[i]Monster[/i]: The series cleverly uses historical events to make a very realistic and believable narrative. It is very difficult to refrain from binge watching the series because every episode seemed to leave the viewer hanging. Unfortunately you will have to settle for the manga and the anime series rather than a novel. The story would make for a excellent novel. [i]Neon Genesis Evangelion[/i]: The saga is credited as being the antithesis as well as a deconstruction of the mecha genre. The dysfunctional characters are very interesting. I did enjoy the narrative becoming increasingly abstract as the saga came to an end with [i]The End of Evangelion[/i]. [i]Mobile Suit Gundam[/i]: The franchise is credited for being among the first anime within the real robot genre. When I view an anime from the franchise, I expect to see the main characters experience the grief that war causes. I have very much enjoyed series from the Universal Century timeline. These series include: [i]U.C. 0079[/i] (aka the original MSG), [i]Zeta Gundam[/i], [i]Char's Counterattack[/i], [i]The 08th MS Team[/i], [i]U.C. 0080: War in the Pocket[/i] and [i]Gundam Unicorn[/i]. I have also enjoyed [i]Gundam 00[/i] which is not a part of the U.C. timeline. [i]Texhnolyze[/i]: This cyber punk series possesses a bit of a slow start, but once it picks up, it picks up. The intrigue of this show stems from the social organisation of the city, the different factions, the reactions of the characters to the events occurring within the city and the interactions between characters within and without the same faction. [i]Serial Experiments Lain[/i]: This is a fun cyber punk series. I've yet to figure out what events actually occurred within reality and what events occurred within "The Wire." Of course, the constant theme is that the borders between the real world and the cyber world are not as distinct as one would believe. [i]Cowboy Bebop[/i]: This series is a classic and it is a must watch for anyone willing to spend time with a lovable crew. If you are a Firefly fan, then you will most likely enjoy Cowboy Bebop. [i]Boogiepop Phantom[/i]: I figured that I ought to try to appeal to your request for a gory horror. The title makes it seem as though it may be a bit of a fruity series, but it is actually quite gritty. I've heard that the series can be somewhat hard to follow, though I did not have any trouble following it. It is considered to be horror due to the paranormal activity occurring within the city and how this activity affects the characters. There are a couple of gruesome deaths including a first person perspective of a victim being dismembered. There are several others that I am not willing to take the time to give my take on them, though they are worth checking out. [i]Akira Ghost in the Shell Paranoia Agent Baccano! RahXephon Bokurano Perfect Blue[/i] any Studio Ghibli film [i]Blue Gender Black Lagoon Blood: The Last Vampire Blood+ .hack//Sign Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom Gungrave Gantz[/i] I know that I have not listed all of my recommendations, but I figure that this list ought to get your anime watch list started.