Top Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the realm of sci-fi anime since his co-directorial work on the acclaimed Macross franchise, Macross Plus. Throughout his illustrious 35-year career, Watanabe has crafted some of the most cherished and influential series in the genre. His masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop, is a jazz-infused neo-noir adventure that follows a group of unconventional space bounty hunters. The series' timeless appeal is significantly enhanced by its iconic score, composed by Yoko Kanno, which continues to captivate audiences through live performances and soundtrack rereleases.

Cowboy Bebop's impact extends far beyond anime, influencing creators across various media, including 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 creators have cited Cowboy Bebop as a major influence on their work, underscoring its significant role in shaping modern storytelling and cinema.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

6 ImagesCowboy Bebop has also managed to attract viewers who are not typically anime fans, solidifying its place as a vital and enduring entry in the anime canon. If you're looking for your next anime fix after a Cowboy Bebop binge, here's a curated list of space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous anime to explore.

Lazarus

Watanabe's latest offering, Lazarus, premiered its first episode on Adult Swim at midnight on April 5th. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, with John Wick director Chad Stahelski overseeing the art and original compositions by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus has generated significant anticipation. This series echoes the gritty, underdog sci-fi vibe of Cowboy Bebop, making it a compelling watch in 2025.

The story revolves around a life-saving drug that turns fatal three years after its administration, endangering millions. Our protagonist, Axel, a regular convict and jailbreaker, must assemble a team to track down the drug's creator and secure an antidote within 30 days. Brace yourself for a thrilling, dark journey.

Terminator Zero

For those craving a more grounded and somber take on sci-fi, Terminator Zero is a must-watch. Directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG, with creator Mattson Tomlin (known for Netflix's Project Power), this series adds a serious yet stylish layer to the Terminator universe. While it lacks the light-heartedness of Cowboy Bebop, its action sequences and gunplay are a feast for the eyes.

Terminator Zero offers a contemporary take on sci-fi, reflecting our current technological and cultural landscape, making it essential viewing in 2025. If you're seeking an anime that's as visually stunning as Cowboy Bebop, this series, which reimagines Judgement Day through a Japanese perspective, won't disappoint.

Space Dandy

Space Dandy, another gem from Watanabe's repertoire, sees him stepping back to serve as general director while Shingo Natsume takes the helm. Produced by Bones, this series offers a lighthearted, nostalgic take on classic Saturday morning cartoons, making it a perfect follow-up to Cowboy Bebop.

The show follows Dandy, a suave space bounty hunter on a quest to discover new alien species. While the premise might seem straightforward, the series delves into existential themes as Dandy uncovers universal truths and his own identity. Although it may not have achieved the same global acclaim as Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is highly rewatchable and visually appealing.

Lupin 3rd

For a dose of adventurous joy and limitless potential akin to Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III is an excellent choice. Launched in 1965 by Kazuhiko Katō (under the pseudonym Monkey Punch), this franchise spans manga, anime, video games, and films. The 1971 anime adaptation, directed by Masaaki Ōsumi and featuring future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is the ideal starting point.

With 23 episodes in its first season, Lupin III introduces viewers to the laid-back criminal mastermind Lupin, inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. Fans have a wealth of content to explore, spanning five decades of stories, movies, and shows.

Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo, considered the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, was conceived while Watanabe worked on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. Though it shifts to a historical action setting, it maintains the thematic essence of life, freedom, and mortality that defines Watanabe's work.

The series follows a trio of morally ambiguous protagonists: Mugen, an outlaw; Fuu, a tea server; and Jin, a ronin. Set in the Edo period, Samurai Champloo emphasizes themes of inclusion and tolerance, showcasing Watanabe's forward-thinking approach to storytelling.

Trigun

If Cowboy Bebop's allure lies in its stylish action and morally complex anti-hero, Trigun is an anime you'll love. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, which ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, Trigun debuted in Japan in 1998 and the US in 2001.

This noir-inspired space western follows Vash, a man with a massive bounty on his head due to his uncontrollable superpowers that once led to the destruction of a city. As the story unfolds, we delve into Vash's world and the forces pursuing him, making Trigun a critically acclaimed series that propelled the manga to sell out in the US.