It's a great anime, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. That being said, prepare yourself because it will be a very emotional ride once it really gets going. I rewatch it every few years but I still make this joke to my friends when I do:

I still need to watch the rebuild series....

Yes, the fights are very well done. The protagonist mecha, the Eva's, operate under some strict rules that mean every fight is a close one. The enemy, the Angels, adapt to each loss and force the protagonists to play catch up.

God wants us dead. Humanity has already been nearly wiped out, only a fragment is holding on. The Angels are a cleanup crew, all they have to do is simply touch their goal and the remnants of mankind are instantly destroyed.

Against that backdrop you have a story told by a man who is clearly suffering deeply. Hideaki Anno's depression is on full display through the themes of loss and grief and abandonment. But those themes are strongly countered by those of friendship, purpose and being part of a greater whole.

It is beautiful and grotesque. Hollow and hopeful. Goofy and deadly serious.

It may not be your cup of tea, but it is a masterpiece.

Very fun and then suddenly very dark.

If you want to lean into the action, also watch the “Rebuild” series of movies which are a ~~reboot~~ sequel to the series.

As someone who watched it for the first time this year, I was less interested in the mecha fights and fully captivated by the story / emotional states of the characters, which is not what I was expecting at all.