Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe first made his mark in anime as co-director of the acclaimed Macross Plus. Over his 35-year career, he's created groundbreaking series including his jazz-infused masterpiece Cowboy Bebop. Following a ragtag crew of space bounty hunters through noir-inspired adventures, the series remains beloved for its iconic Yoko Kanno soundtrack that continues to resonate through live performances and re-releases.

An Enduring Cultural Impact

Cowboy Bebop has profoundly influenced filmmakers and storytellers worldwide, with creators like Rian Johnson (Star Wars), Avatar: The Last Airbender's Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, and Victor and Valentino's Diego Molano all acknowledging its inspiration.

6 Essential Anime for Cowboy Bebop Fans

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Few anime have crossed over to mainstream audiences like Cowboy Bebop. If you're looking for your next spacefaring, morally complex adventure after finishing the series, here are six perfect follow-ups.

Lazarus

Watanabe's latest series returned to gritty sci-fi with Lazarus, a collaboration with John Wick's Chad Stahelski featuring music by Kamasi Washington. When a miracle drug turns deadly after three years, convict Axel must assemble a team to find its creator and develop an antidote within 30 days.

Terminator Zero

This visually stunning Netflix series reimagines the Terminator universe through a Japanese lens. While more serious than Bebop, its sleek action sequences and technological themes make it essential 2025 viewing.

Space Dandy

Watanabe produced this comedic space adventure about an alien-hunting bounty hunter. Beneath its colorful Saturday-morning cartoon aesthetic lies surprising existential depth as Dandy unravels cosmic mysteries.

Lupin the 3rd

The classic 1971 anime adaptation of Monkey Punch's gentleman thief offers similar freewheeling adventure. Early episodes feature direction from future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata.

Samurai Champloo

Watanabe's Edo-period spiritual successor to Bebop blends hip-hop with samurai action. Following unconventional warriors Mugen and Jin, it explores themes of freedom with Watanabe's signature style.

Trigun

This space western follows Vash the Stampede, a pacifist with world-destroying power. Like Bebop, it balances action with philosophical depth, becoming one of the most acclaimed anime of the late 1990s.