4 iconic moments · verified episode numbers · no spoiler ratings
Shinji Ikari arrives in Tokyo-3 and is immediately placed in Unit 01 by his father Gendo with no training. With Rei incapacitated and the Third Angel attacking, Shinji pilots the Eva — and Unit 01 moves. The show's central anxiety about forced heroism begins here.
Shinji is killed inside Unit 01 by the 14th Angel. Unit 01 reactivates on its own, tears off its restraints, and goes berserk — devouring the Angel to resurrect Shinji. The Eva is not a machine. It never was.
The truth about Rei Ayanami is revealed: she is a vessel for Lilith's soul, not a human. Multiple Rei clones exist in Terminal Dogma. The entire organisation of NERV and its true purpose begin to surface.
Kaworu Nagisa reveals he is the 17th Angel and cannot live in a world where humans exist. He asks Shinji to kill him. Shinji holds him in Unit 01's hand for nearly a minute before crushing him. The most quietly devastating moment in the series.
Episode numbers are verified against the aired broadcast order. Neon Genesis Evangelion is the property of its respective creators and studios.