Shinichirō Watanabe has been a visionary in the realm of sci-fi anime since his early days co-directing the acclaimed Macross Plus. Over his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most cherished and influential series in the genre. His masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop, is a jazz-infused neo-noir adventure that follows a band of unconventional space bounty hunters. The series' timeless appeal is significantly enhanced by the iconic score composed by Yoko Kanno, which continues to resonate through live performances and soundtrack re-releases, keeping Cowboy Bebop firmly in the public's consciousness.
Cowboy Bebop's impact on cinema and storytelling is undeniable, with influential 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 all citing it as a major influence on their work. This sci-fi gem has also attracted a broad audience, including many who are not typically anime fans, cementing its place as a vital and enduring part of the anime canon. If you're looking for what to watch next after diving into Cowboy Bebop, here are six anime series that offer similar space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous adventures.
6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
6 Images
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, and featuring art direction by John Wick's Chad Stahelski along with original compositions from Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus has generated immense anticipation. This series echoes the gritty, underdog sci-fi vibe of Cowboy Bebop, making it a compelling watch in 2025.
The plot revolves around a life-saving drug that turns deadly three years after its use, endangering millions. Enter Axel, a regular convict and jailbreaker, tasked with assembling a team to locate the drug's creator and develop an antidote within just 30 days. Brace yourself for a thrilling, dark journey.
Terminator Zero
NetflixFor fans of grounded, bleak sci-fi, Terminator Zero, directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG with creator Mattson Tomlin, offers a serious yet stylistically engaging take on the Terminator universe. While it may differ in tone from Watanabe's work, its action sequences and gunplay will satisfy your craving for high-quality action anime.
Terminator Zero provides a contemporary reflection on technology and culture, making it a must-watch in 2025. Its visually stunning and innovative storytelling presents the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day through a unique Japanese perspective, making it a compelling choice for fans of Cowboy Bebop's aesthetic.
Space Dandy
CrunchyrollIn Space Dandy, Watanabe takes a step back to serve as general director while Shingo Natsume leads the direction of this lighthearted space opera from Bones. If you're looking for a nostalgic trip reminiscent of classic Saturday morning cartoons, this series is perfect.
Filled with homages to classic sci-fi and anime, Space Dandy follows the titular character, a stylish bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien lifeforms. While the premise may seem simple, the show delves into existential themes as Dandy explores the universe's mysteries alongside his quirky crew. Though it may not have reached Cowboy Bebop's global success, Space Dandy is visually appealing and endlessly entertaining.
Lupin III
Tokyo MovieFor an adventure filled with the same sense of joy and limitless potential as Cowboy Bebop, consider Lupin III. This delightful crime caper, created by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, has spanned manga, anime, video games, and films since its debut in 1965. The 1971 anime adaptation is the ideal starting point, introducing audiences to the laid-back criminal Lupin, inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin.
The first season, directed by Masaaki Ōsumi and featuring the talents of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, offers a rich entry into the Lupin III universe. With five decades of stories, movies, and shows to explore, fans will find endless adventures awaiting them.
Samurai Champloo
CrunchyrollSamurai Champloo, the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, began taking shape during Watanabe's work on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. Though it shifts to a historical setting, the series maintains Watanabe's signature themes of life, freedom, and mortality.
The story follows a trio of morally ambiguous heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin. Set in the Edo period, Samurai Champloo uniquely emphasizes inclusion and tolerance, avoiding nationalistic overtones and showcasing Watanabe's forward-thinking approach.
Trigun
Adult SwimIf you're drawn to Cowboy Bebop's stylish action and complex anti-hero, Trigun is an excellent follow-up. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, this noir-inspired space western debuted in Japan in 1998 and the US in 2001.
Trigun follows Vash, a man with a massive bounty on his head due to his uncontrollable superpowers, which led to the accidental destruction of a city. As we delve into Vash's story and those who hunt him, the series presents a compelling conflict that earned it multiple accolades and propelled the manga to sell-out status in the US.
