The Time Neon Genesis Evangelion Ending Left Everyone Confused—Here’s How the Controversial Finale Shaped Anime Storytelling

Neon Genesis Evangelion | Netflix/AU: Crunchyroll/BI: Anime Limited/NA: GKIDS

Neon Genesis Evangelion left us all scratching our heads in confusion (literally!) If you’ve ever watched it, you’d get it. The show started off straightforward, only to veer into experimental territory in its last two episodes. Talk about a plot twist! With an ending that defied expectations, it reshaped how anime could tell stories.

The anime had been building towards something big, and then BAM—episode 25 hit, launching the Human Instrumentality Project. The goal? To dissolve the “AT Fields” that separate human souls. These fields aren’t just some random plot device; they’re what the EVA units used to protect themselves from Angels. So, when the Instrumentality activated, viewers were thrown into a collective unconscious where Shinji, Rei, and the rest grappled with existential questions. The mind-bending visuals in these episodes? They were set in a mental realm, not reality, making it all the more confusing.

In episode 26, we saw an alternate life for Shinji, a world where he had friends, a happy family, and no Evangelions lurking around. It was a glimpse into a peaceful existence—far from the chaos the series had become known for. But here’s the kicker: the anime was just one piece of a larger puzzle.

To fully appreciate Evangelion’s ending, viewers needed the context provided by the End of Evangelion movie. This film tackled the events leading up to the series’ final episodes, but with a wildly different perspective. Characters evolved differently, decisions changed, and fans were treated to a new layer of storytelling. In the manga adaptation, for instance, Shinji gets into Unit 01 earlier, allowing him to save Asuka from her grim fate.

The manga’s final volume introduced a giant Rei, echoing the film’s climax, as she facilitated Shinji’s wish for a world without separation. However, in a twist, Shinji rejects this fantasy, realizing that returning to individual existence, despite its pain, is worth it. He bids farewell to Rei, who thanks him for being her friend, and the world shifts back to a pre-Second Impact state—no Angels, no Evangelions, just a new normal.

But let’s be real: this ending divided fans. Some disliked the “reset button” effect, arguing it negated the entire story. Others felt it was too cheerful for the series’ tone. Still, defenders of the manga argued that its in-depth character development justified the more optimistic conclusion.

Ultimately, the endings of Neon Genesis Evangelion reveal something essential: they focus on the emotional landscapes of the characters rather than merely the events unfolding. This character-driven approach, while perplexing, allowed for a deeper exploration of themes like suffering, self-acceptance, and the longing for connection.

In the end, Shinji realized he didn’t have to suffer alone; there were other paths he could take. As the other characters surrounded him, applauding his growth, it became clear that his journey wasn’t just about piloting EVAs. It was about confronting his fears and emerging stronger—a legitimate message that continues to resonate within the anime community.

The anime may have left viewers confused, but its impact on storytelling’s crystal clear. The series challenged conventions and opened doors for future anime to explore complex narratives and character development, proving that sometimes, confusion can lead to clarity.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is available to watch on Netflix and Apple TV. 

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