The Neon Genesis Evangelion movie series expands the original anime’s story across several feature-length releases, including the Rebuild tetralogy and condensed retellings. This evergreen guide presents an ordered Evangelion movie list, explains how each film relates to the series and one another, and clarifies formats such as director’s cuts and alternate edits, so you can choose the right version to watch and follow the continuity with confidence.
Quick Reference: Core Evangelion Feature Films
Use this ordered Evangelion movie list to plan your viewing and understand how each release advances the story. The list focuses on widely available, canonical features that define the major narrative arcs.
| Title | Year | Primary Format | Key Role in Continuity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evangelion: Death & Rebirth | 1997 | Theatrical compilation | Repackages the TV series into a single film with new opening and ending segments. |
| The End of Evangelion | 1997 | Theatrical alternate finale | Provides an anime-only conclusion to the original TV narrative and movies. |
| Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone | 2007 | Rebuild film 1 | Retells the TV series up to Episode 19 with new scenes and visuals. |
| Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance | 2009 | Rebuild film 2 | Introduces major plot shifts, new characters, and redesigned Evangelions. |
| Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo | 2012 | Rebuild film 3 | Jumps ahead 14 years, presents a darker, fragmented timeline. |
| Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time | 2021 | Rebuild film 4 | Concludes the Rebuild tetralogy and offers an alternate ending path. |
Feature Films vs. TV Series: Understanding the Relationship
An Evangelion movie list can be confusing because the series blurs the line between recap, remake, and continuation. The Rebuild films are best understood as an alternate continuity inspired by the TV series rather than a strict retelling. While they reuse iconic scenes and themes, key story turns and character outcomes diverge, giving each release a distinct narrative purpose.
Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (1997)
This compilation film recaps the first 24 episodes of the TV series, then introduces a mostly self-contained epilogue segment titled ‘The End of Evangelion.’ The recap is streamlined, but the new ending sets up a continuation that would not follow the original broadcast resolution.
The End of Evangelion (1997)
Released the same year as the compilation, this feature-length anime finale delivers an alternate conclusion to the TV story. It emphasizes psychological drama and spectacle, and is required viewing for fans who want the complete 1995–1996 arc as envisioned for the big screen.
The Rebuild Tetralogy: Plot and Continuity Shifts
The Rebuild movies present an opportunity to experience Evangelion with refreshed animation and expanded set pieces. Each film reshapes the timeline in meaningful ways, so the Evangelion movie list doubles as a guide to continuity choices for both new and returning viewers.
Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007)
1.0 closely follows the first half of the TV series, incorporating select updates to dialogue and staging. It’s the most accessible entry point for viewers unfamiliar with the original show and establishes the core character and mecha designs used throughout the Rebuild cycle.
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009)
2.0 diverges more sharply from the source material, introducing new characters, alternate battle outcomes, and experimental visuals. Its tonal shift and expanded runtime allow for more elaborate action sequences and deeper worldbuilding within the continuity.
Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (2009)
Labeled a time skip film, 3.0 jumps 14 years ahead and presents a fractured, dystopian landscape. It intentionally challenges viewer expectations, making the Evangelion movie list an essential tool for tracking character returns and long-term plot consequences.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021)
The final Rebuild entry consolidates multiple timelines, delivers large-scale battles, and offers a definitive conclusion to the Rebuild continuity. For many viewers, it completes the narrative arc begun in 1.0 and provides closure to long-running questions.
Alternate Cuts and Director’s Editions
Across the Evangelion movie list, you will encounter edited, remastered, and director-approved variants. These versions refine pacing, adjust dialogue, and sometimes restructure scenes to better align with the creator’s vision. Understanding which release you are watching helps contextualize tonal and narrative differences.
How to Use This Evangelion Movie List
Follow the ordered Evangelion movie list if you want to experience the Rebuild saga chronologically. If you prefer to revisit the original TV series, treat the first and last Rebuild films as bookends around the core story, using the middle entries to explore alternate outcomes. Whichever path you choose, the list serves as a durable reference for planning your viewing and discussion.
Conclusion
An Evangelion movie list is more than a simple queue—it is a map of alternate endings, expanded lore, and evolving character dynamics. Whether you are watching for the first time or revisiting with context, the ordered feature films deliver a cohesive arc that stands alongside the original series. Use this guide to choose your version, follow the timeline, and engage with the story on your own terms.