Every Shinichiro Watanabe Anime, Ranked Worst To Best (and Cowboy Bebop Isn’t No. 1)

Shinichiro Watanabe is a hugely influential figure in the anime world, and deservedly so. For more than three decades, he’s consistently delivered projects with stunning visuals, amazing soundtracks, and strong direction, making them stand out in many ways. Even when his work isn’t a blockbuster, it almost always has something special to offer.

Shinichiro Watanabe, the director of classics like *Cowboy Bebop*, is one of the most respected figures in anime. Even now, years later, he consistently creates new work that captivates audiences worldwide. He’s a truly unique director, and it’s natural to want to compare and rank all of his incredible shows.

8) Lazarus

MAPPA’s *Lazarus* is set three years after the release of Hapna, a drug initially hailed as a miracle. However, its creator, Dr. Skinner, shockingly announces that Hapna will eventually kill everyone who used it. With the first deaths expected within a month, a secret government team called Lazarus – made up of former criminals – must find Skinner and a cure before humanity faces extinction.

With Shinichiro Watanabe’s previous project released six years prior, there was a lot of excitement for his new anime, Lazarus, especially given its visual similarities to Cowboy Bebop. While it initially seemed promising, the show quickly disappointed. Issues with slow pacing, a lack of tension, a poor English dub, and confusing plot choices ultimately held it back. Lazarus looked great, but it didn’t deliver on substance, and it stands out as Watanabe’s weakest anime to date.

7) Terror In Resonance

MAPPA’s *Terror in Resonance* centers around Lisa Mishima, a student who’s normally bullied at school and mistreated at home. Her life changes when two new students, Nine and Twelve, transfer to her school and start paying attention to her. These boys are secretly the masterminds behind a terrorist group called Sphinx, and Lisa finds herself increasingly captivated by them as they enact a plan for revenge against the government.

I think *Terror in Resonance* is a visually stunning anime, definitely one of Shinichiro Watanabe’s best recent works. The central mystery surrounding Nine and Twelve’s backgrounds really grabbed me throughout the whole series. But honestly, I found the mystery itself more compelling than the characters. Nine and Twelve didn’t really grow or change much, and Lisa’s character felt unnecessary – the story wouldn’t have suffered if she hadn’t been included. Plus, with only eleven episodes, the pacing felt rushed, and ultimately, it felt like a lot of potential went unrealized.

6) Kids On The Slope

MAPPA’s *Kids on the Slope* centers around Kaoru Nishimi, a quiet boy who starts high school in a new city. He quickly becomes friends with Sentaro Kawabuchi, a seemingly tough but kind classmate who introduces Kaoru to jazz. Kaoru also meets Ritsuko Mukae, Sentaro’s childhood friend, and begins to develop feelings for her. The story follows their heartwarming, yet sometimes difficult, friendship and the personal challenges each of them faces.

Similar to series like *Lazarus* and *Terror in Resonance*, *Kids on the Slope* feels rushed due to its limited length – many details from the original manga were left out of the anime adaptation. However, the show still feels satisfying because the main characters are so well-developed, even within that short timeframe. Combined with fantastic animation and a truly exceptional soundtrack – some of the best in Shinichiro Watanabe’s career – *Kids on the Slope* stands out as one of the few times a short run actually worked for him.

5) Space Dandy

Space Dandy, from Bones Film, follows the adventures of Dandy, a stylish space traveler who hunts aliens for a living – though he’s not very good at it. He’s joined by QT, a robot, and Meow, an alien who looks like a cat. Together, they journey across the galaxy, searching for bounties and, mostly for Dandy, attractive women. Their trips usually lead to strange and unusual situations.

Space Dandy is a strikingly creative anime, not just visually, but also in its writing. Each episode often features unique animation styles thanks to guest animators, and the show consistently delivers wonderfully strange and funny stories, balanced with surprisingly touching moments. While it didn’t achieve huge popularity upon its initial release, it’s clear why Space Dandy has gained such a dedicated following over time.

4) Samurai Champloo

The anime *Samurai Champloo* is set in Edo-era Japan and starts with a chaotic clash between two swordsmen: the wild and clumsy Mugen, and the calm, collected Jin. Their rivalry quickly lands them in legal trouble, and they’re sentenced to death. However, a young woman named Fuu intervenes, securing their release on the condition that they help her find a mysterious man who smells like sunflowers. This sets the stage for a cross-country adventure with this unlikely group of three.

After directing the incredibly popular *Cowboy Bebop*, Shinichiro Watanabe created *Samurai Champloo*. I noticed it has a similar stylish look, but it really stands on its own thanks to its unique historical setting. The main characters reminded me a little of the *Cowboy Bebop* crew, but they were all so distinct and interesting to watch as they formed a close, almost family-like bond. While *Samurai Champloo* isn’t quite as famous as *Cowboy Bebop*, I found it to be just as engaging and emotionally powerful, making it a really enjoyable watch.

3) Macross Plus

Triangle Staff’s *Macross Plus* is the official continuation of the classic anime *Super Dimension Fortress Macross*. Set 30 years after the conflict with the Zentradi, the story follows test pilots Isamu Dyson, a reckless maverick, and Guld Bowman, a disciplined professional, as they evaluate new military aircraft on the colony planet Eden. Their intense rivalry creates complications, but they must overcome their differences when a hidden threat emerges, potentially sparking another war.

Although *Macross Plus* is more realistic than earlier installments, the developing relationship between Isamu and Bowman is consistently engaging. Despite the short runtime, both characters are surprisingly well-developed, and the animation and direction rank among Shinichiro Watanabe’s finest achievements—revolutionary for its time. *Macross Plus* marked Watanabe’s first directorial project and immediately showcased his exceptional talent.

2) Cowboy Bebop

The anime *Cowboy Bebop* is set in the future, where humans have colonized space. This has led to a rise in crime, creating a need for bounty hunters known as Cowboys. The series centers around Spike Spiegel and the crew of the *Bebop* as they travel the solar system, taking on jobs to earn a living and occasionally facing their troubled pasts. Each episode features a new adventure as they chase down criminals and the rewards offered for their capture.

Cowboy Bebop is a truly exceptional anime, celebrated for its fantastic writing, beautiful animation, strong direction, and clever use of Western influences in both its story and visual style. It features a memorable cast and is widely considered one of the best anime ever made – and Shinichiro Watanabe’s most famous work. Even 25 years later, it remains a series worthy of praise.

1) Carole & Tuesday

The animated series *Carole & Tuesday* follows the friendship between Carole Stanley, an orphan, and Tuesday Simmons, a runaway, who bond over their shared passion for music on a transformed Mars. Together, Carole on keyboard and Tuesday on guitar, they form a musical duo determined to make it big. Despite facing challenges, including a difficult political environment that affects them and their loved ones, they believe they have a chance to succeed.

While not as polished as some of Shinichiro Watanabe’s other shows – the second half especially feels a bit chaotic – *Carole & Tuesday* still stands out thanks to its powerful themes, relatable characters, and incredible music. It’s an enjoyable watch, even with its flaws. *Cowboy Bebop* is arguably a technically superior anime, but *Carole & Tuesday*’s emotional impact makes it a strong contender for Watanabe’s best work.

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2025-10-09 15:14