Neon Genesis Evangelion

The best anime ever made, in my opinion. Note that this anime does include biblical references and some may think it disturbing. However, as a whole, Neon Genesis Evangelion is, to me, what anime is all about.

This is set in the near future (actually around right now but it was made around 1997). A meteor hit the earth, causing 1/3 of the population of the world to die. The ecosystem of the world was set off balance. In this meteor, came the first "angel," Adam. 14 years after, Angels are threatening the survival of the world. The UN is battling the "angels" with the evangelions, seemingly living creatures in the form of a mech. The only people who can control these evangelions (or evas) are the children born exactly 14 years after this incident. Thus Neon Genesis Evangelion Begins. This is one of the greatest stories ever, and the best mecha anime by FAR.

Shinji Ikari - A Child chosen to pilot EVA-01 (test type). Shinji is quite a weak person, as he does whatever he is told to do, then runs away when something bad happens because of it. He carries the lead role of the show.

Asuka Langely - Pilots the EVA-02, She comes from a somewhat rough past, and now craves attention in every form. She is almost the exact opposite of Rei.

Rei Ayanami - Pilots the prototype EVA-00, she basically has the personality of a brick. She rarely speaks with anyone but Shinji's father, Gendo.

Gendo Ikari - Shinji's father, the head of the UN company NERV, which created the evas.

Misato Katsuragi - The female commander of NERV's military operations, most view her as beautiful, until they get into her personal life (you'll know what I mean ;)

Many other characters fill up this anime, and all of them have a huge depth to them. They have specific behavioral patterns, and valid reasons for these patterns. EVA ROCKS.

It looks old now, but eva pioneered many things that are used today. Repeating frames are there, but they are used in good taste. To me, this is the benchmark style of anime, and shows really what anime and the powerful medium of animation is. I suggest you take a look at the quality of the dvds.

I have only seen the japanese subtitled version, and as you can see, I LOVED it. The voice acting was perfect in it, no faults or crappy dialogue. Just evangelion goodness.