The biggest impact that Bebop had on shows that came after was a 2000s trend of expensive, lushly animated, western-styled shows that largely bombed lol.

My only thing to add to Bebop talk is that my favorite episode is Speak Like a Child so skip to that if you have a chance

Anyway! The "Anime Canon" is constantly changing and is completely different depending on which part of the world you're from, so I don't think there ever really is a set of series that you need to watch to be an anime fan. And like, you will burn out if you try to watch all series that people say are important. I personally tried really hard to get into Gundam before it was clear to me that it was a niche that wasn't for me.

I find it kind of freeing to have like, all these anime series out there that are excellent and worth watching, but nothing that's so important that you must must watch it. The only thing that comes close to that is Eva but even that is like, really niche in its own way.

Anyway I hope that made sense enjoy anime!!!