15 Anime That Are Better Dubbed Than Subbed (According to Fans)
For many anime fans, the debate over dubbed versus subbed is a long-standing one. While some prefer the original Japanese voice acting, others find that a good English dub brings a different charm to the series. A well-done dub can make the characters feel more relatable and bring a fresh dynamic to the story. Over time, certain anime have stood out for their dubbed versions, with fans praising the voice acting and overall experience.
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Fullmetal Alchemist-Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist-Brotherhood is a captivating mix of action, drama, and fantasy. Set in a world where alchemy is a science, it follows two brothers on their quest to restore what they lost. The dubbed version is widely praised for its impressive voice acting, especially for the character of Edward Elric, whose emotional range is well conveyed in English. Fans argue that the dubbed voices bring an added layer of intensity to the characters, making the emotional moments more impactful. This series is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys well-developed characters and a gripping storyline.
The voice actors in the English dub do an excellent job capturing the depth of the characters’ personalities. Edward Elric’s voice in the dub adds a certain urgency and youthful energy that resonates with fans. Additionally, the humor in the dubbed version lands better for many viewers, making it more accessible. The quality of the adaptation from Japanese to English is solid, allowing the audience to connect with the characters even more. This combination of strong voice work and an incredible plot makes the dubbed version stand out.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a timeless classic that blends genres like sci-fi, western, and noir. Following a group of bounty hunters in a futuristic setting, it balances action with philosophical depth. The English dub, featuring voice actors like Steve Blum as Spike Spiegel, is frequently regarded as one of the best in anime history. Its ability to convey the show’s cool, laid-back vibe and sharp dialogue is a big reason why fans often prefer it. This anime has become an iconic part of anime culture and continues to attract new audiences.
The English dub of Cowboy Bebop is often praised for its flawless delivery of the witty, fast-paced dialogue. Spike’s voice actor, Steve Blum, perfectly captures the character’s relaxed yet intense personality. The voice cast’s performance adds a layer of emotional connection to the characters that resonates with English-speaking audiences. Additionally, the dub does a great job with the music, matching the show’s jazz soundtrack to the character’s actions and mood. Fans appreciate that the dubbed version maintains the series’ essence while being highly relatable to non-Japanese viewers.
Trigun
Trigun is a wild blend of action, comedy, and deep storytelling set in a post-apocalyptic world. It follows Vash the Stampede, a bounty hunter with a mysterious past and a comical, optimistic demeanor. The English dub is known for its great voice work, particularly for Vash, voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch. Fans love how the dub manages to balance the humor and the darker moments of the show. It adds a level of accessibility for Western viewers without losing the anime’s charm.
Trigun‘s English dub is considered superior due to its seamless blend of action and humor. The voice actor’s portrayal of Vash adds a layer of complexity, with Bosch perfectly capturing both the comedic and serious sides of the character. The pacing and tone of the dub help maintain the series’ impact, ensuring that its themes of redemption and humanity are still powerful. The dynamic performances of the supporting cast also add depth to the world of Trigun. Fans appreciate the consistent quality of the voice acting, which makes the show more engaging.
Death Note
Death Note is a psychological thriller that follows the cat-and-mouse game between a high school student who can kill anyone by writing their name in a notebook, and a genius detective trying to stop him. The English dub of this show is widely praised for its exceptional performances, especially from the voice actors for Light Yagami and L. The suspenseful atmosphere and intellectual battles are enhanced in the dubbed version, making it more engaging for Western audiences. The complex characters shine even more when voiced in English, giving them extra depth. This anime has a global following and continues to be a favorite in the thriller genre.
The dubbed version of Death Note is often seen as more dynamic because the voice actors bring an added intensity to the characters. Light’s calm, calculating nature is perfectly captured in the English dub, and L’s quirky, eccentric style is just as captivating. Fans appreciate that the voice acting matches the intensity of the storyline, making the stakes feel higher. Additionally, the dialogue flows more naturally in the English version, enhancing the emotional and intellectual confrontations between Light and L. This balance of voice acting and the plot is what makes the dubbed version stand out.
Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket aired in 2019 is a heartwarming yet emotional anime about a high school girl who gets involved with a family cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac. The English dub brings out the warmth of the characters and their emotional struggles, especially in the relationship dynamics. The voice acting, especially for Tohru Honda and Kyo, is praised for bringing the characters’ emotions to life in a way that the subbed version sometimes misses. The series mixes drama, romance, and comedy, making it perfect for fans of heartwarming stories. The dub helps make the story feel accessible to English-speaking audiences while preserving the original emotional impact.
The dubbed version of Fruits Basket is loved for its emotional depth, which is amplified by the English voice actors. The dub manages to capture the essence of the characters, especially Tohru, whose gentle and kind nature is wonderfully conveyed. The emotional moments between the characters are heightened by the voice acting, giving them a real sense of urgency. Fans also appreciate the natural delivery of the dialogue, which helps the characters’ interactions feel authentic. The overall voice work in the dub ensures that the viewers connect deeply with the characters and their journey.
Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is a hilarious romantic comedy that follows a girl who ends up working in a boys’ host club at an elite school. The anime is known for its over-the-top humor and unique characters, with the dubbed version being widely adored. The English voice actors bring out the absurdity and charm of the characters, especially the male hosts, who each have their own unique quirks. This series provides a fun and engaging mix of romance and comedy, making it perfect for anyone looking for a lighthearted watch. The humor and character dynamics in the dub are spot-on, making it even more enjoyable.
The English dub of Ouran High School Host Club is praised for how well the comedic timing translates. The voice actors for characters like Tamaki and Haruhi add extra charm to the series, giving the characters more depth and relatability. Fans love how the dub captures the humor without losing the spirit of the original. The playful nature of the show’s dialogue and characters is more accessible to English-speaking audiences, allowing the jokes and emotional beats to land better. The dub also makes it easier for fans to connect with the quirky personalities of the characters.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a mecha anime with psychological depth, tackling themes of identity, trauma, and existential dread. It follows a group of teenagers piloting giant robots to protect the world from mysterious beings called Angels. The English dub of this series is highly regarded, particularly for the strong performances of the main cast, including Shinji Ikari. The voice actors bring out the emotional struggles of the characters in a way that makes their journeys feel even more intense. The dub adds another layer to the psychological themes of the series, making it resonate with a broader audience.
The English dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion adds more emotional weight to the characters, particularly Shinji, whose inner turmoil is more deeply felt through the voice acting. The performances help enhance the complex themes of the show, making them more accessible for English-speaking viewers. The dub also brings a level of clarity to the sometimes heavy and abstract content of the show. Fans appreciate how the voice actors give the characters real depth, especially in their emotional and psychological struggles. This makes the dubbed version stand out for many.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho follows the adventures of a teenager who is brought back to life as a spirit detective after an untimely death. The series blends action, adventure, and supernatural elements with a strong focus on character growth and relationships. The dubbed version is highly praised for its strong voice acting, particularly the portrayal of Yusuke Urameshi, the main character. The emotional depth and dynamic dialogue are enhanced by the English voice actors, making it more engaging for fans. The show’s humor and intense action sequences are also well delivered in the dub.
The English dub of Yu Yu Hakusho brings a fresh energy to the series, with Yusuke’s sarcastic yet heartfelt character being well-captured by the voice actor. Fans also appreciate how the supporting characters, like Kuwabara and Kurama, shine in the dubbed version, thanks to the voice work. The pacing and tone of the dub align with the show’s energetic action and emotional moments, making it easier for English-speaking audiences to connect. The humor in the dub hits just right, and the voice actors’ performances bring the characters to life. This dynamic dub adds to the overall enjoyment of the series.
One Piece
One Piece is a long-running anime that follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of pirates as they search for the ultimate treasure. The series is known for its colorful characters, high-stakes adventures, and deep emotional moments. The English dub has earned praise for its ability to maintain the humor and excitement of the original, while making the characters more relatable to Western audiences. The dub highlights Luffy’s carefree personality and the friendships within the crew. The balance between humor, action, and heartfelt moments is maintained, making it a fan favorite.
The voice acting in the One Piece dub is a major reason why many fans prefer it over the subbed version. The cast’s ability to bring out the personalities of the main characters, especially Luffy and Zoro, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the series. The fast-paced humor and emotional beats are conveyed more clearly in the dubbed version, helping to draw in viewers who might struggle with the subbed version. Fans enjoy how the dub enhances the series’ lighthearted moments without losing the intensity of its action. The high-quality dubbing makes One Piece accessible and enjoyable for all audiences.
Bleach
Bleach is a supernatural action anime that follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager with the ability to see spirits, as he gets caught in a battle between life and death. The series is filled with battles, complex characters, and a rich world of spirits and other dimensions. The English dub has become highly praised for its voice acting, especially the portrayal of Ichigo, who is both powerful and emotionally conflicted. The performances add emotional depth to the story, making it easier for English-speaking viewers to connect with Ichigo and his friends. This action-packed anime has been a staple for many fans, particularly for its compelling dub.
The dubbed version of Bleach stands out due to its well-rounded voice cast, which brings out the essence of the characters. Ichigo’s voice actor delivers a performance that captures the character’s growth throughout the series. The dubbed version also allows the show’s humor and lighthearted moments to be more accessible. Fans love how the dub complements the emotional stakes of the story, especially during the character-driven arcs. Overall, the English dub adds to the epic feel of the series and its complex character dynamics.
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z is one of the most popular anime series of all time, following the adventures of Goku and his friends as they defend Earth from powerful foes. The action-packed series is known for its intense battles and memorable characters. The English dub of Dragon Ball Z has been a favorite among fans, particularly for the energetic performances of the voice cast. Characters like Goku and Vegeta are given life through their English voices, which enhance their personalities and memorable moments. The dubbed version allows the action and drama to shine through in a way that makes it feel even more exciting.
The English dub of Dragon Ball Z is widely praised for its energetic voice acting, especially for the iconic characters. Goku’s voice is filled with excitement and determination, which brings the character’s spirit to life. The dub is also credited with making the iconic fight scenes even more intense, as the voice actors bring extra emotion to the battles. Many fans enjoy the dubbed version because of its ability to balance the action and humor, making it more accessible to a wider audience. The performance in the dub adds to the excitement of watching Goku and his friends battle against the universe’s strongest enemies.
Soul Eater
Soul Eater is an anime that mixes supernatural elements with high-octane action and unique characters. The series revolves around students at the Death Weapon Meister Academy, where they train to become Death Scythes and protect the world from evil. The English dub is a fan favorite for its excellent character performances and how it captures the quirky, intense nature of the show. The voice cast adds to the charm of characters like Maka Albarn and Soul Eater, whose dynamic relationship is central to the story. The balance of humor and drama is well executed in the dub.
Fans prefer the dubbed version of Soul Eater for its vibrant voice acting and perfect matching of tone. The voice actors bring a sense of fun and drama to the characters, with each one sounding unique and lively. The dialogue flows naturally in English, making the complex battles and relationships easier to follow. The dub also does a great job of delivering the show’s humor, especially with characters like Black☆Star and Death the Kid. Overall, the dubbed version helps keep the series engaging and enjoyable from start to finish.
Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail is an action-packed anime that follows a guild of mages as they embark on various missions and face dangerous foes. The series is filled with powerful magic, strong friendships, and high-stakes battles. The English dub of Fairy Tail has been praised for its solid voice cast and the way it conveys the warmth and humor of the characters. Fans enjoy the lively performances of the characters, especially Natsu and Lucy, who have great chemistry in the dub. The dub makes the series even more accessible for a global audience, ensuring that the humor and emotions come through clearly.
The English dub of Fairy Tail is appreciated for its ability to highlight the emotions and bonds between the characters. Natsu’s voice actor brings the character’s fiery and passionate personality to life, making him even more likable. The supporting cast also shines in the dub, adding extra layers of humor and drama to the series. Fans also enjoy how the dub captures the essence of the magical battles and friendships at the core of the story. The high-quality dubbing makes it easy for new viewers to enjoy the series while still retaining its original charm.
One Punch Man
One Punch Man is a parody of the superhero genre, following Saitama, a man who is so strong that he defeats any opponent with a single punch. The anime blends action with comedy, creating a unique experience for fans. The English dub has received praise for its witty and energetic voice acting, particularly in the portrayal of Saitama’s monotone yet deadpan humor. The dub is able to maintain the show’s sarcastic tone and over-the-top action, making it fun for viewers. The contrast between Saitama’s boring demeanor and the intense battles is enhanced by the dubbed performances.
The dubbed version of One Punch Man excels due to its voice acting that perfectly matches the absurdity of the show. Saitama’s dry, apathetic voice contrasts beautifully with the action-packed world around him. The humor in the dub is easier to appreciate, and the characters’ personalities come through clearly. Fans also enjoy the way the dub enhances the emotional beats during the intense battles, making the stakes feel higher. The dubbed version effectively captures the parody elements, adding to the series’ overall enjoyment.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a gripping, intense anime that follows humanity’s fight for survival against gigantic creatures known as Titans. The series is filled with action, mystery, and dark themes, making it a standout in the anime world. The English dub is widely appreciated for its ability to convey the desperation and urgency of the characters’ fight for survival. Characters like Eren and Mikasa are brought to life through strong performances in the dubbed version. The high-stakes nature of the show is even more captivating when experienced in English.
The English dub of Attack on Titan is praised for its powerful voice performances that add emotional depth to the characters. The intense situations and action sequences are even more compelling due to the voice acting, which captures the tension of the battles. Fans also enjoy how the dub makes the complex relationships between characters more understandable. The dubbed version ensures that the heavy themes and high emotions are conveyed clearly, making it easier for viewers to connect with the story. The quality of the dub contributes to the anime’s immersive experience.
In the end, some anime truly stand out when experienced in their dubbed versions, offering a fresh and engaging perspective. The voice acting in these dubs adds another layer of enjoyment, making it easier to relate to the characters and immerse in the story. Fans have long appreciated how these dubbed shows bring their favorite series to life in a way that feels natural.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.