Top Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the realm of sci-fi anime since his co-direction on the acclaimed Macross franchise, Macross Plus. Over his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most beloved and influential series, including his jazz-infused masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop. This series follows a ragtag group of space adventurers as they navigate the neo-noir expanses of deep space. Cowboy Bebop's timeless appeal is significantly bolstered by Yoko Kanno's iconic score, which has kept the series relevant through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and more.

Cowboy Bebop's impact on cinema and storytelling is undeniable, with 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 citing it as a major influence on their work. The series also holds a unique place in anime culture, attracting even those who typically do not watch anime. This, among other factors, solidifies Cowboy Bebop as a vital and enduring part of the anime canon. If you're seeking similar experiences after your latest (or first) Cowboy Bebop binge, here are six 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

Adult SwimOur 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 the art direction and original compositions from Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus has generated significant buzz as one of the most anticipated anime releases of the year. This series serves as a stylistic counterpart to Cowboy Bebop, returning to the gritty, underdog sci-fi theme that characterized the earlier series, making it strikingly relevant in 2025.

The narrative revolves around a life-saving drug that turns deadly three years after its administration, putting millions at risk of sudden death. Enter Axel, a convict and jailbreaker, who must assemble a team to locate the elusive doctor behind the drug and create an antidote within 30 days. Brace yourself for a thrilling and dark journey.

Terminator Zero

NetflixNext, we delve into the more grounded and somber side of sci-fi with Terminator Zero, a new addition to the Terminator saga directed by Masashi Kudō, produced by Production IG, and created by Mattson Tomlin, known for his work on the Netflix film Project Power. While more serious than Cowboy Bebop and much of Watanabe's work, it shares a similar stylistic flair in its action sequences and gunplay, satisfying the cravings left by Cowboy Bebop.

Terminator Zero stands out for its contemporary take on technology and culture, making it a must-watch in 2025. If you're seeking an aesthetically pleasing anime that's as visually striking as Cowboy Bebop, Terminator Zero delivers with its sleek, boundary-pushing visuals, presenting the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day through a unique Japanese perspective for the first time.

Space Dandy

CrunchyrollShinichirō Watanabe steps back as general director, with Shingo Natsume taking the helm, in this light-hearted serialized space opera from studio Bones. Space Dandy offers a nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons, much like Cowboy Bebop, making it an excellent choice for a fun and breezy watch.

This charming series is packed with references to classic sci-fi and anime, following the adventures of Dandy, a stylish outer space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien species. While it may not have achieved the global success of Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is highly rewatchable, visually appealing, and incredibly entertaining, taking viewers on unexpected and existential journeys.

Lupin III

Tokyo MovieFor an anime that captures the adventurous spirit and sense of limitless potential found in Cowboy Bebop, look no further than the delightful crime caper Lupin III. Since its debut in 1965, created by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, the franchise has expanded across manga, anime, video games, and numerous films. The 1971 anime adaptation is the best starting point, introducing audiences to the laid-back criminal Lupin, a character inspired by the legendary fictional thief Arsene Lupin.

The first season, spanning 23 episodes, features directors like Masaaki Ōsumi, and future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. It's an excellent introduction to the world of Lupin III, and fans can dive into five decades of stories, movies, and shows.

Samurai Champloo

CrunchyrollSamurai Champloo stands as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop. Developed while Watanabe worked on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, it shares a similar art style, structure, and storytelling approach. However, Samurai Champloo is set in a historical context rather than the sci-fi genre Watanabe is known for. It explores themes of life, the cost of freedom, and the struggle to overcome and accept mortality.

The series follows a trio of morally ambiguous heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin. Watanabe's inclusion of themes of tolerance and inclusion in this Edo period setting is ahead of its time, adding depth to the narrative.

Trigun

Adult SwimIf you're drawn to Cowboy Bebop's stylish action and the allure of a morally complex anti-hero, Trigun is your next must-watch anime. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's popular manga, which ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, Trigun debuted in Japan in 1998 and the US in 2001.

Like Cowboy Bebop, Trigun is a noir-inspired space western with heightened stakes, following Vash, a man with a massive bounty due to his uncontrollable superpowers, which led to the accidental destruction of a city. As we delve into Vash's story, we also explore the motivations of those pursuing him, setting the stage for a compelling conflict. Trigun's success led to its inclusion on numerous best-of lists and boosted the manga's sales in the US.