Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the realm of sci-fi since his co-direction of the acclaimed Macross franchise, Macross Plus. Throughout his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most beloved and influential series, such as Cowboy Bebop, his jazz-infused masterpiece. This iconic series follows a group of daring space adventurers navigating the cosmos in a neo-noir style. Cowboy Bebop's timeless appeal is significantly bolstered by Yoko Kanno's unforgettable score, which continues to resonate with fans through live performances and soundtrack rereleases, keeping the series firmly in the public eye.

Cowboy Bebop has not only captivated anime enthusiasts but has also left an indelible mark on cinema and storytelling. Visionary 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 have all cited the series as a major influence on their work.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

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Cowboy Bebop is one of the rare anime series that has successfully crossed over to a broader audience, attracting even those who aren't typically anime fans. Its enduring popularity and cultural significance make it a cornerstone of the anime canon. If you're looking for what to watch next after your latest or even first Cowboy Bebop marathon, here are some top picks of space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally-ambiguous anime to dive into.

Lazarus

Adult Swim

Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest venture, Lazarus, which premiered its first episode on Adult Swim at midnight on April 5th. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, with John Wick's director Chad Stahelski overseeing the art and original compositions by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus is generating unprecedented excitement. This series echoes the gritty, underdog sci-fi vibe of Cowboy Bebop, making it a perfect stylistic companion, especially when compared to Watanabe's more recent works like Carole & Tuesday. Set in a world where a life-saving drug turns deadly three years after its use, the story follows Axel, a convict on a mission to assemble a team and find the drug's creator within 30 days to develop an antidote. Brace yourself for a thrilling and dark journey.

Terminator Zero

Netflix

For a more grounded and somber take on sci-fi, consider Terminator Zero, a compelling addition to the Terminator saga directed by Masashi Kudō, produced by Production IG, and created by Mattson Tomlin, known for his work on Netflix's Project Power. While it may be more serious than Bebop and much of Watanabe's oeuvre, it offers a stylish flair in its action sequences and gunplay that will satisfy fans of Cowboy Bebop's dynamic action. Terminator Zero stands out for its contemporary take on sci-fi, reflecting current technological and cultural issues, making it a must-watch in 2025. Its visually striking style and fresh perspective on the Terminator universe through a Japanese lens make it an excellent choice for those seeking an aesthetically pleasing and boundary-pushing anime.

Space Dandy

Crunchyroll

Space Dandy, another gem from Shinichirō Watanabe's repertoire, sees him stepping back as general director to Shingo Natsume's lead on this comedic serialized space opera, brought to life by the Japanese animation studio Bones. If you're craving a lighthearted, nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop, this is the perfect choice. The series is packed with references to classic sci-fi and anime, following the charismatic Dandy, an outer space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien species. Despite its seemingly straightforward premise, Space Dandy delves into existential themes as Dandy uncovers the truths of the universe and his own existence. While it may not have achieved the global acclaim of Cowboy Bebop, it remains a highly rewatchable, visually stunning, and thoroughly enjoyable series.

Lupin III

Tokyo Movie

For an anime that captures the same sense of adventure and limitless potential as Cowboy Bebop, consider diving into Lupin III, a delightful crime caper that has been entertaining audiences since its debut in 1965. Created by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, the franchise spans manga, anime, video games, and numerous cinematic releases. The 1971 anime adaptation is the ideal starting point, introducing viewers to the charming and laid-back criminal Lupin, inspired by the legendary fictional thief Arsene Lupin. With 23 episodes directed by talents like Masaaki Ōsumi and future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, it offers a rich entry into the world of Lupin III. Fans have decades of stories, movies, and shows to explore after this initial foray.

Samurai Champloo

Crunchyroll

Samurai Champloo is often regarded as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop. Conceived while Watanabe was working on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, its art style, structure, and storytelling bear the unmistakable influence of Bebop. However, Samurai Champloo ventures into historical action rather than Watanabe's familiar sci-fi territory. Despite the genre shift, it remains deeply concerned with themes of life, freedom, and the acceptance of mortality. The series follows a trio of morally ambiguous heroes—an outlaw named Mugen, a tea server Fuu, and a ronin Jin—set against the backdrop of the Edo period. Notably, Watanabe incorporates themes of inclusion and tolerance, avoiding nationalistic overtones, which was ahead of its time.

Trigun

Adult Swim

If Cowboy Bebop's stylistic action and morally complex anti-hero are what draw you in, then Trigun is sure to be your next favorite. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's popular manga, which ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, the series debuted in Japan in 1998 and reached the US three years later. Trigun is a noir-inspired space western with heightened stakes, following 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 viewers delve into Vash's story, they also explore the motives of those pursuing him, creating a rich narrative that earned the anime numerous accolades and propelled the manga to sell out in the US.