Neon Genesis Evangelionhas a reputation for being one of the most emotionally taxing anime ever made, often leaving viewers feeling more overwhelmed than uplifted. It’s a series that confronts the rawest aspects of the human condition—fear, isolation, and self-doubt—and for many, including myself, it’s deeply depressing. But that’s exactly why it means so much to me.
Beyond its heavy themes,Evangelionoffers something crucial: a way to explore and understand our emotions in a way few other works do.It’s not merely about despair, but about confronting it and finding hope amid the struggle. I turn to it when I’m feeling down because it truly understands what I’m going through, articulates those emotions, and provides a glimmer of optimism that helps pull me out of it.
Neon Genesis Evangelion Isn’t Just Depressing For Shock Value
The Creator Is Attempting To Impart A Lesson To Its Viewers
Neon Genesis Evangelionis often dismissedas depressing for the sake of being edgy, but its themes go far deeper. While some write it off, the series delivers valuable lessons that resonate over time. Watching it repeatedly throughout life feels like revisiting wisdom from a grandparent—something that gains new meaning with each viewing. Evangelion’s messages aren’t just about despair;they center on hope, personal growth, and the struggle to connect. No matter how many times I watch, it’s impact remains, offering a reminder that even in darkness, there’s always a path forward.
Not All Anime Series Are Worth the Hype But Some? They Definitely Are
Plenty of great anime series have released throughout the years, but only a select few are truly deserving of the hype that surrounds them.
Hideaki Anno, the creator ofNeon Genesis Evangelion, used the series as a form of personal therapy, pouring his struggles with depression, isolation, and self-worth into the narrative. After experiencing a deep depressive episode,Anno channeled his emotions into the show’s characters, particularly Shinji Ikari, who embodies themes of anxiety and the fear of rejection.The series reflects his battle with self-acceptance, human connection, and the search for meaning. Evangelion’s abstract, introspective storytelling, especially in its later episodes, mirrors Anno’s evolving mindset, ultimately concluding with a message of hope and the possibility of overcoming one’s inner demons.
Evangelion Understands What You’re Going Through
Sometimes It Understands Better Than Other People
Because Ikari is drawn from real human emotions, he feels inherently relatable—just like the rest of the cast. Some connect with his fear of rejection, while others see themselves in Asuka’s struggles with self-worth or Misato’s intimacy issues.Neon Genesis Evangelionexplores a wide range of personal traumas, ensuring each character’s pain is fully examined rather than overshadowed. Every deep-seated issue is given weight, allowing viewers to find pieces of themselves within the story. The series doesn’t prioritize one struggle over another; instead, it presents a raw, honest look at the complexities of human emotion and vulnerability.
The series delves into deeply personal struggles that many find difficult to discuss with others.It serves as a comfort show while also articulating emotions I sometimes struggle to express. Seeing aspects of myself reflected in the characters helps contextualize raw feelings, making their experiences resonate on a profound level.Neon Genesis Evangelionendures not just because of its premise, stunning art, or place in the mecha genre, but because it captures the complexities of human emotion. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to make viewers feel seen and understood, offering a rare, introspective connection through storytelling.
Evangelion Is There To Tell You It’s Okay
If Neon Genesis Makes You Depressed After Watching, It Means You Have Something To Face
Beyond its themes of hope, self-acceptance, and pain,Neon Genesis Evangeliondelivers a crucial message:no matter how difficult it is to let others in, we must. True healing—both individually and collectively—comes from connection. It’s a challenging lesson to embrace and even harder to teach, but the series illustrates it through its characters’ struggles. By witnessing their pain and growth, viewers can internalize this truth in a way that words alone often fail to convey.Evangelionserves as a reminder that isolation isn’t the answer—only through understanding and connection can we begin to heal.
Neon Genesis Evangelion’s Real Ending Is One Of The Darkest Anime Films Ever, & It Actually Changed Me For The Better
Evangelion has multiple endings, though 1997’s The End of Evangelion did it best, and it stands out for being the darkest even in a bleak franchise.
The series often faces criticism that it leaves viewers feeling depressed rather than hopeful. However, Mexican poet and academic César A. Cruz once said, “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” This reminds me thatEvangelionisn’t meant to be an easy watch—it challenges viewers emotionally. If it leaves someone unsettled, it likely touched on something deeply personal, something they hadn’t confronted or were avoiding. Rather than just being bleak, the series forces introspection, making its message more profound. Sometimes,discomfort is necessary for growth, andEvangelionexcels at pushing viewers to face their own truths.
End of Evangelion Inspires People To Keep Living
WhileNeon Genesis Evangelionends on an introspective note, emphasizing acceptance,End of Evangelionexplores the painful journey toward that resolution—something the series' abrupt ending leaves unresolved. The film depicts the characters, especially Shinji, at their lowest point, pushing their emotional and psychological struggles to the extreme.When Shinji ultimately triggers the Third Impact, it symbolizes his complete surrender, as if he’s giving up on life itself. Rather than a hopeful realization, this moment underscores his deep despair, making his eventual choice to exist all the more significant in the face of overwhelming hopelessness and isolation.
Despite the praise andcontroversy surroundingNeon Genesis Evangelion’s ending, Anno knew that to tell the story fully, the series' optimistic and therapeutic approach had to beexpanded with the difficult path to healing thatEnd of Evangelionprovides. Both the show and film reflect Anno’s struggles with depression, speaking to anyone who’s experienced similar pain. The series connects me to the creator and other fans who’ve felt the same way, reminding me that I’m (not) alone. Imperfection is part of being human, and reaffirming that truth with each viewing is whyEvangelionresonates so deeply.
