Didn't see an "essential" anime listing thread, so here goes.

What, in your opinion, are influential shows (or movies) one absolutely should watch? Old ones, too. Why are they good?

I'm a total filthy pleb when it comes to anime, but would like to build some basic understanding and watch some or most of the greats or the classics.
So far, I've only watched some movies; most of the Ghibli ones, Akira, Ghost in The Shell, Paprika, Perfect Blue, Jin-Roh wolf brigade, Steamboy, Summer Wars.

The only anime series I've completed are Fullmetal Alchemist, Kill la Kill and Death Note. I'm currently watching some Ranma 1/2, which seems nice. I think I've seen some random episodes of Pokemon/Digimon from when my brother watched them (seemed a bit childish), and possibly some other stuff I don't properly remember. I have more interest in plot than fanservice. I've been thinking I should watch Cowboy Bebop, which I hear is good.

If you can point me towards some ready-made listing, I'd appreciate that, too. But it'd be nice to see some discussion about what different people consider to be the definitive classics of anime.

Thanks a lot (got directed here from /a/, so thanks to those anons too)