Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the realm of sci-fi anime since his co-direction of the renowned Macross franchise, specifically Macross Plus. Over 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 group of eclectic space adventurers navigating the cosmos with a neo-noir flair. The iconic score by Yoko Kanno has played a pivotal role in keeping Cowboy Bebop timeless, resonating through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and more.
Cowboy Bebop's impact on science fiction and storytelling is undeniable, with creators like Rian Johnson of Star Wars fame, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Diego Molano of Victor and Valentino citing it as a major influence on their work. This series has also managed to attract a significant audience beyond the anime community, making it a crucial and enduring entry in the anime canon. If you're looking for what to watch next after your latest (or first) Cowboy Bebop binge, here's a curated list of anime that share its space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous essence.
6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
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Lazarus
------------Adult Swim
Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest venture, Lazarus, which premiered its first episode 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 music by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus is arguably the most anticipated anime release of the year. It serves as a stylistic counterpart to Cowboy Bebop, revisiting the gritty, underdog sci-fi vibe of that series, feeling remarkably relevant in 2025.
The narrative revolves around a life-saving drug that turns fatal three years after its administration, threatening millions with sudden death. Enter Axel, an ordinary convict and escape artist, who must assemble a team to track down the elusive doctor behind the drug and persuade him to create an antidote within just 30 days. Brace yourself for a thrilling, dark journey.
Terminator Zero
-------------------Netflix
Continuing with the grounded, darker side of sci-fi, Terminator Zero offers a compelling addition to the Terminator saga, directed by Masashi Kudō, produced by Production IG, and created by Mattson Tomlin, known for directing the Netflix film Project Power. While it may lack the playful tone of Bebop and much of Watanabe's work, it delivers a stylish action experience with impeccable gunplay that satisfies the craving for action-packed anime.
Terminator Zero stands out as a contemporary reflection on technology and culture, making it a must-watch in 2025. For those seeking a visually stunning anime that's as engaging as Cowboy Bebop, this series offers a slick, innovative take on the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day through a distinctly Japanese perspective.
Space Dandy
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Crunchyroll
Space Dandy marks another entry in Shinichirō Watanabe's portfolio, where he served as the general director alongside director Shingo Natsume. Produced by the Japanese studio Bones, this series offers a lighthearted, nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons, reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop.
The show is packed with references to various sci-fi and anime classics and follows the adventures of Dandy, an outer space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien species. With his stylish demeanor reminiscent of Spike and Faye Valentine, Dandy's journey takes unexpected existential turns as he uncovers truths about the universe and himself, accompanied by his robot and cat crew. While it may not have reached the global acclaim of Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is highly rewatchable, visually appealing, and immensely entertaining.
Lupin III
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Tokyo Movie
For those seeking the same sense of adventure and boundless potential found in Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III is an excellent choice. Since its inception in 1965 by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, this delightful crime caper has expanded across manga, anime, video games, and numerous films. The best starting point for on-screen adaptations is the 1971 anime series that introduced audiences to Lupin, a laid-back criminal inspired by the legendary fictional thief Arsene Lupin.
The first season spans 23 episodes and features directors such as Masaaki Ōsumi, and future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. It's a fantastic introduction to the world of Lupin III, and fans have a rich catalog of stories, movies, and shows to explore over five decades.
Samurai Champloo
---------------------Crunchyroll
Samurai Champloo can be seen as 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, it diverges into a historical action tale rather than the sci-fi Watanabe is known for. The series still explores themes of life, freedom, and the acceptance of mortality, much like his other works.
The narrative follows a trio of morally ambiguous characters: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin. Set in the Edo period, the series highlights Watanabe's forward-thinking approach to inclusion and tolerance, steering clear of nationalistic tones.
Trigun
----------Adult Swim
If you're drawn to Cowboy Bebop's stylish action and its morally complex anti-hero, Trigun will likely become your next favorite. Adapted from the manga by Yasuhiro Nightow, which ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, the series debuted in Japan in 1998 and in the US three years later, right at the turn of the millennium.
Like Cowboy Bebop, Trigun is a noir-inspired space western with heightened stakes, following Vash, a man with a massive bounty on his head due to his uncontrollable superpowers that led to the accidental destruction of a city. As the series unfolds, it delves into Vash's character and the motives of those hunting him, cementing its place on numerous best-of lists and boosting the manga's success in the US market.
