Why Neon Genesis Evangelion Has Even Miyazaki Hooked

It’s not every day you come across an anime that’s so impressive, even Hayao Miyazaki himself was urging its creator to get a wriggle on and finish it. Neon Genesis Evangelion, a standout from the ’90s, has managed to snag a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But it’s not just the critics who are singing its praises—this series has the rare distinction of earning a nod from one of the toughest blokes in the business.

Evangelion: The Series That Changed the Game

First airing back in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion quickly set itself apart from the usual mecha fare. On the surface, it’s about teenagers piloting massive biomechanical units to fend off mysterious beings known as Angels. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find it’s tackling much heavier themes than your average action-packed anime.

That perfect Rotten Tomatoes score isn’t just a fluke or a passing trend. Critics have consistently pointed to its psychological depth, bold storytelling, and its refusal to stick to the safe side of the genre. It’s a series that’s not afraid to get uncomfortable, delving into topics like depression, loneliness, and the struggle to find self-worth—subjects that weren’t exactly common in mainstream anime at the time.

Miyazaki’s Unlikely Praise and Anno’s Ghibli Roots

Anyone familiar with Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki knows he’s not one to hand out compliments lightly. He’s been known to take the mickey out of modern anime and isn’t shy about criticising industry trends. So when he asked Evangelion’s creator, Hideaki Anno, why the series wasn’t finished yet, it wasn’t just a casual nudge—it was genuine respect from one artist to another.

Their connection goes back further than most realise. Before Evangelion, Anno worked as an animator for Miyazaki on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. That early collaboration left a mark, and you can spot the influence in Evangelion’s apocalyptic visuals and the design of its biomechs, which give a nod to Nausicaä’s God Warriors. Miyazaki has even poked fun at Anno’s personality over the years, but it’s always come from a place of mutual admiration.

Streaming Now: Where to Watch and Why It Matters

For those keen to see what all the fuss is about, Neon Genesis Evangelion is currently available on Netflix. The platform has the full original series, so newcomers can experience the story as it was meant to be seen. If you’re after a guide on the best viewing order, there are plenty of resources out there to help you get started.

Evangelion’s impact goes well beyond its initial run. It’s paved the way for shows that aren’t afraid to dig into character psychology, explore moral grey areas, and break free from genre conventions. The fact that Miyazaki was so invested in seeing it completed speaks volumes—it wasn’t about chasing trends, but about recognising a work that still holds meaning today.