What are popular anime TV, Movies, OVA etc

[Krafty]

If you’re listing Hentai, I think Urotsukidoji is still one of the most infamous.

That's true, but not even the most widely seen hentai can be considered 'popular' in terms of numbers compared to a family-friendly anime. I wouldn't therefore suggest an H title for this list.
I'd imagine that the majority of hentai and 'extreme' genre fans are among the most die-hard and loyal to their favourite series BUT it's not in the same sphere as the common TV shows that we're discussing.

When ranking popularity of a show I consider how much merchandise and how many spin-offs are released also taking into acount how long those shows have been around.
For example, the brands 'AKIRA' and 'FIST OF THE NORTH STAR' are still massive after 20 years with many lines of merchandise being released each year in numerous countries; how many series can boast that? That in itself proves there's a strong market for these products otherwise they wouldn't go on sale. Where there are more series like this, they need to be on the list.

Everyone's suggested some really great titles that have made me say "Oh yeah, I forgot about that one!" Keep 'em coming!

How about these other suggestions:

Macross [Plus/II/Dynamite 7] series
Vandread
Weiss Kreuz

[GuyvarIII]

If you’re listing Hentai, I think Urotsukidoji is still one of the most infamous.

That's true, but not even the most widely seen hentai can be considered 'popular' in terms of numbers compared to a family-friendly anime. I wouldn't therefore suggest an H title for this list.
I'd imagine that the majority of hentai and 'extreme' genre fans are among the most die-hard and loyal to their favourite series BUT it's not in the same sphere as the common TV shows that we're discussing.

When ranking popularity of a show I consider how much merchandise and how many spin-offs are released also taking into acount how long those shows have been around.
For example, the brands 'AKIRA' and 'FIST OF THE NORTH STAR' are still massive after 20 years with many lines of merchandise being released each year in numerous countries; how many series can boast that? That in itself proves there's a strong market for these products otherwise they wouldn't go on sale. Where there are more series like this, they need to be on the list.

I don’t think it has same audience as a Miyazaki film, but I disagree that it’s only for hardcore Anime fanatics. I’ve talked to people who don’t Anime but know Urotsukidoji.

Only a few Anime, like Urotsukidoji, can claim multiple theatrical releases outside of Japan and an American national art theater tour. As for spin-offs, the first animated incarnation is from 1987 and the newest addition to the series is from 2002.

For the list, I forgot to add:
Astro Boy / Tetsuwan Atom
&
A.T. Votoms (it’s even been resurrected for a new OVA)

[JWR]

I have found that to attempt to classify anything as "popular" is quiet hard since tastes differ hence the large amount of different types of stories one can currently choose.

There are a lot of the "classics" allready listed but also several new ones that have been quite hot in Japan and are starting to generate a buzz here in the USA.

So I'll add a few ones to the list not yet added.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Elfen Lied

Ai Yori Aoshi

Rozen Maiden

Serial Experiments Lain

Haibane Renmei

Mai Hime / Mai Otome

Chobits

[EternityOfPain]

Here is a few...

Your Under Arrest!

School Rumble

Comic Party

Monster

[Penguinton]

Well the only ones I could think of is....


Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

and

The Big O

[Krafty]

[Re: Urotsukidoji] I don’t think it has same audience as a Miyazaki film, but I disagree that it’s only for hardcore Anime fanatics. I’ve talked to people who don’t Anime but know Urotsukidoji.

Only a few Anime, like Urotsukidoji, can claim multiple theatrical releases outside of Japan and an American national art theater tour. As for spin-offs, the first animated incarnation is from 1987 and the newest addition to the series is from 2002.

That's cool and I appreciate your point and can't contest it, Chris. Urotsukidoji is a title I enjoyed but from an English perspective, a lot of people DO know about it because of the all the bad press it received as a video nasty back in the late 80's. Shortly after the reports flooded the media, many people off the street would think that ALL anime involved tentacle intercourse and this was the staple of the medium. LOL! However, I believe few people saw the series as a whole and it's notority was based on people who merely read about its reputation and talked to friends who had heard about it.

Still, if that fulfills one's criteria on being a popular anime than I agree that it was a popular anime.

Astro Boy should definately be on the list, why wasn't this picked up on sooner? *heh*

Joe, Serial Experiements Lain is a great suggestion- I thought of that last night before writing my previous post then forgot to include it; thanks for the reminder!

Similarly, I support the suggestions of You're Under Arrest! and The Big O too.