Something I find funny is that anime pretty much seems to appeal to people of any age - young and old alike - whereas 'western' cartoons (with some exceptions) generally are aimed at the young/young adolescent only. When you think about it, the subject matter in anime (and manga) is unimaginably diverse: there is something for everyone, from those who love space opera, to teenage drama, from political thrillers to vampire fiction, from medieval fantasy to post-apocalyptic sci-fi. Even the most controversial topics have been used as the basis for a series or full-length movie.

Ergo Proxy has been recommended by two of you, so it must be good. I'll have to hunt that one down