Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the world of sci-fi anime ever since his co-direction of the acclaimed Macross franchise, specifically Macross Plus. Over his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most beloved and influential series, including Cowboy Bebop, his jazz-infused masterpiece. This series follows a group of eclectic space adventurers navigating the cosmos with a neo-noir flair. The iconic score by Yoko Kanno has significantly contributed to the timeless appeal of Cowboy Bebop, keeping it alive in the public's memory through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and more.
Cowboy Bebop has left an indelible mark on cinema and storytelling, 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 work reflects the profound impact of Watanabe's creation.
6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
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Cowboy Bebop is unique in that it has attracted a significant audience beyond the typical anime fanbase. This widespread appeal, combined with its lasting influence, cements its place as a vital entry in the anime canon. If you're looking for what to watch next after immersing yourself in Cowboy Bebop, here's a curated list of space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally ambiguous anime to explore.
Lazarus
Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest series, Lazarus, which premiered on Adult Swim at midnight on April 5th. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, with art direction by John Wick's Chad Stahelski and original music from Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus is one of the most anticipated anime releases of the year. It serves as a stylistic companion to Cowboy Bebop, returning to the gritty, underdog sci-fi roots of that series, and feels strikingly relevant in 2025.
The plot centers around a life-saving miracle drug that turns deadly three years after its use, threatening millions. Our protagonist, Axel, a regular convict and jailbreaker, must assemble a team to locate the elusive doctor behind the drug and persuade him to create an antidote within just 30 days. Buckle up for a thrilling and darkly adventurous journey.
Terminator Zero
Next, we have Terminator Zero, a compelling addition to the Terminator universe directed by Masashi Kudō, produced by Production IG, and created by Mattson Tomlin. While it leans more towards the serious side compared to Cowboy Bebop, its action sequences and gunplay are reminiscent of Watanabe's work, satisfying that specific craving and filling the void left by Cowboy Bebop in your anime viewing.
Terminator Zero offers a contemporary take on sci-fi, reflecting current technology and culture, making it a must-watch in 2025. If you're seeking a visually stunning and aesthetically pleasing anime similar to Cowboy Bebop, this series, which reimagines the Terminator's Judgement Day through a Japanese perspective, is a top choice.
Space Dandy
Another gem in Watanabe's portfolio is Space Dandy, where he served as the general director, with Shingo Natsume as the director. This comedic space opera, brought to life by studio Bones, is perfect for those seeking a light-hearted yet nostalgic experience akin to classic Saturday morning cartoons. It's a delightful nod to both classic sci-fi and anime.
The series follows the titular Dandy, a stylish space bounty hunter on a mission to discover and register new alien species. His adventures, alongside a robot and a cat, delve into unexpected and existential realms, exploring the truths of the universe and his own existence. While it may not have reached the global acclaim of Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is highly rewatchable, visually appealing, and immensely enjoyable.
Lupin 3rd
For those seeking the adventurous spirit and boundless potential found in Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III is a perfect match. Since its debut in 1965, created by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, this franchise has expanded across manga, anime, video games, and films. The 1971 anime adaptation, directed by Masaaki Ōsumi, Hayao Miyazaki, and Isao Takahata, is the ideal starting point to experience the charm of Lupin, a laid-back criminal inspired by the legendary Arsene Lupin.
With 23 episodes in its first season, this series offers a gateway to over five decades of stories, movies, and shows, providing endless entertainment for fans.
Samurai Champloo
Often considered the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo shares its roots in Watanabe's work on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. Despite its historical action setting, it echoes the themes of life, freedom, and mortality found in Bebop. The series follows a trio of morally ambiguous heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin, set during Japan's Edo period.
Watanabe's focus on inclusion and tolerance, inspired by the period setting, adds a progressive layer to the narrative, avoiding nationalistic overtones.
Trigun
If the allure of Cowboy Bebop lies in its stylish action and morally complex anti-hero, Trigun is an excellent follow-up. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga, which ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, the series debuted in Japan in 1998 and later in the US at the turn of the millennium.
Trigun is a noir-inspired space western that raises the stakes with its protagonist, Vash, who has a massive bounty on his head due to his uncontrollable superpowers that once led to the destruction of an entire city. As we delve into Vash's story and those who pursue him, the series sets up a compelling conflict, earning it spots on numerous best-of lists and boosting the manga's success in the US.
