10 Anime Like Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a legendary anime that blends jazz, sci-fi, action, and noir elements into a stylish, unforgettable experience. If you’re a fan of Spike Spiegel and his misfit bounty hunter crew, you might be looking for anime with a similar vibe.
Whether it’s the cool protagonists, intense gunfights, jazzy soundtracks, or futuristic settings, these ten anime capture the essence of Cowboy Bebop in their own unique ways.
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10. Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon follows Rokurou Okajima, a businessman who gets kidnapped by a group of mercenaries called the Lagoon Company. Instead of being rescued, he joins them, becoming part of their dangerous world filled with high-stakes smuggling, crime syndicates, and ruthless gunfights. The series takes place in the lawless city of Roanapur, where survival depends on quick thinking and an even quicker trigger finger.
Why It’s Like Cowboy Bebop:
Both anime feature incredible gunfights, morally complex characters, and protagonists with dark pasts. Spike and Revy share a similar “cool but deadly” persona, and the overall tone of Black Lagoon is gritty, just like Cowboy Bebop. If you love action-packed narratives with an edge of noir, Black Lagoon is a must-watch.
9. Megalo Box
In a futuristic world where boxing is enhanced with mechanical gear, a fighter named Junk Dog (later known as Joe) enters an underground tournament to prove his worth. He discards his mechanical enhancements to fight with pure skill, making his way to the top against overwhelming odds.
Why It’s Like Cowboy Bebop:
Both anime have a rugged, dystopian atmosphere with a mix of classic and futuristic elements. Junk Dog and Spike Spiegel share similar personalities—reckless, independent, and carrying past regrets. Megalo Box also uses a retro animation style, giving it that nostalgic yet timeless feel, just like Cowboy Bebop.
8. Psycho-Pass
In a futuristic society where crime can be predicted before it happens, detectives use a system called the Sibyl System to hunt down potential criminals. Akane Tsunemori, a rookie inspector, works with enforcers who are former criminals to maintain order. The moral dilemmas in the series question the meaning of justice and free will.
Why It’s Like Cowboy Bebop:
Both series feature anti-hero protagonists with troubled pasts. The antagonists in Psycho-Pass—Makishima—bears a striking resemblance to Vicious, both in ideology and impact. Additionally, the cyberpunk setting and noir elements make it feel like a spiritual successor to Cowboy Bebop.
7. Darker than Black
A mysterious event known as “Hell’s Gate” grants people supernatural abilities at the cost of losing their humanity. The story follows Hei, a contractor (special ability user) who works as a mercenary while searching for answers about his lost sister.
Why It’s Like Cowboy Bebop:
Hei and Spike both struggle with their pasts and live in a morally gray world where they must fight for survival. The stylish action, jazz-influenced music, and neo-noir themes make Darker than Black a great choice for Cowboy Bebop fans.
6. Michiko & Hatchin
The anime follows Michiko Malandro, a tough criminal who escapes from prison to find a man from her past. She takes in a young girl, Hatchin, and the two embark on a chaotic journey across a fictional South American-inspired setting, evading the law while searching for clues.
Why It’s Like Cowboy Bebop:
Michiko & Hatchin captures the same cool, free-spirited energy as Cowboy Bebop. The jazz soundtrack, stylish animation, and character dynamics between a reckless yet charming criminal and an innocent bystander mirror the relationships in Bebop.
5. Baccano!
Set in 1930s America, Baccano! weaves together multiple storylines of gangsters, immortals, and criminals, creating a fast-paced and chaotic narrative. With non-linear storytelling and larger-than-life characters, the series is an exhilarating watch.
Why It’s Like Cowboy Bebop:
Baccano! shares the same jazz and blues influence as Cowboy Bebop, along with thrilling gunfights and a charismatic cast. The action is fluid, the storytelling is unique, and if you love stylish crime narratives, this one’s for you.
4. Space Dandy
Space Dandy follows the misadventures of Dandy, a space-faring bounty hunter who explores the galaxy with his oddball crew, consisting of a robot and a cat-like alien. Each episode is a wild, unpredictable ride.
Why It’s Like Cowboy Bebop:
This one is a no-brainer—both series are directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, share a similar space adventure theme, and feature a dysfunctional bounty hunter crew. However, Space Dandy leans more into absurdist comedy than Cowboy Bebop’s serious undertones.
3. Outlaw Star
Outlaw Star follows Gene Starwind, a bounty hunter who unexpectedly finds himself piloting a powerful spaceship known as the Outlaw Star. Along with his eccentric crew, he embarks on an adventure across the galaxy, battling criminals and uncovering cosmic mysteries.
Why It’s Like Cowboy Bebop:
Both anime center around bounty hunters in space, with exciting fights, a mix of humor and drama, and an unforgettable crew dynamic. The art style and sci-fi world-building are also reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop’s universe.
2. Trigun
Trigun follows Vash the Stampede, a legendary gunman with a massive bounty on his head. Despite his reputation as a ruthless outlaw, he is actually a pacifist who avoids killing whenever possible. He travels across a desert-like planet, evading bounty hunters and discovering secrets from his past.
Why It’s Like Cowboy Bebop:
Both anime feature masterful gun fights, charismatic protagonists, and a unique blend of humor and drama. Vash and Spike are both tragic figures hiding their pain behind a carefree façade, making their journeys deeply compelling.
1. Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo tells the story of Mugen, Jin, and Fuu as they embark on a journey across Edo-period Japan. The anime combines traditional samurai action with modern hip-hop influences, resulting in a fresh and energetic experience.
Why It’s Like Cowboy Bebop:
Samurai Champloo is directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, just like Cowboy Bebop, and both anime use music as a central storytelling element—Bebop with jazz, Champloo with hip-hop. The dynamic between Mugen and Jin mirrors the chemistry of Spike and Jet, making it a must-watch for Bebop fans.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Bebop is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, but these ten anime capture its spirit in different ways. Whether you’re looking for stylish gunfights, bounty hunter adventures, or deep character-driven narratives, each of these series has something to offer.
So, if you’re missing that Cowboy Bebop magic, give these anime a try—See you, space cowboy. 🚀
