Shinichirō Watanabe's impact on the sci-fi genre is undeniable, having co-directed the iconic Macross Plus and crafted the jazz-infused masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop. Over his 35-year career, Watanabe has introduced audiences to unforgettable characters and narratives, with Cowboy Bebop standing out as a neo-noir space adventure following a group of eclectic bounty hunters. The series' timeless appeal is largely attributed to its iconic soundtrack by Yoko Kanno, which continues to resonate through live performances and rereleases.
Cowboy Bebop's influence extends far beyond its fanbase, shaping the work 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. Its broad appeal has even drawn in viewers who typically shy away from anime, cementing its status as a vital part of the anime canon. For those looking to explore similar themes and styles, here are six anime series that echo the spirit of Cowboy Bebop.
6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
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Cowboy Bebop's unique blend of space adventure, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous characters has inspired a range of anime that fans can dive into next.
Lazarus
Adult Swim
Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest venture, Lazarus, which premiered on Adult Swim at midnight on April 5th. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, and featuring art direction by John Wick's Chad Stahelski and original music from Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus is a highly anticipated release of 2025. It captures the grungy, underdog spirit of Cowboy Bebop, making it a stylistic companion. The series revolves around a life-saving drug that turns fatal after three years, setting the stage for our protagonist, Axel, an ex-convict tasked with assembling a team to find the drug's creator and develop an antidote within 30 days. Brace yourself for a thrilling, dark journey.
Terminator Zero
Netflix
For fans of grounded, bleak sci-fi, Terminator Zero, directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG, offers a compelling addition to the Terminator universe. While it leans more serious than Cowboy Bebop, its stylish action sequences and gunplay will satisfy fans craving similar thrills. Created by Mattson Tomlin, this series provides a contemporary take on technology and culture, making it a must-watch in 2025. Its visually striking style and fresh perspective on the Terminator's Judgement Day through a Japanese lens make it an excellent choice for those seeking an aesthetically pleasing anime.
Space Dandy
Crunchyroll
Space Dandy, where Watanabe served as general director alongside Shingo Natsume, offers a light-hearted yet profound space opera. Produced by Bones, this series harkens back to classic Saturday morning cartoons while paying homage to sci-fi and anime classics. It follows the stylish bounty hunter Dandy, who seeks to register new alien species, and his adventures with his robot and cat companions. Though it may not have achieved the same global success as Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy's charm, visual beauty, and existential depth make it a delightful watch.
Lupin 3rd
Tokyo Movie
For a dose of adventurous joy akin to Cowboy Bebop, dive into Lupin III, a crime caper that has captivated audiences since 1965. Created by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, the series has expanded across various media. The 1971 anime adaptation is a great starting point, introducing the charming, laid-back criminal Lupin, inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. With directors like Masaaki Ōsumi, Hayao Miyazaki, and Isao Takahata, the first season offers a rich introduction to the franchise, with decades of stories, movies, and shows to explore further.
Samurai Champloo
Crunchyroll
Samurai Champloo serves as a spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, sharing similarities in art style and storytelling. Developed while Watanabe worked on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, this series shifts to a historical setting but maintains the themes of life, freedom, and mortality. Following a group of morally ambiguous heroes—Mugen, Fuu, and Jin—Samurai Champloo offers a compelling narrative with a focus on inclusion and tolerance, making it a standout in Watanabe's oeuvre.
Trigun
Adult Swim
If Cowboy Bebop's stylish action and complex anti-hero appeal to you, Trigun is a perfect follow-up. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, this noir-inspired space western follows Vash, a man with a massive bounty due to his uncontrollable superpowers that led to the destruction of a city. As the series unfolds, it delves into Vash's character and his pursuers, creating a gripping conflict that earned it widespread acclaim and boosted the manga's sales in the US.
