Anime has taken the world by storm, and its popularity only seems to be rising with each passing day. This Japanese form of animation has transcended cultural boundaries and found fans in every corner of the globe. For some, it's the intriguing characters and complex storylines that keep them hooked, while others are drawn in by the vivid animation and stunning visuals. Regardless of the reasons, there's no denying that anime has become an integral part of modern popular culture.
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One of the debates that often arises among anime enthusiasts is whether to watch anime in its original Japanese audio with English subtitles or to watch English dubbed versions. While some purists believe that the original audio with subtitles is the only way to truly experience anime, others prefer to watch dubbed versions in English. In fact, some people argue that a good dub can actually enhance the viewing experience by allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the story and characters.
Update July 9, 2023: This article has been updated with even more great Anime dubs that are worth watching.
At its core, the debate is centered around the idea of preserving the original intent of the anime versus making it accessible to a wider audience. While some dubs have a reputation for being poorly done, with stilted dialogue and awkward voice acting, there are plenty of dubs that are expertly executed and even elevate the viewing experience. A well-done dub can bring out the nuances of a character's personality and emotion, allowing viewers to fully understand and appreciate the story being told.
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In this list, we'll be taking a look at some of the best English dubbed anime series out there. From classic anime series to new releases, we'll be highlighting the dubs that have truly captured the essence of the original Japanese audio while providing an immersive experience for English-speaking viewers. So, whether you're a die-hard dub fan or just curious about the best dubs out there, get ready to discover some of the best English dubbed anime series that you won't want to miss!
25 The Rising Of The Shield Hero (2019)
The Rising of the Shield Hero is a gripping anime series that follows the story of a young man named Naofumi, who is summoned to a parallel world along with three other young men to save it from destruction. However, when Naofumi is betrayed by one of his fellow heroes, he is forced to go it alone, armed only with his trusty shield. The series is filled with intense battles and high-stakes drama as Naofumi fights to clear his name and protect the world from an impending doom.
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What sets this anime apart is its engrossing storyline and well-developed characters. Naofumi's journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, and the audience is taken along for the ride as he overcomes numerous obstacles and learns to trust again. The English dub does an excellent job of capturing the intensity and emotion of the series, with the voice actors delivering standout performances that bring the characters to life.
24 The Devil Is A Part-Timer! (2013)
The Devil Is A Part-Timer! tells the story of Satan, who is forced to flee his world and seek refuge in modern-day Tokyo after being defeated by the hero Emilia. In order to survive, Satan takes on the identity of a fast-food restaurant worker, and must navigate the challenges of everyday life while also dealing with the consequences of his actions in the other world.
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The show's blend of humor and drama makes for a unique and entertaining viewing experience. The characters are well-developed, with each having their own quirks and motivations. The story arc of Satan's redemption and his relationships with the other characters are heartwarming and engaging. The English dub of The Devil Is A Part-Timer! is top-notch, with each voice actor perfectly capturing the tone and personality of their character. The humor and wit of the original Japanese audio are retained, making it a great choice for those who prefer watching anime in English.
23 Noragami (2014)
Noragami is a supernatural anime that follows the story of Yato, a minor god who dreams of having a vast shrine with millions of followers. Along with his spirit weapon, Yukine, and Hiyori, a girl who can see and interact with spirits, Yato takes on odd jobs in the hopes of increasing his followers and achieving his dream.
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The characters in Noragami are complex and well-written, with each having their own personal struggles and motivations. The story arc of Yato's past and his relationships with Yukine and Hiyori is emotionally engaging and well-crafted. The English dub of Noragami is another great example of a well-done dub. The voice actors bring the characters to life, making the emotional moments all the more impactful. The ability of the dub to convey the character's emotions and motivations enhances the viewing experience.
22 SK8 The Infinity (2021)
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If you are an avid fan of off-beat sports animes, then you might have already watched SK8 The Infinity. Known for its fantastic animation style and a storyline that packed a punch with its bromance and a weird villain, SK8 is one of the very few animes that are not based on a Manga. Even without a famous anime to back its story, SK8 The Infinity did a fantastic job garnering the attention of a large audience, thanks to not only amazing main characters Reki and Langa, but also colorful side characters such as Cherry, Joe, Miya and the eccentric villain Adam.
One of the main reasons behind the success of SK8 The Infinity can definitely be attributed to its amazing dub. It is a great example of how a dub can be a bit different from the original version and still keep the flavor of the anime intact. The dubbed version garnered a lot of attention due to its eccentric dialogues that sent audiences across the globe into fits of laughter. Fans of the series tend to encourage people to watch both the sub and dub versions of the anime for added entertainment.
21 Overlord (2015)
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Imagine being trapped inside a video game with no way to escape. That's the premise of Overlord, an anime series that takes the "stuck in a video game" trope to new heights. When the popular MMORPG Yggdrasil shuts down, a player named Momonga finds himself still inside the game world. As the only player left, he decides to take on the mantle of his character, an undead wizard named Ainz Ooal Gown, and rule over the game's inhabitants as the supreme overlord.
The English dub of Overlord captures the subtle nuances of Ainz's transformation from a simple player to a powerful ruler. The voice acting brings out the depth of his character as he navigates the challenges of ruling over a virtual world.
20 Attack on Titan (2013)
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What if humanity was forced to live inside giant walls to protect themselves from man-eating giants? That's the story of Attack on Titan, a dark and intense anime series that explores the boundaries of human survival. The story follows Eren Yeager, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackerman, and their friend Armin Arlert as they join the military to fight back against the Titans and uncover the secrets behind their existence.
Related: Attack on Titan: The Best Episodes, Ranked
The English dub of Attack on Titan masterfully depicts the sense of urgency and despair that permeates the series, which is one of the reasons why the series has become so widespread and popular among teens and adults alike. The voice actors flesh into life the complex emotions and motivations of the characters as they struggle to survive in a world where death is always just a step away.
19 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime (2018)
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Imagine dying and waking up in a fantasy world as a slime monster. That, as the name suggests, is the setting of That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, a fun and lighthearted anime series that explores the power of friendship and determination. The story follows Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old man who dies in a freak accident and is reborn as a slime monster in a new world.
As he adapts to his new form, he makes friends with a variety of creatures and works to build a new life for himself. The English dub of That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime does an excellent job of portraying the playful and comedic nature of the series. The voice actors bring out the charm and wit of the characters, making it easy to get lost in the world of the show.
18 How Not To Summon A Demon Lord (2018)
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When it comes to anime that successfully blends the genres of comedy, fantasy, and action, How Not to Summon a Demon Lord is at the top of the list. The series follows a shut-in gamer named Takuma Sakamoto, who suddenly finds himself transported to a world that closely resembles the MMORPG he used to play. In this world, he takes on the persona of his game character, the powerful demon lord Diablo. However, things quickly get complicated when he's summoned by two young women who hope to use his powers for their own purposes.
What sets How Not to Summon a Demon Lord apart is its unique blend of humor and action. The English dub perfectly captures the witty banter and comedic timing of the characters while also delivering on the intense action scenes that make this series such a joy to watch. The characters are memorable and engaging, with Takuma's growth and development being a highlight of the series. With its blend of humor, action, and heart, How Not to Summon a Demon Lord is a must-watch for fans of the fantasy genre.
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17 The Seven Deadly Sins (2014)
The Seven Deadly Sins is a classic anime that has been beloved by fans since its release in 2014. Set in a medieval world, the series follows the story of a group of legendary knights who were once disbanded after being accused of plotting to overthrow the kingdom. However, when a new threat emerges, the seven deadly sins must come together to save the kingdom and clear their names.
The Seven Deadly Sins stand out in its unforgettable cast of characters, each with its own unique personality and backstory. The English dub captures the nuances of each character perfectly, bringing them to life in a way that feels both authentic and engaging. The series is also known for its incredible fight scenes and epic story arcs, which keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its well-rounded characters and immersive storyline, The Seven Deadly Sins is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good fantasy adventure.
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16 Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Cowboy Bebop is an anime classic that has stood the test of time. Set in a futuristic world where bounty hunters travel through space to catch criminals, the series follows the adventures of Spike Spiegel and his crew as they chase down the galaxy's most dangerous fugitives. With its unique blend of Western and sci-fi elements, Cowboy Bebop has a style and tone that's all its own.
Cowboy Bebop features iconic characters and incredible storytelling. The English dub captures the nuances of each character perfectly, from Spike's cool and collected demeanor to Faye's fiery personality. The series also has a unique episodic structure that allows each episode to tell its own self-contained story while still contributing to the overall arc of the series. The music, composed by legendary musician Yoko Kanno, is also a highlight of the series, adding to the show's cool and stylish vibe. With its unforgettable characters, incredible storytelling, and amazing soundtrack, Cowboy Bebop is a must-watch for anime fans of all stripes.
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Alchemy, conspiracy, and brotherhood come together in this beloved anime series that has been a favorite among fans for years. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they search for the Philosopher's Stone in order to restore their bodies after a failed attempt at using alchemy to bring their mother back to life. Along the way, they uncover a sinister plot and must face powerful enemies, all while trying to maintain their bond as brothers.
Related: The Catchiest Anime Theme Songs of All Time
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What sets Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood apart from other anime series is its complex and multi-layered storyline, which is brought to life through a talented cast of voice actors. The English dub captures the emotional depth and complexity of each character, from the fierce determination of Edward to the vulnerability of Alphonse. The voice actors bring their A-game to each episode, creating a powerful and engaging viewing experience that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
14 Death Note (2006)
Even if you are not a fan of anime, you must have heard the popular TikTok sound that goes, "What do you think of that L? This is my perfect victory!" And we would be delighted to tell you that the sound is from the Death Note dub. The anime, based on a 2003 Manga, took the viewers by storm with its unique storyline and its main anti-hero, Light Yagami. The series has 37 episodes and illustrates the rise and fall of genius student Light Yagami as he finds a mysterious notebook where whoever's name he writes ends up mysteriously dying.
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The epic battle of wits between Light and L, a brilliant consulting detective, is an enthralling watch whether you watch the dubbed or subbed version of the anime. The subbed version of the anime is better at preserving the true essence of the story. However, since the storyline is quite complicated, it may be hard to follow for some people in another language, especially if they are new to anime. In that case, the dubbed version of the anime is a great choice, as the voice actors did a fantastic job bringing the story to life.
13 Assassination Classroom (2015)
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Assassination Classroom is a unique anime series that blends humor, action, and drama in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The story follows a class of misfits who are tasked with assassinating their teacher, a yellow, tentacled creature known as Koro-sensei, who has destroyed most of the moon and threatens to do the same to Earth. But as the students get to know Koro-sensei, they begin to question whether he is really as evil as he seems.
The English dub of Assassination Classroom is spot-on, capturing the wit and humor of the original Japanese dialogue while also delivering emotional performances during the show's more serious moments. The voice actors bring out the unique quirks and personalities of each character, from the lovable goofiness of Nagisa to the tough exterior of Karma. The English dub adds an extra layer of charm to an already delightful anime series.
12 Is It Wrong To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon (2015)
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Is It Wrong To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon is a fast-paced anime series that takes place in a world where gods and mortals coexist. The story follows Bell Cranel, a young adventurer who dreams of becoming the strongest in the land. Along the way, he meets a variety of interesting characters, including the powerful goddess Hestia and the mysterious Ais Wallenstein, and faces off against powerful enemies.
The English dub of Is It Wrong To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of the show, bringing to life each character's unique traits and motivations. The voice actors deliver their lines with enthusiasm and energy, making it easy to get caught up in the action and excitement of each episode. Whether you're a longtime fan of anime or new to the genre, Is It Wrong To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon is a must-watch series with a top-notch English dub that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
11 Your Lie in April (2014)
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If you're looking for an anime series that will make you feel all the feels, look no further than Your Lie in April. This stunning anime series follows the story of Kosei Arima, a former child prodigy in the world of classical music who has lost the ability to hear his own playing. Despite his struggles, Kosei finds himself drawn to the world of music once again when he meets a talented violinist named Kaori Miyazono.
As Kosei navigates his way through the ups and downs of his journey, viewers are treated to a beautiful exploration of grief, love, and the power of music. The English dub of this series is expertly done, with each voice actor bringing their character to life in a way that truly captures the emotion and complexity of the story.
10 Trigun (1998)
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Set in the fictional planet called 'No Man's Land', Trigun tells us the story of a gunman named Vash The Stampede, who managed to acquire a huge bounty on his head after accidentally destroying a city with his powers. Weirdly enough, Vash does not remember the incident due to a medical condition known as retrograde amnesia. Vash is often joined in his escapades by another fan-favorite character named Nicholas D. Wolfwood, who is a priest on top of being a stellar gunman. The show is set in the 32nd century and attracted a huge audience in the early 2000s due to its amazing animation and gripping storyline. The story had so much potential that a new series called Trigun Stampede was released in 2023, based on the same Manga.
One of the main reasons why the dubbed version of the anime did so well among audiences is because it is set in a predominantly English-speaking world. But of course, the dub artists also did a fantastic job portraying not only the main character of Vash, but also Wolfwood and other side characters of the anime. Trigun is one of the examples where some people might even prefer the dubbed version to the original subbed version.
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9 Sword Art Online (2014)
What would happen if you were trapped inside a video game? That's the question at the heart of Sword Art Online, a gripping anime series that takes viewers on a journey through a virtual world where the stakes are all too real. The series follows the story of Kirito, a skilled player who finds himself trapped inside the game along with thousands of other players. As he fights his way through the game's challenges, he forms bonds with other players and discovers the true nature of the world he's trapped in.
With epic battles, stunning visuals, and a cast of complex and engaging characters, Sword Art Online is a must-watch for any anime fan. The English dub of the series is masterfully done, with each character's voice actor bringing their own unique energy and personality to the screen.
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8 Black Clover (2017)
Looking for an anime series that combines action, adventure, and a healthy dose of humor? Look no further than Black Clover. This popular anime series follows the story of Asta, a young orphan who dreams of becoming the Wizard King. Despite his lack of magical ability, Asta is determined to prove himself and make his dreams a reality.
Along the way, he forms a bond with his fellow orphan Yuno and the two set out to become the most powerful magic users in the kingdom. With a thrilling storyline, dynamic characters, and a healthy dose of comedy, Black Clover is an anime series that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The English dub of the series is also outstanding, without a doubt.
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7 Baccano! (2007)
Based on a series of Japanese light novels of the same name, Baccano! is set in the fictional USA during many different time periods. The story has a lot of supernatural elements as well as fantastic fight sequences, which make it a fan-favorite. The Japanese voice acting cast did a fantastic job with the anime as well, and it has a very pleasant sub experience.
However, the dubbed version of this anime is also extremely popular. Not only did the actors do a tremendous job portraying all the different characters, but the story itself becomes more alive with the dub. The Western setting of the anime also works as a factor, as the English dubbing sounds more natural to the characters. Most Baccano! fans will tell you to watch the dubbed version of the anime, and they will be right.
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6 Dragon Ball Z (1989)
If there's one anime that needs no introduction, it's Dragon Ball Z. This classic series is a cultural phenomenon, with an epic storyline and an unforgettable cast of characters that have captured the hearts of fans for over three decades. Dragon Ball Z follows the adventures of Goku and his friends as they battle to protect the Earth from evil forces.
Related: Dragon Ball Z: The Anime That Shaped The Entire Millennial Generation
With its epic battles, intricate plotlines, and unforgettable moments, Dragon Ball Z is an anime that truly stands the test of time. And with its excellent English dub, it's never been easier to fully immerse yourself in this epic saga. The dub perfectly captures the personalities and emotions of each character, bringing them to life in a way that only enhances the viewing experience.
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