Cowboy Bebop endures as one of Japan’s most popular cultural exports, unsurprisingly being the first anime for many beginner-level otakus (anime fans). A neo-noir space Western, Cowboy Bebop is a genre mishmash that has aged well with its goofy underdog protagonists and a jazz-heavy soundtrack.
If you wish to get into the zany world of protagonist Spike Spiegel and his fellow space outlaws, hop on for we have gathered all the Cowboy Bebop series and movies in the right order to stream. To quote Spike, “Don’t you want to hang out and waste your life with us?”
How to watch Cowboy Bebop in chronological order
The Cowboy Bebop anime can be watched on its own as its 26 episodes consist of standalone arcs and an overarching narrative that the finale neatly wraps up. But for those craving more adventure, they can also watch an accompanying movie that is set between episodes 22 and 23. This implies the following viewing order:
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Cowboy Bebop Episodes 1-22
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Cowboy Bebop Episodes 23-26
The anime and the movie revolve around Spike Spiegel, a lonely drifter who travels all across space as a bounty hunter. Flying with his fellow space outlaws, Spike seems to run away from his criminal past that ended with pain and heartbreak. But despite a string of hilarious adventures, Spike’s past catches up on him with dramatic twists. Cowboy Bebop as a whole blends existential comedy, sci-fi parody, with deeper themes of loneliness and redemption.
Is the live-action Cowboy Bebop series canon?
Additionally, Netflix also produced a live-action remake that ran for a single season of ten episodes. Criticised by fans and critics alike, the series was canceled after its initial season. Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop can be watched as a standalone series for the franchise’s fans, but don’t expect a close-ended finale.
Where can you stream Cowboy Bebop in order?
You can watch both the original Cowboy Bebop anime and the live-action adaptation on Netflix. As for Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, you can rent it on Amazon.