Streaming Debut of Neon Genesis Evangelion Leads Netflix’s 2019 Anime Slate

Netflix unveiled its 2019 anime programming slate during the Anime Lineup Presentation event in Tokyo Tuesday, and it may just have made its biggest move in the anime space to date. The streaming giant has announced the exclusive streaming debut of cult-classic series Neon Genesis Evangelion, plus two Evangelion feature films, as well as the premieres of four new series based on beloved properties.

Netflix shared the following synopsis of Neon Genesis Evangelion, as well as a new trailer to mark the streaming debut of the classic series:

A.D. 2015. Tokyo 3 is under attack by powerful creatures known as the Angels. The protagonist, Shinji Ikari, is chosen to pilot the Humanoid Decisive Weapon Evangelion—the only way for humanity to fight against the Angels. The battle for the fate of humanity starts now. What exactly are the Angels? What fate awaits the young pilots and humanity itself?

The 26-episode series Neon Genesis Evangelion is headed to Netflix in spring 2019, along with sequel films EVANGELION:DEATH TRUE² and feature-length finale The End of Evangelion, the last of which landed on Paste’s list of the 100 best anime movies of all time.

The streamer also shared the following slate for its anime programming next year:

Rilakkuma and Kaoru

Synopsis: When a woman in her thirties begins sharing her apartment with a soft toy bear that has decided to take up residence there, she finds that the secret to life is sometimes as simple as relaxing. One of the most popular characters in Japan comes to life in this stop-motion animation series.

Rilakkuma and Kaoru makes its global launch on Netflix on Apr. 19, 2019.

SAINT SEIYA: Knights of the Zodiac

Synopsis: SAINT SEIYA: Knights of the Zodiac follows modern-day adventures of young warriors called “Knights”, who are sworn protectors of the reincarnated Greek goddess Athena. Each Knight wears a powerful armor based on their chosen zodiac constellation, and are called Knights of the Zodiac. They aid Athena in her battle against powerful Olympian gods who are bent on destroying the humankind.

Saint Seiya makes its global launch on Netflix next summer.

7SEEDS

Synopsis: In the immediate future, a giant meteorite has collided with earth. All living organisms, including mankind, have been wiped off the face of the planet. The government, who had foreseen this outcome, took measures to counter the worst-case scenario called Project 7SEEDS, in which five sets of seven young men and women were carefully selected and placed into teams. Each participant sought ways to survive on a deserted island.

7SEEDS makes its global launch on Netflix in April 2019.

Ultraman

Synopsis: Several years have passed since the events of Ultraman, with the legendary “Giant of Light” (???? Hikari no Kyojin) now a memory, as it is believed he returned home after fighting the many giant aliens that invaded the Earth. Shin Hayata’s son Shinjiro seems to possess a strange ability, and it is this ability, along with his father’s revelation that he was Ultraman, that leads Shinjiro to battle the new aliens invading the Earth as the new Ultraman.

The all-new Ultraman series makes its global launch on Apr. 1, 2019.

Netflix also shared the following teaser trailer for its Ultraman series.