Anime, a style of animated television shows and films hailing from Japan, remains one of the biggest sources of entertainment around the world today. It's no surprise why—anime offers a dynamic modern style while also delivering epic storylines and unforgettable character arcs.
It's a cultural phenomenon that grows more and more prevalent each year, with new releases and upcoming projects delighting fans around the globe. Needless to say, anime podcasts are the perfect resource for anyone looking to stay on top of the latest anime news or to engage in detailed discussions about their favorite anime and manga. Sure to be enjoyed by longtime fans and the newly initiated, these are the best anime podcasts to hear right now.
Cohosts Kevin and Sean deep dive into anime every week in their podcast, Shonen Tapes. You can expect to listen in to a variety of topics, ranging from a ranking of anime heroes to thoughtful conversations around the latest episode of popular shows to a spirited debate about which anime is better: classic old school or cutting-edge new school. With a friendship that goes back more than 20 years, Kevin and Sean bring easygoing banter and a genuine rapport to every episode.
Anime Protagonist Podcast is an entertaining show that pairs anime with the fun and entertainment of live games. On each episode, hosts Jay, Cole, and Mike get competitive playing anime-themed mini-games that will make you laugh out loud. In between rounds, you'll get the latest anime and manga news going viral plus the team’s skillful reviews of hot releases and picks of each season's anime winners.
When it comes to anime and video games, there’s a strong possibility that if you love one, you just might love the other, too. Boasting impressive animation and compelling storylines, anime and gaming both offer something truly special. In Dip Down Games and Anime, Stevie Ray, Amber, and KP will review the latest anime releases, discuss up-to-date gaming news, and share their insightful opinions about shows and games at the same time.
The One Piece Podcast offers an experience tailored to fans of the incredibly popular anime program, One Piece. Dedicated entirely to the iconic series created by Eiichirō Oda, this podcast sees hosts Zach, Ed, Steve, and Alex comment on the latest twists in the story arc, speculate on what's coming next, and recap standout episodes. Each week, special guests add their own perspectives as the hosts put their thoughts together on Oda's impressive work.
Most of the time, the newest, shiniest anime is the one that’ll catch your attention. Spurred on by buzz, you’ll want to jump right in and join the craze. But let’s not forget about the classics and backlist gems! Even if they're not the center of conversation, that doesn't mean they're not worth watching. While Kawaii-Fi Radio provides you with the latest anime news, Kyle, Emma, Kenny, and the crew also dive deep on the underrated anime you won’t want to miss. If you're not too sure where to start with the massive canon of anime out there, we recommend you tune in.
Most of the podcasts we've been talking about here are focused on shonen anime, an action-heavy genre typically marketed toward teen boys and young men. But if you're familiar with anime and manga, you know that there are also more editorial categories—like shoujo, historically favored by teen girls. Shoujo Sundae is a fantastic podcast primarily devoted to shoujo anime. Hosts Giana and Chika dig into everything from the iconic Maid-Sama! to the exciting new Kageki Shojo!! You won’t want to miss their hot takes and thoughtful opinions.
Ionatan Kuperwajs and Ravi Pancholi enjoy dissecting specific anime—but they're also dedicated to having hard conversations around the whole industry. While their takes on the hottest topics in anime provide an entertaining listen, the hosts' perspectives and cultural criticism offer something to think about too. Discussing everything from mental health to ethics in dystopian worlds to the role of a hero in a shonen work, Baka Banter Anime Podcast is one of the most unique, thoughtful anime podcasts available.
When you finish watching an anime, you immediately want to talk to someone who has watched it too so you can share opinions and revisit each twist and turn. (And okay, let’s be real—you also want to scream and shout about what happened during that hot-button moment in the show.) In That Anime Podcast, you’ll find exactly what you're looking for. In each episode, the three Evans brothers and assorted guest fanatics give you the casual banter you crave with fun conversations and wild observations about the wide world of anime.
A boundless source of entertainment, anime is watched all around the world. Abigail Camarillo and Elsa López are two Mexican podcasters that love anime so much that they’ve created a dedicated podcast to their favorites. If you're a Spanish-speaking anime fan, be sure to give Sugoi Cast a listen. Along with a variety of special guests, Camarillo and López talk about everything Spanish-dubbed anime, LoveJapan, and so much more.
Otaku Melancholy is truly a joy—and a hoot—to listen to. If you've been searching for a highly reviewed anime podcast that houses discussions of the good, the bad, and the downright weird of the anime world rooted in hilarity, this weekly podcast is definitely the one for you. And Matt, Audrey, and the whole Melancholy Team are not only about bringing the laughs—they also share their opinions surrounding burnout, anime cons, disappointing seasonal shows, and growing up with anime.
Even if you're largely unfamiliar with the anime world, you're probably familiar with the cultural juggernaut, Sailor Moon. On Sailor Moon Fan Club, host Victoria L. Johnson invites superfans of the 90s anime to share what they love about the show and how it has inspired and influenced them. From bestselling authors to indie comic book creators, from entrepreneurs to astrologers, each guest has a wholly unique anecdote about how this comforting, classic anime forever changed their lives.
This endlessly entertaining podcast is hosted by Kate and LaNeysha, who don't shy away from speaking their minds about all the live-action anime adaptations, even—and especially—if they're bad. Did You Have To? is the perfect anime podcast if you've ever wondered whether a particular or peculiar adaptation is worth the watch. Before spending hours on a show or movie that you have your doubts about, listen in to this candid anime podcast.
