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 the course of his illustrious 35-year career, Watanabe has crafted some of the most cherished and influential series, including his jazz-infused masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop. This series follows a motley crew of space adventurers navigating the cosmos with a neo-noir flair. The iconic score by Yoko Kanno has significantly contributed to Cowboy Bebop's timeless appeal, keeping it relevant 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. The show's impact extends beyond the anime community, attracting even non-anime fans, making it a vital and enduring entry in the anime canon. If you're looking for what to watch after your latest (or first) Cowboy Bebop binge, we've compiled a list of the best space-faring, globe-trotting, and morally-ambiguous anime for you to explore next.
6 Best Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
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Lazarus
Adult SwimOur 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 John Wick director Chad Stahelski overseeing art direction and original compositions by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobos, Lazarus has generated significant buzz as one of the most anticipated anime releases of the year. This series offers a stylistic complement to Cowboy Bebop, revisiting the gritty, underdog sci-fi narrative reminiscent of Watanabe's earlier work, and feels strikingly relevant in 2025.
The story unfolds with the introduction of a life-saving miracle drug that turns fatal three years after its administration, endangering millions. Enter Axel, a regular convict and jailbreaker, tasked with assembling a team to locate the mysterious doctor behind the drug and develop an antidote within just 30 days. Brace yourself for a thrilling and dark journey.
Terminator Zero
NetflixFor those who appreciate a more grounded and somber approach to sci-fi, Terminator Zero is an excellent follow-up. Directed by Masashi Kudō and produced by Production IG with creator Mattson Tomlin (known for directing the Netflix film Project Power starring Jamie Foxx), this series adds a serious yet stylish dimension to the Terminator saga. While it differs from the lighter tone of Cowboy Bebop, its action sequences and gunplay are meticulously crafted, satisfying the appetite for high-quality action anime.
In terms of contemporary sci-fi narratives that engage with current technology and culture, Terminator Zero stands out, making it essential viewing in 2025. Additionally, if you're seeking an aesthetically pleasing modern anime, this series, with its sleek and boundary-pushing visuals, offers a unique Japanese perspective on the Terminator franchise's Judgement Day for the first time.
Space Dandy
CrunchyrollShinichirō Watanabe took a step back to serve as general director for Shingo Natsume's Space Dandy, a humorous serialized space opera produced by Bones. If you're in the mood for a light-hearted throwback to classic Saturday morning cartoons that evokes the same nostalgia as Cowboy Bebop, this series is a perfect choice.
Packed with references to classic sci-fi and anime, Space Dandy follows the stylish bounty hunter Dandy, whose mission is to discover and register new alien species. With his charm and swagger reminiscent of Spike and Faye Valentine from Cowboy Bebop, Dandy's journey takes unexpected and existential turns as he explores the universe and his own existence alongside his quirky crew—a robot and a cat. Though it may not have achieved the same global success as Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy is highly rewatchable, visually stunning, and incredibly entertaining.
Lupin III
Tokyo MovieIf you're seeking a series that captures the adventurous spirit and sense of boundless potential found in Cowboy Bebop, look no further than the delightful crime caper Lupin III. Since its debut in 1965, written by Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, the franchise has expanded across manga, anime, video games, and multiple films. For on-screen adaptations, the best starting point is the 1971 anime series, which introduced audiences to Lupin, a laid-back criminal inspired by the legendary fictional gentleman thief, Arsene Lupin.
The first season spans 23 episodes and features directors such as Masaaki Ōsumi, as well as future Studio Ghibli legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. It's an excellent entry point into the world of Lupin III, and fans can enjoy five decades of stories, movies, and shows that follow.
Samurai Champloo
CrunchyrollConsidered the spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo began taking shape while Watanabe worked on Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. Though it shifts to a historical action setting rather than sci-fi, the series retains Watanabe's signature themes of life, the cost of freedom, and the struggle with mortality.
The narrative revolves around a trio of morally ambiguous heroes: the outlaw Mugen, the tea server Fuu, and the ronin Jin. Set in the Edo period, Samurai Champloo stands out for its progressive focus on inclusion and tolerance, avoiding nationalistic overtones and showcasing Watanabe's forward-thinking approach.
Trigun
Adult SwimIf the allure of Cowboy Bebop lies in its stylish action and the compelling narrative of a morally complex anti-hero, then Trigun is likely to become your next favorite anime. Adapted from Yasuhiro Nightow's hit manga, which ran in Monthly Shonen Captain, the series debuted in Japan in 1998 and in the US three years later.
Trigun, like Cowboy Bebop, is a noir-inspired space western with heightened stakes, following Vash, a man with a massive bounty on his head due to his uncontrollable superpowers that led to the accidental destruction of a city. As the story unfolds, we delve into Vash's character and those who pursue him, creating a compelling conflict that earned the anime multiple spots on best-of-the-year lists and propelled the manga to sell out in the US.
