Angel's Egg -- an art film, very symbolism heavy but has enough plot to not be insufferably boring.
OVA:
The Rose of Versaille -- haven't watched it but its about a female military commander in the French Revolution and the manga was written by a woman who was a member of the youth league of the Japanese Communist Party.
Also I definitely second The Legend of the Galactic Heroes though it can be kind of difficult to find 'legitimately' due to the music rights issues.
Movies:
OVA:
Also I definitely second The Legend of the Galactic Heroes though it can be kind of difficult to find 'legitimately' due to the music rights issues.
rose of versailles isn't an ova but it seems incredible from the one episode i've seen, in preparation for the next season of the great gundam project