I have to say Robotech, while I'm sure I saw some before it I can't remember them and Robotech was like a waking moment for me. I couldn't get away from the TV when we popped the DVD in and it gave me a ravenous desire for scifi. While it has its quarks and to this day I find things about it that make me facepalm I still love it.
It hearkens to the beauty of mankind, our resilience, our drive. It also shows our dark evil side. All wrapped up in a dramatic space opera with great space battles and story.
And good music!