This science fiction anime was originally created by GAINAX and directed by Anno Hideaki.
A total of 26 episodes aired on TV Tokyo (TNX) from October 4, 1995 to March 27, 1996. The manga version preceded the anime, and began serialization in the February 1995 issue of Monthly Shonen Ace. Because the manga began first, many people believe that the original work is the manga, but it is the anime that is the source material. A remake titled "Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo" aired from 2007 to 2009, and is planned to consist of four parts.
This work depicts the battle between 14-year-old boys and girls who become Evangelion pilots and the "Angels," with an emphasis on portraying emotions such as the relationships and various conflicts that arise. There are so many famous quotes in this work that it would be difficult to introduce them all, but we would like to introduce some of the most memorable ones.
Shinji is confused by the sudden unreality
"You can't run away, you can't run away, you can't run away, you can't run away..."
This is Elif before Shinji pilots Eva Unit-01 in Episode 1, "The Angel Attacks."
A timid Shinji hesitates at first, but makes up his mind after seeing the injured Rei.
What does Shinji say to Rei, who can't express her emotions?
"Just laugh."
These are the words Shinji says to Rei in episode 6, "The Final Battle, Tokyo-3."
This is the first time Rei smiles in the series. It's a very simple phrase, but it conveys her emotions so directly, and the scene where she smiles so genuinely was truly moving.
A manly statement of determination
"I am Shinji Ikari, the pilot of Evangelion Unit-01!"
This is what Shinji, who had refused to pilot an EVA, says in episode 19, "A Man's Battle," when he finally decides to do it.
Seeing his comrades fighting the Angels, Shinji feels a strong sense of responsibility to do it himself.
This scene shows a manly Shinji speaking firmly to Gendo.
Is she talking to herself...?
"You won't die... I'm the one to protect."
This is what Rei says to Shinji in episode 6, "The Decisive Battle, Tokyo-3," before the launch of Operation Yashima.
She believes there's nothing else but piloting an Eva, and that completing her mission is her reason for existence.
This line comes from a sense of responsibility to ensure the mission is a success.
Rei Ayanami's Emotions Grow Without Her Realization
"These are tears. I'm the one crying?"
Rei's line in episode 23, "Tears." While being infected by the 16th Angel, Armisael, she notices something spilling from her eyes.
As the title suggests, this episode focused on Rei.
Rei Doesn't Remember Protecting Shinji
"Maybe I'm the third one."
This is what Rei says to Shinji in the hospital in episode 23, "Tears." Shinji is relieved to see that Rei is safe, but is shocked to discover that she doesn't remember anything. Even the second child was surprising, so a third... (lol)
Asuka's signature line to Shinji
"Are you stupid?"
In the anime series, she says this 12 times: in episodes 8, 9, and 11 (three times), 12, 15, 19, 20, 25, and 26 (twice).
This line has become a standard phrase used when impersonating Asuka, and it's said that in "Kyukyu Sentai GoGoFive," Yuko Miyamura's character, Kyoko Hayase, uttered it, delighting fans.
Asuka's Pride is Deadly
"I'll give you back ten times the amount of pride you hurt!"
This line is from episode 9, "Moments, Hearts, Overlapped." After their crushing defeat at the hands of the 7th Angel, Israfel, Shinji and Asuka train hard to get revenge. Asuka refuses to lower her level to match Shinji's, so when Misato asks, "Shall we give up?", she arrogantly responds, saying she has no choice but to do it because there's no one else to do it. Instead, they try it with Rei and Shinji...and they work so well together. Seeing this, Asuka becomes momentarily upset, but quickly utters this line to motivate herself.
Killing time? Or is she serious?
"Hey, Shinji. Shall we kiss?"
Asuka's line in episode 15, "Lies and Silence," tells Misato that she'll be late coming home from a wedding reception. After hearing this, Shinji and Asuka have some free time after dinner. Asuka suddenly asks Shinji if she'll kiss him. Shinji hesitates, but when Asuka asks, "Are you scared?" he brags, "No, I'm not scared! Just a kiss!" The two share a long kiss.
In response to Shinji's mature response
"A bath is like a cleansing of the soul."
Misato's line from episode 2, "A Strange Ceiling." This phrase is an adaptation of the proverb "washing one's life," referring to the idea that bathing is something that frees one from the everyday troubles and allows one to enjoy oneself to the fullest, even as it extends one's life.
A catchphrase from the next episode preview!
"Service, service."
This is the line Misato says at the end of the next episode preview. It's the final line of a preview, complete with numerous cuts and upbeat background music, so it's sure to leave a lasting impression on many viewers. Incidentally, this line hasn't been uttered since episode 17, "The Fourth Eligible Person."
Many of you have likely related to this phrase yourself.
"Rather than waiting for a miracle, we should make a desperate effort!"
Misato's line in episode 7, "Man-Made." She tells the staff that they can only wait for the Jet Alone to automatically shut down after it goes out of control. I think Misato's assertion that we should take action rather than be reactive is something that can be applied to the real world as well.
Famous Quotes from a Lifelong Alumnus
"Your current self isn't perfect. Later, you realize your mistakes and regret them. That's what I did over and over again.
I just experienced false hope and self-loathing... But each time, I felt like I was moving forward."
These are the final words Misato leaves Shinji in the original "Air: The End of the World" movie.
Misato's words resonate more deeply with us as we get older, in our 20s and 30s.
Misato Realizes She's Going to Die
"It's an adult kiss. Let's continue when she comes back."
Even though she has no intention of coming back... It was a scene that brought tears to my eyes.
Even though they were former lovers. Kaji always had Misato in his mind.
"Katsuragi, the truth is with you. Move forward without wavering."
In episode 23, "Tears," Kaji leaves a voicemail for Misato. Judging by Misato's behavior, it seems she has listened to this message many times.
Ryoji Kaji's Heartfelt Quotes
"Shinji, all I can do here is sprinkle water. But there's something you, someone only you, can do. No one's forcing you to do it. Think for yourself, decide for yourself. What should you do now? Well, make sure you don't regret it."
In episode 19, "A Man's Battle," Shinji is left standing frozen after Unit-02 is destroyed by the attack of the strongest Angel, Zeruel. Kaji, who happened to be there, spoke these words to Shinji. There are things that people can do, and things that they can't. Kaji encouraged him to think for himself and do what he could, so that he wouldn't regret it later.
The enemies weren't just the Angels...?!
"Ultimately, man's enemy is man."
Gendo's line in Episode 11, "In Still Darkness." Neo Tokyo-3 suffered a power outage for an unknown reason, and even the backup power supply failed, creating an emergency. Gendo concluded that it was a deliberate accident. Perhaps the most ugly and terrible thing about conflict between humans is that it's the same in both anime and reality. Incidentally, this famous line also ties in with Fuyutsuki's line from the original "Air: The End of Evangelion" movie: "As I thought, our final enemy was a fellow human."
Nagisa Kaworu's true identity... the final Slayer?!
"Let's go! Come on, Adam's alter ego, and Lilin's servant."
These are the words Kaworu Nagisa says to Eva Unit-02 as they head toward Central Dogma in episode 24, "The Final Slayer." Adam's alter ego is Unit-02, which is under the control of the Lilim (humanity), hence the term "servant."
A compilation of many carefully selected famous quotes
There are countless other famous quotes from Eva.
The lines of children like Shinji and Asuka tend to be straightforward, while those of Misato and Kaji tend to be philosophical.
Why not try finding your favorite line?