20 Best Anime Series Every Cowboy Bebop Fan Needs to Watch

Dec. 2, 2020, 6:30 p.m.

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20 Best Anime Series Every Cowboy Bebop Fan Needs to Watch

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Summary Trigun and Space Dandy offer similar vibes to Cowboy Bebop with their space western themes and comedic elements.

Bungo Stray Dogs and Michiko & Hatchin are anime series that capture the film-noir feel and individual character development seen in Cowboy Bebop.

Black Lagoon and Gungrave have dark and complex storylines that fans of Cowboy Bebop will enjoy, with interesting characters and intense action.

Cowboy Bebop is often cited as a perfect starter anime for good reason, naturally leading many to seek out anime with the same vibe. With its jazzy music, deep characters, and witty plots, Bebop's magic is difficult to recapture. Given that even the series' big-budget Netflix remake couldn't even carry the torch by the estimation of many critics and fans, it's tempting to think there's nothing else out there like it. Though Bebop is indeed unique, that doesn't mean fans should give up hope of finding a similar series.

Whether it be fellow anime space westerns, grounded sci-fi, or just plain crime dramas there are several anime that fans of Cowboy Bebop should check out. Bebop casts a wide net with its web of references, meaning fans really have their pick of the litter when it comes to anime. Even the series' creator Shinichiro Watanabe has revisited many of the themes and ideas that made Bebop so special in a handful of his future works. Every fan of Cowboy Bebop owes it to themselves to at least give a few other anime series a try.

20 Trigun (1998)

Based on the manga series by Yasuhiro Nightow & produced by Studio Madhouse

Trigun (1998) Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Cast Masaya Onosaka , Hiromi Tsuru , Satsuki Yukino Release Date April 1, 1998 Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Crunchyroll Franchise(s) Trigun Writers Yôsuke Kuroda Directors Satoshi Nishimura Main Genre Action Creator(s) Yasuhiro Nightow

Number of Episodes 26 Where to Stream Funimation, Hulu, Netflix, Crunchyroll

Much like Bebop, Trigun is a genre-bending space western with a lot of comedy and even more heart. The series tells the story of Vash, a man with a massive bounty on his head and a mysterious past. Following Vash are insurance adjusters Meryl and Milly who serve as audience surrogates in many ways. Along the way, the mysteries of Vash's past alongside greater revelations about the planet the characters find themselves on are uncovered.

Trigun is similar in many ways to Cowboy Bebop, but it is different in that it takes the Western theme much further, featuring the classic cowboy look. Why the cowboy themeing was mostly metaphorical in Bebop, in Trigun it is quite literal. Cowboy Bebop fans who want another space western owe it to themselves to watch Trigun or its more recent reboot series Trigun Stampede.

Related Trigun Stampede, Scott Pilgrim, & One Piece: 2023's 10 Best Anime Revolutionized the Industry 2023 was an absolutely incredible year for anime, with new series and established franchises alike making an important mark on the industry.

19 Space Dandy (2014)

Original anime series by Studio Bones

Space Dandy Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Cast Ian Sinclair , Alison Viktorin , Joel McDonald , J. Michael Tatum , Micah Solusod , Kent Williams , Alexis Tipton , Colleen Clinkenbeard , Johnny Yong Bosch Release Date January 4, 2014 Seasons 2 Streaming Service(s) Crunchyroll Franchise(s) Space Dandy Writers Shinichirô Watanabe , Dai Sato , Kimiko Ueno , Ichirō Ōkōchi , Keiko Nobumoto , Toh EnJoe , Masaaki Yuasa , Hayashi Mori , Kiyotaka Oshiyama Directors Shinichirô Watanabe , Shingo Natsume Main Genre Comedy Creator(s) Shinichirô Watanabe

Number of Episodes 26 Where to Stream Funimation, Hulu, Tubi, Crunchyroll

Also created by Watanabe, Space Dandy is a lighthearted absurdist take on Cowboy Bebop. The series is packed with adventure, fast-paced action, and a bucket-load of laughs. Set in the far future, the series follows a space hunter named Dandy who searches for undiscovered alien lifeforms. This means Dandy visits the furthest corners of the universe in search of unknown life-capable planets in his efforts to document new alien species. More than just created by the same person, Space Dandy actually takes place in Cowboy Bebop's distant future, meaning eagle-eyed fans can catch a few references.

Fans of director Shinichiro Watanabe's work should keep an eye out for his upcoming series Lazarus, expected to be released in 2024.

One thing that made Bebop such a hit among Western viewers back when it was airing on Adult Swim was the series' episodic nature. Space Dandy's most remarkable achievement is taking that episodic structure to its logical extreme. What overarching plot Dandy does have is mind-bending and weird in the best way possible, making Space Dandy a strange but fitting followup to similar Watanabe projects like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.

18 Bungo Stray Dogs (2016)

Based on the manga series written by Kafka Asagiri & illustrated by Sango Harukawa

Bungo Stray Dogs (2016) Cast Max Mittelman , Kaiji Tang , Patrick Seitz , Vic Mognogna , Spike Spencer , Lucien Dodge , Erica Lindbeck , Jamieson Price , Cherami Leigh Release Date April 7, 2016 Seasons 9 Streaming Service(s) Crunchyroll Franchise(s) Bungo Stray Dogs Writers Kazuyuki Fudeyasu Directors Satonobu Kikuchi Main Genre Action Creator(s) Kafka Asagiri

Number of Episodes 60+1 OVA Where to Stream Funimation, Crunchyroll

Bungo Stray Dogs is a series that has a lot of the film-noir feel that fans like in Cowboy Bebop. The series follows the Armed Detective Agency, a group of people with supernatural powers who solve mysteries that might be too extreme or dangerous for normal law enforcement to handle. Among the Armed Detective Agency's members is Atsushi Nakajima, a kind-hearted man who can transform into a monstrous white tiger.

Almost every character in Bungo Stray Dogs is named after some sort of literary character.

There's more comedy involved in Bungo, but the plot focuses on individual characters and their personal stories, which is another key feature of the genre. It's also told in a one-shot style with limited serialized elements, a bit like Cowboy Bebop, which means viewers don't necessarily have to watch the episodes of Bungo Stray Dogs in any particular order.

17 The Irresponsible Captain Tylor Excels At Science Fiction Parody

Anime series by Tatsunoko Productions; Based on the light novel by Hitoshi Yoshioka

The Irresponsible Captain Tylor (1993) Cast Crispin Freeman , Rachel Lillis , David Brimmer , Lisa Ortiz , Josh Mosby Release Date January 25, 1993 Seasons 1 Franchise(s) The Irresponsible Captain Tylor Writers Kōichi Mashimo , Hiroyuki Kawasaki Directors Kōichi Mashimo Main Genre Comedy Creator(s) Hitoshi Yoshioka

Number of Episodes 26 + 10 OVA Episodes Where to Stream Crunchyroll

In the world of Tatsunoko Productions’ The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, while the United Planets Space Force is at war with the Raalgon, Justy Ueki Tylor just wants to take it easy with a cushy office job. However, when Tylor accidentally foils a terrorist plot, he’s immediately put in charge of the crew of the Soyokaze, and while the higher-ups just did it to get rid of him, Tylor somehow keeps winning battle after battle and becomes a major player in the war with the Raalgon.

Just from the title, alone, it’s obvious that The Irresponsible Captain Tylor is an anime that never takes itself seriously, and that makes it great for Cowboy Bebop fans. Cowboy Bebop is just as famous for its comedy as it is for its serious storytelling, and that sort of charm can easily be seen in how The Irresponsible Captain Tylor always works to lampoon the tropes of epic space operas. Add in its stellar cast and great writing, and The Irresponsible Captain Tylor is a great anime to watch for any fan of Cowboy Bebop's more comedic elements.

16 Kids On The Slope Is An Underrated Classic From Cowboy Bebop's Creator

Anime series by Studio MAPPA & Tezuka Productions; Based on the manga by Yuki Kodama

Number of Episodes 12 Where to Stream Currently Unavailable on Streaming

Studio MAPPA and Tezuka Productions' Kids on the Slope is a coming-of-age story starring Kaoru Nishimi who, in the summer of 1966, moves to Nagasaki to live with his extended family. At his new school, the delinquent Sentaro Kawabuchi inspires Kaoru to study jazz, the duo becomes a trio with the introduction of Ritsuko Mukae, whose family runs a record shop, and the story from then on is focused on the development of their love of music and their love for each other, platonic or otherwise.

Kids on the Slope is a rare anime from Shinichiro Watanabe that wasn't an original work, but it's still plenty good. The animation and direction are consistently great, and for fans of Cowboy Bebop, Kids on the Slope's focus on the ins and outs of jazz music resonates very strongly with Cowboy Bebop, as jazz is famously a big part of Cowboy Bebop's aesthetic. Even though Shinichiro Watanabe didn't create Kids on the Slope, all of the usual hallmarks of his work are there, so any fan of Cowboy Bebop is sure to get a lot out of it.

15 Michiko & Hatchin (2008)

Original anime series by Studio Manglobe

Number of Episodes 22 Where to Stream Crunchyroll

Michiko & Hatchin, sometimes known as Finding Paradise in the West, is a 2008 anime series that takes many stylistic cues from Cowboy Bebop. The plot follows the two titular characters—initially implied to be a mother and daughter duo—on the run following a prison break. The two form an interesting pair, as Mitchiko, despite being older, is the hot-headed and impulsive one, while Hatchin is far more likely to think situations through. The result is a heartwarming dynamic that will make viewers want to watch episode after episode.

A tale of intrigue and danger at the fringes of society, Michiko & Hatchin is, in some ways, a revised version of Cowboy Bebop. Interestingly enough, Cowboy Bebop's director signed on to produce music for Michiko & Hatchin, strengthening the link between the two series.

14 Outlaw Star (1998)

Based on the manga by Takehiko Ito & produced by Sunrise

Number of Episodes 26 Where to Stream Funimation, Hulu

Outlaw Star is another anime featuring a group of likable rogues, namely Gene Starwind and Jim Hawking. The two heroes spend their days performing all sorts of odd jobs on their planet of Sentinel III. All of this changes, however, when a mysterious woman named Hilda recruits the two as bodyguards.

As is often the case in these kinds of comedic-adventure anime, in no time the pair are in a world of trouble, including being wanted by the cops, pirates, angry aliens, other bounty hunters, and a mysterious assassin. The only thing they do have going for them is their ship, the Outlaw Star, the galaxy's most advanced spacecraft. Much like Bebop, the real heart of Outlaw Star is the crew Gene and Jim accumulate over time. The show features great character development and should scratch the space outlaw itch for any fan of Cowboy Bebop looking for something a little more out there.

13 Black Lagoon (2006)

Based on the manga series by Rei Hiroe & produced by Studio Madhouse

Black Lagoon (2006) Cast Brad Swaile , Maryke Hendrikse , Brain DRummond , Dean Redman , Patricia Drake , Mark Acheson Release Date April 9, 2006 Seasons 2 Streaming Service(s) Crunchyroll , Hulu Franchise(s) Black Lagoon Writers Sunao Katabuchi Directors Sunao Katabuchi Main Genre Action Creator(s) Rei Hiroe

Number of Episodes 24+5 OVAs Where to Stream Funimation, Hulu, Crunchyroll

What makes Cowboy Bebop unique is that the story behind each of its characters commonly revolves around a dark personal tragedy. The same careful, considered character development and an underlying feeling of darkness are to be found in Black Lagoon. The series boasts an equally interesting and dark story, though Black Lagoon follows a rag-tag band of mercenaries as opposed to bounty hunters.

The audience's point of view character is Rock, an average businessman who gets captured by mercenaries. He decides to join the crew after a negotiation goes awry, as he's curious to live the harsh yet adventurously eventful life the others lead. Rock essentially serves as the group's face, using his business acumen to negotiate on behalf of his crew. In contrast to Bebop, Black Lagoon isn't science fiction and is a straight-up crime thriller.

Related 10 Best Studio Madhouse Anime Madhouse is an animation studio with a long history of putting out classic anime. Here are 10 of the best series every created by Studio Madhouse.

12 Carole & Tuesday (2019)

Original anime series directed by Shinichiro Watanabe & produced by Studio Bones

Number of Episodes 24 Where to Stream Netflix

Another anime created by Bebop mastermind Watanabe, Carole & Tuesday is actually set in the same universe as Cowboy Bebop, although slightly further along the timeline when society has clearly stabilized at least somewhat. The series follows the titular odd-couple music duo as they try to make it as musicians. Fans of Bebop will instantly appreciate Carole & Tuesday's musical themes and more grounded characters.

Though the series does lack much of the action that makes its predecessor so famous, it makes up for it with a compelling depiction of the power of music. Also much like Bebop, Carole and Tuesday isn't afraid to tackle difficult and complex social issues. Though Carole & Tuesday was released in 2019, its discussion of AI-generated art feels particularly relevant in the modern age. Fans of Bebop definitely will find a lot to love about its chiller sister series with Carole and Tuesday.

11 Baccano! (2007)

Based on the light novel series by Ryohgo Narita & illustrated by Katsumi Enami

Number of Episodes 16 Where to Stream Currently unavailable on streaming

Those who enjoyed the stylish fight scenes in Cowboy Bebop need not look further than Baccano! Much like Bebop, this anime is jam-packed with jazzy action scenes that are classy and chaotic. The show is also set in 1930s Chicago, and it's been lauded for its enrapturing, period-accurate score. Baccano! is told out of order and features an ensemble cast on the hunt for missing bottles that contain the elixir for immortality. The main story arc isn't all there is, however, with many side stories padding out the overall plot.

Fans have often compared Bebop to the works of Quentin Tarantino in general and Pulp Fiction more specifically. While the veracity of these comparisons has some merits, it's definitely easier to compare Pulp Fiction to Baccano! which features a similarly bombastic story told from multiple perspectives and centers around a handful of explosive personalities.

10 Marcross Highlights The Roots Of Cowboy Bebop's Creator

Anime series created by Studio Nue

Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982) Cast Vic Mignogna , Monica Rial , Mari Iijima , John Swasey , Chris Patton , Hilary Haag , Christine M. Austen , Kira Vincent-Davis , Nancy Novotny Release Date October 3, 1982 Seasons 1 Franchise(s) Macross Writers Kenichi Matsuzaki Directors Noboru Ishiguro Main Genre Action Creator(s) Shōji Kawamori , Kazutaka Miyatake , Haruhiko Mikimoto

Studio Nue’s Macross is a long-running anime franchise with over 40 years of history to it. The first major project in the franchise is 1982’s Super Dimension Fortress Macross by Artland and Tatsunoko Productions, and while the stories tend to vary in plot, the most common elements are humanity being at war with an alien race, giant robots, love triangles, and a multitude of musical numbers that are often integral to the plot.

As different as their stories may be, Cowboy Bebop and Macross actually do have some notable overlap. Much like Cowboy Bebop, Macross, especially Super Dimension Fortress Macross, always manages to find a balance between intense space battles and the goofy antics of the cast, so fans of one series are bound to get a lot out of the other. Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichiro Watanabe even got his start directing the OVA series Macross Plus, so for anyone who wants an idea of what likely formed the basis for Cowboy Bebop, Macross is a must-watch.

9 Psycho-Pass (2012)

Original anime created by Production I.G.

Number of Episodes 41 Where to Stream Funimation, Hulu, Tubi, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video

One of the most appealing factors to Cowboy Bebop is that its main protagonist is so well-written, likable, and fleshed out. Viewers learn much about his past, and, throughout the show, Spike is shown to be somewhat of an anti-hero. Psycho-Pass also features an extremely well-written protagonist. Moreover, the show's setting is familiar in that it's both futuristic and has a distinct noir feel to it.

Though Psycho-Pass is much more of a tense thriller, its social commentary and well-written plot will be more than appealing to any fan of Bebop. Psycho-Pass was so successful that it even spawned a massive franchise with two sequel seasons and four movies. Though none of those follow-up projects were able to match the brilliance of that first season, it's a testament to the show's strong world-building that it received so many expansions.

Related 10 Best Anime with Social Commentary In a medium that typically focuses on unrealistic and ideal scenarios, it is always noteworthy when anime has a relevant message to convey.

8 Gungrave (2003)

Original anime series created by Yasuhiro Nightow based on the video game by Red Entertainment

Number of Episodes 26 Where to Stream Funimation, Hulu, Crunchyroll

Gungrave follows two close friends, Harry and Brandon, who are forced to join a crime syndicate once their underworld activities put them in over their heads. However, it's revealed very early on that Harry betrayed Brandon, and the series recounts how the two came to be kingpins of the criminal underworld before tackling the thorny issue of revenge.

Beautiful and dire, it's easily comparable to the almost nihilistic narrative approach taken in Cowboy Bebop. Conceptualized by Trigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow, Gungrave is sure to appeal to fans of that series too. Nightow's designs are evident, giving Gungrave a distinct look that might be perfectly mid-2000s, but will still be perfect for any fan nostalgic for the Adult Swim era of anime that introduced Western fans to Bebop, Trigun, and Outlaw Star. Though Gungrave is perhaps better known for the PlayStation 2 video game, the anime series is definitely worth a watch.

7 Coyote Ragtime Show (2006)

Original anime directed by Takuya Nonaka & produced by Ufotable

Number of Episodes 12 Where to Stream Crunchyroll

Many fans of Cowboy Bebop praise it for its often over-the-top yet visually appealing and entertaining action and adventure, and fans obsessed with the series primarily thanks to its visual flair owe it to themselves to check out Coyote Ragtime Show. The anime follows a space-hopping criminal simply named Mister who spent almost a year in prison. A mere ten days before he would have been released, his partners, Bishop and Katana, break him out.

Coyote Ragtime features lost treasure, federal investigators, a criminal guild, and android assassins. Much like Trigun, Coyote Ragtime leans harder into both the science fiction and cowboy themeing than Bebop. The result is a space western that is just brimming with fun and adventure. Coyote Ragtime is seriously underrated and one anime that more fans of Bebop should give a chance.

6 Great Pretender Is Heist Comedy At Its Finest

Anime series by Wit Studio; Directed by Hiro Kaburagi

Great Pretender Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Cast Alan Lee , Aaron Phillips , Kausar Mohammed , Laura Post , Karen Huie , Fred Tatasciore , Abe Martell , Alain Mesa , Trevor Devall , Eric Tiede , Sachiyo K. , Victor Chao , Veronica Taylor Release Date June 2, 2020 Seasons 4 Streaming Service(s) Netflix Franchise(s) Great Pretender Writers Ryōta Kosawa Directors Hiro Kaburagi

Number of Episodes 23 Where to Stream Netflix

Wit Studio's Great Pretender stars Makoto Edamura, a wannabee pickpocket who tries to go after someone he assumes to be an easy mark, but is actually a master conman named Laurent Thierry. Impressed, Laurent decides to take Makoto, now nicknamed "Edamame", under his wing and teach him everything there is to being a master conman so the two of them can work to con the villainous out of everything they have.

Despite the differing themes and settings, Great Pretender is a perfect match for Cowboy Bebop's energy. Both Great Pretender and Cowboy Bebop have casts of eccentric and roguish characters who play off of one another with clever dialogue, all of which is greatly complemented by incredible art, animation, and overall direction from start to finish. The stylistically cool vibes that make up Cowboy Bebop's central appeal are on full display in Great Pretender, so fans of one are bound to enjoy the other.

5 Blood Blockade Battlefront (2015)

Based on the manga by Yasuhiro Nightow & produced by Studio Bones

Number of Episodes 24+2 OVAs Where to Stream Funimation, Crunchyroll

Based on another manga by Yasuhiro Nightow, Blood Blockade Battlefront—also known as Kekkai Sensen—features secret organizations, monsters, gods, and plenty of hijinks-filled adventures. The series boasts a fantastic soundtrack similar to Cowboy Bebop, with many a jazz tune thrown in. The ending theme featuring many of the series' main characters dancing together is a perfect symbol of the kind of energy and tone Blood Blockade Battlefront is going for.

Much like Cowboy Bebop, this anime show pays particularly careful attention to its well-produced and dynamic fight sequences. Though Blood Blackade Battlefront features much more fantastical elements, its tone and setting make it a natural fit for any fan of Cowboy Bebop. Imbued with Nightow's unique set of themes relating to pacifism and the personal cost of violence, Blood Blockade Battlefront is a must-watch series.

4 Death Parade (2015)

Original anime series created by Yuzuru Tachikawa & produced by Studio Madhouse

Number of Episodes 12 Where to Stream Funimation, Hulu, Crunchyroll

For those who like a series that leans more on the dark aesthetic of the film noir genre, there's Death Parade. Part of this is due to the grim setting, and part of this is due to the central focus of the plot in which souls are used as betting currency in a game. When someone dies, they are given to purgatory's bartenders to eventually either ascend into eternity or face banishment in the void.

Fans of Death Parade should also check out director Yuzuru Tachikawa's other notable works, Mob Psycho 100 and Deca-Dence.

Death Parade was adapted from a short film called Death Billiards instead of a manga, which definitely gives it a unique edge. One of the best death game anime, Death Parade is a tense series that will have fans eager and scared in equal measure to watch the next episode. With a mostly episodic structure, Death Parade captures the same feeling of getting a complete story out of every episode, much like Cowboy Bebop.

3 Gun X Sword (2005)

Original anime series written by Hideyuki Kurata & produced by Studio AIC ASTA

Number of Episodes 26 Where to Stream Funimation, Crunchyroll

This outstanding Western-genre-bending anime packs much of the same themes explored in Cowboy Bebop, albeit in a very different fashion. Van, an extremely aloof anti-hero, is hellbent on getting revenge for the murder of his beloved, and, while that's a trope that has been done to death in both classic American Western films and anime Westerns, Gun X Sword nails it, retaining the stylistic aspects of anime and Westerns which fans love about both genres.

In addition to its other elements, Gun x Sword is also notable for being a mecha series. This gives Gun x Sword a much larger and grander feel than Bebop. Few series have replicated the success of Cowboy Bebop's spaceship battles, so Gun x Sword replacing them with mech fights is a much appreciated twist that gives the series a unique flair.

2 Lupin The Third Is Goofy, Episodic Adventure At Its Finest

Anime series by TMS Entertainment; Based on the manga by Monkey Punch

Lupin the 3rd Part 1 (1971) Cast Tony Oliver , Richard Epcar , Michelle Ruff , Doug Erholtz , Lex Lang , Derek Stephen Prince Release Date October 24, 1971 Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Amazon Freevee , Crackle , Crunchyroll , Plex , Prime Video Franchise(s) Lupin the 3rd Writers Tadaaki Yamazaki , Atsushi Yamatoya , Kiyoshi Miyata , Tōru Sawaki , Seiji Matsuoka , Kazuichi Tsurumi , Mon Shichijō , Shunichirō Koyama , Tatsuo Tamura Directors Masaaki Ōsumi , Hayao Miyazaki , Isao Takahata Main Genre Action Creator(s) Monkey Punch

Number of Episodes 23 Part1, 155 Part 2, 50 Part 3 Where to Stream Crunchyroll, Prime Video

TMS Entertainment’s Lupin the 3rd is a massive multimedia franchise centered around Lupin III, the grandson of the famous phantom thief Arsene Lupin who’s become a master thief in his own right. Every story sees Lupin and his friends, many of whom may or not betray him, working to pull off a major heist of some kind, all while avoiding being arrested by Inspector Zenigata of Interpol and occasionally saving the world.

Despite its lack of science fiction elements, Lupin the 3rd is a great anime for any diehard fan of Cowboy Bebop. Lupin the 3rd is likely the archetypical example of an anime revolving around lovable rouges trying to make money; that sort of story is the core of Cowboy Bebop's narrative, so there's plenty of overlap to be found. Shinichiro Watanabe even worked as a music producer on Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, so it's easy to see that the two have plenty in common in terms of style, thus making Lupin the 3rd an easy recommendation.

1 Samurai Champloo (2004)

Original anime series by Studio Manglobe

Samurai Champloo Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Cast Steve Blum , Kirk Thornton , Kari Wahlgren Release Date May 20, 2004 Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Crunchyroll Franchise(s) Samurai Champloo Writers Masaru Gotsubo Directors Shinichirô Watanabe Main Genre Action Creator(s) Shinichirô Watanabe

Number of Episodes 26 Where to Stream Hulu, Crunchyroll

Set during an alternate version of the Edo period, Samurai Champloo follows the journey of three strange individuals, Fuu, Mugen, and Jin. After Fuu, a young girl, saves the other two from certain death by execution, she convinces the chaotic Jin and the reserved Mugen to help locate a mysterious samurai "who smells of sunflowers." Samurai Champloo was Shinichiro Watanabe's direct follow-up to Cowboy Bebop, and the characters and the subtle undercurrent that follows the characters through both plots are similar.

Samurai Champloo, much like Cowboy Bebop, is also a character-driven story, with each episode revealing more about each. Another notable aspect that both shows share is the sound-track-driven action and style that is carried through the music, with Cowboy Bebop featuring jazz and blues and Samurai Champloo hip-hop and lo-fi sound. Add in the similar character dynamics between the shows, and it's easy to see Samurai Champloo as the best anime for fans of Cowboy Bebop to watch.