Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the realm of sci-fi anime since his co-direction work on the acclaimed Macross franchise, Macross Plus. Over his illustrious 35-year career, Watanabe has crafted some of the most cherished and influential series in anime history. Among these, Cowboy Bebop stands out as his jazz-infused masterpiece, following a group of rugged space adventurers navigating the neo-noir expanses of the cosmos. The series' timeless appeal is significantly bolstered by Yoko Kanno's iconic score, which continues to resonate through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and more.
Cowboy Bebop has left an indelible mark on the landscape of science fiction and storytelling, inspiring luminaries like Rian Johnson of Star Wars fame, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko from Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Diego Molano, creator of Victor and Valentino. Its influence extends beyond the anime community, attracting even those typically uninterested in the genre.
6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
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Cowboy Bebop's enduring legacy and broad appeal make it a cornerstone of the anime canon. For those seeking similar adventures in space, globe-trotting narratives, and morally ambiguous characters, here's a curated list of anime that promise to captivate.
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, and featuring art direction by John Wick's Chad Stahelski and original compositions from Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus has generated significant buzz as a potential standout of 2025. Stylistically akin to Cowboy Bebop, Lazarus revisits the gritty, underdog sci-fi vibe of that series, contrasting with Watanabe's more recent works like Carole & Tuesday.
The plot revolves around a miraculous life-saving drug that turns deadly three years after use, endangering millions. Enter Axel, a regular convict and jailbreaker, who must assemble a team to locate the drug's enigmatic creator and secure an antidote within a mere 30 days. Buckle up for a thrilling, dark journey.
Terminator Zero
Netflix
Continuing with a more grounded and bleak approach to sci-fi, we have Terminator Zero, a notable addition to the Terminator saga, directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG, with Mattson Tomlin as the creator. While it adopts a more serious tone than Cowboy Bebop, its stylistic action and impressive gunplay will satisfy fans' cravings for thrilling action sequences.
Terminator Zero stands out as a contemporary sci-fi narrative that reflects on today's technology and culture, making it a compelling watch in 2025. Its visually stunning and innovative approach offers a fresh perspective on the Terminator universe, presenting Judgement Day through a uniquely Japanese lens for the first time.
Space Dandy
Crunchyroll
In Space Dandy, Watanabe took a step back to serve as general director, with Shingo Natsume at the helm, in this light-hearted space opera produced by Bones. If you're in the mood for a nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons, Space Dandy is the perfect pick, echoing the charm of Cowboy Bebop.
This series is brimming with references to classic sci-fi and anime, following the adventures of Dandy, a stylish outer space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien lifeforms. Despite its seemingly simple premise, Space Dandy delves into profound and existential themes, making it a delightful and rewatchable series.
Lupin 3rd
Tokyo Movie
For those seeking the same adventurous spirit and sense of boundless potential as Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III offers a thrilling crime caper. Since its debut in 1965, the franchise has expanded across various media, but the 1971 anime adaptation is the best starting point. It introduces us to Lupin, a laid-back criminal inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin.
With 23 episodes in its first season, directed by talents like Masaaki Ōsumi and future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Lupin III provides a gateway to over five decades of stories, movies, and shows for fans 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. While it shifts to a historical action setting, it retains the thematic depth of life, freedom, and mortality that defines Watanabe's work.
The series follows a trio of morally complex characters: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin, set against the backdrop of the Edo period. Notably, Samurai Champloo incorporates themes of inclusion and tolerance, reflecting Watanabe's forward-thinking approach.
Trigun
Adult Swim
If the allure of Cowboy Bebop lies in its stylish action and morally complex anti-hero, Trigun is the next must-watch anime. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, which debuted in Japan in 1998 and the US in 2001, Trigun is a noir-inspired space western.
The series follows Vash, a man with a massive bounty due to his uncontrollable superpowers that inadvertently led to the destruction of a city. As we uncover Vash's story, we also learn about his pursuers, setting the stage for a gripping narrative that has earned Trigun numerous accolades and propelled the original manga to widespread success in the US.
