Quite simply one of the best (if not THE best) pop albums ever released. Released at the peak of MJ's artistic period, Thriller contains some of the best songs you'll ever hear.

Stevie's first album in which he had full creative control. While not as brilliant as his subsequent albums from his classic period, Music of My Mind was the first flash of true brilliance from Stevie.

Like Marvin Gaye's 1971 album, What's Going On, Innervisions tackled important social and political issues, and showcased his full genius.

By letting his emotions write the songs for him, Stevie was able to release one of the best albums of all time (along with Michael Jackson's Thriller).

While not as deep as Miyazaki's usual efforts, Castle in the Sky is still immensly enjoyable. A great introduction to anime.

A beautiful film the whole family can enjoy. Has great role models for children (as well as for aspiring artists like myself).

Combining Miyazaki's beautiful artwork and master narrative with intense violence and a dark atmosphere, Princess Mononoke showed that Miyazaki was capable of more than just family fare.

Takahashi's first major work. Don't pass it by just because it's older (in fact, it's only 2 years older than Maison Ikkoku). The artwork and writing are a little rough at the beginning, but they develop as the story goes on.

A parody of both boy's martial arts stories and girl's romance stories, topped with a chaotic gender-bending twist, Ranma 1/2 is a very funny series considered essential reading for manga fans (as are most of the other manga on this list).