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The 10 Best Anime Like Evangelion

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BY January 30, 2023

Are you ready to take a trip down the rabbit hole of mind-bending anime? Buckle up, folks, because we’ve got a list of shows that will make you question reality, humanity, and everything in between. If you’re a fan of Neon Genesis Evangelion and the existential crisis it gave you, you’ll love these animes. They will have you questioning your existence and reaching for a bottle of sake.  

 

So, grab your popcorn and your favorite blanket. Get ready for a wild ride through the world of anime, just like Evangelion, but with less angst and more explosions (ok, maybe just as much angst). 

10. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

 

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Trailer 

 

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is about a world where technology has advanced to the point where people can now enhance their bodies with cybernetic parts, making them part human, part machine. And in this world, there’s a kickass team of cybernetically enhanced cops, led by the bad-ass Major Motoko Kusanagi, who are out to take down criminals and hackers, and generally save the world from the dangers of advanced technology.  

 

Think of it as a show about a group of tech-savvy superheroes fighting crime and saving the world, one hacker at a time. It’s like Batman was a cyborg; instead of fighting crime in Gotham City, he’s fighting it in a cyberpunk metropolis. 

 

How Is It Similar to Evangelion? 

 

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is like Evangelion’s cooler, older cousin. Both shows explore the relationship between humans and technology and the blurred lines between humanity and artificial intelligence. But while Evangelion has you questioning the meaning of life, Stand Alone Complex has you questioning the meaning of existence. It’s like Evangelion, with less teenage drama and more cyborg action.  

 

Fun Fact about Ghost in the Shell Standalone Complex

 

Think of it as Evangelion’s tech-savvy sibling, who’s constantly hacking into government databases and taking down corrupt corporations while you’re still figuring out how to open a can of soda. 

Series Like Evangelion

An image of CEO Iwasaki Meditech. Of course, you know it’s not the guy wearing a suit. It is the rustic metal with six limbs. 

9. Attack on Titan

 

Attack On Titan – All Trailers (Outdated) 

 

Attack on Titan is about giant, flesh-eating monsters called Titans who have taken over the world and forced humanity to live behind giant walls to protect themselves. A group of brave soldiers, led by the determined Eren Yeager, are out to take back their world from the Titan. Think of it as a show about a group of tiny humans fighting against giant monsters, like a David and Goliath story on steroids. A perfect show for those who are fans of giant monsters, epic battles, and teenage angst. 

 

How is it Similar to Evangelion? 

 

Attack on Titans and Neon Genesis Evangelion are like two sides of the same coin. Both shows are about humanity fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds, but while Evangelion has you questioning the meaning of life, Attack on Titans has you questioning the meaning of survival. Both shows are intense, action-packed, and emotionally charged.  

 

Still, while Evangelion is all about giant robots fighting giant monsters, Attack on Titans is all about giant monsters fighting giant humans. It’s like Evangelion but with fewer philosophical musings and more giant monster slaying. They both have a lot of angst, action, and massive creatures.  

 

Fun Fact 

 

You can think of it as Evangelion’s more savage cousin, who’s always out to hunt and kill giant monsters while you’re still trying to figure out the meaning of life. It’s like Game of Thrones, and Jurassic Park had a baby and named it Attack on Titan. 

 

Attack on Titan

Here’s Sasha explaining why she had to eat the potato during the training regimen earning her the famous moniker ‘The Potato Girl.’ 

8. Psycho-Pass (2012)

 

Psycho-Pass Season One – Official Trailer 

 

Psycho-Pass is about a future where a system called the Sibyl System constantly monitor everyone’s mental state, which can detect even the slightest hint of criminal intent. And in this world, a group of detectives, led by the fierce Akane Tsunemori, are out to take down criminals and keep the peace using this advanced technology.  

 

Think of it as a show about a group of detectives solving crimes in a world where even your thoughts can get you arrested. A perfect show for those who are fans of crime dramas, science fiction, and a healthy dose of dystopian vibes. 

 

How Is It Similar to Evangelion? 

 

Psycho-Pass and Neon Genesis Evangelion share similar themes of examining humanity’s nature and technology’s impact on society. Both shows explore using technology to control and manipulate individuals and the consequences of such actions. Psycho-Pass examines the use of technology to monitor and control people’s mental states and criminal intent.  

 

At the same time, Evangelion explores the use of technology in the form of giant robots to fight against mysterious, monstrous beings. Both have strong character development and a deep exploration of the psychological states of the main characters. In addition, both shows have a high-concept science fiction setting and a heavy focus on action and drama. 

 

Fun Fact 

 

It’s like the baby of “Lie to Me” and “Minority Report.” 

 

Series like Evangelion

Gino when he was casually slammed into a chopper. 

7. Serial Experiments Lain

 

Serial Experiments Lain Trailer 

 

The show is known for its philosophical and psychological themes and unique animation style. It’s a thought-provoking and mind-bending show that questions your understanding of reality. It’s a show that will make you think about the role of technology in our lives and its impact on our identity and consciousness. So, if you’re a fan of mind-bending, thought-provoking shows that will make you question your understanding of reality, Serial Experiments Lain is worth checking out. 

 

How is it Similar to Evangelion? 

 

Serial Experiments Lain and Neon Genesis Evangelion share similarities in themes, tone, and style. Both are psychological anime series that explore the relationship between technology and humanity and the concept of identity. They also focus heavily on studying the main characters’ psychological states and their struggles with their identity and purpose. They also share a similar animation style and a unique storytelling approach. 

 

Fun Facts 

 

Serial Experiments Lain is like the ultimate mind-bending, reality-warping show. It’s like watching a cross between The Matrix and Inception, but with more introverted teenage girls and less Keanu Reeves. 

 

Series Like Evangelion

Perhaps one of the most epic scenes in the anime series where social anxiety was described through this unsettling scene. 

6. RahXephon

 

RahXephon Official Trailer 

 

RahXephon is known for its deep and complex narrative that deals with reality, consciousness, and the relationship between humans and technology. It also has a similar atmosphere and pacing to Evangelion and a high-concept science fiction setting. It also heavily focuses on drama and exploration of the human condition. It’s a thought-provoking and mind-bending show that questions your understanding of reality.  

 

How Is It Similar to Evangelion? 

 

RahXephon is like a twisted mirror image of Evangelion. It takes Evangelion’s mind-bending, reality-warping, and existential angst and turns it on its head. The show is a wild ride that will have you questioning what is real and what is not, leaving you wondering if the giant robots are the only thing bigger than the mysteries in the show. 

 

The characters in both. series also struggle with their identities and the weight of their responsibilities. Still, in RahXephon, the story is told differently, with a different cast, Mecha design, and plot. But it still has that mind-bending, thought-provoking, and intense feeling. 

 

Fun Fact 

 

The giant robot in RahXephon, the RahXephon itself, is a musical instrument. In the show, it’s used to play a melody that can change the fabric of reality. So, next time you’re feeling down, just remember that all you need is a giant robot and some sick beats to change the world. 

Series Like Evangelion

Another teenage guy who will pilot a mecha robot is conflicted with his personality and mission. 

5. Death Note

 

Death Note | OFFICIAL TRAILER 

 

Death Note is a psychological thriller anime series that explores the concept of power and morality. The show follows the story of a high school student named Light Yagami, who discovers a mysterious notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. Light starts using the notebook to rid the world of criminals, but as he becomes more powerful, his actions become increasingly darker, and he loses sight of right and wrong. 

 

How is it Similar to Neon Genesis Evangelion? 

 

Death Note and Neon Genesis Evangelion may seem vastly different on the surface, but they share some similarities regarding themes, tone, and style. They explore the concept of power and its effects on human morality. It shows how the character is conflicted over their identity and the weight of their responsibilities. 

 

In Death Note, the story follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written there. The personality of Light will become darker as the story progresses. Similarly, in Evangelion, the main character Shinji struggles with the weight of his responsibility as a pilot of Evangelion and the moral implications of his actions. 

 

Fun Fact 

 

The titular Death Note in the show is like the ultimate revenge fantasy tool. It’s like having a “burn book” from Mean Girls, but instead of writing mean comments, you can write people’s names and cause their death. It led to the birth of memes, such as the “L change the world,” “Misa’s dances,” and “Light’s evil grin,” which became quite popular in online communities. 

Death Note

Light gives a strawberry in exchange for keeping a secret. 

4. Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance)

 

Terror In Resonance – Official Trailer 

 

Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance) is a psychological thriller anime series that explores the concept of terrorism and its motivations. The show is set in a near-future Japan where a terrorist group known as Sphinx carries out a series of bombings in Tokyo, leaving the police struggling to find the culprits. The story follows two high school boys, Nine and Twelve, who are the brains behind Sphinx and their reasons for carrying out the bombings. 

 

How Is It Similar to Neon Genesis Evangelion 

 

In Zankyou no Terror, the story follows two high school boys, Nine and Twelve, who are the brains behind a terrorist group called Sphinx and their reasons for carrying out bombings. Like in Evangelion, Shinji struggles with the moral implications of his actions. They also share a similar atmosphere and pacing, which can be slow and contemplative at times and fast-paced and intense at others. Both anime series heavily focus on drama and exploration of the human condition. 

 

Fun Fact 

 

Shinichiro Watanabe is also the creator of other popular anime series, such as Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop, which have similar themes to Zankyou no Terror, like crime, violence, and the search for identity. 

Plush Toys

Cute stuffed toy, but with other things stuffed inside. 

3. Bokurano

 

Bokurano Trailer 

 

Bokurano is a science fiction anime series that explores the concept of sacrifice and the weight of responsibility. The show follows a group of 15 children who discover a mysterious cave and find a giant robot inside.  

 

They informed the kids that they have been chosen to pilot the robot to protect the Earth from alien invasions. They soon realize the cost of protecting the Earth is much higher than anticipated. Each time the robot fights, one of the children must sacrifice their life to power the robot. 

 

How is it Similar to Neon Genesis Evangelion? 

 

Bokurano and Evangelion are like two sides of the same robot-piloting coin but with a different twist. Bokurano is like Evangelion, but instead of one angsty teenager saving the world, you have a group of angsty teens saving the world and sacrificing their lives.  

 

Both shows are about the heavy responsibility of being a giant robot pilot and the sacrifices one has to make for the greater good. In Bokurano, you’ve got a group of kids who find themselves in a giant robot, just like in Evangelion, but instead of feeling like the chosen one, they feel like they’ve been handed a death sentence. 

 

Fun Facts 

 

Bokurano’s creator, Mohiro Kitoh, has said that the show is heavily influenced by the Japanese folktale “Urashima Taro,” which is about a fisherman who saves a turtle and is rewarded by being taken to a magical underwater kingdom.  

 

Still, when he returns to the real world, he finds that many years have passed. Similarly, in Bokurano, the children find themselves in a similar situation where time seems to be passing differently for them. 

Bokurano

Image of the 15 kids who will sacrifice themselves for the greater good, but no one cares about their fate. 

2. Texhnolyze

 

Texhnolyze – Geneon Entertainment Trailer (2004) 

 

Texhnolyze is a science fiction anime series in a post-apocalyptic city called Lux, where different factions fight for control. The story follows a man named Ichise, pulled into the city’s power struggles after being given a powerful prosthetic arm.  

 

The show is known for its complex, multi-layered story and dark and gritty atmosphere. It’s a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat as it explores the power struggles of the different factions and the effects of technology on society. 

 

How is it Similar to Neon Genesis Evangelion 

 

Texhnolyze and Evangelion are two peas in a post-apocalyptic pod. Both are shows that will make you question the meaning of life, the universe, and everything. In Texhnolyze, you’ve got a dude with a shiny new robot arm trying to survive in a city where the only thing more dangerous than the local gangs is the city itself. In Evangelion, you’ve got a dude with emotional baggage the size of a giant robot trying to save the world from giant monsters.  

 

Fun Facts 

 

The creator of Texhnolyze, Yoshitoshi ABe, is also the creator of an anime series called Serial Experiments Lain, which shares similarities with Texhnolyze, such as the exploration of the relationship between humans and technology and a focus on existentialism. So, if you like Texhnolyze, you’ll probably like Serial Experiments Lain too. 

ghosts

The two ‘ghosts’ surprised to see Ichise alive 

1. Darling in the FranXX

 

Darling in the FranXX – Trailer  

 

Darling in the FranXX is a sci-fi, mecha anime series that explores the themes of love, identity, and humanity. The show is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives in mobile fortresses known as Plantations, fighting against giant creatures known as Klaxosaurs. The story follows a group of young pilots, FranXX, trained to fight the Klaxosaurs. Fans of this series know it for its intense, action-packed story and complex characters. 

 

How Is It Similar to Neon Genesis Evangelion? 

 

Darling in the FranXX is like if Evangelion had a love triangle, but instead of giant robots, you’ve got giant robots with legs. Instead of one angsty teenager saving the world, you’ve got a group of angsty teenagers trying to save the world and trying to get some action while they’re at it. Both shows will make you question the nature of humanity and the consequences of power. It’s like watching Evangelion but with more action, robots, and romance. 

 

Fun Facts 

 

The main characters’ FranXX units names are after different types of flowers, like “Strelizia” and “Delphinium.” They are designed after the reproductive organs of the flowers. So you know it’s going to be a show with a lot of flowery metaphors. 

Darling in the FranXX

Mitsuru was crying about his baby, not ignoring the fact that he was still a kid. 

 

If you’re a fan of mind-bending, thought-provoking shows that will make you question the meaning of life, the universe, and everything, then you need to check out Neon Genesis Evangelion.  

And if you’re looking for more anime series that will give you that same experience, check out the list of anime series. These series are like different flavors of the same existential ice cream cone. Each one will leave you with a different taste. So, grab a spoon and dig in! 

Pop Culture

I am a published author of lightnovels. A self-proclaimed expert on manga, manhwa, and manhuajia. Anime predictions are almost always right.

          

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