Introduction
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a classic anime series that has been around for more than two decades. Since its debut in 1995, it has become one of the most beloved anime of all time. The series follows the story of Shinji Ikari and his battle against giant monsters known as Angels. Although the original series ended in 1996, it has since spawned several movies, which have further expanded the universe and added new plot points and characters. So, if you’re looking to watch the Evangelion movies, what is the best order to do so? This article will explore this question and provide viewers with a chronological guide to watching the films.
Chronological Guide to Watching the Evangelion Movies
The best way to watch the Evangelion movies is in chronological order. This means starting with the first movie, “The End of Evangelion”, and working your way through the rest of the films. This is because the movies build on each other, and watching them in order will give viewers the best understanding of the story and its characters. Below is a list of the movies in chronological order:
- The End of Evangelion (1997)
- Death & Rebirth (1997)
- The End of Evangelion II (1998)
- Rebuild of Evangelion I: You Are (Not) Alone (2007)
- Rebuild of Evangelion II: You Can (Not) Advance (2009)
- Rebuild of Evangelion III: You Can (Not) Redo (2012)
- Rebuild of Evangelion IV: Final (2021)
Comparison of Original Series and Movies
When watching the Evangelion movies, it is important to understand the differences between the original series and the movies. The original series was 26 episodes long and aired from October 1995 to March 1996. The movies are much longer and feature different storylines and characters. They also feature updated animation and special effects. The movies are not a remake of the original series, but rather an alternate take on the same story. As such, they should be viewed as separate entities.
The original series is widely considered to be the definitive version of the Evangelion story. It features a detailed story arc and complex characters that viewers can develop a connection with. However, the movies add a lot of new content and are generally more action-packed. This makes them a great choice for viewers who want to experience the Evangelion universe in a new way. Ultimately, both versions offer something unique, and viewers should decide which is best for them.
Deep Dive into Story Arcs
In addition to understanding the differences between the original series and the movies, it is important to understand how the story arcs fit together. Each movie is a standalone story, but they follow a general timeline and build upon each other. For example, the first movie, “The End of Evangelion”, sets up the events of the following movies and introduces the main characters. The second movie, “Death & Rebirth”, focuses on the events leading up to the third movie, “You Can (Not) Redo”. Finally, the fourth movie, “Final”, wraps up the story and brings the series to a close.
Each movie also has its own unique story arcs. The first movie focuses on the relationship between Shinji and Rei and their struggle to come to terms with their fate. The second movie introduces Asuka and her struggles with her identity and relationships. The third movie deals with the themes of guilt and redemption, while the fourth movie is largely focused on the consequences of the characters’ actions and the ultimate fate of the world.
Differences Between Japanese and English Versions
Finally, it is important to understand the differences between the Japanese and English versions of the movies. Most of the movies are available in both languages, although some are only available in Japanese. The Japanese versions are generally considered to be more faithful to the original series, as they feature the original voice actors and soundtrack. However, the English versions are often more accessible to viewers who don’t speak Japanese and feature better animation and special effects.
Ultimately, the language you choose to watch the movies in depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for a faithful adaptation of the original series, then the Japanese version is probably the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a more visually impressive viewing experience, then the English version may be the better option.
Conclusion
Watching the Evangelion movies can be a rewarding experience for fans of the series. To get the most out of the viewing experience, it is best to watch the movies in chronological order and understand the differences between the original series and the movies. It is also important to understand the story arcs of each movie and the differences between the Japanese and English versions. By taking the time to understand these nuances, viewers will be able to enjoy the Evangelion movies in the best possible way.
For viewers looking to watch the Evangelion movies in order, the best approach is to start with the first movie, “The End of Evangelion”, and work your way through the rest of the series. This will allow viewers to experience the movies in the best possible way and appreciate the nuances of the story and characters. Ultimately, the best way to watch the Evangelion movies is up to the individual viewer, but by following this guide, viewers can ensure that they get the most out of the viewing experience.
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