Why Neon Genesis Evangelion Earned Hayao Miyazaki’s Rare Approval on Netflix

It ’s not every day that an anime comes along and completely changes the landscape of the medium. But that’s exactly what happened with Neon Genesis Evangelion, a series so influential that even Hayao Miyazaki—known for his high standards and tough critiques—urged its creator to finish it faster. With a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this '90s classic isn’t just a nostalgic favorite; it’s a show that continues to shape the world of animation and draw in new viewers year after year.

Breaking the Mold: Evangelion’s Lasting Impact

Debuting in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion immediately set itself apart from the typical mecha shows of its era. On the surface, it might look like a story about teenagers piloting massive biomechanical machines to defend Earth from mysterious beings called Angels. But beneath that, the series dives deep into themes of mental health, loneliness, and the search for meaning—subjects rarely explored so honestly in mainstream anime at the time.

Its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score isn’t just a fluke or a passing trend. Critics have consistently praised Evangelion for its psychological complexity, bold storytelling, and refusal to stick to genre conventions. The show’s willingness to tackle uncomfortable topics has helped it remain relevant and respected decades after its original run.

Miyazaki and Anno: A Creative Connection

Hayao Miyazaki’s endorsement of Evangelion is especially noteworthy given his reputation for being selective with praise. He’s often criticized modern anime and the direction of the industry, so his encouragement for Evangelion’s creator, Hideaki Anno, stands out as genuine artistic respect. In a documentary, Miyazaki is seen asking Anno why the series wasn’t finished yet, a rare moment of public support from the Studio Ghibli legend.

Their relationship goes back even further. Before Evangelion, Anno worked as an animator for Miyazaki on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. That early collaboration left a mark on Anno’s creative style, which can be seen in Evangelion’s apocalyptic imagery and unique mechanical designs. Miyazaki has often joked about Anno’s personality, but it’s clear there’s a deep mutual respect between the two artists.

Where to Watch and Why It Matters

Today, Neon Genesis Evangelion is available to stream on Netflix, making it more accessible than ever for new audiences. The platform offers the complete original series, allowing viewers to experience the story as it was intended. For those unsure about the best viewing order, there are plenty of guides to help navigate the series and its related films.

Evangelion’s influence can be felt in countless shows that followed, especially those that explore character psychology and blur the lines between genres. The fact that Miyazaki was eager to see the series completed wasn’t about chasing trends—it was about recognizing a work of art that still resonates, even decades later.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is now streaming on Netflix.