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 series, Macross Plus. Throughout his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most beloved and influential anime, including his jazz-infused masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop. This series follows a motley crew of space adventurers navigating the cosmos with a neo-noir flair. The iconic score by Yoko Kanno has significantly contributed to its timeless appeal, keeping it relevant through live performances and soundtrack re-releases.

Cowboy Bebop has not only captivated anime fans but has also influenced a wide array of creators across genres. Notables 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 have all cited it as a major influence on their work. This impact underscores the series' role in shaping modern cinema and storytelling.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

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Cowboy Bebop stands out as one of the few anime series that has garnered a significant following even among those who typically do not watch anime. Its lasting impact and appeal make it a cornerstone of the anime canon. For those looking for similar space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous adventures, here are six anime that capture the essence of Cowboy Bebop.

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 art direction by John Wick's Chad Stahelski and original music from Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus has generated significant buzz. It serves as a stylistic companion to Cowboy Bebop, returning to the gritty, underdog sci-fi style that fans adored, and feels particularly relevant in 2025.

The series centers around a life-saving drug that turns deadly three years after its administration, endangering millions. Enter Axel, a convict and jailbreaker, tasked with assembling a team to find the drug's creator and develop an antidote within 30 days. Brace yourself for a thrilling, dark journey.

Terminator Zero

Next, we have Terminator Zero, a grounded and bleak addition to the Terminator universe, directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG and creator Mattson Tomlin. While it's more serious than Bebop, its stylish action and gunplay will satisfy fans craving similar thrills.

Terminator Zero offers a contemporary take on sci-fi, reflecting current technological and cultural landscapes, making it a must-watch in 2025. Its visually stunning and boundary-pushing style makes it an excellent choice for those seeking an aesthetically pleasing anime akin to Cowboy Bebop. It reimagines the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day through a distinctly Japanese lens.

Space Dandy

Space Dandy, another gem from Watanabe's catalog, sees him stepping back to serve as general director while Shingo Natsume directs. Produced by Bones, this series offers a light-hearted, nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons, perfect for those who loved Cowboy Bebop's charm.

Filled with references to classic sci-fi and anime, Space Dandy follows the titular character, a stylish space bounty hunter on a quest to discover and register new alien species. Alongside his robot and cat companions, Dandy's adventures take unexpected existential turns, making the series deeply rewatchable and visually appealing.

Lupin III

For those seeking the adventurous spirit and boundless potential of Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III is an excellent choice. Debuting in 1965, this franchise spans manga, anime, video games, and films. The 1971 anime adaptation, directed by Masaaki Ōsumi and featuring early works by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is the perfect starting point.

This series introduces viewers to Lupin, a laid-back criminal inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. With 23 episodes in the first season, fans have a wealth of stories, movies, and shows to explore over five decades of content.

Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo is often considered the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop. Developed while Watanabe worked on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, it shares similar art styles, structures, and storytelling techniques. However, it diverges into historical action rather than sci-fi, exploring themes of life, freedom, and mortality through the journey of Mugen, Fuu, and Jin.

Set in the Edo period, the series emphasizes inclusion and tolerance, avoiding nationalistic overtones, and showcases Watanabe's ability to weave complex narratives across different genres.

Trigun

If the allure of Cowboy Bebop lies in its stylish action and morally complex anti-hero, Trigun will likely become your next favorite. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, the series debuted in Japan in 1998 and the US in 2001.

Trigun is a noir-inspired space western that follows Vash, a man with a massive bounty due to his uncontrollable superpowers, which once led to the destruction of a city. As the narrative unfolds, viewers learn about Vash and his pursuers, creating a compelling conflict that earned the series multiple accolades and boosted the manga's success in the US.