Code Geass vs. Neon Genesis Evangelion vs. Death Note : 3 Psychological Anime Review

In the pantheon of mind-bending, era-defining anime, few trios command as much respect as Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006-2008), Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996 + movies), and Death Note (2006-2007). Each is a masterclass in tension, intellect, and emotional devastation wrapped in wildly different packaging: mecha warfare, existential giant-robot philosophy, and cat-and-mouse crime thriller. As of 2025—with Code Geass still trending thanks to Roze of the Recapture, Evangelion riding the wave of its final Rebuild film on streaming charts, and Death Note perpetually in Netflix’s global Top 10—these three remain the ultimate “gateway thing” for anyone who thinks anime is just bright colors and shouting. Here’s why each one is an untouchable masterpiece in its own lane.

Visual & Directorial Mastery

Evangelion (Gainax, directed by Hideaki Anno) is pure auteur cinema. Its iconic character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, claustrophobic cockpit shots, and religious symbolism painted across Tokyo-3’s skyline are instantly recognizable. The animation still holds up in 4K restorations, and the Rebuild films (especially 3.0+1.0) push sakuga to symphonic levels—every Angel attack feels like a cosmic horror ballet.

Code Geass (Sunrise, directed by Gorō Taniguchi) is theatrical excess done right. CLAMP’s gorgeous bishounen designs, over-the-top military uniforms, and Knightmare Frame battles choreographed like chess matches on steroids give it a unique operatic flair. The color-coded Geass eyes and dramatic close-ups became a visual language copied by dozens of later shows.

Death Note (Madhouse, directed by Tetsurō Araki) opts for sleek, shadowy minimalism. The stark red-and-black title cards, god-like overhead shots of Shinigami realms, and lightning-fast montage editing during mind games create unbearable tension with almost no movement at all. It proved you don’t need explosions when two geniuses stare at each other for 30 seconds.

Intellectual Chess vs. Emotional Devastation

Death Note is the purest battle of intellect ever animated. Light Yagami and L’s psychological warfare—complete with potato-chip-eating feints and tennis matches loaded with subtext—turns every episode into a logic puzzle. It’s Sherlock meets Silence of the Lambs with supernatural stakes.

Code Geass is grand-scale political chess. Lelouch vi Britannia orchestrates rebellions, betrayals, and propaganda like a Shakespearean villain on a global stage. Knightmare Frame dogfights and school-life comedy somehow coexist with war crimes and moral philosophy, creating tonal whiplash that somehow works perfectly.

Evangelion goes straight for the soul. Shinji, Asuka, Rei, and Misato wrestle with depression, identity, and the weight of existence inside angelic apocalypses. It’s less “plot” and more psychological autopsy—raw, uncomfortable, and profoundly human.

Iconic Characters That Live Rent-Free in Your Head

• Death Note: Light’s god complex charisma, L’s sugar-fueled eccentricity, Ryuk’s cackling nihilism.
• Code Geass: Lelouch’s theatrical monologues, C.C.’s cryptic pizza obsession, Suzaku’s impossible idealism, Kallen’s fiery loyalty.
• Evangelion: Shinji’s crippling hesitation, Asuka’s explosive pride, Rei’s eerie detachment, Kaworu’s five-minute screen time that broke the internet.

Every single one spawned countless cosplays, AMVs, and “who is the best written character” debates that still rage in 2025.

Soundtrack & Cultural Impact

• Evangelion: “Cruel Angel’s Thesis” is the national anthem of anime. Shiro Sagisu’s orchestral despair and jazz interludes are timeless.
• Code Geass: Ali Project and FLOW delivered some of the most bombastic opening themes ever (“Colors,” “World End”).
• Death Note: Maximum the Hormone’s metal chaos and Nightmare’s gothic rock made death gods feel terrifyingly cool.

All three redefined what anime could say about power, morality, mental health, and destiny. They launched careers (Kyoto Animation staff cut teeth on Geass, Trigger founders idolized Evangelion, PlatinumGames’ Astral Chain owes everything to Geass mecha DNA).

Which One Should You Watch First?

• Want pure intellectual thrill and stylish crime drama? → Death Note
• Want over-the-top strategy, politics, and mecha battles with gorgeous character designs? → Code Geass
• Want to question your entire existence while watching giant robots punch aliens? → Evangelion

Or do what every real fan eventually does: watch all three and never be the same again.

In 2025, decades after their debuts, these shows still dominate “best anime ever” polls, inspire new series (86, Vivyen, Heavenly Delusion all wear their influence proudly), and pull new viewers into 3 a.m. discussion threads. They aren’t just classics; they’re the reason the word “peak fiction” exists. If you want to watch something, pick yours; there’s no wrong answer—only three different flavors of genius.