Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the best anime ever. And in 2023, Wes Anderson, the genius of the previous optically striking movies such as The Grand Budapest Hotel and Moonrise Kingdom, expresses his personal affection for the anime series. And if a stickler director like him sings his praises, maybe it's time for the rest of us to give it a shot.Wes Anderson didn’t just drop casual references to Neon Genesis Evangelion during his Asteroid City press tour in July 2023. He’s mentioned it a few times over the years, and his enthusiasm for it is pretty infectious.In an interview with Konbini, Wes Anderson said the series is so complicated and absorbing that it could become a religion. He compared it to Scientology. He said the story is so good that fans lose interest in reality. That's a strong statement.What Makes Wes Anderson's Opinion Matter?Neon Genesis Evangelion (Image Credit: Studio Gainax and Tatsunoko Production)Here’s the thing. Wes Anderson isn’t just any filmmaker. He really understands storytelling, visuals, and emotion better than most. His movies are known for their perfect symmetry, quirky characters, and touching stories.So when someone like Wes Anderson says that Neon Genesis Evangelion held him in its grasp so tight that he and his crew watched all 24 episodes in less than a week, it counts for something.In an interview with Gwyneth Paltrow’s site Goop, he said it’s “very difficult to describe” the series and that it might not even sound that great when he tries to explain it. But he saw it anyway, and it definitely stuck with him. The fact that years after the show's release, Wes Anderson keeps making references to Neon Genesis Evangelion tells you that it got him hooked.Will This Get More People Watching?The anime community has always known that Neon Genesis Evangelion is special. It's ranked alongside classics like Cowboy Bebop and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood as one of the greatest anime series ever made. But outside that community, some people still haven't given it a chance. Maybe they think giant robots aren't their thing. Or maybe they're put off by the 1995 animation style.But Wes Anderson's endorsement might change that. His fanbase includes people who appreciate thoughtful, artistic filmmaking. These are viewers who love complex narratives and aren't afraid of something a little weird. And the anime is definitely weird, but in the best possible way. It's a show that uses giant mechas and alien monsters to explore depression, loneliness, and what it means to connect with other people.Why Neon Genesis Evangelion Resonates With a Director Like Wes AndersonStudio Ghibli movies that Wes mentioned (Image Credit: Studio Ghibli)In fact, much of what makes a Wes Anderson movie great is the same as what makes Neon Genesis Evangelion powerful. Both brood over alienated characters who are not able to communicate. And both have very, very unique visual styles. And neither is afraid to get emotional and vulnerable in their storytelling.Wes Anderson has also expressed his admiration for Studio Ghibli films, especially Isao Takahata's Only Yesterday. He likes animation that tells grown-up stories with real emotional weight. And that's what Neon Genesis Evangelion is. It may have giant robots, but it’s really about a teenage boy with trauma issues and identity problems.The show has been a font of inspiration, for creators at least. Without it, we wouldn’t have Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim.ConclusionWill his passion for the series bring in more viewers? Maybe. His endorsement lends the show legitimacy with viewers who may have written off anime as being “not for them.” And when everyone’s looking around for their next new favorite show, maybe a Wes Anderson stamp of approval is the push some people need.At least, it’s proof that any good story works well in a good format. Whether it's a quirky indie film or a '90s anime about giant robots and existential dread, if it's good, it's good. And according to one of cinema's finest directors, Neon Genesis Evangelion is very, very good.