Top Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the sci-fi genre since his co-direction of the acclaimed Macross franchise, Macross Plus. Over his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most beloved and influential series, including Cowboy Bebop, his jazz-infused masterpiece. This iconic series follows a group of eclectic space adventurers navigating the neo-noir expanses of deep space. Cowboy Bebop's timeless appeal is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's unforgettable score, which continues to captivate audiences through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and more.

The impact of Cowboy Bebop extends far beyond its fanbase, influencing 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. Their acknowledgment underscores the series' significant influence on modern storytelling and cinema.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

6 ImagesCowboy Bebop has not only captured the hearts of anime enthusiasts but has also attracted many who typically don't watch anime. Its enduring legacy makes it a cornerstone of the anime canon. If you're looking for what to watch next after diving into Cowboy Bebop, here are some top space-faring, globe-trotting, morally-ambiguous anime recommendations.

Lazarus

Our first pick is Watanabe's latest series, Lazarus, which premiered on Adult Swim on April 5th at midnight. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, with art direction by John Wick's Chad Stahelski and original compositions by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus is generating immense excitement as one of the most anticipated anime releases of the year. It's a stylistic companion to Cowboy Bebop, returning to the gritty, underdog sci-fi roots of that series and feeling remarkably relevant in 2025.

The story revolves around a life-saving drug that turns fatal three years after use, threatening millions. Enter Axel, a regular convict and jailbreaker, who must assemble a team to find the drug's creator and develop an antidote within 30 days. It's a thrilling, dark journey you won't want to miss.

Terminator Zero

Next, we have Terminator Zero, a grounded and bleak take on sci-fi from director Masashi Kudō, Production IG, and creator Mattson Tomlin. While it's more serious than Cowboy Bebop, its stylish action sequences and impressive gunplay will satisfy fans of Watanabe's work. It's a must-watch for its contemporary take on sci-fi and its stunning visual style, offering a fresh perspective on the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day through a Japanese lens.

Space Dandy

Shinichirō Watanabe stepped back as general director for Space Dandy, allowing Shingo Natsume to take the helm of this humorous space opera produced by Bones. If you're seeking a light-hearted, nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic Saturday morning cartoons, Space Dandy is perfect. It follows the stylish bounty hunter Dandy, who searches for new alien lifeforms. With its nods to classic sci-fi and anime, the series is both fun and thought-provoking, exploring existential themes alongside Dandy's adventures.

Lupin III

For fans craving the adventurous spirit and boundless potential of Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III delivers. This delightful crime caper, which debuted in 1965, has since expanded into manga, anime, video games, and films. Start with the 1971 anime series to meet Lupin, the laid-back criminal inspired by the legendary thief Arsene Lupin. Directed by talents like Masaaki Ōsumi, Hayao Miyazaki, and Isao Takahata, this series offers a gateway to over five decades of engaging stories.

Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo is often seen as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, with its roots tracing back to Watanabe's work on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. While set in a historical context, it shares thematic similarities with Bebop, focusing on life, freedom, and mortality. The series follows a trio of morally ambiguous characters: Mugen, Fuu, and Jin. Watanabe's inclusion of themes like tolerance and inclusion adds depth to this Edo-period tale.

Trigun

If you're drawn to Cowboy Bebop's stylish action and complex anti-heroes, Trigun is a must-watch. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, this noir-inspired space western follows Vash, a man with a massive bounty due to his uncontrollable superpowers. As the series unfolds, it delves into the lives of those pursuing Vash, creating a compelling narrative that earned it spots on numerous best-of lists and propelled the manga to success in the US.