Neon Genesis Evangelion — All Theme Songs

3 Openings · 2 Endings

Neon Genesis Evangelion Opening Themes

OP 1All episodes

"A Cruel Angel's Thesis"

by Yoko Takahashi

About the artist: Yoko Takahashi is a Japanese pop singer who recorded what would become one of the most famous songs in anime history. A Cruel Angel's Thesis has been charting on Japanese radio and karaoke lists continuously since 1995.
Fan reception:: One of the most famous anime songs in history. A top-five karaoke song in Japan for 30 consecutive years. Used at major cultural events. The opening animation is studied in film schools.
OP 2Rebuild of Evangelion films

"Cruel Angel's Thesis (Evangelion: 1.0 Ver.)"

by Yoko Takahashi

About the artist: The Rebuild films updated the iconic opening with modern production values while preserving Takahashi's original vocal performance.
Fan reception:: Every Rebuild version was received as an event. Fans debated each update's differences in meticulous detail. The 2021 Final version remains the most discussed.
OP 3Thrice Upon a Time (film)

"World! (Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Ver.)"

by Hikaru Utada

About the artist: Hikaru Utada is Japan's best-selling solo artist of all time, known for Kingdom Hearts's Simple and Clean. Their involvement in the final film was announced years in advance.
Fan reception:: An emotional landmark for fans who had followed the franchise for decades. The marriage of Japan's biggest franchise and its biggest solo artist felt appropriate for the final chapter.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Ending Themes

ED 1All episodes (multiple arrangements)

"Fly Me to the Moon"

by Claire (Yoko Takahashi, alternating versions)

About the artist: The jazz standard Fly Me to the Moon was arranged in dozens of different interpretations for Eva's ending — each episode sometimes received a unique version, ranging from big band to a cappella.
Fan reception:: The rotating-arrangement gimmick became one of anime's most memorable experiments. Rewatchers catalogued every version. The ending taught a generation of anime fans the original Bart Howard song.
ED 2The End of Evangelion film

"Komm, Süsser Tod"

by Arianne

About the artist: A German-titled English-language song commissioned for the theatrical film, sung by vocalist Arianne over a deliberately cheery arrangement that plays during the most apocalyptic sequence in the film.
Fan reception:: One of the most disturbing musical choices in anime history. The upbeat major-key sound playing over End of Evangelion's most violent scenes created a dissonance that has been analysed endlessly.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Theme Song — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Neon Genesis Evangelion opening theme song?

The first Neon Genesis Evangelion opening theme is "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" by Yoko Takahashi, playing during All episodes. One of the most famous anime songs in history. A top-five karaoke song in Japan for 30 consecutive years. Used at major cultural events. The opening animation is studied in film schools.

Who sings "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" from Neon Genesis Evangelion?

"A Cruel Angel's Thesis" is performed by Yoko Takahashi. Yoko Takahashi is a Japanese pop singer who recorded what would become one of the most famous songs in anime history. A Cruel Angel's Thesis has been charting on Japanese radio and karaoke lists continuously since 1995.

What episodes does "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" play in Neon Genesis Evangelion?

"A Cruel Angel's Thesis" by Yoko Takahashi is the Neon Genesis Evangelion Opening 1, playing during All episodes.

Who sings "Cruel Angel's Thesis (Evangelion: 1.0 Ver.)" from Neon Genesis Evangelion?

"Cruel Angel's Thesis (Evangelion: 1.0 Ver.)" is performed by Yoko Takahashi. The Rebuild films updated the iconic opening with modern production values while preserving Takahashi's original vocal performance.

What episodes does "Cruel Angel's Thesis (Evangelion: 1.0 Ver.)" play in Neon Genesis Evangelion?

"Cruel Angel's Thesis (Evangelion: 1.0 Ver.)" by Yoko Takahashi is the Neon Genesis Evangelion Opening 2, playing during Rebuild of Evangelion films.

Who sings "World! (Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Ver.)" from Neon Genesis Evangelion?

"World! (Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Ver.)" is performed by Hikaru Utada. Hikaru Utada is Japan's best-selling solo artist of all time, known for Kingdom Hearts's Simple and Clean. Their involvement in the final film was announced years in advance.

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