16 Movies Like Cowboy Bebop That Will Blow Your Mind

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is like reconnecting with an old friend. It has the same sense of humor and style as the original series, but it has also matured. It's like your friend has taken advantage of improved technologies or perhaps gotten a little wider around the belly. The movie takes place somewhere in the late teen or early twenties episodes of the series, so if you've already watched the series, certain things won't surprise you since you know what happens to the characters later. On the plus side, it hits where we're most familiar with the series, before things get super serious and with the characters in the state that they spent most of the series.
The story of Cowboy Bebop: The Movie deals with a bioterror threat, and the Bebop crew gets caught up in it while trying to catch bounties to make some money in an urban city.

Samurai Champloo, also known as Samurai chanpurû, is a series that shares many similarities with Cowboy Bebop. Both shows are visually stunning, with animation quality that is top-notch. The fight scenes in Samurai Champloo are kick-ass, beautiful, and often bloody, just like in Cowboy Bebop. The backgrounds are also very lush and detailed, immersing you in the world of the show. Additionally, both shows have incredible soundtracks that elevate the viewing experience. Just like Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo is filled with great music that perfectly complements the action on screen. Although the opening theme song of Samurai Champloo is a "rap" song that doesn't rhyme, it is still fantastic. If you loved Cowboy Bebop, you absolutely have to watch Samurai Champloo. And even if you're an anime fan in general, this show is a must-see.

El Cazador de la Bruja is a captivating anime series that will remind you of Cowboy Bebop. While both shows belong to the same genre and share key topics such as bounty hunters and a dark past, El Cazador brings a unique twist to the table. It centers around the story of Ellis, a murder suspect on the run, and her unlikely companion Nadi, a bounty hunter. Together, they embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover the truth about Ellis' past. El Cazador stands out with its blend of comedy, drama, and a western flair set in Central America. The relationship between Nadie and Ellis develops beautifully, and the series keeps you hooked with surprises and exciting moments. The music, composed by Yuki Kajiura, adds a Latin touch and creates a captivating atmosphere.

The Big O takes place in a futuristic city with lost memories, where an expert negotiator fights threats to the city with the help of an android and his own giant robot. While Cowboy Bebop and The Big O share some common themes, such as neo noir and futuristic settings, they have distinct differences. Cowboy Bebop focuses on the misadventures and tragedies of an easygoing bounty hunter and his partners, with a heavy emphasis on jazz music and a diverse cast of characters. On the other hand, The Big O delves into the mysteries of a city with lost memories, featuring an expert negotiator who fights against threats with the help of his giant robot. The Big O adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to its neo noir setting, making it a must-watch for fans of Cowboy Bebop who are looking for a new and captivating series.

Pokémon the Movie 2000 takes us on an adventure with Ash Ketchum as he tries to restore balance to the Orange Islands by gathering the three spheres of fire, ice, and lightning. Although this movie may seem like just another sequel, it surprised me with its improved animation and a more detailed plotline. Unlike its predecessor, it felt like a true cinematic experience rather than an extended episode of the television series. Even the short film, "Pikachu's Rescue Adventure," had more coherence than the one in the first movie. Now, you might be thinking that I'm just a kid raving about Pokémon, but believe it or not, I'm actually 20 years old! I can legally watch R-rated movies, but I would still choose to watch this delightful animated film instead.

"Neon Genesis Evangelion" is reminiscent of "Cowboy Bebop" in its ability to captivate viewers with its unique and mind-blowing storyline. While "Cowboy Bebop" takes us on a futuristic journey with a bounty hunter and his team, "Neon Genesis Evangelion" follows a teenage boy who finds himself recruited as a pilot. Both shows excel in character development, going beyond what is typically seen in regular movies. They both have a knack for evoking a wide range of emotions, from action-packed excitement to deep introspection. However, "Neon Genesis Evangelion" takes things a step further with its ultimate weirdness and complexity, leaving viewers in awe and craving for more. The last three episodes of the series deliver a conclusion that defies all expectations, ensuring that minds are truly blown. With its originality, substance, and ability to surprise, "Neon Genesis Evangelion" is a must-watch for anyone seeking an unforgettable anime experience.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm takes us back to a time when Batman wasn't just a dark and brooding superhero, but also a character with depth and complexity. This animated gem from 1993 captures the essence of Batman's noir roots, just like Cowboy Bebop did for anime. Both films share the theme of a protagonist with a dark past, seeking justice in a corrupt world. While Cowboy Bebop explores this through the eyes of a bounty hunter in a futuristic setting, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm delves into the psyche of Bruce Wayne as he is wrongly implicated in a series of murders. The animation in both movies is top-notch, immersing us in their respective worlds. And let's not forget the amazing soundtracks that accompany these stories. Cowboy Bebop's jazzy tunes and Batman: Mask of the Phantasm's atmospheric score elevate the viewing experience to a whole new level.

Megazone 23 III takes you on a wild ride through a network war, an iconic character named EVE, and a mission to reclaim the Earth. Reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop, this movie captivates you with its futuristic setting and enthralling story. While Cowboy Bebop introduces you to a group of bounty hunters, Megazone 23 III follows the journey of Eiji, a hacker caught in the middle of a network war. Both movies excel in their ability to create diverse and captivating characters. Cowboy Bebop explores the pasts of its characters, while Megazone 23 III delves into a plot involving multiple English dubs and a silver-haired figure. With its unique blend of action, drama, and romance, Megazone 23 III is a must-watch for fans of Cowboy Bebop looking for another thrilling anime experience.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, like Cowboy Bebop, is an anime that captivates you from start to finish. It boasts a vast and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and storylines. The way the series seamlessly weaves together these characters' developments is truly impressive. While Cowboy Bebop takes you on a futuristic journey through space, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood explores a world of alchemy and the search for the Philosopher's Stone. Both series are action-packed, filled with intense moments, heartbreaking tragedies, and lighthearted humor. The animation and art in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are top-notch, with no poorly edited sequences or grotesque-looking art. The soundtrack, particularly the opening and closing sequences, is excellent as well. While Cowboy Bebop is known for its jazz music, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood delivers a soundtrack that perfectly complements its epic story.

Berserk, also known as Kenpuu Denki Berserk, is a series that will remind you of Cowboy Bebop. While the animation quality might not be as top-notch, Berserk's crude and intense nature grows on you surprisingly fast. The European medieval setting adds a unique touch, making the bloody action and philosophical musings feel more natural. The protagonist, Guts, is a pure force of killing power, but as the series progresses, he gradually learns responsibility and compassion. Flashbacks reveal the unflinching truth of his past and how he became so unfeeling. Berserk is worth watching because it is character-driven, despite its intense violence, and manages to evoke genuine emotions despite its hardcore narrative cruelty. So if you enjoyed Cowboy Bebop, give Berserk a shot and prepare for an enthralling journey filled with dark fantasy, sword fighting, and a menacing presence lurking in the shadows.

Adventures of Captain Vrungel: An old sea captain and his student embark on an international regatta, only to have an amateur thief accidentally board their yacht after stealing a statue. What follows is a long and fun adventure. Reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop, this series takes viewers on a journey through various countries and introduces them to different cultures. However, while Cowboy Bebop focuses on bounty hunting and features a dark past, Adventures of Captain Vrungel takes a lighter approach with sea adventures and comedy. The two shows also differ in terms of animation style, with Cowboy Bebop having a more modern and sophisticated look, while Captain Vrungel uses a mix of black and white and color videos, cut-out animations, and non-painted objects to create a unique visual experience.

My Dad the Bounty Hunter, unlike Cowboy Bebop, is a show that revolves around a family dynamic. It follows two children who accidentally hitch a ride into space and discover that their father is the toughest bounty hunter in the galaxy. While both shows share the theme of bounty hunting, they approach it from different angles. Cowboy Bebop takes a more serious and introspective tone, delving into the misadventures and tragedies of its easygoing bounty hunter and his partners. On the other hand, My Dad the Bounty Hunter adopts a light-hearted and family-friendly approach, making it a great show to introduce kids to the sci-fi genre. The voice acting in My Dad the Bounty Hunter is superb, with recognizable actors lending their talents. Additionally, the music, with its throwbacks to late 80s and 90s hip-hop, adds to the fun and nostalgic feel of the show.

The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. is a delightful series that takes you on a wild ride through the Old West with a bounty hunter named Brisco County Jr. This show is reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop in its unique blend of genres and its ability to seamlessly combine elements of action, adventure, comedy, drama, and sci-fi. Both shows feature charismatic protagonists who are skilled bounty hunters, but what sets The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. apart is its incorporation of futuristic gadgets and a magical object known as the orb. While Cowboy Bebop takes place in a futuristic world with advanced technology, The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. adds a touch of the supernatural to the Old West setting. The chemistry between Brisco and his sidekick Bowler is reminiscent of the bondship felt among the characters in Cowboy Bebop, and the show's lighthearted tone and witty dialogue provide plenty of laughs. The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.

The Slayers is reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop in several ways. Both series fall under the genres of Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, and have a touch of Fantasy. They also share key topics such as anime animation, which is evident in their visual styles. Moreover, both shows feature strong and engaging female characters: Cowboy Bebop with Faye and The Slayers with its teenage sorceress protagonist. However, while Cowboy Bebop is set in a futuristic world with a bounty hunter theme, The Slayers takes place in a fantasy world with a focus on magic and sorcery. The Slayers also has a lighter tone, emphasizing humor and entertaining storylines. If you enjoyed Cowboy Bebop, The Slayers offers a delightful change of pace with its endearing characters, amusing plotlines, and magical adventures.

Detective Conan: Strategy Above the Depths is similar to Cowboy Bebop in that they both fall under the genres of Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, and have elements of Mystery and Thriller. However, while Cowboy Bebop is a series with a runtime of 24 hours, Detective Conan: Strategy Above the Depths is a cinema movie with a runtime of 108 hours. Despite the difference in runtime, both movies captivate their audiences with intriguing plots. Cowboy Bebop follows the futuristic misadventures and tragedies of an easygoing bounty hunter and his partners, while Detective Conan: Strategy Above the Depths revolves around a murder on a ship and the need to solve a case from 15 years ago. Both movies also boast talented voice casts and deliver satisfying endings. If you enjoyed Cowboy Bebop, you should definitely give Detective Conan: Strategy Above the Depths a watch for its interesting story and emotional conclusion.

The Country Mouse and the City Mouse Adventures is a delightful animated series that takes place at the turn of the century. It follows the misadventures of two mice, Alexander from the city and Emily from the country, as they visit each other and explore different places together. Just like Cowboy Bebop, this show captures your attention with its unique storyline and engaging characters. While Cowboy Bebop is set in a futuristic world with bounty hunters and jazz music, The Country Mouse and the City Mouse Adventures takes us back in time and introduces us to the charming world of mice. Both shows have a diverse cast of characters with intriguing pasts, but their similarities end there. Cowboy Bebop is known for its action-packed sessions, while The Country Mouse and the City Mouse Adventures focuses on the mice's escapades and problem-solving skills. Despite their differences, fans of Cowboy Bebop will find themselves captivated by the heartwarming and educational adventures of Alexander and Emily.