Shinichirō Watanabe has been a trailblazer in the realm of sci-fi anime 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 cherished and influential series in the genre. Among them is Cowboy Bebop, his jazz-infused masterpiece that chronicles the adventures of a ragtag group of space bounty hunters navigating the neo-noir expanse of the cosmos. The iconic score by Yoko Kanno has played a pivotal role in embedding Cowboy Bebop in the cultural zeitgeist, with its enduring appeal sustained through live performances, soundtrack re-releases, and more.

Cowboy Bebop's impact extends beyond its fanbase, influencing creators across various media. Notables 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 have all cited the series as a major influence on their work. This testament to its influence underscores Cowboy Bebop's role in shaping contemporary storytelling and cinema.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

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Cowboy Bebop's allure extends beyond dedicated anime fans, drawing in a broader audience. Its blend of space-faring adventures, globe-trotting escapades, and morally ambiguous characters has cemented its place as a vital and enduring entry in the anime canon. If you're seeking what to watch after your latest (or first) Cowboy Bebop binge, here's a curated list of the best anime that capture similar themes and atmospheres.

Lazarus

Adult Swim

Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest venture, Lazarus, which premiered on Adult Swim on April 5th at midnight. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, with John Wick director Chad Stahelski overseeing the art direction and original compositions by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus arrives with a palpable buzz. It serves as a stylistic counterpart to Cowboy Bebop, echoing the gritty, underdog spirit of sci-fi that Watanabe is known for, while feeling remarkably relevant in 2025.

The series revolves around a life-saving miracle drug that turns deadly three years after its use, endangering millions. Enter Axel, an ordinary convict and escape artist tasked with assembling a team to track down the drug's enigmatic creator and develop an antidote within just 30 days. Brace yourself for a thrilling, dark journey as the clock ticks down.

Terminator Zero

Netflix

Continuing the trend of grounded and bleak sci-fi, Terminator Zero, directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG, with Mattson Tomlin (known for Project Power on Netflix) as its creator, is next on our list. While it's more somber than Cowboy Bebop and much of Watanabe's work, it delivers a stylish action flair and exceptional gunplay that will satisfy fans craving that particular thrill.

As one of the most current takes on sci-fi that engages with contemporary technology and culture, Terminator Zero stands out in 2025. For those seeking visually stunning, boundary-pushing anime that's as easy on the eyes as Cowboy Bebop, this series, which reimagines the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day through a uniquely Japanese lens, is a must-watch.

Space Dandy

Crunchyroll

Space Dandy, another gem from Watanabe's repertoire, sees him stepping back to serve as general director alongside Shingo Natsume. This serialized space opera, brought to life by Studio Bones, offers a lighthearted yet nostalgic nod to classic Saturday morning cartoons reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop.

Packed with references to classic sci-fi and anime, the series follows the adventures of the titular Dandy, an outer space bounty hunter on a quest to discover and register new alien species. With style and swagger akin to Spike and Faye Valentine, Dandy's journey takes unexpected and existential turns, exploring the truths of the universe and his own existence. While it may not have reached the global heights of Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is deeply rewatchable and visually captivating.

Lupin III

Tokyo Movie

If you're yearning for the same sense of adventure and boundless potential found in Cowboy Bebop, Lupin III is your next destination. This delightfully fun crime caper, which debuted in 1965 under the pen of Kazuhiko Katō (aka Monkey Punch), has since expanded across manga, anime, video games, and multiple films. The 1971 anime adaptation, featuring directors like Masaaki Ōsumi and future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is the perfect starting point.

With 23 episodes in its first season, this series introduces audiences to Lupin, the laid-back criminal inspired by the fictional gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. Fans will be pleased to know that over five decades of stories, movies, and shows await exploration after diving into this classic.

Samurai Champloo

Crunchyroll

Samurai Champloo stands as the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, with its genesis occurring during Watanabe's work on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. While it shifts from sci-fi to a historical action tale set in Edo period Japan, it retains the thematic depth and life-affirming narrative that Watanabe's work is known for.

The series follows a trio of morally ambiguous heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin. One of its standout features is its forward-thinking emphasis on inclusion and tolerance, avoiding the pitfalls of nationalistic overtones. Samurai Champloo's art style, structure, and storytelling are a testament to Watanabe's versatility and genius.

Trigun

Adult Swim

If the stylish action and morally complex anti-hero of Cowboy Bebop are what captivate you, Trigun is poised to be your next favorite. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's manga that ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, the series premiered in Japan in 1998 and later in the US at the turn of the millennium.

Trigun is a noir-inspired space western that ups the ante with its protagonist Vash, who has a massive bounty on his head due to his uncontrollable superpowers that led to the accidental destruction of a city. As we delve into Vash's world, we also uncover the motivations of those hunting him, creating a gripping conflict that earned the anime numerous accolades and propelled the manga to sell-out success in the US.