Vampire Hunter D
I stopped watching anime and choose to read manga now since its so much quicker. It has been a couple of years since I actually watched anime, but when I did watch, I would go through them like it was an addiction. I relate with feeling ashamed to still enjoy manga
Based on your posts in this thread, I really recommend you check out a series called
Welcome to NHK. Its pretty dark but covers some social problem in each episode.
One of the best IMHO (personally I think it is THE best). Berserk is somewhat similiar until you realise the anime is only a backdrop for the actual tale.
I always feel like they're making the story up as they go along on the few occasions I've watched anime.
That is probably because most of the popular anime are based on serialised popular manga which for sure are thought out as they go along. Anime (and manga) is a medium, not a genre, its really a matter of finding what is out there for your age/taste group. Unfortunately most of the big money is in the pre-teen and young teen market so you get more material aimed at them, however there can be some really choice material for older teen and the adult category (though less for adults since it is a much smaller market). Even when I did watch anime I was very selective of what I watched since 80% is rubbish (ok thats unfair, it is just not aimed at me).