Despite its outward appearance (giant robots, anyone?), Escaflowne was created for a primarily female audience. Upon further inspection, one can find many reasons why this is true. All the characters are involved with complicated romantic relationships, complete with many Awkward Entrances While Kissing (tm).

The story begins with Hitomi Kanzaki worrying about her performance in track and the persuit of her love interest, Amano. She also has the Mysterious Pendant Heirloom(tm) that surely spells trouble for everyone. So it comes to pass that during her farewell sprint with Amano, who is revealed to be leaving the country, the pendant opens a gateway to the world of Gaia, where the Earth and the moon hang in the sky together. This is how we meet Van, king of Finalia, and unfortunately the dragon persuing him. After a rousing fight, the gate opens again and both Van and Hitomi are swept up in a pillar of light and stranded in Gaia. Political intrigue, love affairs, sibling rivalries, and battle with an evil empire in mechanical suits of war ensue.

With a start like that it can't possibly get past mediocre, yet it does. Escaflowne is one of the finest examples of anime ever made, masterfully written and animated.

...And, cue the porno music.

The stunning score by Yoko Kanno doesn't hurt either. Much like Neon Genesis Evangelion, it takes a cliched premise (boy in robot fights aliens) and just takes it to the next level. There are a few parts where the story sags a bit, but overall the story and the masterfully created world make the episodes fly by all too quickly.   

Escaflowne should be on any anime fan's list, male or female. Even people who aren't into anime can usually get into this one. It remains the single anime series I've convinced a non-gaming, non-anime person of the female persuasion to watch, so that has to count for something.