Exploring the annals of anime, it’s rare to come across a gem such as Cowboy Bebop (1998). Spanning only one season with 26 episodes, this extraordinary series has morphed into a cult phenomenon and is now widely acknowledged as one of the finest anime productions ever made. The passion that drove the crew behind Cowboy Bebop is evident in the show’s distinctive and thought-provoking nature, making it stand out among other anime series.
Presently, it’s quite challenging to match or equal the quality of “Cowboy Bebop,” but for those who are yearning for something similar to this exceptional series, we’ve compiled a list of top-notch anime that you should definitely watch.
The list we’ve prepared for you consists of twenty titles, arranged randomly, not reflecting their quality or ranking. Our goal was to select the finest shows that capture either the genre, aesthetic, or essence of “Cowboy Bebop” in order to provide you with an enjoyable viewing experience similar to the original. Each title on this list will come with some basic production details and a brief summary.
1. Psycho-Pass
Original Run: October 12, 2012 – December 12, 2019
Number of Episodes: 41
In the year 2112, Japan witnessed a remarkable transformation into an allegedly “ideal society” orchestrated by Sibyl, an advanced computer system. Through an extensive network of cameras, drones, and scanners, Sibyl assessed and measured the potential criminal tendencies of individuals, categorizing them as either likely to commit crimes (known as “Psycho-Pass”) or law-abiding citizens.
When a person violates societal standards, officers from the Public Safety Bureau, along with those who have unusually high “Psycho-Pass” levels, intervene by capturing these individuals for therapeutic treatment, imprisonment, or lethal force if necessary.
Akane Tsunemori, a fresh inspector at Division 1 of the Public Security Bureau, embarks on her new world. She is committed to upholding justice faithfully; however, she uncovers that Sibyl’s judgments are not as flawless as others believe.
In this version, I aimed to maintain the original meaning while using a more natural and easy-to-read language.
2. Trigun
Original Run: April 1, 1998 – September 30, 1998
Number of Episodes: 26
In this futuristic setting, humanity has depleted all Earth’s natural resources and is compelled to migrate to a barren planet under the relentless heat of twin suns.
The story’s setting echoes the period of the Western frontier, depicting the lives and surroundings of the characters. Remnants of sophisticated technology from a bygone age stand in stark contrast to the community’s lifestyle. As the landscape unveils itself, the mention of a name linked to the July destruction, once a bustling city with over a million inhabitants, causes unease among all.
Originated from Vash the Stampede, this entity is often likened to a humanoid hurricane due to the destruction left in its wake. However, its true identity and intent remain somewhat of a mystery to all.
3. Ghost in the Shell
Original Run: November 18, 1995 – present
Number of Episodes: Numerous series and movies
Ghost in the Shell” is a futuristic comic series, following the events around the year 2030, and it’s heavily influenced by cyberpunk aesthetics. The principal character is Motoko Kusanagi, a female cyborg who belongs to Section 9, an elite police force specializing in fighting crime.
In both the original manga and its movie adaptation, the primary plot follows an intense pursuit for a notorious cyber-villain called “The Puppet Master.” This mastermind manipulates individuals’ digital selves or “ghosts” within the Global Digital Network, a sophisticated version of the Internet in this fictional world.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the culprit turns out to be not a living person, but rather an immaterial artificial intelligence – the first of its kind to have developed self-awareness in our world.
4. Space☆Dandy
Original Run: January 4, 2014 – September 28, 2014
Number of Episodes: 26
In this sci-fi series, we tag along as Dandy, an intergalactic bounty hunter, explores the universe. He’s quite fond of the BooBies restaurant franchise and is pursued by Dr. Gel. Accompanying him are Meow, a feline extraterrestrial, and QT, a versatile robot sidekick.
They traverse the cosmos, seeking out elusive extraterrestrials to apprehend for transport to the Registration Center, hoping to strike it rich. But, catching an unidentified alien isn’t nearly as simple as one might assume.
5. BLACK LAGOON
Original Run: April 9, 2006 – December 19, 2006
Number of Episodes: 24
Rokuro Okajima, a young Japanese worker, has been assigned by his firm to voyage across Southeast Asian waters, carrying a disk that holds critical and confidential information about the company he represents.
Regrettably, a group of rogue pirates targeted his ship, intending to seize his belongings and capture him. They transported him aboard their vessel, the Black Lagoon – an aged torpedo boat. Despite this, trusting that his company would come to his aid, he remains unconcerned.
It’s unbeknownst to him that his upper echelons secretly enlisted mercenaries with the intention of silencing him and erasing any trace of the record’s existence. By the climax of this remarkable initial episode, he chooses to abandon his life in Japan and embark on the thrilling journey of these contemporary pirates.
His superiors secretly hired mercenaries to silence him and eliminate any evidence related to the record’s existence without his knowledge. In the final scenes of this captivating first episode, he decides to leave behind his life in Japan to join the escapade of these modern-day pirates.
6. Outlaw Star
Original Run: January 8, 1998 – June 25, 1998
Number of Episodes: 26
As we venture into the Star Age, numerous star systems are unlocked for interstellar travel. Within the roaming communities, a select few have chosen a path of bounty hunting – pursuing and apprehending lawbreakers in exchange for generous rewards. I am one of those individuals, ready to answer the call of justice across the cosmos.
In this scenario, Gene Starwind and his companion Jim Hawking, who happen to be space bounty hunters, take on a new assignment. Their task is to safeguard Captain Hilda, along with an android named Melfina he possesses. This unique android is the only one capable of piloting the XGP-15A II spaceship, later known as “Outlaw Star”. It turns out that this ship has caught the attention of a notorious group called the Kei Pirates, making it a target for them.
Following Hilda’s passing, I found myself in the company of two space explorers, Melfina, a feline alien named Aisha Clanclan, and a lethal samurai known as Suzuka, who seems to be shrouded in mystery like twilight. This new dynamic promises an intriguing continuation of our cosmic adventures.
7. Baccano!
Original Run: July 26, 2007 – November 1, 2007
Number of Episodes: 16
Back in the swinging ’20s, I found myself in bustling Chicago, where the mythical train known as the Flying Pussyfoot set off on an unforgettable voyage. This iconic transcontinental ride would etch a chilling path of violence across America’s heartland.
As a cinephile, I find myself engrossed in two captivating narratives unfolding simultaneously. In the bustling cityscape of New York, I’m following Dr. Szilard Quates, an unyielding scientist on a relentless quest, accompanied by his reluctant assistant Ennis. Their mission? To recover the vanished vials of the legendary Elixir of Immortality.
Meanwhile, in a different era, aboard the Advena Avis in 1711, I’m also drawn to a group of alchemists who are on the brink of discovering the cost of immortality. The tension between warring gangster groups in New York and the moral dilemma faced by these 18th-century alchemists create a fascinating juxtaposition, fueling my fascination with the intricate tapestry of human ambition and the pursuit of eternal life.
8. Bungo Stray Dogs
Original Run: April 7, 2016 – present
Number of Episodes: 48
The narrative revolves around peculiar characters possessing extraordinary abilities. They employ these talents in diverse manners, including managing businesses, unraveling enigmas, and executing covert investigations as part of an armed detective agency, targeting the criminal underworld in the harbor district.
The narrative primarily focuses on the daily lives of individuals within the “Armed Detective Agency,” an organization with a unique twist: every member has supernatural abilities. These special talents allow them to take on cases that are beyond the reach of ordinary law enforcement due to their dangerous nature.
Atsushi Nakajima, a young orphan teetering on the brink of hunger by a river, unexpectedly encounters a task: rescuing a man from attempting suicide. The man turns out to be none other than Dazai Osamu, who belongs to an unusual organization.
9. Blade Runner: Black Lotus
Original Run: November 14, 2021 – present
Number of Episodes: 13
In the year 2032, thirteen years following the original film, the story unfolds one day after the events of “Black Out”. It revolves around Ella, a female replicant, who finds herself in Los Angeles with no recollection of her past. She discovers she possesses an encrypted data device and a tattoo of a blue lotus on her back. Eager to uncover her lost memories and identify those responsible for her current state, Ella embarks on an investigation.
In October 2032, a woman named Elle found herself waking up in the back of a vehicle, suffering from amnesia. With snippets of memories and an encoded data device at hand, she embarked on a journey to uncover her true identity.
After unsuccessful attempts to crack the code on the device, Doc Badger escorts Elle to a reliable acquaintance who could potentially help. This individual, Joseph, initially hesitates but agrees. As Elle relaxes watching TV, she identifies Senator Bannister on screen, someone she recalls from her past, and sets out to locate him.
10. Durarara!!
Original Run: January 8, 2010 – March 26, 2016
Number of Episodes: 60
Hailing from the same minds behind the series “Baccano!”, comes the anime “Durarara!!”, which unfolds in a chaotic Tokyo, teeming with rough-and-tumble youths and assorted gang members.
The story unfolds in the Ikebukuro district, where Ryugamine Mikado relocates upon the invitation of his longtime friend Kida Masaomi. He advises Mikado to steer clear of certain questionable individuals lurking around: a rough-edged bartender, an enigmatic information dealer, and a secretive gang known as “Dollars”.
Upon reaching the city Mikado, he’ll encounter a legend – a headless biker on a massive black motorcycle, its engine and lights extinguished. This figure is so feared, it sends chills down the spines of even the toughest gangs in Ikebukuro.
11. Michiko & Hatchin
Original Run: October 15, 2008 – March 18, 2009
Number of Episodes: 22
The narrative centers on Michiko Malandros and Hana Morenos, commonly known as Hatchin, and the bond they develop during their lengthy quest to locate Hiroshi Morenos, who is both Michiko’s former lover and Hatchin’s biological father.
The narrative commences as Michiko Malandro, a resilient and captivating figure, successfully breaks free from the nation’s strongest penitentiary, determined to track down Hiroshi Morenos, her past lover.
He searches for Hana Moreno, his sole daughter, in an attempt to discover where he might be through her. However, during this quest, he unexpectedly saves Hana from the grasp of her abusive and unkind adoptive family instead.
Without any risks at stake, they’ll embark on a quest to find Hiroshi Morenos, all while dodging detective Atsuko Jackson’s relentless pursuit to imprison Michiko once more, as well as avoiding debt-owing gangster groups and other perils en route.
Despite having a less-than-ideal bond, Michiko and Hana gradually develop a mutual understanding and dependence that resembles a mother-daughter dynamic.
Additionally, they’ll encounter significant emotional hurdles that will fortify them, even though it’s not exclusive to these two characters; everyone will experience their share of human vulnerabilities, whether in a positive or negative light.
12. Death Parade
Original Run: January 9, 2015 – March 27, 2015
Number of Episodes: 12
Each time a person passes away, their spirits are directed towards various enigmatic taverns, managed by attendants acting as judges inside a towering structure in the afterlife.
In that setting, they are compelled to take part in the Deadly Games, risking their very souls. The outcome of these games uncovers the reasons behind their predicament and what awaits them subsequently. The officials decide whether their souls will be reborn or confined in the void instead.
The story revolves around Decim, a solitary bartender, who works in a unique establishment called the Quindecim bar. This bar is special because it serves those who passed away simultaneously. However, when he encounters an intriguing woman with dark hair, his role as a judge of these souls takes on a new dimension.
13. Ergo Proxy
Original Run: February 25, 2006 – August 12, 2006
Number of Episodes: 23
The narrative unfolds within Romdo, a forward-thinking urban center nestled beneath a protective dome, designed as a sanctuary for its inhabitants who have survived a devastating virus beyond the barriers. Here, humans and robots live in harmony.
In this city, humans and robots share tranquil coexistence.
however, a string of killings attributed to robotic systems infected with the Cogito virus has begun disrupting the delicate equilibrium in society. To make matters worse, the government is clandestinely testing on a puzzling artificial lifeform called Proxy, believed to hold the secret to immense power.
The story starts when a Proxy, secretly developed within government labs, is accidentally released due to the surge of awakening energy.
14. Carole & Tuesday
Original Run: April 10, 2019 – October 2, 2019
Number of Episodes: 24
The narrative unfolds approximately half a century following mankind’s initiation of colonization on Mars. In this era, the majority of cultural output is generated by artificially intelligent entities, while humans find satisfaction in their roles as mere spectators.
In this group, there are two young women who stand out: Carole, a part-time musician living in bustling Alba, and Tuesday, a woman from the affluent Herschel province aspiring to be a musician. Yet, Tuesday’s family doesn’t share her passion, leaving her feeling quite isolated.
On one occasion, these two young ladies happen upon each other and resolve to revolutionize the realm of music. Despite their limited capacity to generate a substantial impact within this community at first, the ripple they create might eventually swell into something significant.
15. Samurai Champloo
Original Run: May 20, 2004 – March 19, 2005
Number of Episodes: 26
Fifteen-year-old Fuu once tended to customers at a local tea house, until one fateful day when it was tragically torn down following a brutal clash involving Mugen, a wanderer, Jin, a samurai on the move, and the guards protecting the young nobleman of that town.
Following their fierce battle, Mugen and Jin were taken into custody for execution the following day. However, Fuu, with her assistance, managed to free them on the condition that they would aid her in locating a samurai who carries the scent of sunflowers. Despite this arrangement, Mugen and Jin’s animosity towards each other never subsided, resembling a fierce professional rivalry. Both samurais harbor enigmatic pasts.
So, the narrative follows their journey through various routes and shadowy corridors, and how they manage to resolve the predicaments they encounter. Samurai Champloo combines real-life backdrops from the Edo Era with contemporary elements and allusions.
This blends a multitude of contemporary aspects, particularly hip-hop aesthetics like rapping, graffiti, gangsta-influenced streetwear featuring brands like Adidas and Converse, baseball, and allusions to the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
16. Plastic Memories
Original Run: April 5, 2015 – June 28, 2015
Number of Episodes: 13
The anime explores concepts of encounters and partings, set in a future where androids are increasingly indistinguishable from humans. One day, SAI Corporation unveiled the Giftia model, an advanced AI that can perceive and feel human emotions. However, these robots have a limited lifespan.
In this animation, we’ll delve into the everyday experiences of Tsukasa Mizugaki, a character who works for SAI Corp’s Terminal service, which involves assisting in the transition of Giftias at the end of their lives. However, things take an interesting turn when he forms a partnership with Isla, a Giftia herself.
17. DEATH NOTE
Original Run: October 3, 2006 – June 26, 2007
Number of Episodes: 37
High school prodigy named Light Yagami perceives the current society as wicked, flawed, and morally bankrupt. A significant shift occurs in his life when he stumbles upon an enigmatic notebook titled “Death Note”.
The instructions on this notebook state that “the individual whose name is inscribed here will perish.” Initially doubtful, Light chooses to verify the notebook’s authenticity and finds that its power is indeed genuine. He encounters Ryuk, a deity of death who calls himself as such, claiming he had intentionally discarded his Death Note just for amusement.
18. Monster
Original Run: April 7, 2004 – September 28, 2005
Number of Episodes: 74
The narrative unfolds in Germany, 1986, specifically at the Eisler Memorial Hospital in Düsseldorf. Our protagonist, Kenzo Tenma, is a talented young Japanese neurosurgeon, exceptionally skilled in his field. He’s deeply involved with Eva Heineman, the hospital director’s daughter, and poised for an illustrious future.
On one particular day, instead of attending to the mayor of the city first, he chooses to perform emergency surgery on a young boy who had been shot in the head, this boy arriving at the hospital ahead of the mayor. The boy’s twin sister, deeply shaken, is also admitted to the hospital.
A short while after, the boy and his sister vanish, coinciding with the enigmatic killings of three high-ranking figures in the institution, among them the principal. Nine years on, Tenma uncovers the perpetrator of these crimes: Johann, the 10-year-old child he had rescued, appears to have transformed into a terrifying entity instilling fear everywhere he goes.
19. Kekkai Sensen
Original Run: April 4, 2015 – December 23, 2017
Number of Episodes: 24
3 years past, an abyss connecting Earth with realms beyond materialized in New York City. On a fateful evening, New York sustained catastrophic damage, only to be resurrected. This event enclosed both human residents of New York and otherworldly beings within a protective dome.
Rebaptized as Hellsalem’s Lot, the city serves as a hotspot for the unexplained, blending mystical phenomena with everyday life, offering refuge to both sanity and insanity. It is a hub where various kinds of human scum gather to exploit the supernatural forces.
An individual is warning they’ll shatter the peace of ‘Bull’ and expose the terrors hidden within New Jerusalem, yet the enigmatic operatives of Libra are tirelessly working to avert such a catastrophic scenario.
20. Lupin the Third
Original Run: October 24, 1971 – present
Number of Episodes: 296
Arsène Lupin III, a grandson of the renowned international thief Arsène Lupin, is known for his cunning and elusive thefts. Accompanied by his trusted sidekick Daisuke Jigen, who boasts unmatched marksmanship skills, he can swiftly discharge multiple bullets at a moment’s notice on various targets.
Fujiko Mine, known for her knack of manipulating situations, especially Lupin who has feelings for her, often tags along with him, using these instances to her advantage. The swift-handed samurai Goemon Ishikawa XIII, famed for his skill with the legendary Zantetsuken katana, eventually joins the group following a series of duels. Lupin and his companions are relentlessly chased by Inspector Koichi Zenigata of Interpol, whose mission is to finally apprehend them.
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2025-06-04 18:17