Neon Genesis Evangelion

Author: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto

How could any anime using the Dead Sea Scrolls as a major plot point not be on this list? The story behind Neon Genesis Evangelion isn't simple, it's a twisted, complex, and at times nutty, mix of post-apocalyptic mecha space opera with metaphysical science fantasy, religious concepts. The entire thing is a mash-up of styles, genres, and a hundred years of science fiction evolution in the form of a series that is nearly impossible to look away from! What separates Neon Genesis Evangelion from other anime series is the depth they go with symbology, reference, and psychology. On one level, it's a re-imagining of the Book of Genesis, only within the context of a world with mecha suits! There's hard core philosophical aspects, including references to Kierkegaard, Hegel, and Schopenhauer. On top of that, the entire thing can be read as a full-scale examination of the role of the absented mother in society! There's a lot that can be read into the series, but more important than any of that is the fact that the series is addictive, and rewarding. Why it's on the list: A massively successful hit when first released, it's influenced a generation of follow-ons and remains as fresh as it was the day it was released.