The Must-Watch Anime Shows Like Samurai Champloo

When it comes to a perfect blend of music and action, Cowboy Bebop is the top dog. This Western space anime, directed by the same maestro behind Samurai Champloo, Shinichiro Watanabe, boasts a jazzy soundtrack that will have your fingers snapping in no time.

Follow the adventures of Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, and the rest of the Bebop crew as they traverse the galaxy in search of bounties and their troubled pasts. With a dash of noir and a pinch of humor, Cowboy Bebop guarantees a thrilling ride through space.

Michiko & Hatchin transports you on an emotional odyssey, drawing inspiration from Brazil and other Latin American countries. The daring, audacious, and stunning Michiko breaks free from a maximum-security prison and saves Hatchin, a young girl suffering abuse at the hands of her foster family.

Together, they set out on a whirlwind adventure to locate Hatchin’s father and uncover the truth about Michiko’s past. Boasting a vibrant color palette, formidable female leads, and lively Latin music, Michiko & Hatchin emerges as an underappreciated treasure you won’t want to miss.

Katanagatari is an anime that takes a more traditional approach to storytelling, set in Japan’s Edo period. This 12-episode series follows the witty and cunning strategist, Togame, and the emotionless swordsman, Shichika, as they seek out 12 legendary swords.

With its rich and intricate art style, Katanagatari is a visual feast that contrasts beautifully with the strategic battles and intense sword fights that unfold. The unconventional romance between the two main characters and the cleverly written dialogue will get you hooked.

Afro Samurai is another fantastic blend of hip-hop and sword-swinging action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This anime, set in a futuristic yet feudal Japan, follows the story of Afro, a samurai on a quest for vengeance against the man who killed his father.

With a hypnotic soundtrack produced by the legendary RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, Afro Samurai takes you on a wild ride filled with breathtaking fight scenes and stunning animation. The series, while short, delivers a powerful punch of style and substance that Samurai Champloo fans will appreciate.

Set in an alternate version of Edo-era Japan, Gintama unfolds in a world where an alien race called the Amanto has seized control and outlawed the carrying of swords by the once-valiant samurai. The story follows the peculiar samurai Gintoki Sakata, his apprentice Shinpachi Shimura, and their alien companion Kagura as they undertake odd jobs to cover their rent.

As the narrative progresses, the trio encounters numerous bizarre situations and mishaps. Frequently, Gintoki and his friends confront supernatural forces menacing the city of Edo, compelling the samurai to choose sides.

Baccano! invites you into a world of mobsters, alchemists, and immortals set against the backdrop of 1930s America. With a narrative that jumps between different timelines and characters, Baccano! weaves a complex web of interconnected stories that will leave you guessing until the end.

Boasting a jazzy, Prohibition-era soundtrack, this anime will immerse you in a world filled with clever twists, snappy dialogue, and a dash of supernatural intrigue. If you’re a fan of stories that challenge your mind while delivering exhilarating action, Baccano! is the show for you.

While Gurren Lagann may not have the same musical genre-blending as Samurai Champloo, its unique combination of high-octane mecha action and heartfelt storytelling makes it a must-watch for any anime fan.

Set in a world where humans live underground, the story follows Simon, a young digger, and Kamina, his boisterous best friend, joining forces with a mysterious sniper named Yoko to fight against their oppressive rulers. Gurren Lagann will take you on an emotional ride filled with epic battles, larger-than-life characters, and a powerful message about believing in oneself.

Manji, an immortal swordsman, is impervious to all poisons except the rarest ones. Cursed with immortality by an enigmatic witch, he must slay a thousand evil men to regain his mortality.

During his journey, Manji befriends Rin, a young girl seeking vengeance against the band of swordsmen who killed her parents. As they travel across Japan, Manji and Rin collaborate to confront numerous foes and uncover each other’s pasts. Manji inches closer to reclaiming his mortality and fulfilling his objective with every enemy they defeat.

Dorohedoro whisks you to a gritty, post-apocalyptic world filled with sorcerers and terrifying creatures. The series follows the adventures of Kaiman, a man with a reptilian head, and his friend Nikaido as they try to find the sorcerer responsible for Kaiman’s condition.

With its bizarre and eccentric characters, intense action sequences, and plot that will keep you guessing, Dorohedoro offers a captivating experience that fans of Samurai Champloo’s unconventional storytelling will enjoy. Its unique blend of dark humor, horror, and mystery makes it a fantastic anime.

Released in 1998, Ninja Resurrection is a two-part OVA anime series set during Japan’s Tokugawa period. The anime chronicles the story of legendary ninja master Jubei Yagyu, who combats Christian persecution in Japan led by the Tokugawa.

Amakusa Shiro was considered akin to Jesus in his previous life, but he transforms into the devil incarnate upon resurrection. Resolute in his mission, Jubei must thwart Shiro’s evil schemes and restore peace and harmony to the land.

Space Dandy is another brainchild of Shinichiro Watanabe, the creative force behind Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop. It chronicles the adventures of Dandy, an eccentric alien hunter, and his quirky crew as they traverse the galaxy searching for rare alien species.

This colorful, retro-futuristic anime is an explosion of vibrant animation, pulsating electronic music, and offbeat humor. With its episodic format, Space Dandy offers a fresh, self-contained story in each episode, making it a perfect palate cleanser for those who crave variety and excitement in their anime.

Trigun takes you to a desert planet reminiscent of the Wild West, where the enigmatic Vash the Stampede roams with a colossal bounty on his head. Despite his fearsome reputation, Vash is a pacifist who wants nothing more than to protect the innocent and promote peace.

Vash’s journey is action-packed and heartwarming as he battles against bandits, assassins, and his dark past. With its blend of Western motifs, futuristic technology, and a powerful message about the value of life, Trigun is an anime classic that fans of Samurai Champloo will find engaging and inspiring.

Black Lagoon plunges you into the seedy world of modern-day pirates, mercenaries, and crime syndicates. The story follows Rokuro “Rock” Okajima, a mild-mannered Japanese businessman who finds himself drawn into the dangerous life of the Lagoon Company, a group of mercenaries operating in the lawless city of Roanapur.

With its intense gunfights, ruthless characters, and a soundtrack that mixes rock, jazz, and electronic beats, Black Lagoon offers a gripping, adrenaline-fueled experience for those craving a darker, more mature alternative to Samurai Champloo.

Gangsta. transports you to the crime-ridden city of Ergastulum, where two “Handymen” for hire, Worick and Nicolas, carry out jobs for both the mob and the police. This gritty, action-packed anime delves into power, loyalty, and redemption themes as it explores the complex relationships between the city’s various factions.

With its unique blend of neo-noir aesthetics, pulse-pounding fight scenes, and a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack, Gangsta. is a must-watch for fans of Samurai Champloo, who enjoy morally ambiguous characters and stories that leave a lasting impression.