Last time I checked it was Best. Anime. Ever.
Definitely, I don't like very many animes, but I have liked that since I was little. It's just amazing, I love Kanti and the giant hand, and the dog monster and EVERYTHING. It's just so bad ass.
Same here, it's the only anime I can watch over and over again (in fact, it's the only anime I'll ever watch; that is, unless it's Cowboy Bebop.) I first saw it when I was 12. Changed my life. I still have a crush on Haruko Wouldn't mind meeting an older gal like that.
I was about the same age, 5th grade. My friend Spencer showed it to me, he had it recorded on VHS. All 6 episodes.