Cowboy Bebop: The Complete Series vs Game of Thrones: The Complete Series

Buy Cowboy Bebop if you want a tight, complete story that holds up on every rewatch; its 26 episodes, jazz score and hand-drawn animation are widely praised, and the Blu-ray set is a clean, sealed Region A release. Game of Thrones gives you far more hours and a huge cast, but the final seasons divide owners and the set's 3.7 rating reflects that. Bebop is the safer pick for a first-time viewer; Thrones is for someone who wants a long, sprawling drama and can accept a weak ending.

• Choose the Cowboy Bebop set if you want a self-contained 26-episode classic with a celebrated soundtrack and consistent quality from start to finish.
• Choose the Game of Thrones set if you want 73 episodes of big-budget drama and a large ensemble cast, and the final season's reputation does not bother you.