Anime fans are well aware that the medium has much more to offer than just action-packed stories of heroes saving the day and magical girls. Idol anime is a popular genre because it combines the joy of watching a slice of life, comedy, or drama with the fun of seeing a musical. The music in many idol shows is also quite memorable and enjoyable.
In many shows, the idols' goals extend well beyond gaining fame as many of the most interesting anime include inspiring tales of camaraderie and triumph over adversity. A wide variety of stories are included within the idol anime genre, so it's easy for fans to find what they're looking for. That said, below are some of the best idol anime of 2022.
6 Eternal Boys
While it may seem like a continuation of a popular manga or anime, Eternal Boys is none of these things. Most idols make their debut while they are teenagers since this is the golden age to break into the business. These aren't the Eternal Boys of the title as men in their mid-to-late thirties to early forties make up this idol group.
These guys came from various backgrounds and occupations, including a wage slave, a school teacher, a footballer, a former child star turned enka singer, and a presenter. All of these guys have either just been laid off or have voluntarily left their former professions, and they share nothing besides a lack of idol industry experience.
These men will not be depending on insider knowledge of the entertainment business, but rather on their extensive job history to propel them to the top of their field. The characters want to demonstrate that "age is just a number" by working in a variety of fields despite their advanced ages.
5 Shine Post
There is a common perception that there is a tiny audience for idol and musical anime, and some shows might be dismissed since they could seem generic. However, Shine Post deviates from the standard anime idol story by delving into other topics.
Shine Post's debut episode gives the impression of being a standard anime about an idol group. The vocalists all fit stereotypical roles, such as the bumbling fool, the pampered princess, and the genuine protagonist. The unenthusiastic manager who swears they'll never manage another idol group is where it really stands out, however. He looks traumatized for no obvious reason other than the fact that he was dismissed for being too competent at his job. Overall, to avoid any spoilers, Shine Post deserves to be on the list of the best 2022 idol anime.
4 Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Season 2
This season of Love Live! lives up to the idol anime's reputation for melodrama. The show's structure evolves in the second season. Season one concentrated on single idols, while season two includes duos and trios. Fans of the series will remember from the pilot that this anime doesn't have an actual idol band. From the initial Love Live! anime, viewers know that the girls in the group Muse. In Sunshine!!, fans will find the band Aqours.
Nijigasaki High's Idol Club was previously not about a group of people coming together to perform as an idol group. Now, this is no longer the case as Nijigasaki's lone idols have created their own mini-idol groups. Finally, the 12 members of the club split themselves into four separate subgroups. The rise of newer, more intimate idol groups, though, made season 2 more intriguing than its predecessor.
3 Love Live! Superstar! Season 2
Another variant of Love Live!, Superstar! Season 2 launches with a new semester season, and Liella are optimistic about what the year ahead may hold. They even are able to bring in some new recruits: the YouTube personality Natsumi Onitsuka, who is self-absorbed and materialistic; Kinako Sakurakoji, a gentle science enthusiast; and Mei Yoneme, the devoted idol lover who hides behind a rough and scary face.
The situation heats up when an unknown singer called Wien Margarete appears and quickly surpasses everyone else, even Liella as well as Sunny Passion. Not helping matters is the fact that she appears to have a feud with Kanon for reasons neither she nor her target can or are willing to explain.
2 One Piece Film: Red
One Piece Film: Red is certainly an unconventional pick, but the shonen movie does revolve around an idol. The 15th movie in the One Piece film series was announced to celebrate the premiere of the 1000th episode of the anime. In Red, the Straw Hat Pirates take a detour from their typical exploits to witness history by being present for Uta's first-ever live performance. The venue for the event is packed with many enthusiastic pirates, including the Straw Hats commanded by Luffy, who have all gathered to witness Uta's resonant concert.
In this feature, Luffy reveals Uta as his long-lost childhood friend and the daughter of the notorious pirate "Red-Haired" Shanks. He is, however, unaware that Uta has matured much since they were children and that her live performance might cause global disruption. One Piece Film: Red is unexpectedly profound and moving. There's no requirement to have watched every episode of the TV show to enjoy the film since its story largely stands on its own. Further, free will and pain are examined within the narrative of the film, in addition to its fantastic soundtrack.
1 IDOLiSH7 Third Beat! Part 2
IDOLiSH7 Third Beat! Part 2 was the best idol anime of 2022. It develops on the plot from the first part of the season. In this new cour, Kujo begins implementing his plan to discredit Gaku and Ryu in an effort to push Tenn into a solo career and help him fulfill his ambition of raising the idol who would replace the absent Zero.
During this time, a new group going by the name ŹOOĻ has debuted, and they seem to be treating the other stars with nothing but disdain. As more information from the past, particularly about Zero's lyricist Haruki Sakura, becomes public, the situation worsens surrounding his disappearance. This season also shows ŹOOĻ's manager Ryo Tsukumo is willing to do anything further his ambitions. Using mystery and suspense to great use is what makes this season so enjoyable and a great watch.