reference: your top ten favorites

As I was replying to the Evangelion commentary, I realized that it might be nice to have a listing of some kind of everyone's top ten favorite anime shows/movies/etc. It'll eventually be something you can click on in someone's profile, maybe.

How does this help?

1) From a discussion standpoint, knowing what the other person likes and/or dislikes is great for comparisons and analogies.

2) From a collector standpoint, other people who like similar things can help you find them.

3) Personally, no one can accuse me for "hating everything". That's just me though.

[color=#00ccff]Keep in mind that this isn't a "my anime is superior to your anime" thread.[/color] It's just a thread for reference on what shows have shaped each member's individual tastes. Discussion about shows or unusual combinations of shows is encouraged. Follow any format for ranking that you want (unranked, sequential, grouped, etc.)

What's your list look like?

Top tier: (the only shows I have ever recommended with zero reservations)
Escaflowne - Maison Ikkoku - Cowboy Bebop - Grave of the Fireflies

Second tier:
Evangelion - Nausicaa - Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou(+) - MS Gundam (1979)(*) - Nadesico(%) - Kenshin OVA

Notes:
* The show is not bad, but the historical value is way too strong to deny it a spot. Everyone drawing your anime today knows and probably loves the original Gundam series.
+ Concept and art design too near and dear to deny it a spot, even if a) the manga is far superior and b) the show is barely complete.
% Why this show is so unpopular stateside is beyond me. It's comic genius.

I just realized that limiting yourself to 10 shows is pretty hard.

Following Jason's two-tier approach for recommendations:

Top Tier:(Recommend with no reservations)
1) Samurai-X Trust/Betrayal - It should be in everyone's collection
2) R.O.D(Both the TV and OVA)- It is just cool.
3) Kino's Journey - Beautiful animation and thought provoking stories
4) Haibane Renmei ? Again, beautiful animation and a cool story. It is also deceptively dark
5) Gunsmith Cats ? A nice three shot OVA that is just fun
6) Twelve Kingdoms ? Beautiful art, awesome character development and a refreshing Asian fantasy story

Second Tier (recommend with reservations)
1) Battle Athletes Victory ? I have a problem with the last 4 episodes of the series, but other than that, it is a good watch
2) 3x3 Eyes ? A lot of people complain about the age of the series, but Yukamo and Pai are probably one of my favorite anime couples
3) Chrno Crusade ? Not for everyone due to fan service and religious themes
4) Blue Gender ? While my personal favorite, it isn?t for everybody because of the way sex is worked into the story and it is a tad uber-violent

Now this isn't my straight top 10 list. What I tend to recommend and what I hold near and dear to my heart are quite different. I guess I realize my taste is better shared with people who are more into cyborgs and samurai...

Lets see my list of 10

Your right Jason it is hard to limit it to only ten.

Ah/Oh my Goddess - The story, the artwork, it's the one that hooked me and my wife into anime and cel collecting.

Ranma 1/2 - Rumiko Takahashi's best series

Akira - The WOW factor, 1st anime that made me forget it was animated.

Excel Saga - Satire at it's best, just insane.

Serial experiments Lain - one of the best written stories.

Kare Kano (His & Hers circumstances)- The best Gainax show.

Ai Yori Aoshi - Breaks the mold, so well done you care about the characters, Artwork is great.

The World of Narue - this one is just fun.

Lunar Legend Tsukihime - A new on going series that has me hooked.

Nadesico - This has everything and was done so well and unlike Eva has a ending that is understandable.

Top 10 [i]current[/i] favorites of mine, in no set order are:

Now and Then, Here and There- Well told and thought provoking adult story.

Cowboy Bebop- All around great anime.

GENSOU MADEN SAIYUKI- entertaining, fun show.

Project ARMS- Action and awesome character design.

Last Exile- Another all around good anime show.

Golden Boy- Hilarious funny show, adult humor.

12 Kingdoms- As stated above by cypher99

Samurai Deeper Kyo- An entertaining series, good mix of action and comedy.

Berserk- Adult show [i]very violent[/i]. Another all around good series, I was wanting more shows when it ended.

1st Kenshin OVA (Tsuiokuhen)- The top samurai anime IMHO.

Runner up shows:
Spirited Away- Wonderful artwork great story.

Kazeno Yozimbo- Entertaining story by Akira Kurosawa.

As you can see I enjoy action shows or anime with a story that interests me.

You're right noisywalrus ten is very difficult. Thanks