Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most widely acclaimed and influential anime series ever. Brainchild of the legendary Hideaki Anno, the series has spawned several films following the controversial ending of the TV anime, made unfathomable amounts of profit, and changed the mecha genre forever. The only element of the show more iconic than the towering and stylish Evangelion Units are the children that piloted them.

Shinji, Asuka, and Rei are characters as instantly recognizable as they come, and Neon Genesis Evangelion drags them through both triumphant mecha warfare and psychological torture. The series, which s itself as a run-of-the-mill action anime before evolving into something entirely different by its end, has been critiqued, discussed, dissected, and enjoyed for nearly 30 years. Of Evangelion's original 26 episodes, nearly all feature moments which have become permanently ingrained in the minds of fans. Some, however, stand out among the rest.

10 "Asuka Strikes!"

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode #8

Over Evangelion's first seven episodes, the series follows Shinji and Rei as the two pilots struggle to become acquainted, before going into battle with the powerful Angel, Ramiel. By the end of the confrontation, it almost seems as though Shinji is developing into a true, stereotypical hero. There is a rhythm and steady pace to the series that becomes entirely undone when Asuka steps onto the premises in Episode #8.

The introduction of the character that would act as Shinji's foil, "Asuka Strikes!" brings all the energy and excitement that Evangelion became known for early on. Featuring one of the anime's more interesting battles, which takes place on the open seas, the episode is a mostly light-hearted affair that offers just as many comedic moments as it does epic ones. The growing dynamic between characters shifts greatly as soon as Asuka bursts into the frame, and Evangelion is never the same following her introduction.

9 "Rei III"

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode #23

Neon Genesis Evangelion's Episode #23 immediately follows one of the anime's most harrowing endeavors, and doesn't let its foot off the gas. Rei's nature is still unknown by this point in the series, and "Rei III" turns the focus to the pilot of Evangelion Unit 00, showcasing the growth she'd undergone throughout the previous episodes. Once cold and entirely shut-off from anyone but Gendo, Rei sacrifices herself in order to save Shinji during the battle against Armisael.

Later on, after the pilot somehow reappears completely unharmed, Ritsuko reveals to Shinji and Misato that the Rei they knew was just one of a series of clones kept underground at the NERV facility. Episode #23 marks the beginning of the downward spiral into madness that is the series' finale, as the mysterious Kaworu appears in the next episode to console an already broken and confused Shinji. Rei's death is violently climactic, and gives the audience a first glimpse at the giant white figure that would leave its mark in the horribly dark The End of Evangelion.

8 "Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!"

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode #9

The episode directly following Asuka's arrival, "Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!", is early Evangelion at its finest. After shifting the entire makeup of the series during their oceanic battle, Asuka shakes up the Katsuragi household by moving in with Misato and Shinji. Shortly afterward, the Angel Israfel attacks, and Evangelion Units 01 and 02 are dispatched to the scene. Suffering a humiliating defeat, NERV hatches a plan for Shinji and Asuka to fight the Angel together in perfect synchronicity.

The episode offers the earliest bits of development between Shinji and Asuka, revealing the latter to be hiding deeply rooted insecurities underneath all her bravado. The final combat sequence, set to classical music, is one of the more visually impressive scenes in the entire anime. Comedic, introspective, and thrilling all at once, Episode #9 is one of the more highly regarded by Evangelion fans.

7 "Hedgehog's Dilemma"

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode #4

Named after the philosophical theory by Arthur Schopenhauer, "Hedgehog's Dilemma" is one of Neon Genesis Evangelion's earlier hints that the series is a little more than a monster-of-the-week mecha anime. Following the battle with Shamshel in the previous episode which left Shinji scarred, the pilot of Evangelion Unit 01 decides to run away. Meeting Kensuke, one of the friends caught up in the previous battle, the two spend time bonding in an emotional and quieter moment.

After being captured and returned to NERV headquarters, Shinji is scolded by Misato and told that he should just quit being a pilot if he hates it so much. He decides not to board the train out of Tokyo-3, however, leading to one of Evangelion's famous extended held shots. He and Misato share one of their first true bonding moments, leading both to understand one another a little better. The philosophical themes present in the series' fourth episode establish early-on that the series would be spending ample time dissecting its own characters.

6 "Rei II"

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode #6

Neon Genesis Evangelion's sixth episode acts as the climax of the series' opening section, focusing in on Shinji and Rei during their fight with the iconic floating polyhedron, Ramiel. The tension during the build up to the confrontation with the Angel is palpable, as Shinji is warned that he has only one shot to fire and kill the enemy. He misses that shot, and Rei is forced to step in front and shield him from Ramiel's attack.

Shinji is able to charge another shot and takes the Angel down, before rushing to the damaged Unit 00 in order to rescue Rei. The scene between the two pilots is one of the more well-known in the series, as Shinji expresses his relief upon finding Rei to be unharmed. She doesn't know how to respond, to which Shinji tells her to smile. The episode feels like the climax to the entire series, bringing the two pilots together and showcasing significant growth in Shinji. It doesn't last, however, as Asuka imposes her will on the story just two episodes later.

5 "Angel Attack"

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode #1

Neon Genesis Evangelion's pilot episode is bold, action-packed, and cinematic in a way that few TV anime can replicate. Visually stunning, featuring vibrant colors, a vast cityscape, and retro futuristic technology, "Angel Attack" is pure '90s goodness from start to finish. Shinji, being shoved into Evangelion Unit 01 with no prior training, is forced to fight the Angel Sachiel following his arrival at NERV headquarters.

The fight doesn't go very well, as expected, and the episode ends before revealing what truly happened at the end of the battle. The series' first episode is a masterclass in world building, and wastes no time establishing its characters and getting to the action. Though Evangelion would struggle at times to carry the momentum set by its pilot, there is no better way the series could have started.

4 "The Beginning and the End, or 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door'"

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode #24

Officially kicking off the events of Evangelion's controversial ending, Episode #24 introduces Kaworu to bury an already distraught Shinji deeper into his hole. Perhaps the most beloved anime character in history to only ever feature in a single episode, Kaworu befriends Shinji and expresses a care for the pilot that heavily borders on platonic. However, it is later revealed that Kaworu is actually the final Angel, sent to merge with Adam.

Reaching Terminal Dogma, he realizes that the being housed underground is Lilith, not Adam, and Kaworu tells Shinji to kill him. The shot in which Evangelion Unit 01 is holding Kaworu in its hands is incredibly long, as the audience is forced to contemplate Kaworu's fate along with Shinji. Episode #24 is the one that finally breaks the series' main character, and sets up the mind-melting finale that takes place over the following two episodes.

3 "Don't Be."

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode #22

Though Shinji is Neon Genesis Evangelion's downtrodden protagonist, Asuka is arguably the series' most tragic character. Episode #22 opens with Unit 02's pilot unable to maintain a high sync rate with her Evangelion, following her defeat during Toji's failed Unit 03 testing. Angered by her own inadequacy, Asuka rushes into battle with the invading Arael and is instantly met with a psychological attack.

The sequence that follows is one of the most harrowing that the series has to offer, delving into the trauma that Asuka hides throughout Evangelion. The secrets which rise to the surface eventually break her down completely, and leave her in a catatonic state. "Don't Be." is Evangelion at its absolute darkest, though it ultimately reveals the missing pieces of Asuka's character.

2 "Take care of yourself"

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode #26

Neon Genesis Evangelion's ending is one of the most divisive in anime history. Stripping away everything, including animation, the final episode turns the spotlight on Shinji, and takes the audience on a trip deep inside the pilot's mind. "Take care of yourself" is cryptic, weird, unconventional, and most of all, uplifting. Evangelion's final episodes are difficult watches, dealing with highly psychological themes and digging up the characters' deepest trauma. The finale, however, is the light at the end of the tunnel.

Following Shinji on his journey of self-discovery, the audience is met with one of the most iconic closing sequences ever, as all of Shinji's friends and family gather around the main character and congratulate him on his revelation. Episode #26 is highly emotional, and a fitting conclusion for what creator Hideaki Anno was trying to convey with Evangelion. Though controversial, the episode also acts as the perfect companion piece for The End of Evangelion, released only a year later.

1 "Introjection"

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode #19

Episode #19, "Introjection", is arguably Evangelion's most intense. Following the fight with Kaji's corrupted Unit 03, Shinji once again quits being an Evangelion pilot and runs away from NERV, only for the Angel Zeruel to attack as he's leaving. Shinji runs into Kaji, who discusses his gardening hobby with him, among other more important subjects. After they speak, Shinji returns exclaiming that he is the pilot of Evangelion Unit 01, before getting into his organic robot and confronting the Angel.

Unit 01 eventually goes berserk and brutally tears Zeruel to shreds, before breaking free of its restraints, assuming an animalistic posture, and feasting on the Angel's corpse. Episode #19 is Evangelion at its most horrifying, as the true beastly nature of the Evangelion Units is revealed. "Introjection" comes off more as a short film than a singular anime episode, and incorporates both the action and psychological themes for which the Neon Genesis Evangelion is known.