant biomechanical mecha called Evangelions or EVAs. Unlike traditional mecha series, these units are not mere machines but living entities that form psychological bonds with their pilots, serving as extensions of the human psyche.
Neon Genesis Evangelion is the original timeline and foundational work of the franchise. It has since expanded through films, manga, and the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy, which reimagines and concludes the story.
Evangelion emerged as a radical departure from conventional mecha anime, incorporating intense psychological examination, religious symbolism, and philosophical inquiry. Creator Anno Hideaki used the series to explore his own struggles with depression, creating a work that resonated with audiences facing similar challenges.
This approach transformed Evangelion from entertainment into cultural phenomenon, spawning academic analysis and establishing new standards for narrative complexity in animation.
History of Evangelion
In 1995, Anno Hideaki created a work that would fundamentally alter the landscape of anime. Neon Genesis Evangelion premiered on Japanese television as an experiment in psychological storytelling, challenging both the mecha genre and audience expectations. Anno, emerging from a period of severe depression, channelled his emotional struggles into a narrative that would become one of anime’s most analysed works.
The original 26-episode television series established the core mythology and character dynamics that defined the franchise. When budget constraints and Anno’s evolving vision led to a controversial ending, the franchise expanded with The End of Evangelion (1997), providing an alternate conclusion that intensified the series’ psychological themes.
Years later, Anno revisited his creation through the Rebuild of Evangelion film series (2007-2021), produced by his new studio Khara. These four films began as a retelling but evolved into a completely different narrative, ultimately serving as Anno’s final statement on the franchise and his own journey as a creator.
The franchise’s development was marked by studio transitions, legal battles, and personal struggles, reflecting the very themes of isolation and connection that define its narrative. Following Gainax’s bankruptcy in 2024, Khara acquired full rights to the franchise, ensuring its preservation and future development.1
Core philosophy
Psychological exploration
Evangelion’s central philosophy revolves around the exploration of human psychology, particularly the themes of depression, anxiety, and existential dread. According to Anno himself, he identifies with protagonist Shinji Ikari in both conscious and unconscious ways, while Rei represents his “deepest part” and Kaoru his Jungian shadow.
The series functions as a psychological case study, examining how traumatised individuals attempt to connect with others while protecting themselves from further harm. The concept of AT Fields (Absolute Terror Fields) serves as both a literal defensive mechanism and a metaphor for the emotional barriers people construct to avoid vulnerability.
Religious & philosophical themes
Evangelion incorporates extensive religious symbolism, particularly from Christianity and Jewish mysticism, with references to Genesis, Kabbalah, and apocalyptic literature. The Angels bear biblical names, and the series reimagines creation mythology through a science fiction lens.
Themes of individuality, consciousness, freedom, choice, and responsibility are heavily relied upon throughout the series, particularly through the philosophies of Søren Kierkegaard. The Human Instrumentality Project represents the ultimate philosophical question: whether human separation is inherently tragic or essential to individual identity.
The Hedgehog’s dilemma
Central to Evangelion’s philosophy is the Hedgehog’s Dilemma—the idea that people desire closeness but fear the pain that intimacy can bring. This concept, borrowed from philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, manifests throughout the series as characters struggle between their need for connection and their fear of rejection.
The dilemma reflects Anno’s own understanding of human relationships and serves as the franchise’s fundamental exploration of why people simultaneously seek and avoid meaningful connections.
Cultural impact
Influence on animation
Evangelion revolutionised anime storytelling by proving that animated works could tackle complex psychological and philosophical subjects while maintaining commercial viability. The series broke new ground with its visual representation of the mind and psychological states, establishing Evangelion as the touchstone for any new anime attempting dense psychological narratives.
The franchise’s influence extends beyond mecha anime, inspiring creators across genres to explore more complex character psychology and non-traditional narrative structures. Its impact on the sekaikei genre—stories where personal and global stakes intertwine—has been particularly significant.
Academic recognition
Evangelion has become the subject of continued casual and academic debate, with a national discussion in Japan resulting in widespread coverage of the show’s endings and contributing to academic interest in animation studies. Universities now offer courses examining the series’ psychological, philosophical, and cultural significance.
The franchise has been analysed through multiple academic lenses, including psychoanalysis, religious studies, philosophy, and media studies, establishing animation as a legitimate subject for scholarly examination.
Therapeutic significance
Many viewers have found therapeutic value in Evangelion’s honest portrayal of mental health struggles. The series serves as a comfort show while articulating emotions that many find difficult to express, helping viewers contextualise their own psychological experiences.
Anno’s openness about using the series to work through his own depression has contributed to broader conversations about mental health in Japan and internationally, helping to reduce stigma around seeking psychological support.
Evangelion Timeline
Original series era
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996)
- Death & Rebirth (1997)
- The End of Evangelion (1997)
Rebuild era
- 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)
Extended universe
The franchise includes numerous manga adaptations, light novels, video games, and other media that explore different aspects of the Evangelion universe. Notable works include Neon Genesis Evangelion: ANIMA and various character-focused manga series.
Legacy & influence
Industry transformation
Evangelion is widely considered one of the greatest anime series of all time, serving as both a cultural touchstone for Japan and an uncompromising auteurist vision. Its success demonstrated that anime could address mature themes while achieving mainstream success, paving the way for more psychologically complex animated works.
The franchise’s business model, combining television, film, merchandise, and multimedia expansion, became a template for modern anime production and marketing strategies.
Personal expression in media
Anno’s use of Evangelion as personal therapy established a precedent for creators to incorporate their own psychological struggles into their work. This approach has influenced countless creators to use their art as a means of self-exploration and healing.
The franchise’s success proved that audiences hunger for authentic emotional expression, even when—or especially when—that expression involves difficult subjects like depression, trauma, and existential crisis.
Technological innovation
The Rebuild films pushed the boundaries of animation technology, combining traditional hand-drawn animation with cutting-edge digital techniques. This innovation influenced how animated films are produced and set new standards for visual spectacle in anime.
The rebuilds succeeded in giving the original Evangelion series a facelift by updating the resolution to 16:9 and sporting a more modern art style, making Evangelion feel like a 21st-century series.
Evangelion Experience
Viewing Evangelion
Experiencing Evangelion requires emotional preparation and intellectual engagement. The series demands active viewing, as its symbolic density and psychological complexity reward careful attention and multiple viewings. Many fans report discovering new layers of meaning with each encounter.
The franchise’s exploration of depression, anxiety, and trauma can be emotionally challenging, making it important for viewers to approach the work when they feel mentally prepared for its intense psychological content.
Community & interpretation
Evangelion has fostered one of anime’s most dedicated and analytical fan communities. The series’ deliberate ambiguity and symbolic complexity have generated decades of discussion, analysis, and interpretation, with fans continuing to discover new meanings and connections.
This community engagement has extended the franchise’s life beyond its original broadcast, maintaining its relevance and influence across multiple generations of viewers.
Conclusion
Evangelion stands as more than entertainment—it represents a watershed moment in animated storytelling that proved the medium’s capacity for profound artistic expression. Through its unflinching examination of human psychology, its innovative narrative techniques, and its cultural impact, the franchise has established itself as an essential work of contemporary art.
Evangelion’s messages centre on hope, personal growth, and the struggle to connect, offering a reminder that even in darkness, there’s always a path forward. This enduring message, combined with its artistic innovation and cultural significance, ensures that Evangelion will continue to influence and inspire creators and audiences for generations to come.
As both a mirror of its creator’s struggles and a window into universal human experiences, Evangelion remains a testament to animation’s power to explore the deepest aspects of human existence while providing hope for healing and connection.
External links
- Official Evangelion website
- Studio Khara official website
- Neon Genesis Evangelion on Wikipedia
- Neon Genesis Evangelion on Anime News Network