Cowboy Bebop

Gun x Sword addpermalink

Gun Sword has a VERY similar feel to Cowboy Bebop and the characters design and animation are also very alike, particularly Van/Spike and Carmen99/Faye.  Both are fabulous space westerns that you should watch.   

report Recommended by allegro665

Anime: Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna

Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna addpermalink

+Both feel similar .
+Both are old .
+Both have  Action, Adventure, Comedy genre .
+Both have similar art .
+Both main character are quite similar .
If you are fan of Cowboy Bebop then you will sure love this anime . 

report Recommended by TrOjAnHoRsE

Sakamichi no Apollon addpermalink

SOULFUL narrative from the industry's best, the legendary duo, director Watanabe Shinichiro and music composer Yoko Kanno 

report Recommended by AmberFebruary

Black Cat (TV) addpermalink

both are stories about a pair of bounty hunters, and they're daily lives, and they're adventures; including dealing with the past of one of the main protagonist involving an old psychotic partner and an organization they left because of a woman, that is out to get them. Along the way, the main protagonist meets a partner, who was a police detectives and now they hunt bounties together, trying to be free, while dealing with the fact they are dirt poor, and starving most of the time. 

report Recommended by kage-bunshin

Anime: Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch R2

Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch R2 addpermalink

The strength of these shows lies in the charming and cool characteristics that the protagonist exudes. Spike from Cowboy Bebop is exhibits the chill and relaxed type of cool, while Lelouch from Code Geass shows more charisma and passion in his goals. 

Also, both shows have fights in different mode, such as gun fights, mecha fights (in CB, it's space ship), and clash of ideals. 

Both anime are praised for its epic ending, even from haters. 

Did I mention that both are made by Sunrise?

report Recommended by bunny1ov3r

Great Teacher Onizuka addpermalink

The anime themselves aren't really alike at all, however if you liked the main character of one, you'll like the other. They're both funny and great in a fight, and overall feel almost like the same character. 

report Recommended by FukouDa

Akira addpermalink

While the themes and the mood differ, the cyber punk setting is definitely prominent in both. 

report Recommended by BakedAsPotato

Gunsmith Cats addpermalink

Gunsmith Cats and Cowboy Bebop both have a similar western style and loads of good action. They have a very jazzy intro song done in a 1970's split screen style. Both have good writing with good characters and humor.  

report Recommended by Hellspawn28

Banana Fish addpermalink

Can trauma truly be healed? Are there wounds that time cannot cure?
Ultimately, Cowboy Bebop and Banana Fish reach the exact same sad conclusion.
While surface wise choice of the setting and story are different, on a deeper level both anime deal with the similar topic of trauma. Main character of Cowboy Bebop, Spike, and Ash of Banana Fish are traumatized, and each one has to constantly carry the weight of his past. 

These are two excellent anime, but no matter how fun it starts in the beginning, - do not kid yourself, - you WILL cry.

report Recommended by Vergilius3D

Gangsta. addpermalink

Character driven series that are full of interesting characters and mystery. With their fare share of fights. The main cast in both series hold mysterious pasts that led them to be together and are key elements of the plot. There is a chill and mello vibe that is felt in the portrayal of both series and they both have awesome music that really adds to the viewing experience.  

report Recommended by retii

Space☆Dandy 2nd Season addpermalink

Same director, similar formula to the episodes, almost identical setting with a main difference being the tone of the shows. In my opinion Space Dandy takes itself a lot less seriously than Bebop. The humour and spontaneity are some of both of the shows greatest strengths. Both have lovable characters and interesting plot lines. 

report Recommended by JVskunkape

Mushishi addpermalink

Both are mostly episodic with a subplot forming very passively through the series. But the reason you will like both is that they have the same type of viewing experience. The nice soundtrack in Cowboy Bebop and the beautiful artwork in Mushishi really make for a lovely viewing experience. There is also the same serene mood in both series (although both can be quite exciting at times). 

report Recommended by PawnDa

Space Cobra addpermalink

Badass, lone-wolf MCs in a space setting. Both shows are mostly episodic (though Cobra has some longer arcs) and the OSTs are jazzy and great. Cobra is a bit goofier and definitely more OTT at most times, but overall they have a very similar setup and feeling. 

report Recommended by Alcoholicide

Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage addpermalink

Bunch of mercenaries/bounty hunters on a cool ship going around causing things to explode. 

report Recommended by robfoster

Jormungand addpermalink

Jorumungand and Cowboy bebop each share a unique style of story line where there really is no dominating over-arching plot. Each episode is self-contained yet part of the whole. Even when it comes to background characters, each one goes into depth about their back stories so you understand why they act the way they act. Not to mention each of these anime have a healthy dose of action. 

report Recommended by HyakkiYagyo

Durarara!! addpermalink

Each episode is told from a different perspective of another character. This makes storytelling very similar in both anime. 

report Recommended by staI1n

Coyote Ragtime Show addpermalink

Both series are influenced to a certain extent by music, specifically types of jazz. Bebop in Cowboy Bebop and Ragtime in Coyote Ragtime Show; so they share the same kind of musical vibe. Both series have a very sci-fi western feel and both are set in an alternate reality where space travel is both possible and used by the every day man. The characters in both series are also fairly similar; the main gang in Cowboy Bebop are bounty hunters and the main gang in Coyote Ragtime Show are treasure hunters (quite like pirates). Both series have episodes set in space and other episodes set on various planets and both contain a good amount of humour, action and adventure. read more 

report Recommended by Touka

Lupin III (2015) addpermalink

Gives you a real similar vibe, episodic & smooth adventure; for one in Italia, and the other in great Space. 

report Recommended by IsItAragnor

Vampire Hunter D (2000) addpermalink

I don't know why, but amazing visuals, fast-paced action, gorgeous sound, attention to detail. Well basically they don't make them like they used too. Other than that, not too similar at all. 

report Recommended by dogbunny

Redline addpermalink

Hear me out:
• Both have great dubs
• Very similar MCs
• Both have beautiful animation that never stays still              
• There are a ton of subtle similarities you'll notice along the way; too many to list. 

report Recommended by BoredOfYou

City Hunter addpermalink

Both have a retro style look and both have stories that begins and ends in the same episode. Protagonists are alike, Ryo Saeba and Spike Spiegel are cool, a little lazy, little comic and use a gun as main weapon. Also, Ryo Saeba are more comic and perverted. 

report Recommended by bereta002

Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens addpermalink

This anime is freaking tribute for Cowboy Bebop. Protagonist looks like Spike and has really similar nature. Except that you''ll see in this anime a lot of details which are connected to Cowboy. If you are not sure, just check the ending :D 

report Recommended by KamildeBielau

Fate/Zero addpermalink

Main Protagonist are strikingly similar due to their resemblance and the story is dark and light at the same time. Drama is involved not only the main characters but others as well. 

report Recommended by Rikudo14

Akudama Drive addpermalink

If you like story, action and heisting, I would recommend Cowboy Bebop. In my opinion, Cowboy Bebop is very similar to Akudama drive due to the sole reason that they both have similar style of story line, it is not necessarily linear, but close.  

report Recommended by Firal

Death Parade addpermalink

This is another episodic anime where each episdoes can be pretty much watched individually, so if thats what you liked about Bebop then you may like this show too.  

report Recommended by AndroidRoberts

Bungou Stray Dogs addpermalink

Format is 2 seasons of episodic police/detective drama.
Bungou has a similiar, but slightly brighter noir detective aesthetic.
Similiar comedic elements interject the main story.

Excellent character development (especially Season 2 Opening Arc). This series covers themes such as redemption and regret.

Well executed fight scenes and a good pacing between backstory and progressing an overall narrative (in this way Bungou Stray Dogs might be better).
 

report Recommended by vinchenso

Dimension W addpermalink

MC in Dimension W is obviously inspired by Spike from Cowboy Bebop. It includes character design, choreography and initial settings such as job, friends, with whom he's not very close, troubled past with a woman. Character development takes different routes though.
If you like lovable/pitiful idiots with superhuman fighting abilities, these two series are exquisite examples. 
Differences: art style; music (Dimension W sux, Cowboy Bebop has one of the best soundtracks in all animation); character development patterns; humor patterns; general feeling, you're left with after watching 

report Recommended by NeoYojik

Spy x Family addpermalink

Even though Spy x Family have less of a cultural influence and take a more slice of life aproach compared to Cowboy Bebop, both are about characters you grow to love over the course of the series, characters with their own personal issues brought together by the circunstances and who forge strong bonds with each other while living their everyday lives together. If you like that aspect in one of the series, there is a chance that you may like the other too. 

report Recommended by FagnerLSantos

Cowboy Bebop and SpyxFamily

*Loose spoilers for the two*

Both are quite similar in terms of pacing and content. Once you accept the idea that the plot is loosely based throughout each show, you will see the more lighthearted slice-of-life-ish elements. Though the plots and theme of each anime are different they each share a healthy mix of exciting action scenes with wholesome moments of a found family put together.

To get the elephant out of the room, yes Cowboy Bebop is a much more grittier anime that explores space and of course the lovely bebop/jazz musical influences. SpyxFamily, on the other hand, explores the everyday struggles of a dysfunctional family as each member hides their true colors. 

Through both anime, each character finds their voice and reasoning to stay together even if they don't really want to admit it. Whereas each character's past in Cowboy Bebop keeps the Bebop Crew from staying together as one big happy family, the Forgers have a chance to achieve what they couldn't do. With SpyxFamily still ongoing, hopefully, the found family can address their present situations and double lives to keep and value what they all have together.

Cowboy Bebop's storytelling is pretty much silly filler episodes with only 1-2 episodes exploring each member. However, with Spike being the main focus, we see how his obvious patterns impact his every move through each rewatch. Similarly, SpyxFamily comes off as a silly slice of life with slow pacing, especially when it comes to Loid's story. It's easy to get caught up in the hopes that the more serious plots must be resolved somehow, someway, eventually?!? But, once you get caught up in the lives of the found families, that all goes away as you focus on the heart of their familial love.

Cowboy Bebop - Character Roles
.Spike, Julia, and Faye - The love triangle that never was - Though Spike could've moved on and created a healthy relationship with everyone on the Bebop, he still clung to Julia. Sometimes the one that got away was never meant to be but realistically the dude had options. Though she is annoying and arrogant at times, Faye was always there with Spike. When she had nowhere else to turn to, she always had a home at the Bebop which helped her overcome many of her worries regarding her identity and belonging. Though Faye was reliant on Spike, he couldn't allow the same for himself. He purposefully kept Faye at arm's length to settle his past. Though his actions were 'saddening', his pull towards Julia prevailed in the end

.Ed and Ein - finding a sense of belonging and supporting the Bebop - Ed has always been optimistic and playful, so to find a similar soul and forever friend in her animal sidekick, Ein, helps both characters find security and belonging within themselves. When Ed realized it was the right time to go, Ein kept by her side and chose her above everyone else. It was easy for the two to see what was happening around them, so Ein took the initiative to wander all through space with someone who would unconditionally love and stay with them. Though the Bebop crew would come to an end, these two found belonging together

Jett - the mom of the Bebop - Leaving behind his job and partner, all Jett had was the Bebop and his friend Spike. Though skeptical at first glance, he seemed to welcome and appreciate each new member of the Bebop as they first boarded. It was through the dysfunctional family dynamic and dire or silly situations that brought them closer. Even after all of their adventures came to a close, Jett had to prepare for the loss, the coming and going of the crew as he knew what it was like to lose before. Losing his job as a cop and his partner seemed to foreshadow and prepare him for another big loss ahead of him. This became more apparent when speaking with Spike for the last time before running off to end the syndicate alone.

SpyxFamily - Character Roles
.Loid, Yor, and Fiona - Another awkward love triangle - similar to Spike, Loid suppresses his feelings but not just romantically. He does so to not compromise his missions for the greater good of world peace. Though he is working towards something positively productive, Loid and Yor have natural chemistry. By allowing himself to create a family, even though it's a guise, he's slowly warming up to the idea of allowing himself to have love in his life. Though their dynamic is strained because of this "fake family" there are times when both Loid and Yor slip up with concealing their feelings. Whether it be fidgeting or blushing, that connection is obvious. However, the addition of Fiona on Loid's mission compromises their potential romance as she strides to be the only one for Loid romantically. Though the anime and manga are still ongoing, there is so much to speculate on what will become of them.

.Anya and Bond - finding a sense of belonging and supporting the Forgers - Again another pairing quite similar to the Bebop Crew. Anya and Bond and Ed and Ein have this beautiful human-to-animal relationship. Something sweet and loving came from a dire bombing situation. Anya was able to save Bond, former bomb dog and test subject, from working with the bad guys who most likely abuse those poor dogs. Bond in return, used his skills as a bomb dog and precognition/foresight abilities to save Anya from the threat of terrorists. They both bonded, pun intended, over their special abilities and worked together to de-escalate a bad situation that might have killed Loid if they weren't careful. After fighting to adopt Bond, the two have become inseparable. As of now, they actively play together and work towards assisting Yor and Loid with everyday problems.

I recommend both of these shows as long as you realize that you should take your time to enjoy the world and characters before taking the plot too seriously. I hope to see SpyxFamily do what Cowboy Bebop couldn't in regards to successfully building and maintaining a found family. Each family deserves the best considering how much they have fought to stay together and actively engage in each other's livelihoods day to day. read more

report Recommended by FXET_507

Trinity Blood addpermalink

One is considered an All time Great while the other may be an anime that has received mixed reviews.
They both have a very strong plot with large voids that create questions and character to the animation.  Trinity Blood doesn't quite have as strong of character development or character magnetism, but still have great development mechanism, and leaves plenty to the imagination.
Overall plot is different, one is an outlaw/bounty hunter model, where the other is "government agent" style approach. Both leave you wanting more.  

report Recommended by JoHowdy123

FLCL addpermalink

They both have really good (but different) music throughout the show 

report Recommended by Jacob-Killmaki

Jigoku Shoujo addpermalink

both are episodic formats with a focus on stopping the bad guys in it. 

report Recommended by Disapeared_Ghost

Steins;Gate addpermalink

Both anime are VERY different story wise but both have a great cast of unique characters. So if you watch anime for good characters I highly recommend. (Sorry this is my first recommendation and I don't really have much to say ._.) 

report Recommended by ZoeUchiha

Casshern Sins addpermalink

Both take place in a cyberpunk setting and spend most of its run telling episodic stories about characters that ultimately tie in to a central plotline later on. 

report Recommended by iBlewupthemoon

Mugen no Ryvius addpermalink

The stories are about space adventure in the single spaceship that have a specific name presented in the title of the anime. Sometimes characters are in the complicated relationship or other way round don't care about each other. And of course both anime are created by the same studio. 

report Recommended by radimir_kun

Fate/Zero 2nd Season addpermalink

The feelings of both shows are similar since as the story processes, more characters are taken out making it more lonely. For the most part, it reflects on their point of views and their backgrounds. Both have great action, soundtrack, animation, and development. Also similar conclusions as well. I found some character similarities, Kiritsugu=Spike, Kirei=Vicious, Rider=Jet and Kiritsugu's band has the same amount that Spike has. Trust me it's linear since each episodes focuses on the story then they show backstories and pasts, etc. 

report Recommended by SlaughterDagger

NieA Under 7 addpermalink

Though Ed is a human who recently left earth and NieA is an alien living in a small town they are very similar characters.  They have a similar character design and move in the same loose not as realistic manner.  They both kinda just do what they want to and think is fun; in contrast to a more serious grounded cast.  Both Ed and NieA insert themselves into the lives of their other castmates.  NieA just by deciding to live in Mayu's closet and Ed by tricking then blackmailing the crew of the Bebop.   

report Recommended by MariSan28

Bungou Stray Dogs 2nd Season addpermalink

how to watch cowboy bebop similar plot  in just 4 episodes 

report Recommended by ABDONOVAN

Ashita no Joe 2 addpermalink

Protagonists that will do whatever it takes to quench their thirst for what they want most (for Spike, revenge. for Joe, the fire of the ring), even if it could mean the end of them. Also has tons of characters with complicated relationships who aren't honest about themselves.
Both are two of the best things ever made. 

report Recommended by ZachM

Onihei addpermalink

Onihei and Cowboy Bebop do not fit conventions of a serial (episodic show).  Essentially, they both discard the format for normal plots.  The score is also very good for both.  Onihei has a jazzy score, similar to what you'd expect from Shinichiro Watanabe, or other Western influenced directors.  

Although they are sequential in timeframe, they seem to drift.  The reason why they both seem this way is because a plot is secondary to the tone.  Each episode is a pseudo-standalone, with its own premise.  This elicits a mood of relaxation, and it's ultimately very refreshing.  Also, doing this makes the whole series feel more unified.  Cowboy Bebop is a classic; in a few years, likely so will Onihei.  I imagine if you like one, you'll like the other.  Note: Onihei is a great rendition of samurai culture.   read more 

report Recommended by SamuraiSteve

Kidou Senshi Gundam Thunderbolt addpermalink

-Both are set in space, but not outside solar system
-Both have great jazzy soundtrack
-Both are stunningly animated 

report Recommended by DurangaVoe

GetBackers addpermalink

In both series, the main characters take on dangerous jobs/missions as a bounty hunter or "Getbacker" in hopes that their hard work would finally free them from their poverty and grumblings about having no money. Despite being very successful at what they do and completing their jobs, money still manages to elude them and onto the next job they go.  

report Recommended by lunafly

Persona 5 the Animation addpermalink

Both have jazzy soundtracks and stories that deal with ragtag group of misfits who have different goals and dark pasts that haunt them in a stylish manner.

One of the P5's cast Futaba has in common with Edward as a shout out. 

report Recommended by WingZeroRequiem

El Cazador de la Bruja addpermalink

It is a really great time with great animation and an even better score.  The dubbed version is spot on with the casting just like Bebop.  The bounty hunter aspect is utilized in a fun and fresh way, it is definitely more upbeat. The side characters develop amazingly that I for one could have used more of, but for 26 eps the resolve and path to get there are highly recommended from this lover of all that is Anime. 

report Recommended by Cassy17

Blue Gender addpermalink

Both are sci fis. The tone of their story is similar, even though Blue Gender is more mature than Cowboy Bebop in some aspects and somewhat grimier, darker. 

report Recommended by SeekingWaylander

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom addpermalink

Both are about a misterious future and deteriorated society.
love history it isn't the main point and visually they are very similar too. 

report Recommended by ariragues

Anime: Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne no Musume-tachi

Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne no Musume-tachi addpermalink

Had a similar "Cowboy Bebop" feeling when watching. However Mnemosyne contains quite some nudity and might be a bit extreme.. sometimes *cough* 

report Recommended by Kozooo

Heat Guy J addpermalink

Similar protagonists and both of them have partners that are 7 feet tall...Same kind of atmosphere....etc. 

report Recommended by samseison

Gungrave addpermalink

Both gunshooting action with dark plots. Both are also sci fi and in a way, you feel that Spike and Viscious are similar to the Brandon and Harry in their pasts and struggles. Many, many signinficant scenes that will leave you thinking that it's just like how it happened in that other anime, and you'll know what I mean if you watch both series from start to finish. 

report Recommended by jamesx33

Lupin III: Cagliostro no Shiro addpermalink

In many ways Cowboy Bebop is a lot like a Lupin III in space. Both involve dangerous missions for money, beautiful women and dashes of comedy.
Cowboy Bebop is more darker and violent than "Cagliostro" but both give you a feeling of high flying adventure! 

report Recommended by TVC15

Sunabouzu addpermalink

This anime is totally kick ass! Both Spike, and Kanta are really kick ass with their jobs. One is a merc, the other is a bounty hunter? The difference is comedy! If you like action series that just totally kick ass...Watch DP. 

report Recommended by ViewtifulJak

Full Moon wo Sagashite addpermalink

They both have young protagonists who try to find someone that they love for their own purpose. They both have pretty much the same feel but except Full Moon is for children. Cowboy Bebop is for older teens and maybe older preteens (10 and up). 

report Recommended by Pitrocks14

Kachou Ouji addpermalink

Both are (mostly) set in space, have great music, and have a beautiful, seductive woman with that certain awesome hairstyle (Faye/Layla) who develops feelings for the male protagonist (Spike/Oji) even though he's already taken. 

report Recommended by RenaPsychoKiller

Crusher Joe addpermalink

Very similar in terms of the character roles of the main four, as well as the 'mercenaries for hire, on a spaceship' premise.

The lead, Joe, is a little like Spike; him being a quiet, charismatic, and somewhat cool young guy. His love interest, and the second crew member, Alfin, is like Faye in the sense that she's the noisiest character, as well as the only one with sex appeal. Talos is CJ's Jet - his bulky build and wisdom gained from living longer than the others making him the most mature of the team. And, completing the list, Ricky is CJ's very own Ed - him being the required kid of the team and the the one with the know-how to fix their ship. All that's missing to make CB and CJ match-up fully is a Welsh Corgi.

If you found the struggles of the Bebop crew entertaining as they tried to make money, CJ's action-packed story is sure to please, too. read more 

report Recommended by AironicallyHuman

Golgo 13 (TV) addpermalink

Both are about bounty hunters and incorporate lots of jazz music. Bebop is in a futuristic setting while Golgo 13 is more or less the present. They are both episodic being that pretty much every episode is about chasing a new bounty instead of having an overall storyline. 

report Recommended by yemsols