10 Shows & Movies Like Cowboy Bebop (1998)

Description: Akira shares Cowboy Bebop's cyberpunk aesthetic and exploration of dystopian themes. Both are seminal works in anime that blend action, philosophy, and stunning visuals. The storytelling is mature and complex, with a focus on character development and societal critique. The visual style is similarly detailed and influential.

Fact: Akira is based on the manga by Katsuhiro Otomo, who also directed the film. The film was groundbreaking for its animation techniques and budget. It has had a lasting influence on both anime and Western media.

Description: Firefly shares many thematic and tonal similarities with Cowboy Bebop. Both series follow a crew of misfits traveling through space, dealing with bounty hunting, smuggling, and personal demons. The blend of Western and sci-fi elements is present in both, with Firefly leaning more into the Western aesthetic. The character dynamics and episodic storytelling are also reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop.

Fact: Firefly was created by Joss Whedon, who also created Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The series was canceled after only one season but gained a cult following and a movie sequel, Serenity. The show's dialogue often includes a mix of English and Chinese.

Description: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex shares Cowboy Bebop's cyberpunk themes and mature storytelling. Both series explore the intersection of humanity and technology, with a focus on philosophical questions. The visual style is similarly detailed and atmospheric, with a mix of action and introspection. The episodic structure and character development are also comparable.

Fact: The series is based on the manga by Masamune Shirow. It features a mix of standalone episodes and an overarching plot. The soundtrack was composed by Yoko Kanno, who also worked on Cowboy Bebop.

Description: Samurai Champloo shares many similarities with Cowboy Bebop, primarily because it was created by the same director, Shinichirō Watanabe. Both series blend historical or futuristic settings with anachronistic elements, such as hip-hop music in Samurai Champloo and jazz in Cowboy Bebop. The storytelling style is episodic, focusing on character-driven narratives with a mix of action, humor, and deep philosophical undertones. The visual aesthetics are also similar, with fluid animation and dynamic action sequences.

Fact: The soundtrack for Samurai Champloo was composed by Nujabes, a legendary Japanese hip-hop producer. The series was inspired by the Edo period but incorporates modern elements like breakdancing and graffiti. It was Watanabe's follow-up project after the success of Cowboy Bebop.

Description: Ergo Proxy shares Cowboy Bebop's philosophical depth and dystopian setting. Both series explore themes of identity, existence, and the human condition. The visual style is dark and atmospheric, with a focus on mood and tone. The storytelling is complex and thought-provoking, with a mix of action and introspection.

Fact: Ergo Proxy features a unique blend of cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic elements. The series includes references to philosophy, literature, and art. It was directed by Shūkō Murase, known for his work on Witch Hunter Robin.

Description: Psycho-Pass shares Cowboy Bebop's cyberpunk aesthetic and exploration of dystopian themes. Both series delve into questions of morality, justice, and the human psyche. The visual style of Psycho-Pass, with its dark, futuristic cityscapes, is similar to Cowboy Bebop's noir-inspired visuals. The storytelling is also character-driven, with a focus on complex protagonists.

Fact: Psycho-Pass was written by Gen Urobuchi, known for his dark and philosophical storytelling. The series features a unique concept where people's mental states are constantly monitored by a system called the Sibyl System. It has spawned multiple seasons and a movie.

Description: Space Dandy is another creation of Shinichirō Watanabe, sharing the same director as Cowboy Bebop. The series has a similar episodic structure and a focus on a ragtag crew traveling through space. While Space Dandy is more comedic and surreal, it still explores deep themes and features Watanabe's signature blend of music and visual style. The show's aesthetic is vibrant and colorful, much like Cowboy Bebop's noir-inspired visuals.

Fact: Each episode of Space Dandy was directed by a different guest director, giving the series a unique and varied feel. The English dub was produced simultaneously with the Japanese version, a rarity in anime. The series features a cameo by the Bebop crew in one episode.

Description: The Expanse shares Cowboy Bebop's gritty, realistic approach to space travel and its focus on a diverse crew navigating political and personal conflicts. Both series explore themes of survival, morality, and the human condition in a futuristic setting. The Expanse's visual style, with its detailed spacecraft and realistic physics, is reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop's attention to detail in its space scenes.

Fact: The Expanse is based on a series of novels by James S.A. Corey. The show was saved from cancellation by Amazon after fan campaigns. It features a diverse cast representing various Earth cultures and languages.

Description: Killjoys shares Cowboy Bebop's focus on bounty hunters (or 'Killjoys') in a futuristic setting. The series has a similar blend of action, humor, and character-driven storytelling. The crew dynamics and episodic missions are reminiscent of the Bebop crew's adventures. The show also explores themes of loyalty, survival, and redemption.

Fact: Killjoys was created by Michelle Lovretta, who also created Lost Girl. The series was filmed in Canada and features a predominantly Canadian cast. It ran for five seasons and concluded with a planned finale.

Description: Blade Runner: Black Lotus shares Cowboy Bebop's noir-inspired cyberpunk aesthetic and focus on a lone protagonist navigating a dystopian world. Both series explore themes of identity, memory, and humanity. The visual style is similarly dark and atmospheric, with a mix of action and introspection. The storytelling is mature and character-driven.

Fact: The series is set in the Blade Runner universe, between the events of the original film and Blade Runner