Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the realm of sci-fi anime since his co-direction of the acclaimed Macross franchise, specifically Macross Plus. Over his illustrious 35-year career, Watanabe has crafted some of the most beloved and influential series in the genre, including his jazz-infused masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop. This iconic series follows a group of unconventional space adventurers navigating the vastness of deep space with a neo-noir flair. The timeless appeal of Cowboy Bebop is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's legendary score, which continues to resonate through live performances and soundtrack rereleases, keeping the series alive in the hearts of fans worldwide.
The impact of Cowboy Bebop extends far beyond its immediate audience, influencing a wide array of creators across different media. Notable figures 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 the series as a major influence on their work. This underscores Cowboy Bebop's role in shaping modern storytelling and cinema.
For fans looking to explore similar themes and styles, here are six anime series that capture the essence of Cowboy Bebop:
6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
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Cowboy Bebop also stands out as one of the few anime series that has successfully captured the attention of non-anime enthusiasts. Its lasting impact and widespread appeal make it a cornerstone of anime culture. If you're seeking recommendations for your next anime adventure, here are some series that echo Cowboy Bebop's space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous narrative:
Lazarus
Adult Swim
Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest venture, Lazarus, which premiered on Adult Swim on April 5th at midnight. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, with John Wick director Chad Stahelski overseeing the art direction and original compositions by 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 grungier, underdog sci-fi vibe, which feels strikingly relevant in 2025.
The series unfolds with the introduction of a life-saving miracle drug that turns deadly three years after its use, endangering millions. Enter Axel, a regular convict and jailbreaker tasked with assembling a team to locate the mysterious doctor who created the drug and develop an antidote within just 30 days. Brace yourself for a thrilling and dark journey.
Terminator Zero
Netflix
For those who appreciate the more grounded and bleak aspects of sci-fi, Terminator Zero is an excellent choice. Directed by Masashi Kudō, produced by Production IG, and created by Mattson Tomlin, this series adds a new dimension to the Terminator universe. While it's more serious than Cowboy Bebop, the action sequences and gunplay are stylistically reminiscent of Watanabe's work, making it a satisfying watch for fans of action-packed anime.
Terminator Zero stands out for its contemporary take on sci-fi, reflecting the technology and culture of our times, making it a must-watch in 2025. If you're seeking a visually stunning anime that matches Cowboy Bebop's aesthetic appeal, this series offers a sleek and boundary-pushing experience, presenting the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day through a uniquely Japanese perspective.
Space Dandy
Crunchyroll
In Space Dandy, Watanabe steps back as general director, allowing Shingo Natsume to take the helm of this comedic space opera produced by Japanese animation studio Bones. If you're looking for a light-hearted throwback to classic Saturday morning cartoons that evokes the same nostalgia as Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is an excellent choice.
The series is packed with references to classic sci-fi and anime, following the adventures of the stylish bounty hunter Dandy, who seeks to discover and register new alien lifeforms. While the premise may seem simple, the show delves into unexpected and existential themes as Dandy uncovers the mysteries of the universe and his own existence, accompanied by his charming crew of a robot and a cat. Although it didn't achieve the same global success as Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is highly rewatchable and visually captivating.
Lupin 3rd
Tokyo Movie
For a series that captures the adventurous spirit and sense of limitless potential found in Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III is a delightful choice. Since its debut in 1965, written by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, the franchise has expanded 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 perfect starting point.
The first season spans 23 episodes and introduces audiences to the laid-back criminal Lupin, inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. Fans of the series have a wealth of stories, movies, and shows to explore, spanning five decades of thrilling content.
Samurai Champloo
Crunchyroll
Samurai Champloo is often considered the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop. Developed while Watanabe was working on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, it shares similarities in art style, structure, and storytelling. However, Samurai Champloo diverges into historical action, set during Japan's Edo period, rather than Watanabe's typical sci-fi genre.
The series follows a trio of morally ambiguous heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin. Despite the change in setting, Samurai Champloo delves into themes of life, freedom, and the acceptance of mortality, much like Watanabe's other works. The series also stands out for its emphasis on inclusion and tolerance, avoiding nationalistic overtones.
Trigun
Adult Swim
If the allure of Cowboy Bebop lies in its stylish action and the complex anti-hero narrative, Trigun is bound to captivate you. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, which ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, Trigun debuted in Japan in 1998 and reached the US three years later.
The series, like Cowboy Bebop, blends noir elements with a space western setting but ups the ante with its protagonist, Vash, who carries a massive bounty due to his uncontrollable superpowers that once led to the accidental destruction of a city. As the story unfolds, viewers gain insight into Vash's character and the forces pursuing him, creating a compelling narrative that earned Trigun numerous accolades and boosted the manga's success in the US.
