Top Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe has been a pioneering force in sci-fi storytelling since his early days co-directing the acclaimed Macross franchise with Macross Plus. Throughout his illustrious 35-year career, Watanabe has crafted some of the most cherished and influential series in anime, including Cowboy Bebop, his jazz-infused masterpiece. This iconic series tracks a group of eclectic space bounty hunters as they navigate the neo-noir landscapes of the cosmos. The timeless appeal of Cowboy Bebop is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's legendary score, which has kept the show alive in public memory through live performances, soundtrack rereleases, and more.

Cowboy Bebop has not only shaped anime but has also left an indelible mark on global cinema and storytelling. Esteemed creators like Rian Johnson of Star Wars, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Diego Molano of Victor and Valentino have all cited Cowboy Bebop as a major influence on their work.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

6 ImagesCowboy Bebop has also managed to captivate audiences beyond the typical anime fanbase, making it a pivotal and enduring piece of the anime canon. If you're looking for what to watch next after immersing yourself in Cowboy Bebop, here’s a curated list of space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally-ambiguous anime to dive into.

Lazarus

Our first pick is Watanabe's latest venture, Lazarus, which premiered on Adult Swim on April 5th. This series, produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, with art direction by John Wick's Chad Stahelski and original music from Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, is generating significant buzz. Lazarus echoes the gritty sci-fi vibe of Cowboy Bebop, offering a fresh take that resonates strongly in 2025.

The plot revolves around a life-saving drug that turns deadly three years after its administration, endangering millions. Enter Axel, an ordinary convict and escape artist, tasked with assembling a team to track down the drug's creator and secure an antidote within 30 days. Brace yourself for an intense, shadowy journey.

Terminator Zero

Next on our list is Terminator Zero, a gritty addition to the Terminator universe directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG, with creator Mattson Tomlin at the helm. While it adopts a more somber tone than Cowboy Bebop, its stylish action and detailed gunplay will satisfy fans craving similar thrills.

Terminator Zero offers a contemporary take on sci-fi, seamlessly blending technology and culture. For those seeking visually stunning and aesthetically pleasing anime, this series, which reimagines the Terminator saga's Judgement Day through a unique Japanese perspective, is a must-watch in 2025.

Space Dandy

Shinichirō Watanabe's Space Dandy, where he served as general director to Shingo Natsume, brings a lighthearted twist to his portfolio. Produced by Studio Bones, this series evokes the nostalgia of classic Saturday morning cartoons while nodding to a myriad of sci-fi and anime classics.

Space Dandy follows the titular character, a stylish space bounty hunter on a quest to discover and catalog new alien species. Accompanied by his robot and cat companions, Dandy's adventures delve into unexpected existential territories. Though it may not have reached the global acclaim of Cowboy Bebop, its charm and rewatchability make it a delightful choice.

Lupin III

For a series that captures the adventurous spirit and boundless potential of Cowboy Bebop, consider Lupin III. This engaging crime caper, which debuted in 1965, has expanded across manga, anime, video games, and films. The best entry point is the 1971 anime series, directed by Masaaki Ōsumi, Hayao Miyazaki, and Isao Takahata, which introduces the charismatic criminal Lupin, inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin.

With 23 episodes in the first season, Lupin III offers a gateway to over five decades of engaging stories, movies, and series, perfect for fans eager to explore further.

Samurai Champloo

Considered the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo was conceived while Watanabe worked on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. This series shifts to a historical setting but retains Watanabe’s signature themes of life, freedom, and mortality.

Set in the Edo period, Samurai Champloo follows a trio of morally ambiguous protagonists: Mugen, the outlaw; Fuu, the tea server; and Jin, the ronin. The series stands out for its emphasis on inclusivity and tolerance, reflecting Watanabe's innovative approach to storytelling.

Trigun

For fans drawn to Cowboy Bebop's stylish action and morally complex anti-hero, Trigun offers a compelling follow-up. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, the series premiered in Japan in 1998 and in the US in 2001.

Trigun blends noir and space western elements, focusing on Vash, a man with a massive bounty on his head due to his uncontrollable powers, which once led to the destruction of a city. As the story unfolds, the motivations of Vash's pursuers come to light, creating a riveting conflict that has earned Trigun numerous accolades and propelled its source material to success in the US market.