Confused about the best way to watch Cowboy Bebop? You’re not alone.
This guide will walk you from “Where do I even start?” to confidently enjoying one of anime’s most beloved series, in the perfect order for you.
Quick Answer: Recommended Watch Order (Best for Most Viewers)
| Viewing Order | Content to Watch |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cowboy Bebop Episodes 1–26 |
| 2 | Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (a.k.a. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door) |
Best for:
– First-time viewers
– Fans who want the original emotional pacing
– Those who want to experience the anime as intended
Pro Tip: Watch the full anime series before the movie for the best emotional payoff.
Why It’s Confusing to Watch This in Order
At first glance, Cowboy Bebop seems simple — it’s just one anime and a movie, right?
Not quite:
- The movie is set between episodes 22 and 23 but was released after the anime finished.
- There’s a Netflix live-action adaptation (source) that reimagines the story — and was canceled after one season.
- The franchise also includes manga with alternate versions of the story.
Franchise Overview: What’s Included?
Here’s a breakdown of all Cowboy Bebop content:
Main Canon
- Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999) – 26-episode anime
- Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001) – Takes place between episodes 22 and 23
Other Adaptations
- Manga:
- Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star (Alternate universe, not canon)
- Cowboy Bebop manga (Closer to anime, but still slightly different)
- Netflix Live-Action Series (2021) – (source) Reboot that was not renewed after season 1
Important: The anime and the movie are canon. The manga and live-action show are fun extras but not required for the main story.
All Watch Orders Explained
1. Chronological Order (In-Universe Timeline)
- Cowboy Bebop Episodes 1–22
- Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (set between episodes 22 and 23)
- Cowboy Bebop Episodes 23–26
Ideal for:
– Returning fans
– People who want the “real time” story flow
Why:
It aligns with how events unfold for the characters emotionally.
2. Release Order (Recommended for Most)
- Cowboy Bebop Episodes 1–26
- Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
Ideal for:
– First-timers
– Fans who want to feel the progression that the creators intended
Why:
The movie acts as a bonus story that deepens character bonds after you’ve finished the main series.
3. Creator’s Preferred Order
Shinichirō Watanabe, the director, intended each episode to feel like a standalone story, loosely tied by themes.
Following release order respects the rhythm, pacing, and emotional arcs as he designed them.
Pro Tip: Watanabe views Cowboy Bebop like a music album — meant to be experienced straight through.
Skip or Optional Content
Here’s what you can safely skip if you’re tight on time:
| Content | Status | Should You Watch? |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star (Manga) | Alternate Universe | Fun, but optional |
| Netflix Live-Action Cowboy Bebop | Reboot | Only if curious; not essential |
| Other Manga | Spin-offs | For deep fans only |
Where to Watch in 2025
Here’s where you can stream or buy Cowboy Bebop today:
- Crunchyroll – Full anime series available (watch here)
- Hulu – Full anime series available (watch here)
- Netflix – Region-dependent availability (watch here)
- Amazon – Blu-ray complete collection (buy here)
Tip: If Netflix isn’t showing it in your country, Crunchyroll is usually the safest bet.
Pro Tips for First-Time Viewers
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s the easiest way to jump in:
Starter Pack
- Watch Cowboy Bebop anime Episodes 1–26 first.
- Then enjoy Cowboy Bebop: The Movie.
Viewing Approach
- Binge: Works well because each episode is about 20 minutes.
- Spaced Out: One or two episodes per day to savor the style and music.
Tip: If you only have time for a few episodes, don’t miss Episode 5 (“Ballad of Fallen Angels”) and Episode 24 (“Hard Luck Woman”).
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I skip Cowboy Bebop: The Movie?
A: You can, but it adds emotional depth between episodes 22 and 23. Highly recommended!
Q: Do I need to watch the Netflix live-action series?
A: Nope. It’s a fun alternate take but not part of the original anime canon.
Q: What’s the best starting point if I don’t want to watch everything?
A: Start with the anime series Episodes 1–26. If you love it, the movie is a perfect bonus.
Q: Are there any filler episodes?
A: Not really. Every episode has a purpose, even the standalones, much like a jazz album’s different tracks.
Q: Will there be new Cowboy Bebop releases in 2025?
A: As of now, no major new releases are confirmed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re starting Cowboy Bebop for the first time, go with the release order.
It preserves the emotional beats, delivers the story the way it was designed, and guarantees you the best first experience.
Bookmark this guide or share it with a fellow bounty hunter, and get ready to ride the Bebop.
See you, space cowboy.