Which Neon Genesis Evangelion Character Are You?

Learn More About Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is the landmark 1995 anime series from studio Gainax, directed by Hideaki Anno, that reshaped what a mecha story could be. On the surface it follows teenagers piloting giant biomechanical Evangelions to fight mysterious beings called Angels, but the heart of the series is psychological, focusing on loneliness, trauma and the difficulty of connecting with other people.

Shinji Ikari, the shy fourteen-year-old pilot at its center, is one of anime's most debated protagonists. He is hesitant, scared and hungry for approval, which makes his small moments of courage feel earned. Alongside him are Rei Ayanami, the reserved pilot of Unit 00, and Asuka Langley Soryu, the fiery and competitive pilot of Unit 02, each reflecting a different way of coping with pressure.

Adults matter just as much. Misato Katsuragi is both a tactical officer at the agency NERV and a surrogate older sister to Shinji, and her mix of warmth and recklessness gives the show a human center. Kaworu Nagisa, who appears late in the story, has become a fan favorite thanks to his gentle presence and the emotional gut punch of his arc.

The series originally aired in 1995 and 1996 and was followed by the 1997 film The End of Evangelion, which offered another take on the ending. Later, the Rebuild of Evangelion film series retold and reimagined the story across four movies, wrapping up with Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time in 2021. The original series later reached a global audience on Netflix in 2019, introducing a new wave of fans.

Evangelion remains a cultural touchstone because it treats its characters' inner lives as seriously as its battles. Its imagery, soundtrack and symbolism have been referenced and parodied for decades, and it continues to influence creators across anime and beyond. Whether you relate to Shinji's doubt or Asuka's drive, there is a character here that feels uncomfortably familiar.

If you enjoy anime that digs into big questions, you might also like Which Cowboy Bebop Character Are You? or Which Code Geass Character Are You?. Take the quiz above to find out which Evangelion character you are.