The Big O is an anime that I came across only recently.
I found a character's picture on google and thought: "this looks interesting, let's check it out".
Now while I do watch anime movies (studio ghibli etc) I'm not one to obsess over anime in episodaic formula. I find most of them to be full of stereotypes and to be completely unrealistic in terms of human interaction. Granted, the 90% of something popularised/commercialized tends not to be worth it.
However this specific anime blew my mind. Probably because it has a strong western vibe as it's heavily influenced by the noir genre and Batman the animated series. It's mecha anime that somehow makes mechas look... believable...
It's characters are extremely likelable and the dialogue is quite witty and straightforward.
Additionally it combines IMO mystery and action perfectly.
The soundtrack is an excellent blend of orchestrated pieces, noir jazz, 60's and 70's spy drama action music and some electronica here and there.
To sum it up, I can't recommend it enough. What you may not like is that season 2 has some notable differences from season 1.
The girl on the right is my waifu. You have been warned.