Neon Genesis Evangelion: Season 1
1995 · 26 episodes · ★ 7.5
What Season 1 of Neon Genesis Evangelion
In 2015, fifteen years after the Second Impact, Tokyo-3 prepares to face the Angels, beings of unknown origin. The UN has created NERV, which develops the Evangelion, giant biomechanical units capable of fighting them. Shinji Ikari, a teenager estranged from his father, Gendo, the head of NERV, arrives in the city after his summons and is ordered to pilot one. Shinji does not want to take on that responsibility, but humanity's survival depends on someone doing it. Misato Katsuragi, who takes him in, and the other pilots accompany him through battles that force him to find courage within himself.
Season 1 Episodes
1x01 Angel Attack
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.
Directing: Kazuya Tsurumaki · Writing: Hideaki Anno
1x02 The Beast
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.
Directing: Kazuya Tsurumaki · Writing: Yoji Enoto, Yoji Enokido · Starring: Mugihito
1x03 A Transfer
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.
Directing: Hiroyuki Ishido · Writing: Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Junko Iwao, Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga, Takehito Koyasu
1x04 Hedgehog's Dilemma
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.
Directing: Tsuyoshi Kaga · Writing: Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga
1x05 Rei I
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.
Directing: Keiichi Sugiyama · Writing: Hideaki Anno, Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga
1x06 Rei II
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.
Directing: Hiroyuki Ishido · Writing: Hideaki Anno, Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga, Takehito Koyasu, Hiro Yuuki
1x07 A Human Work
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.
Directing: Keiichi Sugiyama · Writing: Yoji Enokido · Starring: Hiro Yuuki
1x08 Asuka Strikes!
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"...
Directing: Kazuya Tsurumaki · Writing: Yoji Enokido · Starring: Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga, Koichi Yamadera
1x09 Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!
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.
Directing: Seiji Mizushima · Writing: Hideaki Anno, Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Junko Iwao, Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga, Takehito Koyasu
1x10 Magma Diver
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.
Directing: Tsuyoshi Kaga, Hiroyuki Ishido · Writing: Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Mugihito, Junko Iwao, Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga
1x11 The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still
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.
Directing: Tetsuya Watanabe · Writing: Yoji Enokido · Starring: Takehito Koyasu, Hiro Yuuki, Koichi Yamadera
1x12 She said, 'Don't make others suffer for your personal hatred.'
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.
Directing: Hiroyuki Ishido · Writing: Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Junko Iwao, Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga, Takehito Koyasu
1x13 Lilliputian Hitcher
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.
Directing: Tensai Okamura · Writing: Mitsuo Iso, Hideaki Anno, Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Hiro Yuuki, Koichi Yamadera, Takehito Koyasu
1x14 Weaving a Story (1)
In the first half of the episode, a clip show is presented to the Human Instrumentality Committee of Seele, reviewing the attacks of all Angels up to this point. The second part includes a poem in which Rei contemplates her own existence, and a cross-compatibility test between Rei's and Shinji's EVAs.
Directing: Masahiko Otsuka, Ken Ando · Writing: Hideaki Anno · Starring: Mugihito, Junko Iwao, Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga
1x15 Those Women Longed for the Touch of Others' Lips, and Thus Invited Their Kisses.
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.
Directing: Naoyasu Habu · Writing: Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Junko Iwao, Tomokazu Seki, Koichi Yamadera
1x16 Splitting of the Breast
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...
Directing: Kazuya Tsurumaki · Writing: Hiroshi Yamaguchi · Starring: Tomokazu Seki
1x17 Fourth Children
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.
Directing: Minoru Ohara · Writing: Shinji Higuchi · Starring: Junko Iwao, Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga, Hiro Yuuki
1x18 Ambivalence
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.
Directing: Tensai Okamura · Writing: Shinji Higuchi · Starring: Junko Iwao, Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga, Takehito Koyasu
1x19 Introjection
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...
Directing: Masayuki · Writing: Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Junko Iwao, Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga, Takehito Koyasu
1x20 Weaving a Story (2): Oral Stage
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.
Directing: Masahiko Otsuka · Writing: Hideaki Anno · Starring: Mugihito, Takehito Koyasu, Hiro Yuuki, Koichi Yamadera
1x21 He Was Aware that He Was Still a Child.
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.
Directing: Hiroyuki Ishido · Writing: Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Koichi Yamadera, Mika Doi
1x22 Don't Be.
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.
Directing: Kazuya Tsurumaki, Akira Takamura · Writing: Hiroshi Yamaguchi · Starring: Junko Iwao, Tetsuya Iwanaga, Takehito Koyasu, Hiro Yuuki
1x23 Rei III
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.
Directing: Hideaki Anno, Shoichi Masuo · Writing: Hiroshi Yamaguchi · Starring: Junko Iwao, Takehito Koyasu, Hiro Yuuki
1x24 The Beginning and the End, or 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door'
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.
Directing: Masayuki · Writing: Akio Satsukawa · Starring: Takehito Koyasu, Hiro Yuuki, Akira Ishida
1x25 Do You Love Me?
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.
Directing: Kazuya Tsurumaki · Writing: Hideaki Anno · Starring: Takehito Koyasu, Koichi Yamadera, Hiro Yuuki
1x26 Take Care of Yourself. Season Finale
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.
Directing: Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki · Writing: Hideaki Anno · Starring: Junko Iwao, Tomokazu Seki, Tetsuya Iwanaga, Takehito Koyasu
Season 1 Cast
Megumi HayashibaraRei Ayanami (voice)26 episodes
Yuko MiyamuraAsuka Langley Soryu (voice)26 episodes
Yuriko YamaguchiDr. Ritsuko Akagi (voice)26 episodes
Miki NagasawaMaya Ibuki (voice)26 episodes
Hiro YuukiMakoto Hyuuga (voice)17 episodes
Tomokazu SekiMakoto Hyuuga (voice)15 episodes
Tetsuya IwanagaKensuke Aida (voice)14 episodes
Junko IwaoHikari Horaki (voice)12 episodes
MugihitoKeel Lorenz (voice)4 episodes
Mika DoiNaoko Akagi (voice)Episode 1Where to Watch Season 1 of Neon Genesis Evangelion
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in Season 1 of Neon Genesis Evangelion?
Season 1 of Neon Genesis Evangelion has 26 episodes.
When did Season 1 of Neon Genesis Evangelion premiere?
Aired October 4, 1995.
Where to Watch Neon Genesis Evangelion Season 1?
By subscription on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads, and Animebox Channel Amazon Channel (the offer may vary by country).
What is the best episode of Season 1?
According to the TMDB audience score, episode 1x16, "Splitting of the Breast," with a 8.3.