Neon Genesis Evangelion - Recommendations

7thMethuselah says...

Both NGE and Fafner start the same : Humans are under attack by a strange invaders. And it seems that a number of 'gifted' children are the only one standing between survival and destruction, there's the only ones capable of controlling the mecha's constructed to battle the invaders. However as the story progresses the mecha/action slowly shifts towards more psychological anime in which deeper laying themes surface: What are the invaders? What's their purpose? Both anime have a complicated yet very intriguing story, good action scenes and absolutely lovely characters!

DistMan says...

These shows might appear to be about saving the world from unknown enemiees at first. But at a closer look one will soon realise that there are a lot more to it than meets the eye. Character interraction and character development aswell as questions regarding life and it's existence are abundant in these shows. These things are shown extremely well. Definetly something for someone who wants more than just senseless action.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Both Evangelion and Fafner employ mechas and monstrous creatures to develop the characters of the pilots and their inner conflicts. In addition, both series have a penchant for the philosophical: Eva tends to be darker and perhaps more confusing while Fafner is more straightforward and optimistic.

freakzilla says...

Fafner and Evangelion go hand in hand. Evangelion is what started it all and Fafner is a newer version. Fafner picks it up and changes it slightly, it tosses out some of the bizarreness and keeps the psychological and story aspects. Don't let this fool you though, these aren't simple clones and are both worth watching!

Firesilver says...

Fafner and Evangelion are very similar animes. Only certain individuals can use these great machines, along with fighting strange invaders who want to destroy the world. Fafner is basically an easier version of Evangelion, and less confusing. These are both great anime's, which are easy to understand, and is worth the time looking into, that's if you're a major mecha fan.

Seoman says...

If yoy like Mech's anime, and you like that it has an imporntant amount of misterious, you would like both series. Evangelion is more misterious and Fafner is a little less, but perhaps a little more dramatical. Two stories of very youngs boys that are forced by the circunstances to take control of a machine of destruction... to protect their loved ones.

Sandineyes says...

Fafner and NGE are really very similar series. Both have semi-post apocalyptic worlds which are hidden from the main characters, and both have enemies that are not fully understood and are basically invincible except against mechs. They also share a philosophical focus on the loneliness of indivuality, although Fafner is rather straightforward and easy-going on this matter, whereas NGE will throw your brain in a sack and beat with a stick.

kianbung says...

NGE and Fafner are like brothers born a decade apart (or close to that) - both have very similar themes and concept. Both are about fighting an unknown enemy, both have giant robots (although Fafner doesn't have purple ones), both have kids piloting the said robots, and both have people going psycho. Even in the first fight (of both anime) the protagonist was pitted against an enemy without any prior training (and then suddenly powering up to win. Plots are different in the sense that Fafner is slightly less depressing than Eva, and that Fafner has a yaoi factor going for it.

In a sense, Fafner can be said to be the younger generation's Eva (though much less epic in my opinion).

EruOtaku94 says...

I honestly havent watched DitF yet, but I plan to. Im just gonna say based on reviews I have seen, that its probably worth watching NGE first.

Yukas says...

Dear friends!

Preface

I'm in confusion: I don't know why I am the first who make recommendation for  anime mentioned below.

I can suppose that I'm breaking right now unknown for me (but obvious for everyone but) rules of our community.

Smth. like:

1. You do not talk about Evangelion
2. You do not talk about Evangelion
3. You do not use recomendations for trolling people (eg. comparing certain anime with Evangelion)
4. And you do not talk about Evangelion

In case the recomendation below will lead to my permanent ban:

• Friends, please forgive my ignorance, honestly I mean no harm.
• I wish the best of everything for anime-planet community. 

Whoo!

OK. Now I prepared for everything, let me speak from my heart.

Recommendation 

It's obvious that DARLING in the FRANXX is trying borrow a lot from Evangelion. 

We have:

• Post-apocalyptic world  where
• Teenagers are fighting with
• Strange enemies from outside but
• The worst enemies are teenagers themselves because
• Everybody has numerous psychological problems, starting with
• main protagonist, who is a
• shy (but capable for heroic deeds)  boy and following by
• demonstratively bold girls ("behind the mask": miserable little creatures longing for tenderness) 

Don't get me wrong - I'm not blaming DARLING in the FRANXX in plagiarisms.

On contrary: in my opinion authors deserves praise for excellent execution of old troupes, so I can recommend it in both ways.

Viggolek says...

It's obvious that DitF has taken a lot of inspiration from Evangelion. They are both great mecha shows

Livvyume says...

Both of these anime have the mecha genre, and have psychological elements and adolescent boys piloting mechs

AniKaMagika says...

It's really hard to put these 2 aside. NGE is extremely deep in many ways (especially in character development) and just masqued with some nice mecha fighting while on the other hand Darling is like a strip club to go for easy pleasure. Thus the only similarity I could add that both already are Bio Mecha and has somewhat similar MC.

But to watch NGE requires completely different attitude, one might say willing to learn and be prepared for a face slap multiple times.

Lastly it's a different story with the 3 NGE movies: you cannot advance/re do and you are not alone. Easily will find much fanservice in both anime series/movies (beautiful fights, girls, amazing artwork) and most importantly will be able to go to sleep without a headache lol. 

anon0the0Badger says...

i svear 2 god if anyone compares this show to evan--

*Neon Genesis Evangelion OP starts plaing over FranXX OP without sound*

OkamiX says...

the future of humanity and planet itself on some kids who riding a giants robot and fighting some invations so much smiliar things here especially the ending 

MlSF1T says...

They both have teenagers figthing aliens/monsters in big robots that have been made by the goverment. 

kECUB says...

Evangelion and Elfen Lied are both emotional, have characters which you will love, and they will make you cry.

Sangokagome says...

Sure, Evangelion had some pretty cool mecha, but one of the most amazing things about it was the amount of gore (especially in the movies). If that was one of your favorite aspects of Evangelion, then you'll love the equally gory Elfen Lied. Of course, the wonderful fanservice provided in both anime is great to boot. ;)

JAhU says...

You thought that, NGE was the most f***ed up anime ever made? I'm glad to prove you wrong. Considering that Elfen Lied begins the way NGE ends (nude girl taking part in a bloodbath in a military base), it can only get "better", right? I'm not going to spoil you the all the "fun" of watching Elfen Lied, but if you don't mind a mindless sluther here and there along with some rather disturbing echii, then you might enjoy it as well.

P.S. There was more reasons for this recommendation, but I forgot :P

thedrummist says...

Both of these series feature similar themes and traits although the story greatly differs.. I think that its the morals in both these series that make them a good match for me, but I just generally think that if you liked one, you'll like the other. NGE is more of an action based mecha with an unwilling protaganist and Elfen Lied is more of a story based series. Oh and both feature a lot of gore..

ravenaraven says...

To be accepted, to handle rejection, to love, to hate... It can be said that, in some ways, both shows have these strong feelings in considerable doses. The 'dumbness' in senses after finish watching both were kind of similar to me. If one could not get too impressed about gore (elfen lied) or fantastic plots (evangelion), what remains is some really touching characters: imperfects, imatures but struggling to be happy. In their own way.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime involve gore and the "child soldier" motif. A lot of psychological drama is played out in both anime, including the frequent use of flash-backs. 

KYUSK says...

la haré en español, en elfen lied hay una persona con bastante poder que desea ser el dios del nuevo mundo, junto a la protagonista, que sería algo así como la diosa de la nueva humanidad.

En Evangelion hay algo bastante parecido con SEELE y los evas.

AverageShinigami says...

The messages of the two series, as perceived by me, are remarkably similar, with many overlapping themes (I'm not going to elaborate, as that would include spoilers). The writer/directors of both series were apparently influenced by or related to the "superflat" movement, so the series have similar outlooks on anime and Japanese culture in general.

vernanonix says...

Evangelion and Paranoia agent are alike in a couple of aspects. For one, these anime are very dark. Evangelion hits you from the beginning as that and Paranoia Agent will reveal itself to be that way as well. The second would be the psycological torture characters in each anime seem to go through. People in both anime go crazy. If you like this stuff, these are good for you.

Morwen says...

While NGE and PA are very different in terms of story structure and genre--Evangelion is solidly in the shounen genre, while Paranoia Agent is a bit more avant garde--both series deal with a varied cast of characters whose worlds slowly become more and more surreal and whose minds become more and more strained. As both series continue the shows get more and more bizarre and very dark in tones as well. Both series deal with entire populations becoming complacent--and being put in danger for it. Both series feature main characters who are soft-spoken and have a difficult time saying no. There's quite a bit of social commentary in both anime, as well.

If you enjoy angst, and dark psychological tones, both of these series should appease the armchair psychologist in you.

SanjiWatsuki says...

Paranoia Agent and Evangelion are both similar in the fact that they deal with the psyche of the characters inside the anime. Although Paranoia Agent is more abstract in how it deals with the quirks of the characters and Evangelion has more of an angst-esque feel, they deal with similar subject matter.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these animes will make you tilt your head to the side and wonder what they were smoking when the plot was written. If you want an anime that makes you think just a little harder than usual, try these out. 

PurplePeopleEater says...

Watching Neon Genesis reminded me of Paranoia agent mainly in the way it addresses the psychological issues of the characters. Both animes can be a bit hard to follow at times. Both follow multiple characters who suffer from emotional trauma, depression, anxiety, and other disorders. The story is a little here and there for both and they play with color, scenes, script, and effects if you know what I mean. It's less about the story and more about the theme.

Lizardbitch says...

Both mess with your mind and feature a lot of mystery. Both have interesting characters and decent animation and both drew me in the whole time. Both have a good mix of action and down time.

alactus says...

Both shows have larger than life dramas with "mechas"; howver, they both also concentrate heavily on the personal relations between characters, allowing for viewing experiences that are never stale. The major theme within each show also revolves heavily around collective conscience versus individuality.

Verified says...

Each sporting their own unique type of mech, both Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion and Neon Genesis Evangelion are excellent transitions.

A show with giant robots can always end up being a huge bust because of just that. However, you find a nice balance between both animes that gives the mech an important supporting role, but ultimately the story and action lies with the characters and the storyline.

I enjoy a good head twister with an abundance of "oro" moments. Predictable animes that rely on the "cool" factor easily burn out. Neither of these anime sport such plots with the story leading you in all directions.

The last note is that for some reason, a good majority of animes have "the couple that cannot be." These two are no exception as they each strive to show the emotional sides of the characters. Call me a sucker, but I love any good story that makes me want something from a character real bad whether it is to realize a love, act on a love, or forsake a love. Whether or not the character makes the choice I want him/her to most of the time I am satisfied, and if you liked either NGE or CG:LotR you will most certainly be satisfied with the latter.

bakaneko1990 says...

Code Geass and Neon Genesis Evangelion give you kinda like the same feeling while watching it. Both contain fights with some sort of robots (CG: Knightmares // NGE: Evas). Also they share some psychological aspects and definitely the "WTF moments". If you like one of them you'll surely like the other as well.

Donze says...

Both stories are great and epic, hard to see two anime of this kind!

Mecha are very well involved in both stories, but still they aren't the only base the story is made on.

What about characters? Very different in one anime from the other but for sure the same way deep as only a few of other anime series have.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime take place after the destruction of Japan (whether literally or politically). Both involve the use of Mecha to fight, usually in large-scale battles. Both anime also involve school-age kids piloting the mecha while dealing with teen-angst.

RG says...

A conflicted protagonist with father issues . . .

A mysterious girl . . .

A hot-headed girl who pilots a red mecha . . .

The protagonist's father with dubious morality . . .

Assimilation plot . . .

Yep, there's no denying these similarities between Shinji and Lelouch, Rei and C.C., Asuka and Kallen and of course Gendo and Emperor Charles.

ladysorrow says...

Both animes are Mecha themed. The main characters are high schoolers. Both also deal with very depressing themes at times.

axon87 says...

Like Evangelion, Ergo Proxy has a plot that makes you think and wonder through each episode.

LeaT says...

With a strikingly similar post-apocalyptic theme, aliens to judge Mankind, well developed characters with interesting introspective themes and with great flicks of mystery, suspense, action, of course science fiction and most of all, drama, I doubt the viewer who enjoys any of mentioned genres will be let down by neither Ergo Proxy or Neon Genesis Evangelion.

stingreis says...

Both of these anime's occur in a post apocalyptic environment, and both involve a lot of psycological/philisophical idea's.

Evangelion brings a new light to religion as we know it, taking the bible and turning it upside down, and ergo proxy takes numerous philisophical ideas and analyzes them within the show in comparision to the particualar episode.

If you enjoy an anime that makes you think, and you enjoyed this one, you will enjoy the other as well.

Dozo says...

At first sight it might appear that NGE and Ergo Proxy are very different. For example, Ergo Proxy doesn´t have the mecha element and NGE is not as dark looking. However, if you watch a couple of episodes you will find a lot of similar elements. They both deal with profound topics, such as the meaning of life, the end of humanity, and complex human relations. There are many other commonalities: protected cities, angels/proxies, religious issues, philosophy, etc. Anyway, all of these elements make for two compelling animes, but the thing that really makes them worth watching is the fact that they both have a deep and interesting plot that will keep you hanging until the end.

GameMasterPhoenix says...

The most striking resemblance between Ergo and Evangelion is the plot structure. Both of them start off as darkly themed sci-fi shows set in post-apocalyptic worlds, but, as expected of the genre, they each have a healthy dose of action and a certain amount of mystery.

In contrast to the beginnings, the endings to both of these series are far more intricate. If you enjoy puzzling out deep, symbolic meanings and piecing together various facets of a show's plot, then you will undoubtedly enjoy the finale of each of these shows. They are not light-hearted, thoughtless viewing experiences.

eaper says...

These series both deal with the question of god and existence while fighting to find the truth. These series both have several episodes near the end that aren't explained at all. These series are both post-apocolyptic and ask many of the same questiosn about reality.

GTOnizuka says...

If you want good sci-fi and anime, look no further than Nadesico, the parody that flaunts it all. Nadesico has all your basic elements: romance, comedy, adventure, giant robots, and plot that involves the fate of humanity. Take that and twist it with some old school anime drama (the bad kind) and you have Nadesico. This series is much of an homage as it is a parody of the anime of yesteryear. The characters themselves watch anime complete with fanboy and fangirl on board. The real gem of Nadesico is how well the series puts all these elements together. Nadesico is a series that is definately more than the sum of its parts.

TEagle says...

Similar engrossing mecha- story but with a humoric twist. If you thought NGE was a bit dry then this should be funny enough.

lantis says...

Well, I hate to draw the obvious conclusion, but its like this. For Evangelion fans, you would do yourself a disservice if you didn't watch Nadesico, which is a very good show that follows the genre of giant mech fighting well. For Nadesico fans, you should respect that Nadesico drew much inspiration, intentional or not, from Evangelion. Its a near guarantee that a fan of one will at least enjoy the other.

RiouGenkaku says...

Both animes are about giant robots and the struggles the pilots have. Although Martian successor nadesico is more on the comedic side as opposed to the dramamtic like Evangelion Evangelion still has plenty light hearted funny moments.

stingreis says...

Well, these two anime's are completely alike, they are both mecha type anime's with a lot of sci-fi type idea's within it. Both are very plot driven as well. Even the animation is alike. They are so similar that it's almost scary. If you liked one, you will most likely like the other

extent says...

Another serious series. There are forces at work here that we dont know much about.

DraconPern says...

Lots of similarities. Neat looking mecha, unknown technology, pilots caught making tough decisions, you feel like a pawn in a large chess game.

Zadillo says...

There are a number of similarities, but you should especially enjoy the mix of mecha, warfare and religion combined with an ultimate conclusion.

Asgorath says...

Both Neon Genesis and Gasaraki use mecha as a backdrop for their story in a less conventional way. The mecha are more than what you would normally expect. The plot revolves a lot about discovering what they actually are about.

ODLp1 says...

Simple put both these anime are mech anime but with a deep meaning behind them, which to some may be confusing but to others will truly entertain them with the intense plot and characters with there deep rooted backgrounds and family relations.

chii says...

School children forced to fight aliens. Neon Genesis Evangelion puts the children the the Eva's while Alien Nine gives the children Alien hats. Whinny characters and a physiological feel to them both. If you liked one you'll like the other.

Rohjake says...

Neon Genesis Evangelion and Alien 9 are surprisingly similar. Both feature a main character who is forced to fight aliens. Psychological aspect is also heavily present in both of them as there are plenty of inner monologue, focusing on the struggle the main characters go through.

If you liked one, the chances are that you will like the other as well.

hamletsmage says...

Whine, whine, whine - pretty much all you'll hear from the protagonists. Shinji and Yuri fit the child-soldier motif and are the least helpful of their trio of alien fighters. Both anime twist reality, have several layers of plot, and involve way too much alien fluids. If you're looking for an anime to twist your brain into a pretzel, look no further than these two. 

Meshlya says...

Alien Nine is like a weirder version of Evangelion. Both feature children forced to fight strange creatures with the help of alien hats in Alien Nine and Eva's in Evangelion. In both the main character is whinny.

Claptrap says...

Both feature young protagonists who are face traumatic consequence from being the ones who are forced to deal with outside invaders. These aren't series where fighting alien invaders is light hearted task or comes easy. Both focus on the psychological impact on the young characters as things escalate.

shalist says...

There's the obvious--great fights filled with lots of gratutitiuos violence and blood. What really strikes me as similar is the depth and reallism of the characters. They do not gloss over the 'darker', weaker side of the human spirit, which lends the afore mentioned touch of reallism.

VRDave says...

Berserk is another series with an unexpected ending that's just as timeless as Eva. Also quite violent, so if you liked that aspect, there is more than enough room in Berserk for you. Plus you get the added bonus of good character design, memorable music and shattered emotions. enjoy!

fizrox says...

At first sight one may think that those two anime have nothing in common. But when you look closer, you will see that both main characters struggle with the same problems - reality requiring thoug choices to be made and lifes to be sacrificed.

SILENCE23 says...

I think both works show consistant similarities with refrencees towards sex, death, violence, manipulation, betrayl.  I would also note how the main characters must each go through trials, in order to realize their said path or enlingntement of the extent of their internal and external power.