Top Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop

If you're a fan of Cowboy Bebop and its unique blend of sci-fi, noir, and jazz, you're likely searching for similarly styled anime that captures the same spirit. Shinichirō Watanabe has been crafting iconic anime since his early days on Macross Plus, with Cowboy Bebop standing as one of the most celebrated and influential series in the genre. Its timeless appeal is largely due to its unforgettable score by Yoko Kanno, its stylish visuals, and the emotionally rich storytelling that continues to resonate across generations.

Many creators, including Rian Johnson (Star Wars: The Last Jedi), Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko (Avatar: The Last Airbender), and Diego Molano (Victor and Valentino), have cited Cowboy Bebop as a major influence in shaping their own work. That's why we've compiled a list of six standout anime that echo the themes of space-faring adventures, morally ambiguous characters, and cinematic flair—perfect for fans looking for their next great watch after finishing or rewatching Cowboy Bebop.

6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop remains one of the few anime series widely embraced beyond traditional anime audiences. It’s an essential part of the anime canon and has inspired countless works across media. If you're still craving more after your latest binge, here are some top recommendations to keep you entertained.

Lazarus

Adult Swim

Watanabe returns to form with Lazarus, his latest sci-fi thriller released on Adult Swim April 5th at midnight. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, and featuring artistic direction from John Wick director Chad Stahelski and music from Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo, this series arrives with immense anticipation.

Set in a world where a miracle drug promises life but instead delivers a death sentence three years later, Lazarus follows Axel—a hardened convict who must assemble a team to locate the elusive doctor behind the drug and create an antidote within 30 days. With its gritty tone and fast-paced narrative, Lazarus feels like a spiritual cousin to Cowboy Bebop, offering a fresh yet familiar vision of near-future dystopia that resonates deeply in 2025.

Terminator Zero

Netflix

For those drawn to Cowboy Bebop's sleek action and grounded storytelling, Terminator Zero offers a compelling alternative. Directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG, this series brings a uniquely Japanese perspective to the Terminator mythos. Created by Mattson Tomlin (known for Project Power), it dives deep into the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence and the consequences of unchecked technological progress.

Though darker and more serious than Watanabe's usual fare, Terminator Zero matches Bebop in visual elegance and kinetic energy. Its sharp gunplay, intense pacing, and philosophical undertones make it a must-watch for fans seeking intelligent, action-packed sci-fi.

Space Dandy

Crunchyroll

Another entry from Shinichirō Watanabe, Space Dandy serves as a lighthearted and whimsical follow-up to Cowboy Bebop. Serving as general director, Watanabe handed the helm over to Shingo Natsume (of Hunter x Hunter fame) while Bones provided the animation. The result is a vibrant, retro-inspired space opera filled with humor, nostalgia, and plenty of sci-fi nods.

The show follows the titular Dandy—an eccentric bounty hunter on a mission to catalog new alien species. Alongside his robot QT and cat-like companion Meow, Dandy stumbles through episodic adventures that range from absurdly funny to surprisingly existential. While not as globally renowned as Bebop, Space Dandy is equally rewarding with its eye-catching animation, eclectic soundtrack, and boundless creativity.

Lupin III

Tokyo Movie

Looking for that same sense of adventure and outlaw charm? Lupin III is the perfect match. Since its debut in 1965, this legendary franchise created by Monkey Punch (Kazuhiko Katō) has become a cultural touchstone in Japan. The 1971 anime adaptation introduced the world to Lupin, a suave, unconventional thief with a heart of gold and a penchant for chaos.

Directed by Masaaki Ōsumi and featuring early contributions from future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the original series is packed with heists, car chases, and stylish escapes. It's an ideal pick for anyone who enjoyed the cool confidence and unpredictable nature of Spike Spiegel.

Samurai Champloo

Crunchyroll

A spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo shares many stylistic and thematic elements with Watanabe's earlier classic. Though set in historical Edo-period Japan rather than outer space, the series retains the same groove, rhythm, and emotional depth.

Following two swordsmen—Mugen and Jin—and their traveling companion Fuu, Samurai Champloo blends hip-hop culture with samurai tradition, resulting in a visually dynamic and culturally insightful experience. The series explores themes of freedom, identity, and mortality, all while delivering thrilling fight sequences and a killer soundtrack.

Trigun

Adult Swim

If what captivated you most about Cowboy Bebop was its morally complex anti-hero and stylized action, Trigun will feel right at home. Based on Yasuhiro Nightow’s manga, the 1998 anime adaptation brought Vash the Stampede to life—a powerful gunslinger with a massive bounty on his head due to a tragic accident.

Set in a desert wasteland reminiscent of a futuristic Wild West, Trigun balances dark themes with humor and heart. As Vash journeys across the harsh terrain, pursued by bounty hunters and shadowy organizations alike, the story delves into redemption, pacifism, and the burden of power. Its atmospheric tone and unforgettable characters make it a worthy successor to Cowboy Bebop's legacy.

Whether you're diving into Lazarus for its modern cyberpunk edge, exploring the high-octane world of Terminator Zero, or revisiting the roots of Watanabe’s genius with Samurai Champloo and Space Dandy, these anime provide the perfect continuation of the Cowboy Bebop experience. Each title brings something unique to the table while sharing the core themes of individuality, exploration, and the search for meaning in chaotic worlds.