Shinichirō Watanabe has carved out an illustrious career in the realm of sci-fi animation, beginning with his co-direction of the acclaimed Macross Plus within the Macross franchise. Over the span of 35 years, Watanabe has delivered iconic series such as Cowboy Bebop, a jazz-infused masterpiece that chronicles the adventures of a motley crew of space bounty hunters navigating the neo-noir expanse of the cosmos. The timeless appeal of Cowboy Bebop is significantly enhanced by Yoko Kanno's unforgettable score, which continues to resonate through live performances and soundtrack re-releases, keeping the series firmly entrenched in the cultural zeitgeist.
Cowboy Bebop has left an indelible mark on the world of science fiction, influencing a diverse array of 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 acknowledgment of the series' impact underscores its significance in shaping modern storytelling and cinema.
6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop stands out as a rare anime that has captivated even those typically uninterested in the genre. Its enduring legacy makes it a cornerstone of anime history, inspiring viewers to explore similar themes and styles. If you've recently binged Cowboy Bebop and are eager for more, here are six anime series that echo its spirit of space exploration, globe-trotting adventures, and morally ambiguous characters.
Lazarus
Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest endeavor, Lazarus, which premiered on Adult Swim on April 5th at midnight. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, and featuring artistic direction from John Wick's Chad Stahelski, alongside original music by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus has garnered significant anticipation. It serves as a stylistic counterpart to Cowboy Bebop, returning to the gritty, underdog sci-fi that defined that series. Set in 2025, the narrative unfolds with the introduction of a life-saving drug that turns deadly three years later, endangering millions. Enter Axel, a convict turned hero, who must assemble a team to locate the drug's creator and secure an antidote within 30 days, promising a thrilling, dark journey.
Terminator Zero
For those drawn to the darker, more grounded aspects of sci-fi, Terminator Zero is a compelling addition to the Terminator franchise, brought to life by director Masashi Kudō, Production IG, and creator Mattson Tomlin. While it lacks the playful tone of Cowboy Bebop, its action sequences and gunplay are executed with a stylistic flair that will satisfy fans of Watanabe's work. As a modern take on sci-fi that reflects contemporary technology and culture, Terminator Zero is a must-watch in 2025. Its visually striking and boundary-pushing aesthetic makes it an ideal follow-up for those seeking a series as visually captivating as Cowboy Bebop.
Space Dandy
In Space Dandy, Watanabe steps back to serve as general director, with Shingo Natsume at the helm. Produced by Studio Bones, this series offers a light-hearted, nostalgic take on the classic Saturday morning cartoon, reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop's charm. The show follows Dandy, a stylish space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and catalog new alien species, joined by his quirky crew of a robot and a cat. While not as universally acclaimed as Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is a delightful, visually appealing series that delves into existential themes, making it highly rewatchable.
Lupin III
For a dose of adventurous joy and boundless potential akin to Cowboy Bebop, dive into Lupin III. This beloved franchise, which began in 1965 with Kazuhiko Katō's (under the pseudonym Monkey Punch) manga, has since expanded across various media. The 1971 anime adaptation is an excellent starting point, introducing viewers to the suave criminal Lupin, inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. With 23 episodes directed by talents like Masaaki Ōsumi, Hayao Miyazaki, and Isao Takahata, it offers a rich entry into a universe filled with decades of stories, movies, and shows.
Samurai Champloo
Considered the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo emerged while Watanabe was working on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. Despite its historical setting, it shares the same thematic concerns with life, freedom, and mortality. The series follows three morally complex protagonists: Mugen, an outlaw; Fuu, a tea server; and Jin, a ronin. Watanabe's focus on inclusion and tolerance adds a modern twist to the Edo period narrative, making Samurai Champloo a compelling watch for fans of his work.
Trigun
If the allure of Cowboy Bebop lies in its stylish action and morally complex anti-hero, Trigun is the perfect follow-up. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, the series premiered in Japan in 1998 and the US in 2001. It follows Vash, a man with a colossal bounty due to his uncontrollable powers that once led to the destruction of a city. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are drawn into a noir-inspired space western with high stakes, earning Trigun acclaim and contributing to the success of its source material in the US market.
