Watch Neon Genesis Evangelion (the original TV show) then watch End of Eva, which is a retcon film of the last 2 episodes of the TV show. It's considered the "true ending" even though the TV's ending is also good. Won't get into why the two exist because it's a whole ordeal. The Rebuilds are not worth watching unless you really like the franchise.
Also will note, when watching, do not try to parse the plot. It is irrelevant. The show is 100% a character study and all the shit about fighting angels and such is just a framing device for exploring the characters. Many people go into the show expecting shounen battle crap and then go "the plot didn't make sense" which is essentially the equivalent of watching The Big Lebowski and complaining that nothing important happens.
These people take everything at literal face value. It's like what Matt said when he said that mainstream movies just tell you everything and don't leave anything up for deeper thought (related to when he also has said subtext is said). People are so used to being spoonfed that they literally do not have the capability to look at anything below face value. This leads one to think Brace fucking Belden is a pick up artist because he makes an edgy joke.