As every anime fan knows, the industry is extremely fast-moving. New shows are constantly coming up, old ones are canceled and there is always that anime that lands into some controversy every season. Thus, keeping abreast of the latest news can be a difficult task.
This is where a good anime podcast comes in. A podcast is one of the best ways to stay up-to-date on the hot news and get updates about where to watch your favorite anime shows. Plus, you can always multi-task and listen to a podcast while doing chores, exercising, or driving.
However, the podcast industry particularly anime podcasts is already a large niche. Sifting through it can itself be a task. This is why we have compiled this list of the best anime podcasts that will prove to be great infotainment for you.
Just remember that a good anime podcast is one that is thoroughly researched and has entertaining and well-spoken hosts.
Contents
10 Most Popular Anime Podcasts
Anime Addicts Anonymous
Hosted By: Mitsugi, Chiaki, Felix and Roukou(Part-time)
Available On: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Anime Addicts Anonymous Website
Anime Addicts Anonymous is one of the most popular and large-scale anime podcasts. It has great production values and even better hosts. All the hosts have distinct personalities and different tastes which makes for some interesting conversations.
The podcast guarantees a fun time and gives excellent anime recommendations.
The Anime Addicts Anonymous website has some helpful lists that can guide you towards episodes suited to your tastes. You can also just jump right in from the latest episode and then follow in order. Each podcast episode usually focuses on a specific topic which is good if you’re looking for discussions on a certain anime subject.
Shonen Flop
Hosted By: Jordan Forbes, David Weinberger
Available On: YouTube, Apple Podcast, Audible, Spotify, Google Podcast, Shonen Flop Website
Tons of anime start as manga and a lot of the most popular ones are serialized in one particular magazine- Weekly Shonen Jump. But not every manga is destined for greatness. Not everything is a Naruto or a Death Note. There are many stories that just flopped.
Shonen Flop is a podcast exactly about these short-lived manga stories that fell through the cracks. In each episode, the hosts pick up a manga that has a very short run and talk about the story, its strengths, and weaknesses. The hosts have great chemistry and it definitely makes for a fun time.
It is an accessible podcast that can be enjoyed both by newcomers and seasoned manga and anime fans. You won’t feel lost with a topic if you’re new to manga neither would you get bored if you’re well-versed with shonen manga.
The Anime Nostalgia Podcast
Hosted By: Dawn(BunnyCartoon)
Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcast, Player FM
Constantly being barraged by the latest anime releases and news can be overwhelming. So what does one do in such a situation? Why, of course, sit back and listen to a podcast about older series that we all grew up loving?
The Anime Nostalgia Podcast is essentially a recap podcast that talks about pre-2000s anime that have stood the test of time. The popularity and evergreen nature of iconic series like Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, and Digimon ensures that both newbies and seasoned anime watchers can enjoy the podcast.
The host Dawn’s love and interest in retro anime make it an enjoyable podcast. Her comparisons between what she remembers of the ‘80s and ‘90s anime and what she discovers on her re-watches help to draw out the nostalgia in greater detail.
She also frequently invites regular guests which keeps the podcast from getting monotonous. Whether you are an older anime viewer looking to renew your love for classic anime or a younger fan finding their way through the series that shaped the modern anime industry, The Anime Nostalgia Podcast is the way to go.
Otaku Cram School
Hosted By: Chris, Ebonne, Mike
Available On: Pod Chaser, Listen Notes, Internet Archive
Otaku Cram School is not strictly an anime podcast but it is a good option for people confused about certain aspects of the Japanese culture they have seen in various series. The hosts here know a lot about East Asian culture and offer long-form episodes that educate and entertain.
You can learn a lot here on all sorts of topics- from video games to the traditions around cherry blossom viewing. Otaku Cram School also has episodes dedicated to specific anime series and their cultural impact.
It is a good podcast to learn about cultural nuances and better appreciate them in the anime you’re watching.
Anime World Order
Hosted By: Daryl Surat, Gerald Rathkolb, Clarissa Graffeo
Available On: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora
Anime World Order is one of the best anime podcasts that has been airing on all major anime networks for nearly 18 years. A lot of anime fans weren’t even born then! The podcast has an extensive back catalog with reviews of every possible series or movie out there from Summer Wars to Your Name to Fist of the North Star.
Anime World Order covers each featured show in extensive detail and informs the audience about all things anime. The hosts also conduct interviews and answer listener questions which makes it one of the most interactive anime-related podcasts.
Anime World Order’s release schedule is a lot more irregular now and an episode is usually released once or twice a month. On the plus side, the slow release ensures that you get a good-quality episode whenever it is released.
Anime is Lit
Hosted By: Krissy, Danny
Available On: Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, Player FM, Anime is Lit website
Who would’ve thought that anime and classical literature could have a crossover? But this is exactly what Krissy and Danny from Anime is Lit podcast do. They run their anime podcast in a book club style and discuss and analyze their favorite series in terms more than just “it’s cool.”
These are two nerds who apply critical theory to even light-hearted anime and take you along on the journey as they try to figure out why their favorite series works. Anime is Lit is an in-depth look at new and old anime series and an entertaining and accessible podcast despite its deep content.
ANNCast
Hosted By: Justin Sevakis, Jacob Chapman, Lynzee Loveridge, the late Zac Bertschy
Available On: Anime News Network website
Anime News Network is a major source of anime news for the majority of the watchers. ANNCast is its official podcast that is hosted by a rotating cast of anime experts. It is one of the best anime podcasts to keep up with the latest news in the field as it covers conventions, press conferences, and other anime-related events.
The hosts all have more than a decade of experience and approach each subject with diligence and care. ANNCast provides the listeners with insight into the behind-the-scenes of their favorite anime and the insider knowledge reflected in the podcast discussions.
It can be a bit dry at times but is one of the best sources to gain better knowledge of the how and why of anime.
IGN Anime Club
Hosted By: Miranda, Alaina, Meghan, Mike, Mitchell
Available On: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, IGN website
IGN Anime Club is an example of a good anime podcast with excellent production values. While it no longer releases new episodes, its archives are large enough to keep you occupied for a long time. It has charming hosts who may not agree on everything but always respect each other’s opinions.
Miranda, Alaina, and Meghan talk about a multitude of anime genres and have fun conversations about a variety of related topics. The podcast also features interviews with people who work in and around the anime industry. Thus, you can get some excellent on-site news with IGN Anime Club.
Every anime mentioned in each episode is listed on the podcast’s website which makes it easy to look up the series later.