nge

Neon Genesis Evangelion, commonly abbreviated NGE, is a Japanese animated television series created by Hideaki Anno and produced by Gainax. It aired on TV Tokyo from October 1995 to March 1996. Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo-3, the story follows sixteen-year-old Shinji Ikari as he pilots a giant biomechanical unit called an Evangelion to defend humanity against mysterious beings known as Angels. The series blends psychological drama with science fiction and religious imagery, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and interpersonal relationships.

The show features a core cast including Shinji, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Langley Soryu, along with Nerv staff such as Misato Katsuragi and Gendo Ikari. The Evangelions, especially EVA-01, are depicted with a juxtaposition of vulnerability and power, and the narrative is noted for its unusual pacing, symbolic imagery, and willingness to fracture traditional storytelling expectations.

Upon release, NGE was both acclaimed and controversial, earning recognition for its animation, soundtrack, and thematic depth, and influencing a generation of anime and popular culture. In 1997 The End of Evangelion was released as an alternate ending film, providing a expansive conclusion. A later film series, Rebuild of Evangelion (2007–2021), retells parts of the story with updated animation and new plot directions. The franchise has grown into extensive media including manga adaptations, video games, and scholarly discussion about its exploration of consciousness, trauma, and human connection.