An organic EL element including an anode, a first functional layer including organic material, disposed above the anode, a second functional layer including organic material, disposed on and in contact with the first functional layer, a light emitting layer disposed on and in contact with the second functional layer, and a cathode disposed above the light emitting layer. A highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level of the organic material of the second functional layer has an energy level at least 0.2 eV lower than that of a HOMO level of the organic material of the first functional layer, and film thickness of the second functional layer is 15 nm or less.