Edgerunners You Should Watch Next

If you're a fan of gritty science fiction and anime, there's a good chance that you've already watched all 26 episodes of "Cowboy Bebop." After all, it's one of the most acclaimed and influential anime series of the modern era. If you haven't watched the show, however, and you liked what you saw in "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners," now's the perfect time to check it out.

It may not have all the neon trappings of traditional cyberpunk, but "Cowboy Bebop" clearly takes cues from neo-noir classics like "Blade Runner." A true space Western, the series follows the crew of the titular ship, the Bebop, made up of bounty hunter Spike Spiegel, pilot Jet Black, con woman Faye Valentine, young hacker Radical Edward, and ship dog Ein. Together, they journey through a dismal galactic future while also dealing with their complicated pasts. The universe of "Cowboy Bebop" is one where crime syndicates reign supreme, inequality among the masses is rampant, and the only person you can really trust is yourself, so it should be clear why the show is a great next watch after finishing "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners."

It's not just the world of "Cowboy Bebop" that makes it so compelling; it's the way that world is presented. The now-iconic jazz soundtrack drenches every scummy planet and dilapidated space station with sexy allure, and the Wild West inspiration is evident in every dirty saloon. "Edgerunners" may impress with its cinematic stylings, but "Cowboy Bebop" paved the way — it's one of the best anime shows of all time.