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. Over his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most cherished and influential series, including the jazz-infused masterpiece Cowboy Bebop. This iconic show follows a band of intrepid space adventurers as they navigate the cosmos in a neo-noir style. Cowboy Bebop's timeless appeal is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's legendary score, which has kept the series in the public eye through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and more.

This renowned science fiction series has had a profound impact on cinema and storytelling, influencing creators like Rian Johnson of Star Wars, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Diego Molano of Victor and Valentino, who all cite 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 captivated even those who typically do not watch anime. Its enduring popularity and influence make it a cornerstone of the anime genre. If you're looking for what to watch after your latest or first Cowboy Bebop binge, here's a curated list of the best space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous anime to explore next.

Lazarus

Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest series, 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 direction and original compositions by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus is generating significant buzz as one of the most anticipated anime releases of the year. This series echoes the gritty, underdog sci-fi vibe of Cowboy Bebop, providing a stark contrast to Watanabe's more recent works like Carole & Tuesday, and feels strikingly relevant in 2025.

The plot revolves around a life-saving miracle drug that turns deadly three years after its use, endangering millions. Enter Axel, an ordinary convict and escape artist, tasked with assembling a team to locate the elusive doctor behind the drug and create an antidote within just 30 days. Buckle up for a thrilling and dark journey.

Terminator Zero

Continuing with the gritty and somber approach to sci-fi, Terminator Zero is a compelling addition to the Terminator universe, brought to life by director Masashi Kudō, Production IG, and creator Mattson Tomlin, known for directing Netflix's Project Power with Jamie Foxx. While more serious than Cowboy Bebop and much of Watanabe's work, it shares a stylistic flair in its action sequences and impeccable gunplay that will satisfy fans craving that specific thrill.

Terminator Zero stands out as a top-tier sci-fi series for its contemporary reflection on technology and culture, making it a must-watch in 2025. If you're seeking a visually stunning modern anime that matches Cowboy Bebop's aesthetic appeal, this series offers a sleek and boundary-pushing narrative that reimagines the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day through a uniquely Japanese perspective for the first time.

Space Dandy

Space Dandy is another gem in Shinichirō Watanabe's catalog, where he took on the role of general director alongside Shingo Natsume's direction. Produced by Japanese animation studio Bones, this series offers a light-hearted, nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons, making it a perfect companion to Cowboy Bebop.

Filled with references to classic sci-fi and anime, Space Dandy follows the titular character, a stylish outer space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien species. As charismatic as Spike and Faye Valentine, Dandy's adventures take unexpected existential turns, exploring the truths of the universe and his own existence. Though it may not have achieved the same global reach as Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is highly rewatchable, visually appealing, and incredibly entertaining.

Lupin III

For those seeking the same sense of adventurous joy and boundless potential as Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III is an excellent choice. This delightful crime caper, created by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, has expanded across manga, anime, video games, and cinematic releases since its 1965 debut. The best starting point for on-screen adaptations is the 1971 anime series, which introduced the world to Lupin, a laid-back criminal inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin.

The first season spans 23 episodes and features directors like Masaaki Ōsumi, as well as future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. It's the perfect introduction to the Lupin III universe, and fans can enjoy five decades of stories, movies, and shows that follow.

Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo is often considered the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop. Developed during Watanabe's work on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, this series shares similarities in art style, structure, and storytelling. However, it surprises with its historical setting rather than the sci-fi genre Watanabe is known for. While the theme is different, Samurai Champloo delves into themes of life, the cost of freedom, and the struggle with mortality.

The narrative follows a group of morally ambiguous heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin. A notable aspect of the series is its progressive focus on inclusion and tolerance, avoiding nationalistic overtones due to its Edo period setting.

Trigun

If the blend of stylistic action and a morally complex anti-hero in Cowboy Bebop excites you, Trigun is likely to become your next favorite anime. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's hit manga, which originally ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, the series debuted in Japan in 1998 and in the US three years later.

Trigun, like Cowboy Bebop, is a noir-inspired space western but with higher stakes. It follows Vash, a man with a massive bounty on his head due to his uncontrollable superpowers, which once led to the accidental destruction of a city. As viewers uncover Vash's story, they also learn about those who pursue him, creating a gripping conflict that earned the anime spots on multiple "best of the year" lists and propelled the manga to sell out in the US.