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. Throughout his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most beloved and influential series, such as Cowboy Bebop, his jazz-infused masterpiece. This series follows a group of daring space adventurers navigating the complexities of neo-noir in the vastness of deep space. Cowboy Bebop's timeless appeal is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's iconic score, which has kept the series in the public eye 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. This renowned sci-fi show continues to shape cinema and storytelling, cementing its place in the cultural zeitgeist.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

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Cowboy Bebop is not only a staple within the anime community but also one of the few series that has captivated non-anime fans. Its enduring legacy and universal appeal make it a vital entry in the anime canon. For those seeking similar thrills after a Cowboy Bebop binge, here is a curated list of the best space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous anime to explore next.

Lazarus

Adult Swim

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, with John Wick director Chad Stahelski overseeing the art and original compositions from Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus is one of the most anticipated anime releases of the year. It serves as a stylistic companion to Cowboy Bebop, echoing its grungy, underdog sci-fi vibe, which feels strikingly relevant in 2025.

The series follows the invention of a life-saving drug that turns fatal three years later, putting millions at risk of sudden death. 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. Brace yourself for a darkly thrilling ride.

Terminator Zero

Netflix

For those who appreciate the grounded and bleak tones of Cowboy Bebop, Terminator Zero is an excellent choice. Directed by Masashi Kudō, produced by Production IG, and created by Mattson Tomlin, this addition to the Terminator saga offers a serious yet stylistically rich take on sci-fi action. Its impeccable gunplay and action sequences will fill the void left by Cowboy Bebop's thrilling combat.

Terminator Zero is a contemporary reflection on technology and culture, making it a must-watch in 2025. Its visually stunning and boundary-pushing style is as easy on the eyes as Cowboy Bebop, offering a fresh take on the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day through a uniquely Japanese lens.

Space Dandy

Crunchyroll

Space Dandy, another gem from Shinichirō Watanabe's repertoire, sees him serving as general director alongside Shingo Natsume. Produced by Bones, this light-hearted space opera is a nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons, offering the same sense of joy and adventure as Cowboy Bebop.

The series follows the stylish and charismatic Dandy, an outer space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien lifeforms. Though the premise may seem simple, Space Dandy delves into unexpected existential themes as Dandy uncovers the truths of the universe and his own existence. With its charming visuals and fun narrative, it's a delightful, rewatchable series.

Lupin 3rd

Tokyo Movie

If you're seeking the adventurous spirit and boundless potential of Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III is the perfect choice. This delightful crime caper, created by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, has expanded across manga, anime, video games, and films since its debut in 1965. The 1971 anime adaptation, featuring directors like Masaaki Ōsumi, 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 legendary gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. Fans have five decades of stories, movies, and shows to explore, ensuring endless entertainment.

Samurai Champloo

Crunchyroll

Samurai Champloo stands as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop. Conceived during Watanabe's work on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, it shares similarities in art style, structure, and storytelling. Though set in a historical context rather than sci-fi, Samurai Champloo explores themes of life, freedom, and mortality through the journey of morally ambiguous heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin.

Watanabe's inclusion of themes around tolerance and inclusion, inspired by the Edo period setting, adds a unique and forward-thinking dimension to the series.

Trigun

Adult Swim

For fans captivated by Cowboy Bebop's stylish action and morally complex anti-hero, Trigun is an essential watch. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's acclaimed manga, Trigun debuted in Japan in 1998 and the US in 2001. This noir-inspired space western follows Vash, a man with a colossal bounty on his head due to his uncontrollable superpowers, which led to the accidental destruction of a city.

As viewers learn more about Vash and those hunting him, the series sets up a compelling conflict that earned it multiple "best of the year" accolades. Its success also propelled the manga to sell out in the US, highlighting its widespread appeal and enduring legacy.