It's been a while since I've seen much anime, but I've been rewatching Neon Genesis Evangelion and man... a lot of it's themes really hit me. No wonder so many people consider it a masterpiece- and thankfully, I haven't spoiled myself hard on it. I'm on episode 10 if that matters. I think it'll be a favorite by far when I'm done.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is another favorite, and I like Battle Tendency and Diamond is Unbreakable the most. It's one of the most unique series ever and it inspired quite a ton! I am sad though that a lot of people are put off by both the series itself as well as the fanbase. If there's an important plot point, emotional moment, or just a weird one-off thing, it will be memed to death and spoil a ton of people. I try to look on it optimistically and watch despite spoilers because I want to know how the story gets to these points anyways! I'm really happy Stone Ocean was announced, on a last note there.
Goblin Slayer is another favorite by far for it's harsher tone and how the characters all develop, like how the Slayer himself is explored and changes throughout the series. I really enjoy the fact that it's inspired heavily by Dungeons & Dragons, and IIRC a campaign the creator was in inspired a ton? It lead to a lot of intense scenes where you really can't tell what's going to happen next, you're on the edge of your seat and aren't sure how the dice is going to fall so to speak! It also takes some notes from Berserk, which one should definitely read if they want to experience a dark fantasy classic. It's 90's adaptation wasn't bad and nor were it's movies, but stay clear of the new anime.
As for other favorites... Pokemon and Dragon Ball are up there as they were some of the first series I ever saw, and I made a thread ages ago about SEGA Hard Girls' anime series- wish that got more media. I never saw that bonus episode that came out, which would have been a treat as the series ending hit hard, and I would have liked to see the other characters in the bonus episode. I also really liked Inuyashiki, as it's story was intense and the characters were really intriguing- shame it had really out of place 3D. Violet Evergarden was also another series I fell in love with, it was just extremely heartwarming and I wanted to see Violet happy in the end. It was a sweet show.
Lastly... This is going to sound crazy, but one of the first series I ever watched in full and got super into was Sword Art Online. The worlds in the show I really love, the relationship between Kirito and Asuna is nice, and past the very first arc which I had some simple fun with despite it's flaws? Phantom Bullet and Mother's Rosario are really, really good arcs. Alicization I'm actually pretty behind on but it does a lot to the series that fixes a lot of flaws I had, it's just a good experience I'm happy got me into anime as a whole and can appreciate other incredible series. Fairy Dance as far as I'm concerned exists only to set up the world where Mother's Rosario takes place.
