Anime for a complete noob.
 

I'd like to know some of the "essential" anime tv shows or films. I have seen a few films, most are obvious, mainstream hits like, "Akira" and "Spirited Away." I'd like to put together a list of media to watch, so help me out.

what kind of things are you into? Fantasy... science fiction... comedy, drama..?

True, but they might want to start with a shorter or already completed anime :P

Lol, these faces don't mean much to me. : D

fine, I'll stop, but it is by far the best!!!
ok...Naruto is in orange, and he's the coolest character ever!!!!!!!!!!!1
Rock lee is also the coolest ever, and he's in green!!! w/ the beetles haircut!!!
Sasuke is in blue, and he's just a wannabe cool guy...but is really a jackass....
and Gaara, who's also pretty kickass is the one with sand flying all around him!!!

I'll put Naruto on the list.