Neon Genesis Evangelion will stream on Criterion Channel starting September 1st, including its classic English dub.
Hideaki Anno's groundbreaking science fiction anime, Neon Genesis Evangelion, is set to find a new streaming home on the Criterion Channel. Beginning September 1st, all 26 episodes of the original series will be available, alongside the feature films The End of Evangelion and Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth. Crucially, this launch marks the first time the classic ADV Films English dub will be officially streamed.
This announcement represents a significant moment for fans, as the inclusion of the original English dub was largely unexpected. While Neon Genesis Evangelion has been available on Netflix for several years, that version notably featured an entirely new English voice cast and production staff. This led many to believe that a streaming debut for the beloved original dub was an impossibility, making Criterion's acquisition a pivotal development.
The addition of Evangelion further enriches Criterion Channel's growing library of anime classics, joining titles such as Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and K-ON!. Beyond streaming, this development also ignites speculation among collectors for a potential future physical media release of the collection. While the rights for such a launch might prove even more intricate than streaming, it signals a positive trajectory for the iconic series.
Beyond this streaming milestone, the Evangelion universe continues to expand with a brand new anime series now in development. Studio Khara is collaborating with CloverWorks, known for hits like Spy x Family, on this new project. Kazuya Tsurumaki and Toru Yatabe, who have prior experience with the franchise's feature films, are set to direct, with NieR franchise creator Yoko Taro penning the script and Keiichi Okabe composing the score. A release window remains unconfirmed.
