15 Best Fiction Podcasts of 2025 to Get Lost In

What if the next story you fall in love with isn't on Netflix, but in your headphones? Without turning a page, the best fiction podcasts take you to completely different worlds. These audio fiction series show that storytelling is still alive!

Fiction podcasts offer a listening experience that is lively and unpredictable — unlike audiobooks, which stick to a single text. So, what makes them so popular? They allow you to lose yourself in a story while you're driving, cooking, or relaxing at night. Among the most popular genres are:

• Suspense, horror podcasts, mysteries, and true crime thrillers

• Sci-fi and fantasy 

• Drama and romance (audio drama podcast)

Strong stories do more than amuse us; they influence our thoughts and help us develop. For this reason, summaries of classic novels like '1984' and 'Outliers,' available on the Headway app, inspire this list of the 15 top fiction podcasts.

What are the 15 best fiction podcasts by category?

The top fiction podcasts cover many topics, from spooky horror stories to fantastical adventures. There's a show that will fit your interests, regardless of whether you prefer sci-fi adventures or emotional journeys. 

To help you find your next audio getaway, we've compiled a list of 15 of the greatest audio fiction podcasts, arranged by genre, below.

Five best mystery and thriller podcasts

1. 'Limetown'

A spooky drama in the style of an investigation about a town where 300 residents mysteriously disappeared. It's a mix of fiction and a documentary, told through narration that feels much like Sherlock Holmes. With each episode, the show builds suspense and reveals deep secrets, holding your attention.

1. 2'The Magnus Archives'

This collection of mysteries and supernatural horror uncovers a web of connected stories. Each story is unsettling, told through "case files," with subtle details that reward attentive listeners.

As the story unfolds, it grows more complex. Starting from season 1, the show uncovers a dark mythology connecting individual cases.

1. 3'Blackout'

Produced by QCODE Media and starring Rami Malek, this thriller follows a story about a small-town DJ. He tries to save his community after the US power grid fails. 

This show is a mix of action and personal stories. It talks about how ordinary people deal with extraordinary challenges. Each episode has a cinematic quality due to its intense pacing and engrossing sound design.

1. 4'The White Vault'

An Arctic research team discovers ancient, horrifying secrets beneath the ice. The narrative creates a spooky atmosphere by mixing supernatural horror with survival challenges. It's perfect for binge-listening because of its serialized format. Therefore, it increases suspense in new episodes.

1. 5'Alice Isn't Dead'

From the creators of 'Welcome to Night Vale,' this thriller follows a truck driver looking for his missing wife. When he does so, he also encounters various conspiracies. The podcast mixes suspense, emotion, and surreal humor. It also tells adventures that slowly uncover a mystery.

Its distinct narrative style develops complex characters while keeping you guessing.

If you're interested in how language became a vital storytelling tool, you'll love the summary of 'The Story of Human Language.' 

Five best fantasy and sci-fi podcasts 

1. 6'The Truth'

These anthology series tell short stories with science fiction, fantasy, and supernatural themes. Each episode feels like a mini-movie, brought to life with strong performances and rich sound design. The stories reveal unexpected turns and imaginative storytelling devices that captivate listeners.

1. 7'Wolf 359'

This science fiction drama takes place on a space station orbiting a distant star. It follows the crew as they face daily struggles with both personal conflicts and cosmic dangers. 

The podcast mixes humor, suspense, and ongoing storytelling in season one. It creates a rich, character-focused experience for the listeners. The story develops into a sophisticated, emotionally stirring tale throughout its seasons.

1. 8'We're Alive'

This audio drama podcast takes place after a zombie outbreak in Los Angeles. It mixes suspense, horror stories, and character-driven storytelling. The show covers stories by a group of survivors who face danger, form alliances, and struggle with tough moral choices.

Because of its engrossing sound design and lengthy narrative, it's ideal for binge-listening.

1. 9'The Orbiting Human Circus (of the Air)'

This surreal podcast blends science fiction and fantasy, telling the story of a lonely janitor at an enigmatic radio show. It combines humor, melancholy, and creative world-building in a musical and narrative style. The imaginative setting and poignant narratives that emerge throughout the seasons captivate listeners.

1. 10ars Paradoxica'

A physicist who unintentionally finds a portal to the past and battles its effects is the subject of a time-travel science fiction series. Each podcast episode feels cinematic: rich sound design, suspense, and historical intrigue. It examines paradoxes, individual decisions, and the repercussions of time travel across several seasons.

If you're a fan of science and the secrets of the cosmos, you might also like the Headway summary of 'A Short History of Nearly Everything.' It explores the mysteries of history, physics, and discovery, like your favorite science fiction stories.

Five best romance and drama podcasts

1. 11'Passenger List'

In this compelling drama, a woman looks into the disappearance of a transatlantic flight. Although the story starts with a mystery, it grows into a moving look at loss, family bonds, and personal resilience. It's both thrilling and poignant due to its cinematic soundscape and depth of emotion.

1. 12'Homecoming'

At first, this podcast caught listeners' attention as a hit fiction show. Then, it was adapted into an Amazon Prime series. It follows a caseworker who helps soldiers adjust to civilian life. The hosts uncover the truth about the care they're receiving. 

The podcast balances suspense and human themes by fusing psychological drama with romantic motifs.

1. 13'The Bright Sessions'

The subject of this audio drama is a therapist who works with patients possessing supernatural abilities. The show's emotional depth, which explores love, identity, and mental health, is its main strength, despite its sci-fi elements. It's both tender and captivating because it blends character arcs and private therapy sessions.

1. 14‘Romeo & Juliet’

This podcast is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's classic romance with a new twist. The show explores themes of fate, love, and family in a way that feels both relatable and current with the help of humor and heartfelt moments.

1. 15Seen and Not Heard'

In this drama podcast, Bet, a young deaf woman who lost her hearing, navigates her identity, relationships, and life. Love, self-discovery, and resilience are themes woven throughout this personal story. The podcast is memorable because of its emotional candor.

Check out Headway's 'Outliers' summary to see how unique circumstances can shape resilience and success. Like Bet's story, it shows how upbringing, opportunities, and determination shape a person's life journey. The Headway library explores many themes like this, both fiction or nonfiction.

Where to listen to the best fiction podcasts

Most fiction podcasts are accessible on the platforms you probably use daily, making it easier than ever to find your new favorite. The best places to start include:

• One of the biggest audio libraries is Spotify, which offers thousands of audio drama podcasts, audiobooks, and music.

• With its curated lists, reviews, and seamless listening, Apple Podcasts is the app of choice for iOS users.

• Pocket Casts is the ideal choice for listeners who want greater control over their experience because of its adaptability. 

These platforms are great for streaming fiction podcasts, but Headway is an excellent alternative. Our 15-minute audio summaries of bestsellers explain complex ideas in quick sessions. It's perfect for both entertainment and motivation.

The 'Building a StoryBrand' summary teaches you how to create engaging narratives. It's a talent that's as effective in business as in fiction. This summary is a fantastic place to start!

Adventures with fiction podcasts, growth with Headway!

Fiction podcasts show that you can lose yourself in a story without a screen or a book. Every commute, stroll, and peaceful evening becomes an adventure. They take you to mysterious small towns, magical worlds, and futuristic societies.

Headway provides quick knowledge hits in the same handy audio format as podcasts, which help you expand your imagination. Just like enjoying your favorite dramas and thrillers, you can also learn important lessons. Discover new insights from 15-minute book summaries of international bestsellers!

There's always a story worth hearing. Whether you're immersed in a mystery, small-town drama, or gaining new knowledge from books like 'Sapiens.' Make every minute an opportunity to learn something new by downloading Headway now.