Top Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the sci-fi genre since his co-direction of the acclaimed Macross franchise, Macross Plus. Over his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most beloved and influential series, including Cowboy Bebop. This jazz-infused masterpiece follows a ragtag group of space adventurers navigating the cosmos in a neo-noir style. Cowboy Bebop's timeless appeal is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's iconic score, which has kept the series in the public eye through live performances and soundtrack rereleases.

Cowboy Bebop has not only entertained audiences but has also shaped cinema and storytelling, influencing creators such as Rian Johnson of Star Wars, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Diego Molano of Victor and Valentino. Its impact extends beyond anime enthusiasts, attracting a broader audience and cementing its place as a vital entry in the anime canon. If you're looking for what to watch next after your latest Cowboy Bebop binge, here's a curated list of anime that capture the essence of space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally-ambiguous storytelling.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

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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 art direction and original compositions from Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus is one of the most anticipated anime releases of the year. It serves as a stylistic companion to Cowboy Bebop, returning to the gritty, underdog sci-fi vibe of Watanabe's earlier work, resonating powerfully in 2025.

The story revolves around a life-saving miracle drug that turns fatal three years after its use, endangering millions. Our protagonist, Axel, a convict and jailbreaker, must assemble a team to locate the drug's enigmatic creator and develop an antidote within 30 days. Buckle up for a thrilling, dark adventure.

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 Cowboy Bebop, the series offers a stylistic flair in its action and impeccable gunplay that will satisfy fans craving similar thrills.

Terminator Zero stands out for its contemporary take on sci-fi, reflecting current technology and culture, making it a must-watch in 2025. Its visually stunning presentation and boundary-pushing narrative provide a fresh perspective on the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day, seen through a distinctly Japanese lens.

Space Dandy

Space Dandy, another gem from Watanabe's portfolio, sees him as the general director with Shingo Natsume directing. This lighthearted space opera, produced by Bones, is a nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons. It's filled with references to various sci-fi and anime classics, making it a delightful watch for fans of the genre.

The series follows Dandy, a stylish space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien lifeforms. While the premise may seem simple, the show ventures into unexpected existential territories, exploring the universe and Dandy's own existence alongside his charming crew of a robot and a cat. Though it may not have reached Cowboy Bebop's global acclaim, Space Dandy is beautifully crafted and endlessly enjoyable.

Lupin III

For those seeking the adventurous spirit and boundless potential of Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III offers a delightful crime caper. Since its 1965 debut, written by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, the franchise has expanded across manga, anime, video games, and cinematic releases. The 1971 anime adaptation is the perfect starting point, introducing audiences to the charmingly laid-back criminal, Lupin, inspired by the legendary gentleman thief Arsene Lupin.

Directed by Masaaki Ōsumi, Hayao Miyazaki, and Isao Takahata, the first season spans 23 episodes and serves as a gateway to five decades of engaging stories, movies, and shows for fans to explore further.

Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo, considered the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, began taking shape during Watanabe's work on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. While it departs from Watanabe's typical sci-fi genre, it retains the same thematic concerns with life, freedom, and mortality. This historical action series follows a trio of morally compromised heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin.

A notable aspect of Samurai Champloo is its emphasis on inclusion and tolerance, reflecting Watanabe's forward-thinking approach to avoid nationalistic overtones in its Edo period setting.

Trigun

For fans drawn to Cowboy Bebop's stylish action and morally complex anti-heroes, Trigun is a compelling choice. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga that debuted in Monthly Shonen Captain, the anime premiered in Japan in 1998 and the US in 2001.

Trigun blends noir-inspired space western elements with heightened stakes, following Vash, a man with a massive bounty due to his uncontrollable superpowers, which once led to the accidental destruction of a city. As the narrative unfolds, viewers gain insight into both Vash and those pursuing him, resulting in a gripping conflict that earned Trigun spots on numerous best-of lists and propelled the original manga to sell out in the US.