AskJohn has a good one here: Which Anime Have Had the Most Influence on Current Anime? it's not so much a "influences" article; rather it's just a rundown on essential anime viewing... or japanimation, as akemi calls it. lots of good stuff here, most of which i know you've all seen... collectively that is. most of this i can recommend from actually viewing... 'cept the shoujo stuff (which is loved by many).