So, it’s safe to say that Neon Genesis Evangelion is known for its stunning visual imagery, which makes for great wallpapers. This sounds weird because the show itself came out in the 90s, so it can’t be that good in terms of graphics. But Neon Genesis Evangelion goes beyond animation quality. It’s good solely because of its content and how it was one of the defining points in anime that changed the world of Mecha forever. With its symbolism, it remains one of the most iconic anime of all time.
And like, of course, it would be. Even if you are a new fan, chances are that you immediately went online to search for wallpapers for Neon Genesis Evangelion, because that’s how easily it impacts you. I mean, the show isn’t known as one of the defining anime of the 90s for no reason. There is just so much about it that is instantly recognizable, even to non-fans. Characters like Asuka Langley Soryu and Rei Ayanami have designs that have been emulated ever since.
This is why when I think of Neon Genesis Evangelion wallpapers and what I look for in a good one, for some reason it isn’t just about the characters. Because Neon Genesis Evangelion has some of the most interesting concepts that, when visualized, honestly take your breath away. It’s no secret that the anime is less shallow entertainment, and more of a deep dive into the mind of its creator, Hideaki Anno. And the imagery reflects that.
With topics such as mental health and religion at the forefront of a premise that is both apocalyptic and futuristic, it makes sure you’re left with landscapes and scenes that have you in awe. And then, of course, you have the giant robot aspect of it all. So, when I set down to make this list of my favorite Neon Genesis Evangelion wallpapers, I knew I wanted to go for ones that actually invoked the best of the series, and not just pretty visuals. Without further ado, let us dive in!
I know this looks really simple, but that’s kind of what I like about it. This wallpaper is minimalistic, sure, but it also portrays the very core of Neon Genesis Evangelion, which is the Eva Units and their build-up.
The blueprint style makes it that much more of a standout. Understated, but very cool!
Another one of that hidden-in-plain-sight style of wallpapers, this one really speaks to anyone wanting to display their love for Neon Genesis Evangelion through a wallpaper that doesn’t give much away.
This is technically just an expanded picture of the control panel when Eva Pilots get into gear. But the almost psychedelic style is very cyberpunk.
This is one of the only wallpapers I have that feature actual characters from the show. I usually don’t like apparent wallpapers that are extremely crowded like this one, but there is something very classic horror about this particular image.
The muted colors and overexposed shadows almost give it a gory 90s vibe, which actually ends up fitting better than you’d think!
Of course, I had one where Asuka was the focus. I mean, she is the best girl. And, no, I will not hear any critique against it. Plus, I just like the painted style here. It makes Asuka appear soft, which is rare while making Eva-02 stand out more.
It’s like a little point of light in an otherwise bleak story, much like Asuka herself! Honestly, I’d put this one up as a print, it’s that pretty.
Not going to lie, but I mainly chose this one because it reminded me of another beloved franchise from the 90s that borrows heavily from religion and philosophy, and that is the Shin Megami Tensei: Persona series.
I’m a huge Persona fangirl and this Neon Genesis Evangelion wallpaper almost looks like a still from the Persona 3 opening.
Tell me this isn’t giving peak Quentin Tarantino vibes! The vintage style is so perfect for Neon Genesis Evangelion, but it doesn’t feel empty or basic. In fact, the little iconography that it does have going on is perfectly symbolic.
It’s simple but has the grit that references the subdued tones of the show itself. This one would honestly work as a real-life poster for the series!
The Vaporwave and Synthwave aesthetics happen to be one of my favorite graphic design choices and this is no exception. The Eva unit fits perfectly with the colors here, and everything is sharp and bright.
Which, when you watch the anime, is the complete opposite. But this Neon Genesis Evangelion wallpaper is perfect if you’re a fan of all things retro-future!
As I said, the reason I like Neon Genesis Evangelion is because of how it gets dark about how it views spirituality and loss of humanity when it comes to both love and war. The imagery of the series has been studied time and time again, and you always find something new to pick apart.
That is exactly what is happening in this wallpaper, with the iconic crosses and Eva Unit in the background. It’s simple but so poignant.
Come on, did you think I’d have a Neon Genesis Evangelion wallpaper list that didn’t feature Kaworu Nagisa and Shinji Ikari, aka the One True Pairing?
Listen, I will hear no slander. This was the most important relationship in the entire series, and I will never stop crying about how much I loved Kowaru. And this wallpaper is proof of why that is.
Face it, as much as we might adore Asuka and Rei and how important they were to Shinji, no character affected us more than Kowaru.
As the prettiest wallpaper out of them all, it’s no wonder this one caught my eye and instantly became the top-ranked. Everything here just works.
From the surreal galactic art style that calls back to the iconic ‘Fly Me To the Moon’ ending of the original series, to the speared Eva Unit below. It’s beyond perfect.
For all that Neon Genesis Evangelion is dark and almost exploitative in the relationships it explores, the beauty of the series is its very complexity. Which you can see executed here beautifully.
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