15 Anime That Are Actually Better Dubbed Than Subbed

Anime fans frequently discuss whether it’s better to watch shows with the original Japanese audio and subtitles, or to choose the English dub. Usually, the original Japanese version best reflects the creator’s intent. However, some English dubs are so well done – with excellent voice actors and adapted scripts – that they actually improve upon the original. Here are a few examples of anime where the English voice acting is as good as, or even better than, the Japanese version.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)

This stylish space western centers around a diverse group of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop. The English voice actors bring a cool, tough edge to the series, perfectly complementing its jazzy vibe. Steve Blum’s performance as Spike Spiegel is particularly memorable and has become the definitive version for many Western viewers. The English script isn’t just a word-for-word translation; it feels natural and captures the original meaning and subtle emotions of the conversations.

‘Ghost Stories’ (2000–2001)

When this supernatural series first aired in Japan, it didn’t become popular or attract many viewers. After ADV Films obtained the rights, they told the English voice actors to create a completely new, funny script while following the main storyline. This led to a comedy that was often disrespectful and shocking, and very different from the original’s serious intent. Surprisingly, this unusual approach turned a largely unnoticed horror anime into a beloved cult classic, famous for its outrageous humor.

‘Dragon Ball Z’ (1989–1996)

Funimation’s dub of this martial arts classic is incredibly well-known. The English version, with Sean Schemmel as Goku, portrays the main character as more of a traditional hero than the original Japanese version. The voice actors bring a lot of energy to the show, making the intense action sequences and power-ups even more exciting. Many Western viewers also feel the deeper voices used for the villains and heroes better match the characters’ strong physical appearances.

‘Black Lagoon’ (2006)

The story follows a Japanese businessman who is kidnapped by pirates in Southeast Asia. The group responsible is made up of criminals and mercenaries from different countries, including the US and Russia. The English dub uses strong language and realistic slang, which feels more fitting for the show’s dark and violent world than the original Japanese audio. Voice actors Brad Swaile and Maryke Hendrikse deliver powerful performances that really capture the show’s tough, cinematic feel.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009–2010)

Two brothers embark on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, hoping to reverse the effects of a disastrous experiment. The story is set in a Europe reminiscent of the early 1900s, and the English voice acting perfectly captures the atmosphere. Vic Mignogna and Travis Willingham bring a lot of heart and genuine connection to the brothers’ relationship as they travel. The script is well-written and explains the complicated details of alchemy and the political conflicts in a way that’s easy to understand.

‘Hellsing Ultimate’ (2006–2012)

Hellsing is a dark fantasy anime series about a secret organization battling supernatural forces in England, led by the powerful vampire Alucard. The English dub is particularly well-done, featuring fitting British and European accents. Crispin Freeman’s voice work as Alucard is especially impressive – he brings a dramatic and intimidating quality to the character, enhancing the show’s gothic horror atmosphere. The writing balances refined language with brutal action, complementing the series’ unique visual style.

‘Yu Yu Hakusho’ (1992–1994)

Okay, so I’m a huge fan of this anime. It starts with this tough, kinda rebellious teen who dies trying to save a kid, but then becomes a Spirit Detective – basically solving spooky mysteries. Honestly, the Funimation dub is way better than the original. They rewrote a lot of the dialogue to make it feel more modern and snappy, and the voice actors really nail their roles. Especially Justin Cook as Yusuke – he perfectly captures that rude, but charming, troublemaker vibe. What really gets me though is how natural the conversations are between the four main characters. Their back-and-forth feels real, and it makes the big tournament arcs so much more emotionally powerful. It just elevates the whole series, you know?

‘Baccano!’ (2007)

This mystery unfolds in 1920s New York, where immortal beings and gangsters collide in a story that doesn’t follow a straight timeline. The English voice acting uses authentic accents and dialects from that time and place, making the world feel real. Even with a large cast, the direction keeps the complex story clear and understandable. Bryan Massey is a standout as the wild and unpredictable thief, Ladd Russo, delivering a truly energetic performance.

‘Space Dandy’ (2014)

This funny sci-fi show follows an alien hunter with a distinctive pompadour as he travels the galaxy, tracking down undocumented species. Originally shown on American TV, it later aired in Japan, but was created with a Western sense of humor. The main character, voiced by Ian Sinclair, is delightfully unaware and inspired by classic rock and roll stars. The script is cleverly adapted for English-speaking viewers, making the jokes and pop culture references even funnier.

‘Samurai Champloo’ (2004–2005)

This anime follows two skilled swordsmen as they journey across historical Japan with a young waitress, all while searching for a mysterious samurai known for smelling like sunflowers. The show uniquely mixes traditional Japanese settings with modern hip-hop influences, and the English dub embraces this unusual combination. Steve Blum and Kirk Thornton deliver fantastic performances as the very different warriors, Mugen and Jin. The dialogue feels natural and contemporary, perfectly matching the show’s distinctive music and stylish direction by Shinichiro Watanabe.

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)

This animated series follows a young street hustler who becomes a mercenary in a futuristic, tech-driven city. Set in the vibrant world of Night City – inspired by a popular video game – the show blends cultures and features realistic street slang and accents from its English voice cast. Veteran actor Giancarlo Esposito delivers a compelling performance as the villain, bringing a dramatic weight typically seen in high-quality live-action shows.

‘Monster’ (2004–2005)

A highly skilled surgeon’s life falls apart when a boy he saves grows up to become a dangerous psychopath. The story takes place in Germany and the Czech Republic and focuses on European characters. Liam O’Brien delivers a compelling performance as Dr. Kenzo Tenma, perfectly capturing the desperation fitting for this suspenseful thriller. The English version of the story feels like a well-made crime drama, similar to a classic western.

‘Ouran High School Host Club’ (2006)

This series follows a scholarship student who unexpectedly enters the world of a privileged group of boys at an exclusive school – a club that provides entertainment for female clients. The English dub does a great job of capturing the show’s fast-paced humor and energetic feel, while still maintaining the romantic elements. Caitlin Glass perfectly portrays the main character, Haruhi Fujioka, with a dry wit that balances the flamboyant personalities of the male hosts. The team also cleverly adapted cultural references so viewers around the world can enjoy the jokes.

‘Trigun’ (1998)

The anime series follows Vash the Stampede as he travels across a desert planet, while two insurance agents pursue him, investigating the chaos he leaves behind. Johnny Yong Bosch gives a standout performance as Vash, skillfully blending comedy with the character’s difficult history. The show’s western theme is enhanced by the English voice acting, which features strong and fitting voices for all the characters. This English dub was particularly important in helping anime gain popularity with viewers around the world in the late 1990s.

‘Golden Boy’ (1995–1996)

This six-episode animated series follows a traveling student as he drifts from town to town, working various jobs and experiencing life. Doug Smith delivers a standout vocal performance as Kintaro Oe, filled with funny screams and unusual sounds. The English dub amplifies the show’s humor and heightens the contrast with its more serious themes. Many fans consider this dub to be exceptional because the voice actor wholeheartedly embraces the character’s over-the-top personality.

Please tell us in the comments which anime dubs you believe surpass the original Japanese versions.

2025-11-22 04:16