Top Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe has been a pioneering force in the world of sci-fi anime since his early work on the beloved Macross franchise, particularly with Macross Plus. Over his illustrious 35-year career, Watanabe has crafted some of the most iconic and influential series, including Cowboy Bebop, his jazz-infused masterpiece. This series follows a motley crew of space adventurers navigating the vastness of space with a neo-noir flair. Cowboy Bebop's timeless appeal is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's iconic score, which continues to resonate through live performances and soundtrack re-releases, keeping the series firmly rooted in popular culture.

Cowboy Bebop has not only shaped the landscape of anime but has also influenced broader cinematic and storytelling traditions. Renowned creators such as Rian Johnson of Star Wars fame, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Diego Molano of Victor and Valentino have all acknowledged the series' profound impact on their work.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

6 Images

Cowboy Bebop is unique in that it has attracted a significant number of viewers who typically do not watch anime. Its enduring popularity and widespread influence make it a cornerstone of the anime genre. For those looking for similar experiences after indulging in Cowboy Bebop, we've compiled a list of anime that share its space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous themes.

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 art direction by John Wick's Chad Stahelski and original music from 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 that defined that series, and it feels strikingly relevant in 2025.

Lazarus revolves around a life-saving drug that turns deadly three years after its use, putting millions at risk. The protagonist, Axel, a convict and jailbreaker, must assemble a team to locate the drug's enigmatic creator and develop an antidote within just 30 days. Brace yourself for a thrilling, dark journey.

Terminator Zero

Netflix

For fans of grounded and bleak sci-fi, Terminator Zero, directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG with creator Mattson Tomlin, is a compelling addition to the Terminator franchise. While it lacks the humor of Cowboy Bebop, it compensates with stylish action and exceptional gunplay, satisfying fans craving that specific element of Watanabe's work.

Terminator Zero offers a contemporary take on sci-fi, reflecting current technological and cultural dynamics, making it essential viewing in 2025. Its visually appealing and boundary-pushing style makes it an excellent choice for those seeking an anime as aesthetically pleasing as Cowboy Bebop. This series reimagines the Terminator saga's Judgment Day through a distinctly Japanese lens for the first time.

Space Dandy

Crunchyroll

Space Dandy, another gem from Watanabe's repertoire, saw him take a step back to serve as general director, with Shingo Natsume directing this comedic space opera produced by Studio Bones. If you're after a light-hearted throwback to classic Saturday morning cartoons, Space Dandy is perfect. It's filled with references to classic sci-fi and anime, delivering nostalgia akin to Cowboy Bebop.

The series follows the stylish and swagger-filled Dandy, an outer space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien lifeforms. Despite its seemingly simple premise, Space Dandy explores existential themes as Dandy uncovers truths about the universe and his own existence. While it may not have achieved the global acclaim of Cowboy Bebop, it's highly rewatchable and visually stunning.

Lupin III

Tokyo Movie

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

The first season, directed by Masaaki Ōsumi and future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, spans 23 episodes. For fans, there's a treasure trove of five decades' worth of stories, movies, and shows to explore.

Samurai Champloo

Crunchyroll

Samurai Champloo serves as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop. Conceived during Watanabe's work on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, it shares the art style, structure, and storytelling approach of its predecessor. However, Samurai Champloo is set in a historical context, exploring themes of life, freedom, and mortality.

The series follows a group of morally ambiguous heroes: outlaw Mugen, tea server Fuu, and ronin Jin. Set in the Edo period, Samurai Champloo stands out for its focus on inclusion and tolerance, avoiding nationalistic overtones and showcasing Watanabe's progressive vision.

Trigun

Adult Swim

If the allure of Cowboy Bebop lies in its stylish action and complex anti-hero, Trigun will be your next favorite. 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 due to his uncontrollable superpowers that led to the accidental destruction of a city. As we delve into Vash's story and those pursuing him, Trigun sets up a compelling conflict that earned it spots on numerous best-of lists and propelled its source manga to sell out in the US.