Most of my exposure with anime was whatever was on Toonami and Adult Swim in the 2000s. I've not watched stuff like, Ghost In The Shell, Cowboy Bebop (only disjointed episodes out of order), Neon Genesis Evangelion, which I know are highly regarded.
I've seen just about every Miyazaki movie at this point. I've seen Akeria.
I'm sure there's more mainstream shows and non mainstream shows that I'm missing and would enjoy.
Thoughts?
Series
FLCL is a goofy off-center coming-of-age sci-fi.
Excel Saga is a parody anime that shoots at nearly everything pre-2000.
Hellsing Ultimate is a vampire action that is a faithful recreation of the manga, both in style, action, and the goofy self-aware parts.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is what Gainax put out after they decided they went too far with Evangelion, and that the world needed a full-throttle Mecha series.
Kill la Kill is from a studio (Trigger) formed by everybody who worked on Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.
Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (and the movie, Rebellion) is to magical girl anime what Evangelion was to super robot anime. Would you like to form a contract?
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion because you must pleasure yourself with this fish and maybe find out where all the memes come from.
Elfen Lied is a credited influence for the series Stranger Things, particularly El(even)
Escaflowne is a mecha in a more steampunk world. It's also the only series I know that uses Tarot as a plot device.
Bakemonogatari is a high-school romance comedy with some of the funniest and clever wiring. Sorry, writing. I stuttered, Ararararararararararagi.
Movies
Redline is a sci-fi racing movie that reminds me of SW E1 Pod Racing.
Summer Wars is a cozy Miyazaki-adjacent romance with some sci-fi flairs.
Interstella5555: The 5tory of The 5ecret 5tar 5ystem Before Daft Punk did their Tron-inspired music video movie, there was another album-length movie made from their Discovery album.
Vampire Hunter D is a vampire hunter movie set in the very far future, giving it a western feel.
you ABSOLUTELY cannot recommend bakemonogatari without mentioning how horny that show is towards children and in general. it's irresponsible not to imo. i have friends who like it so i'm not going to say you shouldn't recommend it, but it NEEDS that warning
also i'll second vampire hunter d but say you should skip the first movie (it's mid) and just watch vampire hunter d: bloodlust which is way better
It's been a long time since I've watched it and forgot most of that. It is very horny, with the dialog and euphemism replacing more direct fanservice. Tread carefully.