Top Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop

Shinichirō Watanabe has been a defining force in sci-fi anime since his early days co-directing *Macross Plus*, and over the course of his 35-year career, he's crafted some of the most iconic series in animation history. Chief among them is *Cowboy Bebop*, a genre-defining blend of jazz, space opera, and neo-noir storytelling that follows a band of misfit bounty hunters navigating life on the fringes of the galaxy. Its legendary score by Yoko Kanna has become timeless, ensuring the show’s lasting presence through live performances, re-releases, and cultural impact.

The influence of *Cowboy Bebop* stretches far beyond anime, inspiring creators like Rian Johnson (*Star Wars*), Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko (*Avatar: The Last Airbender*), and Diego Molano (*Victor and Valentino*). It remains one of the few anime series widely embraced outside of traditional anime audiences, making it a cornerstone of modern pop culture. If you’ve just finished your first (or fiftieth) rewatch and are looking for more stylish, philosophical, and action-packed stories to dive into, here are six anime that capture the spirit of *Cowboy Bebop*.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

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Lazarus

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Kicking off our list is Shinichirō Watanabe’s latest project, Lazarus, which premiered on Adult Swim at midnight on April 5th. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, with visual direction from John Wick director Chad Stahelski and original music by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo, Lazarus arrives with major anticipation.

Set in a near-future where a miracle drug turns deadly three years after use, Lazarus follows Axel—a jailbreaker with a cause—as he races against time to find the doctor who created the drug and develop an antidote within 30 days. Stylistically and thematically, it echoes the gritty, existential tone of Cowboy Bebop, offering another tale of outcasts fighting impossible odds in a world gone sideways.

Terminator Zero

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For fans of Cowboy Bebop's sleek, high-stakes action, Terminator Zero is a must-watch. Directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG, this entry in the Terminator franchise offers a fresh, distinctly Japanese take on Judgment Day. While it leans heavier into dystopian realism than Watanabe’s work, its sharp visuals and kinetic fight sequences make it feel like a spiritual cousin to Bebop.

What sets Terminator Zero apart is its deep engagement with current tech and societal trends, wrapped in a visually stunning package. If you're craving futuristic thrills with artistic flair, this series delivers a compelling mix of style and substance.

Space Dandy

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If you miss the retro charm and episodic adventures of Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is a perfect follow-up. Serving as general director, Watanabe handed the reins to Shingo Natsume of Bones, resulting in a vibrant, comedic space odyssey filled with nods to classic sci-fi and anime.

Following the titular Dandy—an intergalactic bounty hunter on a mission to catalog new alien species—this series blends humor, cosmic mystery, and unforgettable characters. Though less serious than Bebop, it shares the same sense of exploration and stylistic playfulness, making it both a tribute and evolution of Watanabe’s earlier work.

Lupin III

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A true classic, Lupin III captures the adventurous spirit and rogue charm that define Cowboy Bebop. Since its debut in 1965 as a manga by Monkey Punch, the franchise has expanded across multiple media formats, but the 1971 anime adaptation remains the best starting point.

Featuring a suave, cunning antihero inspired by Arsène Lupin, the series mixes heist-driven plots, fast-paced action, and a laid-back attitude that makes it endlessly entertaining. With decades of content to explore—including films directed by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata—it's a rich world for fans of stylish outlaw tales.

Samurai Champloo

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Often seen as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo merges hip-hop aesthetics with historical Edo-period Japan. Created during the development of Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, it carries forward many of the same themes—freedom, morality, and the search for identity—while shifting genres entirely.

Following Mugen, Jin, and Fuu on their journey across feudal Japan, the series balances dynamic swordplay with introspective storytelling. Watanabe’s signature focus on diversity and tolerance shines through, making Champloo not just an action-packed ride, but also a thoughtful meditation on life and legacy.

Trigun

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If what drew you most to Cowboy Bebop was its morally complex protagonist and stylized gunplay, Trigun will likely resonate deeply. Based on Yasuhiro Nightow’s manga, the 1998 anime adaptation presents a space-western narrative centered around Vash the Stampede—a man hunted for a catastrophic power he unleashed unintentionally.

With its noir-inspired tone and philosophical undertones, Trigun explores themes of redemption, violence, and human nature. Its popularity helped boost the manga’s global reach and cemented it as a cult classic, much like Cowboy Bebop itself.

Whether you're drawn to Cowboy Bebop for its atmosphere, music, or character dynamics, these six anime offer similar emotional depth, visual flair, and storytelling innovation. Dive in and keep the adventure going.