Top Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the realm of sci-fi since his co-direction on the acclaimed Macross franchise, Macross Plus. Throughout 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 as they navigate the neo-noir depths of space. The timeless allure of Cowboy Bebop is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's iconic score, which continues to captivate audiences through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and more.

The impact of this renowned science fiction show extends far beyond its fanbase, influencing cinema and storytelling across the globe. 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 stands out as one of the few anime series that has attracted a significant number of non-anime fans. Its enduring appeal and influence make it a vital and lasting entry in the anime canon. If you're looking for what to watch after your latest (or first) Cowboy Bebop binge, we've compiled a list of the best space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally-ambiguous anime to dive into next.

Lazarus

Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest series, Lazarus, which premiered its first episode on Adult Swim at midnight on April 5th. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, and featuring the artistic direction of John Wick's Chad Stahelski along with original compositions by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus has generated significant buzz. This series serves as a stylistic companion to Cowboy Bebop, returning to the gritty, underdog sci-fi style of that series, contrasting with Watanabe's more recent works like Carole & Tuesday. The narrative revolves around a life-saving drug that turns deadly three years after its use, endangering millions. Our protagonist, Axel, a regular convict and jailbreaker, must assemble a team to locate the elusive doctor who created the drug and develop an antidote within 30 days. Prepare for a thrilling, dark adventure.

Terminator Zero

Continuing with the gritty and bleak sci-fi theme, Terminator Zero, directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG, offers a fresh take on the Terminator lore. Created by Mattson Tomlin, known for his work on the Netflix film Project Power starring Jamie Foxx, this series is more serious than Cowboy Bebop but shares a similar flair in its action sequences and gunplay. It's a must-watch in 2025 for its contemporary take on sci-fi, reflecting current technology and culture. If you're seeking an aesthetically pleasing anime that's as visually engaging as Cowboy Bebop, Terminator Zero's slick and boundary-pushing style, combined with its unique Japanese perspective on the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day, is unparalleled.

Space Dandy

Space Dandy, another gem from Shinichirō Watanabe's catalog, sees him stepping back to serve as general director while Shingo Natsume takes the helm. Produced by the Japanese animation studio Bones, this series offers a light-hearted, nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons. It follows the adventures of Dandy, a stylish outer space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien lifeforms. While the premise may seem simple, the show delves into unexpected and existential territories, exploring the truths of the universe and Dandy's own existence. Though it may not have achieved the global success of Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is highly rewatchable, visually stunning, and incredibly entertaining.

Lupin III

If you're seeking the same sense of adventure and boundless potential found in Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III is the perfect choice. This delightful crime caper, created by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, has been entertaining audiences since its debut in 1965 across manga, anime, video games, and films. The 1971 anime adaptation, directed by Masaaki Ōsumi and featuring the early work of Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is the ideal starting point. It introduces viewers to Lupin, a laid-back criminal inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. With 23 episodes in the first season, fans have a wealth of stories, movies, and shows to explore over the franchise's five-decade history.

Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo is often considered the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop. Developed while Watanabe was working on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, this series shares similarities in art style, structure, and storytelling. However, it diverges into historical action rather than Watanabe's typical sci-fi genre. The series focuses on themes of life, freedom, and mortality, following a trio of morally ambiguous heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin. Notably, Samurai Champloo emphasizes inclusion and tolerance, reflecting Watanabe's forward-thinking approach to storytelling.

Trigun

If the allure of Cowboy Bebop lies in its stylish action and complex anti-hero, Trigun is sure to captivate you. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's hit manga, which ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, Trigun debuted in Japan in 1998 and in 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, which led to the accidental destruction of a city. As the series unfolds, we delve into Vash's character and the motives of those pursuing him, creating a compelling narrative that earned Trigun spots on numerous best-of-the-year lists and propelled the manga to sell out in the US.