Top Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the sci-fi genre since his co-direction on the popular Macross franchise, Macross Plus. Over his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most beloved and influential series, including the jazz-infused masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop. This iconic series follows a ragtag group of space adventurers as they navigate the neo-noir depths of the cosmos. Cowboy Bebop's timeless appeal is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's iconic score, which has kept the series alive in the public consciousness through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and more.

The impact of Cowboy Bebop extends beyond its fanbase, influencing a diverse range of creators such as 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 of the series' influence underscores its significant role in shaping modern cinema and storytelling.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

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Cowboy Bebop's appeal transcends the typical anime fanbase, attracting viewers who might not usually engage with the genre. This universal appeal, combined with its lasting influence, cements its place as a vital and enduring part of the anime canon. If you're looking for your next watch after a Cowboy Bebop binge, we've curated a list of space-faring, globe-trotting, morally ambiguous anime to dive into.

Lazarus

Adult Swim

Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest series, Lazarus, which premiered on Adult Swim at midnight on April 5th. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, with John Wick director Chad Stahelski overseeing art and original compositions by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus has generated significant anticipation as one of the year's most hyped anime releases. This series serves as a stylistic companion to Cowboy Bebop, echoing the grungier, underdog sci-fi vibe of that series, and feels strikingly relevant in 2025.

Lazarus follows the story of a life-saving miracle drug that turns deadly three years after its use, endangering millions. The protagonist, Axel, a convict with a knack for jailbreaking, must assemble a team to locate the elusive doctor who created the drug and develop an antidote within just 30 days. Buckle up for a thrilling, dark journey.

Terminator Zero

Netflix

Next, we have Terminator Zero, a grounded and bleak addition to the Terminator saga, directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG with creator Mattson Tomlin (known for Project Power). While more serious than Bebop, it shares a stylistic flair in its action sequences and impeccable gunplay that will satisfy fans craving that Cowboy Bebop action.

Terminator Zero offers a contemporary take on sci-fi, reflecting our current technological and cultural landscape, making it a must-watch in 2025. Its visually stunning and boundary-pushing style, combined with its fresh take on the Terminator's Judgement Day through a Japanese lens, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking an anime that's as visually engaging as Cowboy Bebop.

Space Dandy

Crunchyroll

Space Dandy, another gem from Watanabe's repertoire, sees him stepping back as general director to Shingo Natsume's direction. Produced by Bones, this series offers a hilarious, serialized space opera that evokes the nostalgia of classic Saturday morning cartoons, much like Cowboy Bebop.

The series follows the titular Dandy, a stylish outer space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien lifeforms. Though the premise may seem simple, Space Dandy takes unexpected existential turns as Dandy explores the universe's truths and his own existence. While it may not have achieved the global success of Cowboy Bebop, its charm, rewatchability, and visual appeal make it a delightful watch.

Lupin III

Tokyo Movie

For a series that captures the adventurous spirit and limitless potential of Cowboy Bebop, look no further than Lupin III. This delightful crime caper, created by Kazuhiko Katō (under the pseudonym Monkey Punch) in 1965, has since expanded into manga, anime, video games, and multiple films. The 1971 anime adaptation is the best starting point, introducing viewers to the laid-back criminal Lupin, inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin.

With 23 episodes in its first season, directed by talents like Masaaki Ōsumi, Hayao Miyazaki, and Isao Takahata, Lupin III offers a wealth of stories, movies, and shows to explore, making it a treasure trove for fans.

Samurai Champloo

Crunchyroll

Samurai Champloo, often seen as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, was conceived during Watanabe's work on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. Though set in a historical context rather than sci-fi, it shares the same thematic concerns about life, freedom, and mortality.

The series follows a trio of morally ambiguous heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin. Notably, the Edo period setting inspired Watanabe to emphasize inclusion and tolerance, steering clear of nationalistic overtones and adding a fresh perspective to his storytelling.

Trigun

Adult Swim

If you're drawn to Cowboy Bebop's stylish action and morally complex anti-hero, Trigun is the perfect follow-up. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, which ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, the series debuted in Japan in 1998 and reached the US in 2001.

Trigun is a noir-inspired space western that 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 viewers uncover Vash's story, they also learn about those hunting him, creating a compelling conflict that earned the series multiple accolades and boosted the manga's sales in the US.