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The Best Episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Every episode of Neon Genesis Evangelion ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion!

Binge this in 10h 15m•Peaking at 8.3/10

At the turn of the century, the Angels returned to Earth, seeking to wipe out humanity in an apocalyptic fury. Devastated, mankind's last remnants moved underground to wait for the day when the Angels would

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 19 - Introjection
    8.3/10(4934 votes)

    #1 - Introjection

    S1:E19

    Enraged over Touji's near-death at the hands of his own EVA, Shinji refuses to pilot an Evangelion again and prepares to leave Tokyo-3 for good. He is forced to reconsider that decision when an immensely destructive new Angel attacks just as he is about to leave...

    Director:Masayuki
    Writer:Akio Satsukawa

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  2. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 16 - Splitting of the Breast
    8.2/10(4142 votes)

    #2 - Splitting of the Breast

    S1:E16

    Shinji beats Asuka in a synch test, much to her annoyance. Not too long after, the EVAs are dispatched to deal with a mysterious apparition, and EVA-01 is sucked into a shadowlike blackness that materializes out of nothingness from under it. While an emergency operation to rescue the captured EVA is concocted, Shinji goes on a trip into the depths of his own consciousness...

    Director:Kazuya Tsurumaki
    Writer:Hiroshi Yamaguchi

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  3. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 9 - Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!
    8.1/10(3737 votes)

    #3 - Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!

    S1:E9

    Asuka joins Shinji’s class at school, and moves in with Misato and him in their apartment. As Asuka adjusts to Japan (or rather, everyone else adapts to her...), a new Angel attacks which is capable of splitting itself into two identical copies. EVA-01 and EVA-02 are defeated, and NERV is publicly humiliated. With the Angel in a week-long regeneration period after an N² Mine attack by the JSSDF, Asuka and Shinji must learn to "synchronize" with each others movements combat, in order to defeat it once and for all.

    Director:Seiji Mizushima
    Writers:Akio Satsukawa, Hideaki Anno

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  4. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 18 - Ambivalence
    8.0/10(4454 votes)

    #4 - Ambivalence

    S1:E18

    Evangelion Unit-03 arrives from the United States. However, its activation experiment brings out NERV's worst nightmare when it turns out to have been infected by the Thirteenth Angel. The other EVAs are dispatched to battle the Angel-infected abomination... even at the risk of killing its helpless pilot.

    Director:Tensai Okamura
    Writer:Shinji Higuchi

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  5. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 20 - Weaving a Story (2): Oral Stage
    8.0/10(3790 votes)

    #5 - Weaving a Story (2): Oral Stage

    S1:E20

    Shinji achieved an unprecedented 400% synchronization ratio with EVA-01 during the battle with Zeruel, to horrible effect. With the EVA having ascended to the status of a living God and Shinji absorbed inside it, Ritsuko unsuccessfully attempts to recover him.

    Director:Masahiko Otsuka
    Writer:Hideaki Anno

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  6. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 6 - Rei II
    7.8/10(3981 votes)

    #6 - Rei II

    S1:E6

    Continuing from the previous episode, the Angel Ramiel is drilling down into the GeoFront to attack NERV HQ directly. After Shinji barely survived a direct confrontation with it, Misato devises a plan to have EVA-00 and EVA-01 defeat the Angel by sniping it from a distance using a positronic rifle which requires the total electric output of Japan to power up.

    Director:Hiroyuki Ishido
    Writers:Akio Satsukawa, Hideaki Anno

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Neon Genesis Evangelion

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  7. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 21 - He Was Aware that He Was Still a Child.
    7.8/10(3701 votes)

    #7 - He Was Aware that He Was Still a Child.

    S1:E21

    Kouzou Fuyutsuki is kidnapped and interrogated by Seele, who are horrified over the results of the last encounter with an Angel. He recounts his past, providing flashbacks into the creation of Nerv. The pasts of Misato Katsuragi, Ritsuko Akagi, Rei Ayanami and Yui Ikari are also revealed. Ryouji Kaji, meanwhile, decides to find out the truth, no matter the cost.

    Director:Hiroyuki Ishido
    Writer:Akio Satsukawa

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  8. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 23 - Rei III
    7.8/10(3668 votes)

    #8 - Rei III

    S1:E23

    Asuka sinks into deep depression after Arael's mental probing, and is unable to pilot when the new Angel Armisael arrives. Armisael begins physically fusing with EVA-00 and threatens to do the same to EVA-01, prompting Rei to sacrifice herself to save Shinji, only to appear alive soon afterwards.

    Directors:Hideaki Anno, Shoichi Masuo
    Writer:Hiroshi Yamaguchi

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  9. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 24 - The Beginning and the End, or 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door'
    7.7/10(3947 votes)

    #9 - The Beginning and the End, or 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door'

    S1:E24

    Too frightened to face Misato or Rei, Shinji runs away yet again, only to meet and strike a friendship with Kaworu Nagisa, the replacement pilot for EVA-02. Kaworu's openness and friendliness provide much-needed comfort for the disturbed Shinji. However, suspicions abound over Kaworu's incredible synchronization abilities.

    Director:Masayuki
    Writer:Akio Satsukawa

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  10. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 2 - The Beast
    7.6/10(4244 votes)

    #10 - The Beast

    S1:E2

    Shinji wakes up in the hospital, with no memory of defeating the Angel the night before. Rejected by his father, Misato decides to take Shinji with her to live in her apartment. Later that night, memories of the battle against the Angel come flooding back to Shinji.

    Director:Kazuya Tsurumaki
    Writers:Yoji Enoto, Yoji Enokido

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  11. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 12 - She said, 'Don't make others suffer for your personal hatred.'
    7.6/10(3427 votes)

    #11 - She said, 'Don't make others suffer for your personal hatred.'

    S1:E12

    Misato has been promoted to Major, but the celebration does not last long. A monstrous Angel appears in Earth orbit right when Gendo and Fuyutsuki are away, leaving her and the children to deal with a colossal kamikaze threatening to drop itself right on top of Tokyo-3.

    Director:Hiroyuki Ishido
    Writer:Akio Satsukawa

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  12. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 22 - Don't Be.
    7.6/10(3800 votes)

    #12 - Don't Be.

    S1:E22

    Asuka's synch rate is on a downward spiral after her defeat at the hands of the Fourteenth Angel, Zeruel, and her frustration with Rei, Shinji, Misato and Ryouji is on the rise. Angrier and more disturbed than ever, she is forced to relive her dark, traumatic past during the encounter with the Fifteenth Angel, Arael.

    Directors:Kazuya Tsurumaki, Akira Takamura
    Writer:Hiroshi Yamaguchi

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  13. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 8 - Asuka Strikes!
    7.5/10(3628 votes)

    #13 - Asuka Strikes!

    S1:E8

    Misato brings Shinji, along with Touji and Kensuke, to a massive UN naval convoy transporting Evangelion Unit-02 and its fiery German pilot, Asuka Langley Souryuu, to Japan. Escorting Asuka is Misato's old boyfriend, Ryouji Kaji. After some awkward introductions and reunions, the fleet is attacked by a massive aquatic Angel. Asuka powers up Eva-02, and decides that she will defeat the Angel by playing "hopscotch"...

    Director:Kazuya Tsurumaki
    Writer:Yoji Enokido

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  14. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 1 - Angel Attack
    7.4/10(4575 votes)

    #14 - Angel Attack

    S1:E1

    Shinji Ikari is summoned to Tokyo-3 by his estranged father Gendo, commander of the special agency NERV, to defend the city from a giant Angel by piloting the only weapon capable of battling the monster: Evangelion Unit-01.

    Director:Kazuya Tsurumaki
    Writer:Hideaki Anno

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  15. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 4 - Hedgehog's Dilemma
    7.4/10(3944 votes)

    #15 - Hedgehog's Dilemma

    S1:E4

    Misato is upset with Shinji for ignoring her orders in the last Angel battle, and he is so overcome by the stress of being an EVA pilot that he runs away. After wandering around Tokyo-3 for several days, Shinji is faced with the choice of quitting or staying in his new home.

    Director:Tsuyoshi Kaga
    Writer:Akio Satsukawa

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  16. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 5 - Rei I
    7.3/10(3745 votes)

    #16 - Rei I

    S1:E5

    EVA-00 is finally repaired, and Shinji tries to get to know its enigmatic pilot, Rei Ayanami, better. However, he is confounded because she is extremely insular, has no friends at all, and the entire record of her past has been erased. In the midst of this, a very powerful Angel, the floating monolith Ramiel, attacks Tokyo-3.

    Director:Keiichi Sugiyama
    Writers:Akio Satsukawa, Hideaki Anno

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  17. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 7 - A Human Work
    7.3/10(3591 votes)

    #17 - A Human Work

    S1:E7

    Ritsuko briefs Shinji on the real nature of Second Impact, the Angels, and the Evangelions' mission to defeat them. Misato and Ritsuko attend the public demonstration of a new Angel-fighting robot, Jet Alone, built by a rival defense contractor to NERV. However, the nuclear-powered robot quickly runs out of control, and Shinji must use EVA Unit 01 to load Misato onto Jet Alone so she can she can enter in its automatic shutdown code, before it melts down in a nuclear explosion.

    Director:Keiichi Sugiyama
    Writer:Yoji Enokido

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  18. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 11 - The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still
    7.3/10(3485 votes)

    #18 - The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still

    S1:E11

    Tokyo-3 comes to a standstill when sabotage knocks out all power, and the personnel must scramble to launch the EVAs manually when an Angel appears in the middle of the blackout.

    Director:Tetsuya Watanabe
    Writer:Yoji Enokido

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  19. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 13 - Lilliputian Hitcher
    7.3/10(3424 votes)

    #19 - Lilliputian Hitcher

    S1:E13

    A routine test involving the EVA pilots turns into a struggle for survival when a wholly new type of Angel appears and spreads inside NERV HQ. This new, computer-like angel threatens to set off the self-destruct for the entire facility, leaving Dr. Ritsuko Akagi in a race against time to save the GeoFront and destroy the Angel.

    Director:Tensai Okamura
    Writers:Akio Satsukawa, Hideaki Anno, Mitsuo Iso

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  20. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 15 - Those Women Longed for the Touch of Others' Lips, and Thus Invited Their Kisses.
    7.3/10(3477 votes)

    #20 - Those Women Longed for the Touch of Others' Lips, and Thus Invited Their Kisses.

    S1:E15

    It seems like it's an important day for nearly everyone at NERV. Misato and Ritsuko are going to a wedding; Shinji and Gendo are visiting Yui's grave; Asuka has a date. However, important things will spring from these seemingly mundane events.

    Director:Naoyasu Habu
    Writer:Akio Satsukawa

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  21. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 17 - Fourth Children
    7.3/10(3339 votes)

    #21 - Fourth Children

    S1:E17

    A NERV branch in Nevada is obliterated in a catastrophic accident, and NERV headquarters prepares to station a new Evangelion in Japan. The Fourth Child is selected, unbeknownst to Shinji.

    Director:Minoru Ohara
    Writer:Shinji Higuchi

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  22. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 3 - A Transfer
    7.2/10(3952 votes)

    #22 - A Transfer

    S1:E3

    Shinji begins attending his new school in Tokyo-3, and has a difficult time dealing with the fame of being an Evangelion pilot. Touji Suzuhara, who's little sister was injured in Shinji's fight against the Angel, is angry at Shinji. A new Angel appears, and Shinji must once again pilot EVA-01 to defeat it.

    Director:Hiroyuki Ishido
    Writer:Akio Satsukawa

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  23. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 10 - Magma Diver
    7.0/10(3479 votes)

    #23 - Magma Diver

    S1:E10

    The EVA pilots are disappointed to find out that they are not allowed to go on their class trip to Okinawa, because they have to stay at Tokyo-3 to stay on-call in case of an Angel attack. Meanwhile, a new Angel is discovered in a chrysalis-like developmental stage deep within the magma of the volcano Mount Asama.

    Directors:Tsuyoshi Kaga, Hiroyuki Ishido
    Writer:Akio Satsukawa

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  24. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 25 - Do You Love Me?
    7.0/10(3957 votes)

    #24 - Do You Love Me?

    S1:E25

    Instrumentality has begun, and now its inner process, the joining of all souls into one, will be depicted. The episode is primarily driven by dialogue, the background usually complete darkness. White text often appears on a black screen, an omniscient voice questioning the characters.

    Director:Kazuya Tsurumaki
    Writer:Hideaki Anno

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  25. Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1 Episode 26 - Take Care of Yourself.
    7.0/10(4411 votes)

    #25 - Take Care of Yourself.

    S1:E26

    Instrumentality continues. The focus is primarily on Shinji now, as he learns to accept the individual’s ability to shape their world, and how the self cannot exist without others to define it.

    Directors:Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masayuki
    Writer:Hideaki Anno

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Best Episodes Summary

"Introjection" is the best rated episode of "Neon Genesis Evangelion". It scored 8.3/10 based on 4934 votes. Directed by Masayuki and written by Akio Satsukawa, it aired on 2/7/1996. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Splitting of the Breast".