Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the world of sci-fi anime ever since his co-direction of the acclaimed Macross franchise entry, Macross Plus. Over his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most cherished and influential series, including Cowboy Bebop, his jazz-infused masterpiece. This iconic show follows a motley crew of daring space adventurers as they navigate the neo-noir expanse of deep space. Cowboy Bebop's timeless appeal is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's unforgettable score, which has kept the series alive in the public's mind through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and more.
The series has left an indelible mark on cinema and storytelling, inspiring creators such as Rian Johnson of Star Wars fame, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Diego Molano of Victor and Valentino. These luminaries have all cited Cowboy Bebop as a monumental influence on their work.
6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
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Cowboy Bebop is not only revered by anime aficionados but has also garnered a significant following among those typically outside the anime community. Its lasting impact and continued relevance make it a cornerstone of the anime genre. If you're looking for your next viewing adventure after a Cowboy Bebop binge, here's a curated list of space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous anime to explore.
Lazarus
Adult Swim
Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest venture, Lazarus, which premiered its first episode on Adult Swim at midnight on April 5th. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, with John Wick's Chad Stahelski overseeing the art direction and original compositions from Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus has garnered perhaps the most anticipation of any anime release this year. Stylistically akin to Cowboy Bebop, Lazarus brings back the gritty, underdog sci-fi vibe, feeling remarkably relevant in 2025.
The plot revolves around a life-saving miracle drug that turns deadly three years after its use, putting millions at risk of sudden death. Enter Axel, a regular convict and escape artist, tasked with assembling a team to track down the mysterious doctor who created the drug and convince him to produce an antidote within just 30 days. Buckle up for a thrilling, dark journey.
Terminator Zero
Netflix
Continuing with the grounded, bleak sci-fi theme, Terminator Zero is an impressive addition to the Terminator saga, directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG, with creator Mattson Tomlin (known for the Netflix film Project Power starring Jamie Foxx). While more serious than Bebop and much of Watanabe's oeuvre, it offers a stylistic flair in its action sequences and impeccable gunplay that will satisfy fans craving that specific Cowboy Bebop thrill.
As a contemporary sci-fi exploration of technology and culture, Terminator Zero is unmatched and a must-watch in 2025. If you're seeking an aesthetically pleasing anime that's as visually captivating as Cowboy Bebop, this series stands out with its stunning, boundary-pushing visuals, offering a fresh Japanese perspective on the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day narrative.
Space Dandy
Crunchyroll
A delightful addition to Watanabe's repertoire, Space Dandy sees him step back as general director to allow Shingo Natsume to direct this serialized space opera, brought to life by Studio Bones. If you're in the mood for a light-hearted throwback to classic Saturday morning cartoons that evokes the same nostalgia as Cowboy Bebop, this series is a perfect choice.
Filled with homages to classic sci-fi and anime, Space Dandy follows the stylish bounty hunter Dandy, whose mission is to discover and register new alien species. As charming and suave as Spike and Faye Valentine, Dandy's adventures take unexpected and existential turns, exploring the truths of the universe and his own existence alongside his quirky crew of a robot and a cat. Though it may not have achieved the global acclaim of Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is highly rewatchable, visually appealing, and incredibly entertaining.
Lupin 3rd
Tokyo Movie
If you crave the adventurous spirit and boundless potential that Cowboy Bebop offers, Lupin III is the crime caper for you. Debuting in 1965, this franchise, created by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, has expanded across manga, anime, video games, and cinema. The 1971 anime adaptation is the perfect starting point, introducing audiences to the laid-back criminal mastermind Lupin, inspired by the legendary fictional thief Arsene Lupin.
Spanning 23 episodes, the first season features the directorial talents of Masaaki Ōsumi, along with future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. It's an excellent entry into the world of Lupin III, and fans have five decades of stories, movies, and shows to explore further.
Samurai Champloo
Crunchyroll
Samurai Champloo stands as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop. Developed as Watanabe began work on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, its art style, structure, and storytelling reflect that connection. While a departure into historical action rather than Watanabe's signature sci-fi, it shares the same thematic concerns with life, freedom, and the struggle with mortality.
The series focuses on a trio of morally complex protagonists: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin. Set in the Edo period, Samurai Champloo uniquely emphasizes inclusion and tolerance, steering clear of nationalistic overtones and showcasing Watanabe's progressive vision.
Trigun
Adult Swim
If the allure of Cowboy Bebop lies in its stylish action and the concept of a morally ambiguous anti-hero, Trigun will captivate you. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's hit manga, which ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, the series debuted in Japan in 1998 and in the US in 2001, right at the turn of the millennium.
Like Cowboy Bebop, Trigun is a noir-inspired space western, but with heightened stakes. It follows Vash, a man with a massive bounty on his head due to his uncontrollable superpowers, which led to the accidental destruction of a city. As we delve into Vash's story and those hunting him, the series sets up a compelling conflict that earned it spots on numerous best-of lists, boosting the manga's success and leading to sell-outs in the US market.
