Parroting Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Also, shame on everyone for not mentioning a single Gundam series. Do not watch Gundam Wing, as that show does not fit your specifications. I highly recommend staring with 08th MS Team, if you want to give Gundam a shot. You can get a feel for the franchise, this series is set in the main universe (Gundam has alternate universes) and the show is only 12/13 episodes long, so it's easy to get through. The English dub is also good. Most Gundam series can be watched on Youtube.
If you like strong female characters, watch Fate/Stay Night or Fate/Zero (prequel, so watch it second.) Avoid One Piece, Bleach, Naruto, and Death Note. Are they popular? Yes. Do they fit your specifications? No.
lastly, if you enjoy mysteries, I'd highly recommend Monster, which is available on Netflix. Monster is a very Western-style anime that fits your specifications. It's a great show, but 70 episodes is not to be scoffed at.
There's my contribution.
If you like strong female characters, watch Fate/Stay Night or Fate/Zero (prequel, so watch it second.) Avoid One Piece, Bleach, Naruto, and Death Note. Are they popular? Yes. Do they fit your specifications? No.
lastly, if you enjoy mysteries, I'd highly recommend Monster, which is available on Netflix. Monster is a very Western-style anime that fits your specifications. It's a great show, but 70 episodes is not to be scoffed at.
There's my contribution.