Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the realm of science fiction anime since his co-directorial role in the acclaimed Macross franchise, specifically Macross Plus. Over his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most cherished and influential series, including Cowboy Bebop, his jazz-infused masterpiece. This iconic series follows a group of daring space adventurers navigating the neo-noir expanse of deep space. Cowboy Bebop's timeless appeal is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's legendary score, which has kept the series alive in the public's mind through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and beyond.
Cowboy Bebop's impact on cinema and storytelling is profound, influencing creators such as Rian Johnson of Star Wars fame, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Diego Molano of Victor and Valentino. Their works reflect the series' significant influence.
6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
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As one of the few anime series that has captivated even non-anime enthusiasts, Cowboy Bebop remains a vital and enduring part of the anime canon. For those looking to embark on new adventures after their latest (or first) binge, here's a curated list of anime that share Cowboy Bebop's space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally-ambiguous spirit.
Lazarus
Adult SwimOur 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 art, and original music by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus is generating significant buzz. It serves as a stylistic companion to Cowboy Bebop, echoing the grittier, underdog sci-fi vibe of that series. Set in 2025, Lazarus follows the aftermath of a life-saving drug that turns deadly three years later, threatening millions. The protagonist, Axel, a regular convict and escape artist, assembles a team to track down the drug's elusive creator within 30 days to develop an antidote. Brace yourself for a thrilling, dark journey.
Terminator Zero
NetflixNext, we recommend Terminator Zero, a fresh take on the Terminator universe from director Masashi Kudō, Production IG, and creator Mattson Tomlin, known for directing the Netflix film Project Power starring Jamie Foxx. While more somber than Cowboy Bebop and much of Watanabe's oeuvre, it offers a stylistic flair in its action and gunplay that will satisfy fans craving similar thrills. Set in the present day, Terminator Zero offers a compelling narrative on technology and culture, making it essential viewing in 2025. Its visually striking and boundary-pushing style makes it an excellent follow-up for those who appreciate Cowboy Bebop's aesthetic appeal. It presents the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day through a unique Japanese lens for the first time.
Space Dandy
CrunchyrollAnother gem from Watanabe's catalog, Space Dandy, sees him stepping back to serve as general director while Shingo Natsume directs. This lighthearted space opera, produced by Studio Bones, offers a nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons. If you're seeking a fun, breezy series with the same charm as Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is a perfect fit. It follows the adventures of the stylish bounty hunter Dandy, who searches the galaxy for new alien species. Alongside his robot and cat companions, Dandy uncovers existential truths while maintaining a cool demeanor reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop's protagonists. Though it didn't achieve the global success of Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is highly rewatchable and visually appealing.
Lupin 3rd
Tokyo MovieFor fans craving the adventurous spirit and boundless potential of Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III is a delightful crime caper that delivers. Created by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, the franchise has spanned manga, anime, video games, and films since its 1965 debut. The 1971 anime adaptation is the ideal starting point, introducing the charmingly laid-back criminal Lupin, inspired by the legendary gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. With 23 episodes directed by talents like Masaaki Ōsumi and future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, it's an excellent entry into the world of Lupin III. Fans will find a treasure trove of content to explore across five decades of stories, movies, and shows.
Samurai Champloo
CrunchyrollSamurai Champloo, often seen as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, began to take shape during Watanabe's work on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. While it shifts to a historical setting rather than sci-fi, it retains the thematic focus on life, freedom, and mortality. The series follows a trio of morally complex protagonists: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin, set in the Edo period. Watanabe's inclusion of themes around tolerance and inclusion adds a forward-thinking dimension to this otherwise traditional tale.
Trigun
Adult SwimFor those drawn to Cowboy Bebop's stylistic action and morally complex anti-heroes, Trigun is an excellent follow-up. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's popular manga, which ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, the anime debuted in Japan in 1998 and the US in 2001. This noir-inspired space western follows Vash, a man with a massive bounty due to his uncontrollable superpowers, which inadvertently led to the destruction of a city. As we delve into Vash's life and the motives of those hunting him, Trigun delivers a gripping narrative that earned it spots on multiple "best of" lists and propelled the manga to sell out in the US.
