Why Neon Genesis Evangelion Is Popular: 10 Reasons Its Loved by Millions

Are you prepared to dive into the world of giant bio-machines and psychological warfare? Look no further than Neon Genesis Evangelion! This beloved anime series has captivated audiences for decades with its compelling characters, deep themes, and action-packed plot.

But don’t just take our word for it – the cultural impact of Evangelion speaks for itself. From its iconic music to its beautiful animation, there’s something for everyone in this epic tale of human existence and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. So grab some popcorn and get ready to see what all the hype is about with Neon Genesis Evangelion!

10 Reasons Why Neon Genesis Evangelion is Popular

Neon Genesis Evangelion was broadcasted on TV Tokyo from October 1995 to March 1996 and consisted of 26 episodes. It has become a cultural phenomenon and has significantly impacted Japanese and international popular culture.

The story centers around a young boy named Shinji Ikari, recruited by his father, Gendo Ikari, to become a pilot of a giant bio-machine referred to as Evangelion in the fight against mysterious beings known as Angels.

The series delves into the psychological and religious subjects related to human existence. It tackles the nature of life, death, and sacrifice. The anime also boldly discusses the relationship between human beings and God. It has been widely analyzed and interpreted by scholars and critics and has become a subject of academic study. Here are some reasons why it has a worldwide phenomenon.

Compelling Characters of Evangelion

Many fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion appreciate the complex and multifaceted characters, who are well-developed and undergo significant personal growth throughout the series. Here are some notable personalities of the series.

Shinji Ikari

He’s the reluctant hero of the series, constantly struggling with self-doubt and a fear of rejection. But hey, at least he’s got giant robots to take out his teenage angst on!

Asuka Langley Soryu

She’s tough, bold, and always ready for a fight… literally. She’ll probably try to pilot an Evangelion through your living room if you cross her.

Misato Katsuragi

She’s a no-nonsense military officer by day and a beer-chugging, pizza-eating mess by night. But hey, who among us hasn’t been there?

Ryoji Kaji

He’s a smooth-talking ladies’ man with a mysterious past. Just don’t get on his bad side, or you might end up receiving his “special” cigarette.

Gendo Ikari

He’s the ultimate estranged father figure, always trying to manipulate and control those around him. Good luck trying to get a hug out of this guy.

Yui Ikari

She’s the embodiment of maternal love, even if she’s not physically present for most of the series. Just try not to get too emotional when you see her in action.

Rei Ayanami

She’s the quiet, enigmatic pilot with a tragic past. Just don’t get too attached because she has a habit of “dying” and returning to life.

Kaoru Nagisa

He’s a friendly, laid-back classmate who always has a smile on his face. Don’t let that fool you – he’s secretly a super genius.

Pen-Pen

He’s the fluffy, penguin-like mascot of the series. Okay, so he’s not technically a character, but he’s too cute!

Deep Themes

One of the major themes of Neon Genesis Evangelion is the nature of human existence. The series grapples with questions about the purpose of life, the cycle of birth and death, and the potential for humanity to create a better future. It also explores the idea of predestination and whether or not we have the power to change our fate.

Another significant theme of the series is the relationship between humans and God. The series draws inspiration from Judeo-Christian mythology and explores ideas about faith, doubt, and the role of religion in our lives. It also raises questions about the nature of God and whether or not they exist.

A third important theme of Neon Genesis Evangelion is the human need for connection and acceptance. The series explores how people seek out and form relationships with others, and the lengths they will go to to find acceptance and belonging. It also delves into the difficulties of making and maintaining meaningful connections with others and how these relationships can impact our sense of self.

Action-Packed Plot

Who doesn’t love a good giant robot fight? Neon Genesis Evangelion delivers on that front in spades, with intense and thrilling action sequences that will keep everyone on the edge of their seat. But it’s not just about the spectacle – the action in Evangelion is also cleverly choreographed and well-written, with each battle serving a purpose in the larger story.

But let’s be honest; the real reason why the action-packed plot of Evangelion is loved by so many is because it’s just plain cool. I mean, come on – who wouldn’t want to pilot their giant robot and save the world from otherworldly threats? Plus, with a deep, complex mythology and a host of memorable characters, there’s always something new to discover. So if you’re a fan of epic battles, compelling storytelling, and giant robots, then Neon Genesis Evangelion is the show for you!

Beautiful Animation

If you love gorgeous, eye-popping animation, look no further than Neon Genesis Evangelion! From the sleek, futuristic designs of the Evangelions themselves to the stunningly detailed backgrounds and environments, every frame of this series is a visual feast.

But the animation in Evangelion isn’t just about pretty pictures – it also serves storytelling purposes. The expressive character designs and fluid action sequences help to bring the characters and their emotional journeys to life. Surprisingly, the intricate and detailed backgrounds help to create a rich, immersive world.

Iconic Music

Get ready to have some seriously catchy tunes stuck in your head because the music of Neon Genesis Evangelion is absolutely iconic. From the pulse-pounding opening theme, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” to the hauntingly beautiful “Fly Me to the Moon,” the soundtrack of this series is chock full of memorable tracks that will stick with you long after you’ve finished watching.

Nonetheless, it isn’t just about catchy melodies. Using leitmotifs and musical themes helps reinforce the series’ emotions and themes. The various instrumental and vocal tracks help to create a rich, layered soundscape.

Unique Setting

One thing that sets Neon Genesis Evangelion apart from other anime series is its unique setting. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to mysterious beings called Angels. The story takes place in Tokyo-3, a city built to withstand the attacks of the Angels. It highlights the adventures of a group of teenagers recruited to pilot giant bio-machines called Evangelions in the fight against the Angels.

The setting of Evangelion is rich and detailed, drawing inspiration from various sources, including Judeo-Christian mythology and Japanese mythology. The use of religious and mythological symbols and motifs adds depth and complexity to the world of the series and helps to give it a unique and distinctive flavor.

Memorable Moments of Evangelion

One of the things that makes Neon Genesis Evangelion such a beloved series is the sheer number of memorable moments it has packed into its 26 episodes. Here are just a few examples:

Who can forget when Shinji had a meltdown in the middle of an Evangelion battle? Just when you thought the fate of the world was in good hands, he goes and loses it. But hey, at least he’s not alone in his teenage angst – we’ve all been there.

And what about that cringe-worthy “I love you” moment between Asuka and Shinji? Talk about awkwardness. At least they finally got it out in the open, right?

Speaking of awkward, remember when Kaji showed off his “special” cigarette? We’re still unsure what was in that thing, and we’re not sure we want to know.

On a more heartwarming note, how about when Gendo Ikari finally got a hug from his son? It may have taken 26 episodes, but it was worth the wait to see the icy Gendo thaw out a bit.

And let’s not forget the scene-stealing Pen-Pen, who showed off his impressive collection of swimsuits. Who knew that a penguin-like creature could have such excellent taste in beachwear?

But it’s not all fun and games in Evangelion – the Angels are a constant threat, and their first appearance is a doozy. They’re sure to give you nightmares with their bizarre, otherworldly designs and their penchant for attacking Tokyo-3.

And, of course, there’s Misato Katsuragi, who isn’t afraid to let her hair down (and chug a beer in the middle of a meeting). Hey, at least she’s not pretending to be professional anymore.

Finally, there’s Yui Ikari’s dramatic appearance, which will definitely bring a tear to your eye. Talk about maternal love!

Culturally Significant

Neon Genesis Evangelion has had a profound and lasting impact on pop culture in Japan and worldwide. Here are just a few reasons why this beloved anime series has had such a significant cultural impact:

• The Music- From the iconic opening theme “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” to the hauntingly beautiful “Fly Me to the Moon,” the soundtrack of Evangelion is chock full of memorable tracks that have become fan favorites. In fact, the series has spawned numerous remixes, cover versions, and tribute albums, and its music has been featured in everything from video games to live-action stage productions.
• The Merchandise- Evangelion has inspired a veritable feast of merchandise, ranging from the usual suspects (T-shirts, figures, etc.) to the more unusual (Evangelion-themed ice cream, anyone?). The series has also inspired numerous spin-off products, such as movies, manga, and video games.

• The Parodies and Homages- Evangelion has been parodied and homaged countless times in pop culture, from South Park to The Simpsons to Family Guy. Its iconic imagery and memorable characters have made it a favorite target for satirists and homage-payers alike.

• The Fan Base- Evangelion has one of the most dedicated and passionate fan bases of any anime series, with fans worldwide creating fan art, fan fiction, and other forms of fan expression. The series has inspired numerous fan conventions, meet-ups, and other events, and its fan community is still going strong decades after the series first aired.

Rewatch Value of Evangelion

For starters, the series is packed with complex themes and ideas that are sure to keep your brain buzzing long after you’ve finished watching. From the nature of human existence to the relationship between humans and God, Evangelion is a thought-provoking series that will make you think long after the credits have rolled.

But it’s not all heavy thinking – Evangelion is also filled with memorable characters and hilarious moments that will bring a smile to your face. From the bickering of Asuka and Shinji to the deadpan humor of Ritsuko Akagi, there are plenty of laughs on each rewatch.

Well-Written

The well-written story of Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the things that has helped to make it a classic of the anime genre. From its complex and multi-layered plot to its deep and nuanced characters, Evangelion is a series that truly stands the test of time.

One thing that sets Evangelion apart from other anime series is its use of psychological and philosophical themes. The series delves into questions about the nature of human existence, the relationship between humans and God, and the human need for connection and acceptance. It also explores the nature of life and death, the concept of sacrifice, and the role of memory in shaping our sense of self.

Conclusion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a true classic of the anime genre, with a devoted fan base and a lasting impact on pop culture. From its compelling characters and deep, complex themes to its iconic music and stunning animation, there’s something for everyone in this beloved series.

But what sets Evangelion apart is its excellent storytelling. With a well-written plot that balances action, drama, and psychological and philosophical themes, the series is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful viewing experience. Its memorable characters and unique setting also help to make it stand out in the crowded world of anime.

So if you’re a fan of great storytelling, compelling characters, and giant robot battles, give Neon Genesis Evangelion a watch. You won’t be disappointed!

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