Top 10 Best Neon Genesis Evangelion Episodes

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a 1995 anime series focusing on Shinji, a teenage boy who is recruited by the military organization Nerv to pilot a giant mecha called an Evangelion and battle beings called Angels.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a brilliant anime that has an amazing plot with some absolutely unforgettable episodes. These are the ten best among them!
The Top Ten
Episode 24: The Beginning and the End, or Knockin' on Heaven's Door

Kaworu is revealed to be both the first and final Angel, leaving Shinji no choice but to kill the one person who truly understands him. Up until this point, Shinji is following orders and could distance himself from the casualties. However, he makes the traumatizing choice to kill Kaworu.

While not my favorite episode, it is probably the best episode. It's so emotional and powerful.

It also shows that nothing will ever go right for Shinji, probably one of the saddest examples of it. It also is the only episode to feature fan-favorite character Kaworu Nagisa.

Episode 9: Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!

Asuka and Shinji work together to defeat an Angel, with the pilots needing to be perfectly in sync to take down Israfel. The episode shows early hints of Asuka and Shinji's turbulent romance. The final battle is one of their few rare wins.

Episode 23: Rei III

Withdrawn and enigmatic, Rei was treated as a tool by Gendo. After Armisael takes over Eva-00, she begins to understand her own emotions and makes the ultimate sacrifice to save Shinji.

Rei defies orders and gains freedom for the first time.

One of my favorite episodes.

The dialogue of the mental confrontation is very beautiful.

Episode 6: Rei II

Up until this point, Shinji and Rei had maintained their distance, but defeating Ramiel mandates the two work together. The fight itself is incredibly intense and ends with a touching moment along with Rei's backstory.

Episode 18: Ambivalence
Episode 19: Introjection

In order to save everyone, Shinji unleashes a Berserk Mode, which greatly increases Unit-01's power but takes control away from him. Shinji's victory comes at the price of losing himself.

Episode 11: The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still
Episode 26: One More Final: I Need You.

Third Impact causes all human souls to unite with Lilith, the Second Angel responsible for creating life on Earth. A massive Rei absorbing all of humanity's souls is an unforgettable, surreal, epic sight.

Episode 16: Splitting of the Breast

This episode has some of everything. An awesome Angel, delving into Shinji's mind, great interaction between all the characters, and best of all, Unit 01 going berserk.

While it may not be the best episode, it's the most complete Evangelion episode and one of my favorites.

Episode 2: An Unfamiliar Ceiling

The Newcomers

? Episode 13: Lilliputian Hitcher
? Episode 17: Fourth Child
The Contenders
Episode 22: Don't Be

Amazing episode, best psychological sequence in the series. Don't miss the director's cut, with lots of extra scenes and an extended "mind-rape" scene.

The DC version will make this your favorite episode, trust me!

Asuka's childhood past is the reason this is the best episode ever so far.

Episode 8: Asuka Strikes!

Asuka arrives loud, threatening, and impactful, serving as a foil to Shinji's timidness.

Episode 26: Take Care of Yourself

You either love or hate this episode. On one hand, it's a great introspective of Shinji, which eventually leads to Shinji learning to love himself. On the other hand, it isn't explained why any of this is happening, so the ending can be confusing to some. I personally love it, but I can understand why someone would think otherwise.

Despite the polarizing debates, the anime's final episode provides a fascinating exploration of Shinji's psyche as the protagonist gradually grows to appreciate himself.

Episode 20: Weaving a Story Part II: Oral Stage
Episode 15: Those Women Longed for the Touch of Others' Lips, and Thus Invited Their Kisses
Episode 5: Rei I
Episode 4: Hedgehog's Dilemma

The first time we truly get to know about Shinji, and he starts to get relatable. This episode is so psychologically charged and beautifully drawn.

The interactions between the characters are purely human and compelling.

Episode 12: She Said, 'Don't Make Others Suffer for Your Personal Hatred'
Episode 14: Weaving a Story
Episode 10: Magma Diver

This is probably the least thought-out episode, and it kind of sticks out like an angel in your driveway.

Episode 21: He Was Aware That He Was Still a Child
Episode 1: Angel Attack
Episode 3: A Transfer
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