Cowboy Bebop is a show that aired before I was born. Yet to this day, it manages to hold up as one of the greatest anime of all time. Although skeptical at first, eventually I came to understand why it is revered as such and why I now believe it is a must-watch for anime lovers and haters alike.
TL;DR at the bottom.
I personally use my own rating scale- for more info on that, the values and variables are on my profile. That being said, let's dive in.
ART: 2/2
Though, at the time of writing this, Cowboy Bebop aired twenty-two years ago, somehow the art manages to still be captivating and enticing. The style is extremely unique, the landscapes are vocal and paint each scene well, the animations are fluid, and the characters are recognizable anywhere.
SOUND: 2/2
A classic, incredibly popular opening. Possibly one of my favorite ending themes ever, as well. The usage of background music within the anime was also strong and very well set up different moments.
STORY: 4/4
Cowboy Bebop is episodic. Aside from a couple crucial episodes near the beginning and end, the anime can honestly be watched from any random point and still be enjoyable. This gives it incredible rewatch potential, and all the same it still manages to have meaningful underlying plot and backstory. This show is the definition of "less is more", managing to pull off what many anime fail to do in multiple seasons with just a few hints and scenes.
ENJOYMENT: 1/1
I was not bored for a single moment throughout this entire show. No matter how wacky, absurd, or ridiculous an episode was, I was always invested in the plot and characters presented.
PERSONAL NOTE:
Though not a personal favorite, what defines Cowboy Bebop as a must-watch is the fact that it is not only incredibly unique, but also filled with valuable and memorable lessons that you will not see elsewhere. After finishing this show I sat still for an hour simply in thought. I sincerely believe that Cowboy Bebop is beneficial for individual development.
FINAL THOUGHTS / TLDR:
Cowboy Bebop wholly lives up to its reputation, and will still manage to hold up as a great for many years to come. It is not lacking in any category whatsoever, and is a must-watch whether or not you are an anime fan. The anime is incredibly unique, the lessons learned are impactful, and the cast and world is lovable. Do yourself justice and watch this anime.
