8 Mind-Blowing Movies Similar to Neon Genesis Evangelion

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance is a phenomenal movie that takes a different direction than the first one. While the original series may have seemed like your regular giant-robot-post-apocalyptic nonsense, this movie delves deeper into the story and character development. Hideaki Anno, the writer, executed this brilliantly, bringing the characters of Shinji, Rei, Asuka, Misato, and Mari to new heights. The last 15 minutes of the movie are especially captivating and rank among the best in the franchise. If you enjoyed Neon Genesis Evangelion, you'll love this sequel for its fresh perspective and captivating storyline.

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo
14 years have passed since the near third impact, and the world has changed dramatically. However, one thing remains constant: Shinji Ikari, who awakens in a new and strange environment, unaged. In this installment, Misato has formed a separate group from Nerv, and the fight is no longer just against the angels, but also against humans and former allies. While the first two movies of the series showcased Shinji's infatuation with Misato and later his love for Ayanami, this third movie takes a different approach. Misato's stone-cold attitude towards Shinji, even after 14 years, is unexpected given their complicated history. Additionally, this movie deviates from the norm by having Shinji spend most of the film not piloting an EVA, which was a defining characteristic of the previous installments. Despite these differences, Evangelion: 3.

Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time is reminiscent of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the main_movie. Both movies belong to the same franchise and share common key topics such as mecha and anime. However, the similarities go beyond the surface level. Like its predecessor, Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time delves into complex themes like loneliness, post-apocalypse, and nihilism, providing a thought-provoking experience. While the main_movie introduced viewers to the world of Evangelion and its characters, the similar_movie takes the story further, offering a visually striking and modernized presentation. Despite some underwhelming CG-heavy fight scenes, the movie compensates with its updated visuals. However, it's worth noting that Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time intensifies the "religious techno babble" that some found annoying in the original series.

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone is a movie that will transport you back to the world of Neon Genesis Evangelion. While the original series blew your mind with its complicated and lovable characters, this movie takes a fresh approach. It's not a shot-by-shot rehash, but rather a tetralogy that encapsulates what worked in the original while making it a more definitive telling of the story.
In this movie, we meet Shinji Ikari, a teenage pilot who must protect Earth from monstrous entities called Angels. The fate of the world rests on his shoulders, and he's not your typical hero. Shinji is flawed, whiny, and indecisive, which adds a unique charm to the story. You'll be on the edge of your seat watching the battle sequences, as the Evangelions become increasingly patched and repaired after each encounter.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion is a cinematic masterpiece that serves as the concurrent theatrical ending to the TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion. If you've seen the original series, you'll appreciate how this alternate ending delves deeper into the characters of Shinji, Rei, Asuka, and Misato. While the original ending focused solely on Shinji, this film extends and intensifies the events of Episodes 25 and 26. It not only answers lingering questions from the series but also raises new ones, showcasing the genius of Hideaki Anno's storytelling. If you're a fan of the original series, you must watch The End of Evangelion, as it surpasses the original ending in every way imaginable.

Revival of Evangelion is a cinematic compilation of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth and Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion. While the main movie, Neon Genesis Evangelion, introduces us to a complex world of loneliness, mecha, and post-apocalyptic themes, Revival of Evangelion takes it a step further. With a runtime of 9540 seconds, this movie delves deeper into the battle between the fourteen-year-old protagonists and their mysterious enemies. The similarities between the two movies lie in their genres of animation, action, drama, and sci-fi, as well as the inclusion of mecha and the involvement of the cast, which includes the talented Megumi Hayashibara. However, Revival of Evangelion offers a heightened level of intensity and action, promising a thrilling experience for viewers who have already been captivated by the main movie.

Macross Plus Movie Edition, released in 1995, is reminiscent of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Both movies fall under the genres of Animation, Action, Drama, and Sci-Fi. While Neon Genesis Evangelion is a series, Macross Plus Movie Edition is a compilation of the acclaimed OVA. However, the movie version of Macross Plus falls short compared to its original OVA. The major problem lies in the retelling of the events, where the movie simply cuts and splices parts of the OVA together, resulting in pacing issues and forced scenes. Additionally, the story in Macross Plus Movie Edition is relatively weaker compared to the OVA. Despite these shortcomings, Macross Plus Movie Edition is still worth watching for fans of the Macross franchise, albeit with a lower rating compared to the original OVA.

Cowboy Bebop takes you on a futuristic journey filled with misadventures and tragedies. From the art to the music, and most importantly, the story line, this anime delivers. In the not so distant future, the show introduces us to two men, Spike and Jet, who meet up with future comrades Faye and Ed to form the most effective bounty hunting team in the universe. Each member of the team encounters shades of their illuminous past, making the bondship amongst the characters deeply felt. What makes Cowboy Bebop truly unique is its ability to offer something drastically different in each session. Some sessions wrap you up in action, others make you cry, and some will make you roll on the ground in laughter. The soundtrack for the entire series, usually Jazz, adds to the sophisticated feel of the show. Compared to other anime, Bebop reigns supreme and puts kids shows like Dragon Ball Z to shame.

Gurren Lagann, which was released in 2007, is reminiscent of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Both series belong to the mecha genre and share common themes like rebellion, friendship, and the struggle against a powerful enemy. However, Gurren Lagann takes a more lighthearted approach compared to Evangelion, which is known for its complex and sometimes dark storyline. While the first few episodes of Gurren Lagann might give the impression of a typical mech battle show, it quickly evolves into something much more profound and awe-inspiring. The last few episodes are particularly impactful and can leave you in tears of pure awe. This anime beautifully illustrates the message that willpower and love have unimaginable power. So, if you're a fan of mecha anime or looking for a series that combines action, adventure, comedy, drama, and sci-fi, I highly recommend giving Gurren Lagann a watch.

**Knights of the Zodiac**: Reminiscent of Neon Genesis Evangelion, this anime series follows a group of young warriors called "Saints" who protect the reincarnation of the goddess Athena from evil forces. Just like Evangelion, Knights of the Zodiac is an action-packed series filled with loyalty, courage, and intense fights. While Neon Genesis Evangelion explores themes of loneliness and nihilism in a post-apocalyptic world, Knights of the Zodiac takes us on a fantastical adventure with the Bronze Saints and their cloth guarded by different constellations. Both shows captivate the audience with their complex storylines, lovable characters, and originality. So, if you enjoyed Neon Genesis Evangelion, Knights of the Zodiac is a must-watch anime that will transport you to a world of mythology, epic battles, and the unbreakable bond between warriors and their goddess.

Digimon Tamers takes you on an adventure just like Neon Genesis Evangelion, but with a twist. While Evangelion delves into the complexities of its characters and the mind-bending conclusion, Digimon Tamers focuses on the journey of a team of real monster trainers. The show captures the essence of raising electronic monsters to fight against those raised by other kids, reminiscent of the popular children's toy it's based on. However, unlike Evangelion, Digimon Tamers falls short in some aspects. The voices of some characters are not convincing, making it harder to warm up to the human characters. The Digimon themselves also seem less imaginative and more humanoid compared to their predecessors. Additionally, the plot becomes repetitive and dull, with the writers taking too long to explain key elements and leaving loose ends floating. Despite these drawbacks, Digimon Tamers is worth a watch if you're a fan of Digimon or Pokemon and enjoy modern anime.

Vandread is a space-faring anime series that shares some similarities with the beloved Neon Genesis Evangelion. Both shows explore the theme of mecha, but while Evangelion delves into the complexities of loneliness and nihilism, Vandread takes a more lighthearted approach. In Vandread, the war between sexes becomes literal, adding a unique twist to the story. The characters in both series are well-developed, but Evangelion takes it to another level, making you fall in love with them. Vandread, on the other hand, is filled with interesting and amusing characters that will keep you entertained. While Evangelion ventures into intense and mind-blowing territory, Vandread is a fun and comedic adventure that will leave you wanting more. So if you enjoyed the mecha aspect of Evangelion and want a lighter and more entertaining take on the genre, Vandread is the perfect choice for your next anime marathon.

Ghost in the Shell is reminiscent of Neon Genesis Evangelion in many ways. Both movies were released in the mid-1990s and belong to the same genres of Animation, Action, Drama, and Sci-Fi. They both explore deep philosophical themes such as loneliness, the human condition, and the implications of advanced technology. However, while Neon Genesis Evangelion focuses on the emotional journey of a teenage boy recruited as a pilot, Ghost in the Shell takes a different approach. It follows a cyborg policewoman and her partner as they hunt down a powerful hacker. The plot of Ghost in the Shell is more intricate and involves cyberpunk elements like mind control and hacking. The animation in both movies is top-notch, but Ghost in the Shell stands out with its attention to graphic details, creating remarkably realistic visuals. The music in Ghost in the Shell is also outstanding, enhancing the overall experience.

"Ikki tousen" is a series that will take you on a wild and outrageous ride, much like "Neon Genesis Evangelion". While "Evangelion" is known for its complex and thought-provoking story, "Ikki tousen" embraces its over-the-top nature and doesn't take itself too seriously. Both shows feature intense battles, but where "Evangelion" focuses on mecha and post-apocalyptic themes, "Ikki tousen" takes a more lighthearted approach with its martial arts and schoolgirl fighters. While "Evangelion" explores loneliness and nihilism, "Ikki tousen" brings a healthy dose of fanservice and female nudity. The animation style of "Ikki tousen" is stunning, with realistic character designs and attention to detail, especially when it comes to the female characters' ample assets.

Patlabor: The TV Series is reminiscent of Neon Genesis Evangelion because both shows explore the theme of mecha in a futuristic setting. While Evangelion focuses on the psychological aspects of its characters and the complex and mysterious plot, Patlabor takes a more lighthearted approach with its comedy and character-driven storytelling. In both shows, the mecha are not just tools of destruction, but they also reflect the personalities and struggles of their pilots. Patlabor also delves into the themes of crime fighting and police work, adding an additional layer of mystery and excitement to the story. If you enjoyed the thought-provoking nature of Evangelion but want a more light-hearted and comedic take on the mecha genre, Patlabor: The TV Series is definitely worth a watch.

Fafner: The youth of Tatsumiya Island believed that they had ordinary lives... until the advent of the Festum, extraterrestrial intelligent life forms intent on assimilating all humans. Abruptly, their once peaceful island transforms into a high-tech military fortress to counter-attack the hostile aliens. Their shock intensifies when they learn that only they can pilot the Fafner, a class of humanoid-type robots that represent the final and only weapon against the Festums and their divine powers. Fafner, like Neon Genesis Evangelion, is an anime series that explores the theme of piloting giant robots to fight against otherworldly threats. However, while Evangelion delves into complex character development and a mind-blowing plot, Fafner focuses more on action-packed fight scenes and a satisfying ending. So if you enjoyed the mind-bending journey of Evangelion, but also crave thrilling battles and a conclusive finale, Fafner is definitely worth a watch.