【2026 New Release Confirmed】What Order Should You Watch Evangelion In? A Complete Guide to the Chronology and Storylines of the Anime and Movies

In 2026, the production of a completely new installment of the legendary mega-hit series "Evangelion" was officially announced, sending shockwaves through anime fans around the world.

Many people may be thinking, "I've heard of it, but there are so many titles that I don't know where to start," or "I want to review the series before the new release."

This article introduces the best viewing order to fully enjoy Evangelion, as well as real-life locations in Japan associated with the series. As someone who has watched the series in real time since the original TV anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion," I, a true member of the "Eva generation," will explain everything in an easy-to-understand way for both beginners and returning fans!

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2026: Breaking the Silence! The Shocking Announcement of a Brand-New Evangelion Project

The series once reached a conclusion with the release of "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time" in 2021. However, in 2026, the official announcement of a completely new project—something no one had expected—has excited fans and media both in Japan and around the world.

This new installment is attracting attention as a project that will further expand the Evangelion universe, and right now, "Eva fever" is reigniting across the globe! To enjoy the new release to the fullest, we recommend reviewing the series in advance.

What is Evangelion About? A Beginner’s Guide to the Story and Key Terms

Evangelion (commonly known as "Eva") is a timeless masterpiece that has had a tremendous impact on global pop culture beyond the realm of anime since the TV anime first aired in 1995.

What’s the Story?

 

The story is set in a world where half of humanity has been lost due to the unprecedented catastrophe known as the "Second Impact." The protagonist, a young boy named Shinji Ikari, is summoned by his father Gendo, the Supreme Commander of the special paramilitary agency "NERV," which operates under the United Nations, and is appointed as the pilot of the giant multi-purpose humanoid decisive weapon "Evangelion." Shinji is thrust into a harsh battle against mysterious lifeforms known as "Angels," the enemies of humanity.

Must-Know! The Key Terms You Need to Know

• Angel (Shito): Mysterious beings with highly advanced, seemingly supernatural abilities. Each has a different form and unique powers. Their true nature and purpose are unknown, but they attack Tokyo-3 in an attempt to reach the giant being sleeping beneath the city.
• Tokyo-3: A city being constructed as the new capital city of Japan. In reality, it is a fortress city designed specifically to intercept Angels. Beneath the city lies a vast GeoFront (a massive underground city), at the center of which is NERV headquarters. It is said to be located in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
• NERV: A special organization operating directly under the United Nations and beyond conventional legal frameworks. Its mission is to investigate, research, and eliminate the Angels to prevent the Third Impact. However, as the story unfolds, it is revealed that their true goal is to advance the "Human Instrumentality Project."
• Human Instrumentality Project: A plan to compensate for what humanity lacks and transform humanity into a "perfect existence."
• Third Impact: A catastrophic event, following the Giant Impact and Second Impact, that is said to bring about the extinction of humanity. Various factions in the story scheme around this event.
• Adam: The first Angel to appear before humanity. The Second Impact is said to have been caused by contact with Adam. At the beginning of the story, the giant sleeping underground is believed to be Adam, but...
• SEELE: A mysterious organization with significant influence over the establishment of NERV and the advancement of the Human Instrumentality Project.

*Reference: "Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth" pamphlet (published March 15, 1997) Ⓒ1997 GAINAX/EVA Production Committee

[Thorough Comparison] Recommended Evangelion Viewing Orders

The Evangelion series can be broadly divided into two main flows: the "original works from the 1990s (including the theatrical films released after the TV anime ended)" and the "new works from the 2000s onward (Rebuild of Evangelion)." Choose the optimal route according to your available time and purpose.

[Route 1] The Fastest Way to Catch Up: "Rebuild of Evangelion Only Course" (Total Viewing Time: Approx. 7 hours 36 minutes)

This is the most efficient route for those who say, "I don't have time to watch all the older titles!" or "I want to quickly enjoy the series with modern, polished visuals." Even just these four films are enough to immerse yourself in the world of Evangelion. While they are remade with the latest visual technology, they are not direct continuations of the original series, but instead branch off into a completely new storyline, leading to an entirely different ending.

1. Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (Approx. 1 hour 38 minutes)
2. Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (Approx. 1 hour 48 minutes)
3. Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (Approx. 1 hour 35 minutes)
4. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (Approx. 2 hours 35 minutes)

Recommended for:

Those who are busy but don't want to miss out on the latest buzz, or want to binge-watch the series.

[Route 2] "The Movie Shortcut Course" to Grasp the Whole Series (Total Viewing Time: Approx. 10 hours 11 minutes)

This route involves watching only the original theatrical films and the Rebuild films. The first of the original movies, "EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)2," is a compilation of the TV anime series, so you can get a general understanding of the overall story without watching all the TV episodes.

1. EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)2 (Approx. 1 hour 8 minutes)
2. EVANGELION: The End of Evangelion (Air/Magokoro o, Kimi ni) (Approx. 1 hour 27 minutes)
3. The Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy: 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (Approx. 7 hours 36 minutes)

Recommended for:

Those who don't want to spend too much time but still want to check out the original works that became a social phenomenon.

[Route 3] "Complete Mastery Course" to Cover All Stories (Total Viewing Time: Approx. 20 hours 35 minutes)

This is the comprehensive route for those who want to experience the entire history of Evangelion by watching all the animated works and fully appreciate the depth of the series. "EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)2" is a compilation of the TV anime series, so some content overlaps, but you can enjoy comparing it with "The End of Evangelion (Air/Magokoro o, Kimi ni)," which depicts an alternate ending from the TV anime, and explore the deeper meaning behind both endings.

1. TV anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion" (All 26 episodes × 24 minutes each = Approx. 10 hours 24 minutes)
2. Original movies: "EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)2" and "The End of Evangelion (Air/Magokoro o, Kimi ni)" (Approx. 2 hours 35 minutes)
3. The Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy: 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (Approx. 7 hours 36 minutes)

Recommended for:

For those who have plenty of time and want to welcome the new release in 2026 with 120% knowledge.

How to Watch Evangelion via Official Video Streaming (Online)

If you want to watch the Evangelion series digitally (online), the following major official platforms are convenient options.

• Netflix: Streams the original TV anime series and the classic movies.
• Amazon Prime Video: Streams the Rebuild of Evangelion movie series (“Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone”, “Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance”, “Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo”, and “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time”).

By using official streaming services instead of pirated sites, you can enjoy the series safely in high quality and with stable playback.

*Depending on the country or region you are staying in, some episodes or titles may differ.

The Secret and Design Beauty of the “Evangelion Font” That Fascinates Fans

Another essential element of Evangelion is its distinctive typography, which is prominently displayed throughout the series.

Many people will recognize the scenes where episode titles, alerts, and operation names appear in thick white or red kanji against a black background. It is said that this is based on the “Gokubuto Mincho (Matisse EB)” font.

This design, which combines tension and stylishness, is loved by creators and fans both in Japan and abroad. Nowadays, “Evangelion-style font generators” that allow you to easily create similar text online are also popular. When watching the series, be sure to pay attention to this sophisticated visual presentation as well.

Experience the World of Evangelion in Japan! Recommended Pilgrimage Spots

One of Evangelion’s greatest appeals is its realistic depiction of real-life Japanese landscapes. After watching the anime, why not travel to the real-life locations?

Kanagawa Prefecture · Hakone: Walk Through the Setting of “Tokyo-3”

The model for the fortress city “Tokyo-3,” where the Angels are confronted in the series, is Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas. The scenery featured in the anime, such as the Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani, remains much the same as it appears in the series. Within the area, you’ll also find Evangelion-themed vending machines and spots where you can get exclusive merchandise, making it possible to enjoy both a hot spring trip and an anime pilgrimage.

👀 Check Hakone Travel Information

🏨 Search for Accommodations and Hotels in Hakone

Shizuoka Prefecture · Tenryu Hamanako Railroad, Tenryu-Futamata Station: The “Third Village” with Nostalgic Showa-Era Scenery

This location is said to be one of the inspirations for the village where Shinji and the others take shelter in “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.” You can tour the turntable and roundhouse, which are registered as national tangible cultural properties. The wooden station building and retro railway scenery strongly preserve the atmosphere of Japan’s Showa era, are very photogenic and recommended for those interested in old Japanese townscapes and historical architecture.

👀 Find Out How to Get to Tenryu-Futamata Station

🏨 Search for Accommodations and Hotels in Shizuoka

Yamaguchi Prefecture · Ube-Shinkawa Station: To the Moving Final Scene of “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time”

The location featured in the poster for "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time" and in the important final scene of the story is "Ube-Shinkawa Station" in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Many fans visit this station as a pilgrimage destination to photograph the platform and railway tracks exactly as they appear in the film. If you plan to visit, please be mindful of safety and manners so as not to inconvenience the local residents.

🏨 Search for accommodations and hotels in Yamaguchi Prefecture

Nagasaki Prefecture・Huis Ten Bosch: "Evangelion the Ride - 8K -" and Latest Merchandise Information

At "Huis Ten Bosch," a theme park representing Kyushu and Nagasaki Prefecture, events such as "Evangelion the Ride," where visitors can experience the world of Evangelion through projection mapping and light effects, have been drawing significant attention.

In addition, there are also plenty of limited-edition items available, such as official shop "EVANGELION STORE" merchandise, limited-edition collaboration goods with popular apparel brands, and the latest Evangelion-themed "Blokees" block toy series, which is currently a huge hit across Asia.

🎫 Purchase admission tickets for Huis Ten Bosch

🏨 Search for accommodations and hotels in Nagasaki

Summary: Catch Up on the Entire Series Before the New Release

This article introduced only the main visual works of Evangelion, but there are also related works such as the manga "Neon Genesis Evangelion" (Yoshiyuki Sadamoto), the novel "Evangelion ANIMA" (Takuma Kageyama & Ikuto Yamashita), video games, and pachinko/pachislot titles. If you are interested, be sure to check those out as well.

With a brand-new installment coming in 2026, the excitement surrounding Evangelion is certain to continue growing.

Whether you want to quickly watch the "Rebuild of Evangelion" movies over the weekend, or take your time immersing yourself in the world starting from the "TV series," choose the route that suits you best and become a witness to the Human Instrumentality Project for yourself!

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