Not to derail the thread or anything, but how far have you gotten in the series so far?
Monster is really the only worthwhile anime that I’ve seen recently; although there are a number of anime discussed in the FFA and in a thread on Metal-Archives that I should probably check out. Aside from Monster (which is absolutely brilliant), I remember Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence being fairly decent, although the series is known for its unbelievable amount of pretentiousness. Death Note, Cowboy Bebop, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind are next on my list of stuff to watch. Actually, I watched Berserk a few months ago, and it was pretty decent - though I imagine that the manga is much better.
Grave of the Fireflies is also highly recommended.
Also, let it be known: if you value your sanity, do not watch Neon Genesis Evangelion. Worst anime ever. And while Elfen Lied was fun to watch with a few friends, and had a very good soundtrack, in retrospect it’s just objectively bad. The plot was painfully underdeveloped, the intentions of the diclonius and of the government weren’t explored at all, and the sexual undertones are so blatantly obvious that they might as well have put up a disclaimer: WARNING. This anime was made by dirty old Japanese men. It also gets my vote for most obnoxious ending music ever, which ironically sums up the whole anime - an attempt to merge an underdeveloped thriller with cutesy, stupid comedy sections. It’s like it was trying to be two entirely different shows, switching back and forth between them and completely ruining the mood. The love triangle was particularly irritating. That being said, I also remarked that “it was a fun anime to watch with a few friends” - so, as horrible as I now think it is, you might have fun pointing out all the sexual undertones and wondering why the characters are such morons.
--- We will set out with a fire in our hearts/When this darkness gives way to the dawn/In the light we are united as one/For the kingdom of heaven must be taken by storm!