15 Anime That Are Actually Better Dubbed Than Subbed

Anime fans often debate whether to watch series in the original Japanese with subtitles or to opt for the localized English dub. While the original voice tracks typically offer the intended director’s vision, certain productions receive English adaptations that elevate the source material through superior casting or script localization. The following titles represent instances where the English voice acting matches or exceeds the quality of the original Japanese performance.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)

This noir space western follows a ragtag crew of bounty hunters traveling on the spaceship Bebop. The English voice cast brings a distinct level of cool and grit that perfectly matches the jazz-infused atmosphere of the series. Steve Blum delivers an iconic performance as Spike Spiegel that defines the character for Western audiences. The localized script flows naturally and captures the subtle nuances of the dialogue better than a literal translation.

‘Ghost Stories’ (2000–2001)

The original Japanese broadcast of this supernatural series failed to garner significant attention or ratings. ADV Films acquired the license and instructed the English voice actors to ad-lib an entirely new comedic script while keeping the basic plot structure. The result is an irreverent and offensive comedy that bears little resemblance to the serious tone of the original production. This unique approach transformed a forgettable horror anime into a cult classic known for its shock humor.

‘Dragon Ball Z’ (1989–1996)

Funimation created one of the most recognizable dubs in history for this martial arts epic. The English version features Sean Schemmel as Goku and establishes a more heroic tone for the protagonist compared to the original Japanese interpretation. The energetic vocal performances heighten the intensity of the screaming power-ups and dramatic battles. Many Western fans find the deeper voices of the alien villains and heroes more fitting for the muscular character designs.

‘Black Lagoon’ (2006)

The narrative centers on a Japanese salaryman who gets kidnapped by modern pirates operating in Southeast Asia. The diverse cast of criminals and mercenaries hails from various countries including the United States and Russia. The English dub incorporates profanity and tough dialect that suits the gritty underworld setting more appropriately than the Japanese track. Brad Swaile and Maryke Hendrikse provide convincing performances that enhance the hard-boiled cinematic style of the show.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009–2010)

Two brothers search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. The setting draws heavy inspiration from early 20th-century Europe and the English cast fits this aesthetic seamlessly. Vic Mignogna and Travis Willingham provide the Elric brothers with emotional depth and believable chemistry throughout their journey. The localized script handles the complex exposition regarding alchemy and political intrigue with impressive clarity.

‘Hellsing Ultimate’ (2006–2012)

This dark fantasy OVA series depicts the Hellsing Organization and their secret weapon Alucard fighting supernatural threats in England. The English dub excels by assigning appropriate British and European accents to the characters. Crispin Freeman delivers a theatrical and menacing performance as the vampire Alucard that elevates the gothic horror elements. The dialogue maintains a sophisticated yet violent tone that mirrors the stylized animation of the production.

‘Yu Yu Hakusho’ (1992–1994)

A delinquent teenager becomes a Spirit Detective solving supernatural cases after sacrificing himself to save a child. The Funimation dub updates the script with snappier dialogue and more distinctive character voices than the original track. Justin Cook provides Yusuke Urameshi with a rude yet charismatic attitude that defines the rebellious nature of the protagonist. The banter between the four main characters feels organic and enhances the emotional impact of the tournament arcs.

‘Baccano!’ (2007)

Immortals and gangsters clash in prohibition-era New York during this non-linear mystery narrative. The English dub incorporates period-accurate transatlantic accents and New York dialects to ground the setting. The vocal direction ensures that the chaotic storytelling remains easy to follow despite the large ensemble cast. Bryan Massey steals the show as the eccentric thief Ladd Russo with a high-energy performance that captures the madness of the character.

‘Space Dandy’ (2014)

A pompadoured alien hunter travels the galaxy in search of unregistered species in this episodic sci-fi comedy. The show premiered on American television before airing in Japan and the production catered specifically to Western comedic sensibilities. Ian Sinclair provides the protagonist with a charmingly oblivious personality that channels classic rock and roll archetypes. The localized script enhances the absurd humor and pop culture references for an English-speaking audience.

‘Samurai Champloo’ (2004–2005)

Two swordsmen accompany a waitress across Edo-period Japan in search of a samurai who smells of sunflowers. The series blends historical settings with modern hip-hop culture and the English dub leans into this anachronistic style. Steve Blum and Kirk Thornton play off each other well as the contrasting warriors Mugen and Jin. The casual and modern delivery of the dialogue complements the unique soundtrack and visual direction of the director Shinichiro Watanabe.

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)

A street kid tries to survive in a technology-obsessed city of the future by becoming an edgerunner mercenary. The story takes place in Night City which creates a melting pot of cultures and slang derived from the source video game. The English cast utilizes specific street slang and diverse accents that immerse viewers in the setting. Giancarlo Esposito lends his voice to the villain Faraday and brings a level of gravitas usually reserved for live-action prestige drama.

‘Monster’ (2004–2005)

A brilliant neurosurgeon finds his life in ruins after he saves the life of a boy who grows up to be a psychopath. The narrative unfolds across Germany and the Czech Republic and features a cast of predominantly European characters. Liam O’Brien portrays the doctor Kenzo Tenma with a sense of weary desperation that fits the psychological thriller genre. The English adaptation creates a cinematic atmosphere that feels comparable to a high-quality western crime drama.

‘Ouran High School Host Club’ (2006)

A scholarship student stumbles into a club of wealthy boys who entertain female clients at an elite academy. The English dub captures the manic energy and rapid-fire comedy of the series without losing the romantic undertones. Caitlin Glass voices the protagonist Haruhi Fujioka with a deadpan delivery that contrasts perfectly with the over-the-top antics of the male hosts. The localization team successfully adapted specific cultural jokes to make them relatable for international viewers.

‘Trigun’ (1998)

Vash the Stampede wanders a desert planet while two insurance agents track the destruction he supposedly causes. Johnny Yong Bosch delivers a breakout performance that balances the goofy humor and tragic past of the main character. The western setting benefits from the English language track and the rugged voices of the supporting cast. This dub played a crucial role in introducing anime to a global audience during the late nineties.

‘Golden Boy’ (1995–1996)

A wandering student travels from town to town taking odd jobs and learning about life in this six-episode OVA. Doug Smith provides a legendary vocal performance as Kintaro Oe that includes hilarious screams and strange noises. The English script turns the situational comedy up to eleven and makes the mature themes even more ridiculous. Fans widely regard this dub as superior because the voice actor fully commits to the absurdity of the protagonist.

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