1) Neon Genesis Evangelion

Yeah, I know its popular to not like Eva these days, but I still love it. Fantastic design, music, and acting. A bold creative monster with some incredible underlying themes. Evangelion is continually entertaining and always engrossing. You might hate it because of the ending, but the controversy surrounding the anime is just another reason I like it so much.

2) Cowboy Bebop

Yoko Kanno's bold soundtrack sets the tone for this high production, character-based anime. I find the episodic nature of this anime to be one of its better characteristics. I can pop in any episode of Bebop and enjoy it for what it is. A solid well-directed, interesting and fun title. A very solid #2 on my chart, and its one of those shows that everyone likes.

3) Macross

Kickin' it oldschool with Macross, another historical anime. This set the precedent for dozens of titles, which followed in its footsteps. Interesting and memorable characters, and a great challenge to the imagination. A city floating in space, not purposefully placed there? Wow. Just the basic theme behind the anime is incredible. This title really pushes the value of art and culture right in your face, while at the same time not taking itself too seriously. Sure, the animation may be dated but this title is always enjoyable.

I also enjoy hating Lynn Minmei.

4) Nadia

This title just screams "FUN!" Its a world tour of adventure and excitement. Sure it might be a bit childish, but I prefer to call it "nostalgic." Watching this show makes me feel young again. Nadia is such a pistol. She’s angry-in-your-face. While Jean is a nice escape from the wussy anime heroes of today. He uses his intelligence with no fear and boldly tackles the challenges ahead of him. Once you get over King's nads dangling everywhere, you'll find yourself laughing through this title and wondering what other amazing sites they are going to encounter. Very enjoyable.

5) Irresponsible Captain Tylor

Tylor is an enigma. A character of pure Zen with a strong grasp on karma's flow through the universe. Either that or he is extremely lucky. Probably both. I watch this anime just to enjoy Tylor's point of view. It is so powerful that I rank it in my top 5 anime. I often strive to have a similar state of mind and calmness that Tylor has. Strolling across the universe with a martini in his hand and a drunken smile on his face. I can only hope to accomplish such.

6) Future Boy Conan

I know I said top 5, but I just couldn’t let this one pass. Future Boy Conan is the only anime on this list that isn’t licensed in the US, and it isn’t surprising. This is Hayao Miyazaki's premiere TV series. Conan is an incredibly strong and naive character living in a post apocalyptic world. Miyazaki paints a new world for him to explore. His anti-war themes and depth of character really shines in this title. Characters have their own, individual reasons for doing things. Another epic adventure across a new world. I beg someone to license this title, its due.

You could even put "From the creator of Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke" on the cover.