Top Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the realm of sci-fi anime since his co-direction of the acclaimed Macross franchise, Macross Plus. Throughout his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most cherished and influential series, including his jazz-infused masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop. This series follows a motley crew of space adventurers navigating the depths of space with a neo-noir flair. The iconic score by Yoko Kanno has significantly contributed to the timeless appeal of Cowboy Bebop, keeping it alive in the public consciousness through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and more.

Cowboy Bebop has not only captivated anime enthusiasts but has also left a profound impact on cinema and storytelling. Esteemed 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 cited Cowboy Bebop as a major influence on their work.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

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Cowboy Bebop stands out as one of the few anime series that has successfully drawn in viewers beyond the traditional anime fanbase. Its enduring popularity and influence make it a cornerstone of the anime canon. If you're looking for your next binge-worthy series after indulging in Cowboy Bebop, we've curated a list of the best anime that echo its space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous themes.

Lazarus

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 John Wick director Chad Stahelski overseeing the art and original compositions by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus is generating immense anticipation as one of the year's most hyped anime releases. It serves as a stylistic companion to Cowboy Bebop, returning to the grittier, underdog sci-fi of that series, and feels remarkably relevant in 2025.

The series revolves around a life-saving miracle drug that turns fatal three years after its use, endangering millions. Enter Axel, a regular convict and jailbreaker, who must assemble a team to track down the elusive doctor who created the drug and persuade him to develop an antidote within 30 days. Buckle up for a thrilling and dark journey.

Terminator Zero

Next, we have Terminator Zero, a gritty addition to the Terminator franchise from director Masashi Kudō, Production IG, and creator Mattson Tomlin. While it's more serious than Cowboy Bebop, its stylish action and impeccable gunplay will satisfy your craving for high-octane action. This series offers a contemporary take on sci-fi that reflects our current technological and cultural landscape, making it a must-watch in 2025.

For those seeking an aesthetically pleasing anime that's as visually captivating as Cowboy Bebop, Terminator Zero is a standout choice. It reimagines the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day through a distinctly Japanese lens, pushing boundaries with its sleek visuals and storytelling.

Space Dandy

Space Dandy, another gem from the Shinichirō Watanabe catalog, sees Watanabe stepping back to serve as general director alongside Shingo Natsume's direction. Produced by Bones, this series offers a lighthearted, nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons, much like Cowboy Bebop.

Filled with references to classic sci-fi and anime, Space Dandy follows the stylish bounty hunter Dandy, who seeks to discover and register new alien lifeforms. Despite its seemingly simple premise, the show delves into unexpected and existential themes, making it a delightful and rewatchable experience.

Lupin 3rd

If you're after a series that captures the adventurous spirit and sense of limitless potential found in Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III is an excellent choice. Since its debut in 1965, written by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, Lupin III has expanded into manga, anime, video games, and films. The 1971 anime adaptation is the perfect starting point, introducing audiences to the laid-back criminal Lupin, inspired by the legendary gentleman thief Arsene Lupin.

With 23 episodes in the first season, directed by talents like Masaaki Ōsumi, Hayao Miyazaki, and Isao Takahata, Lupin III offers a gateway to a vast universe of stories, movies, and shows spanning five decades.

Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo is often seen as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop. Developed while Watanabe was working on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, this series shares similarities in art style, structure, and storytelling. However, it diverges into a historical action tale set during the Edo period, focusing on themes of life, freedom, and mortality.

The series follows a trio of morally ambiguous heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin. Samurai Champloo stands out for its progressive themes of inclusion and tolerance, steering clear of nationalistic overtones.

Trigun

If Cowboy Bebop's appeal lies in its stylish action and the allure of a morally complex anti-hero, Trigun will likely become your next favorite anime. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's hit manga, Trigun debuted in Japan in 1998 and the US in 2001, presenting a noir-inspired space western.

The series follows Vash, a man with a massive bounty on his head due to his uncontrollable superpowers, which 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-the-year lists and propelled the manga to sell-out success in the US.