Neon Genesis Evangelion

When a new wave of monstrous beings called Angels attacks a fragile post-cataclysm Earth, a secret agency named Nerv fields towering bio-mechanical machines called Evangelions to push them back. A withdrawn teenage pilot, Shinji Ikari, is summoned to the front lines and thrown into violent battles that strain his relationships with fellow pilots Rei and Asuka and with the adults who run Nerv. The show moves between intense combat sequences and quiet, uncomfortable personal scenes, showing how the pilots cope with fear, expectation, and loneliness while the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

First broadcast in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion was created and directed by Hideaki Anno and produced by studio Gainax, an original anime series that fused mecha action with psychological and philosophical elements. Key voice actors include Megumi Ogata, Kotono Mitsuishi, Megumi Hayashibara, Yuko Miyamura, and Yuriko Yamaguchi.

The series has been recognized repeatedly in industry and fan polls, earning honors in Japanese anime circles and frequent placements on 'best anime' lists. It sparked debate and analysis from critics and fans alike, and continues to appear in retrospective rankings and specialty awards within the anime community.

Neon Genesis Evangelion left a big mark on pop culture, influencing subsequent anime, music, fashion, and merchandise. Images like the entry plug, the Evangelions' silhouettes, and the stoic appearance of Rei became instantly recognizable. References and homages have turned up in other shows, films, and videogames, and academic papers have used the series as a touchstone for discussions about media, religion, and psychology.

Critics and viewers praise the series for upending mecha tropes and for its frank focus on mental health, identity, and human connection, though its abstract final episodes split audiences. It holds a vote average of 8.563/10 from 1,958 votes, reflecting lasting appreciation alongside ongoing debate about its symbolism, narrative choices, and emotional intensity.