Shinichirō Watanabe has been revolutionizing sci-fi anime since his collaborative directorial work on Macross Plus. Throughout his illustrious 35-year career, he has crafted some of the most revered animated series, including his jazz-infused masterpiece Cowboy Bebop, following misfit bounty hunters navigating neo-noir space adventures. The series' unforgettable soundtrack by Yoko Kanno contributes significantly to its enduring legacy, kept alive through concert performances and soundtrack reissues.
Cinematic Legacy of Cowboy Bebop
The groundbreaking series continues to influence filmmakers and storytellers worldwide, with creators like Star Wars' Rian Johnson, Avatar: The Last Airbender's Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, and Victor And Valentino's Diego Molano acknowledging its profound impact.
6 Must-Watch Anime Similar to Cowboy Bebop
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Cowboy Bebop remains one of few anime series embraced by mainstream audiences beyond anime fandom. Its cultural significance makes it essential viewing for animation enthusiasts. For those seeking their next interstellar adventure after finishing Cowboy Bebop, we've curated a selection of captivating space-faring, globetrotting anime featuring morally complex protagonists.
Lazarus
Our first recommendation is Watanabe's latest project Lazarus, whose premiere episode debuted on Adult Swim. Produced collaboratively with MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, featuring musical contributions from Kamasi Washington and creative direction from John Wick's Chad Stahelski, this series generates immense anticipation. Returning to the gritty sci-fi aesthetic of Cowboy Bebop, Lazarus presents startlingly contemporary themes.
The narrative follows Axel, an incarcerated convict tasked with assembling a team to track down the creator of a miraculous drug that turns deadly after three years. Their mission: develop an antidote within thirty days before mass casualties occur.
Terminator Zero
This compelling Netflix addition to Terminator mythology comes from director Masashi Kudō and creator Mattson Tomlin. While maintaining a bleaker tone than Bebop, it delivers equally impressive action sequences and gunplay choreography.
The series offers fresh perspective on AI narratives through Japanese cultural context, presenting visually stunning animation alongside timely technological commentary.
Space Dandy
Watanabe serves as creative supervisor for this Bones-produced space comedy helmed by Shingo Natsume. Perfect for fans seeking lighter sci-fi adventures reminiscent of classic cartoons.
Following intergalactic bounty hunter Dandy and his unusual crew, this deceptively simple premise evolves into profound existential exploration while maintaining infectious humor.
Lupin III
This enduring franchise captures Cowboy Bebop's adventurous spirit through master thief Lupin's escapades. The 1971 anime adaptation remains the ideal entry point, featuring early work from Studio Ghibli legends Miyazaki and Takahata.
Samurai Champloo
Watanabe's feudal Japan-set masterpiece shares Bebop's existential themes through three unlikely travel companions: rebellious swordsman Mugen, refined ronin Jin, and determined waitress Fuu. The series uniquely blends period drama with progressive social commentary.
Trigun
This space western follows Vash the Stampede, one of anime's most compelling antiheroes, hunted for accidental city destruction. The series' moral complexity and stylized action make it essential viewing for Bebop enthusiasts.
