In no particular order.
grown-up characters and more complex themes; anime I appreciated as I got older because they had interesting things to say and food for thought, so this list leans towards the serious side, I guess
For that more "mature" feeling. Anime with Adults as actual main characters and themes ranged from comedy to detective stories with of course a bit of romance and sci-fi in the middle.
list of anime with romance or romantic undertones that take place mostly at/around school
I don't like high school anime, sports anime excepted, but these ones are alright
All noitaminA shows are highly regarded by me! But here's how I'd order them if I had to from favourite to meh. UPDATED FALL 2016 (Stuff at the bottom that has no comment isn't ordered)