In the colorful world of anime, a fiery debate rages on: dubbed or subbed? Some say dubbed is the way to go, others swear by subbed. But hey, let’s not get all serious about it! Everyone’s got their own groove, so let’s vibe together and respect each other’s choices, no snobbery allowed.
Now, listen up, because we’re about to unveil some mind-blowing anime dubs that will totally rock your socks off. Brace yourself for the awesomeness that is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Ouran High School Host Club, and Cowboy Bebop. These dubs are like a burst of star power, bringing a little extra flavor to the table.
Hold up, though! We’re not saying the subbed versions are any less rad. They’ve got their own charm, no doubt about it. We just wanna take a moment to shower some love and give props to these incredible anime dubs. So grab your popcorn, kick back, and let’s get this celebration started!
1. Cowboy Bebop
One of the reasons Cowboy Bebop is more popular in the West than in Japan is because it draws inspiration from Western sensibilities. The show incorporates elements like its jazzy soundtrack and lone wolf protagonist, which are distinctly American in nature.
The exceptional work of the dubbing team played a crucial role in making the series even more appealing. The English voices of the characters resonate well with the audience because they have done an amazing job. Hearing the characters speak in English just feels right, adding to the overall Western vibe of the show.
Moreover, it is worth noting that the choice of English language is not solely based on the Western influence. In fact, it is logical for most of the characters, including Faye from Singapore, to speak English. As English is one of the nation’s four official languages, it is plausible that Faye, along with other characters, would naturally communicate in English.
2. Trigun
Trigun, the beloved anime series, holds a special place in the hearts of many fans, which is why the news of its reboot in 2023 was met with great excitement. The nostalgic value of the show is undeniable, especially for those who grew up watching the dubbed version.
The series itself combines various elements that contribute to its allure. With saloons, tumbleweed, and a sci-fi twist on cowboys, Trigun draws inspiration from distinctly American themes. As a result, the English-speaking characters in the show feel more relatable and authentic compared to their Japanese counterparts.
In summary, Trigun’s reboot in 2023 brought back a flood of nostalgia for fans. The series’ fusion of Western and science fiction elements, along with its English-speaking cast, adds to its appeal.
3. Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon is set in a huge, diverse city where you won’t find many Japanese characters worth mentioning. The show actually makes it pretty clear that these characters aren’t speaking Japanese, as the protagonist has to translate what the Japanese mafia is saying to Balalaika.
It’s a bit difficult to believe that she suddenly can’t speak Japanese when she was just doing it a minute ago. It’s pretty obvious that this is only done so that the audience can understand what’s going on. The whole situation makes much more sense when you watch it dubbed.
4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is often hailed as one of the top-notch dubbed anime series. And honestly, that’s fantastic news because FMA holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, so it would’ve been a real disappointment if the English dub fell short.
One of the reasons why the English dub works so well is because the Europe-like setting of FMA blends seamlessly with the English language. It just feels more fitting, you know? Plus, there are some voices in the dub that truly capture the essence of the characters. The dub voice for King Bradley, for instance, delivers the drama with such finesse that it’s hard to find a match. And let’s not overlook Alphonse’s dub actor, who skillfully brings out that sense of innocence and vulnerability, making him truly sound like a child trapped in a suit of armor.
5. FLCL
FLCL is a totally wild and crazy show that’s all about being weird and unpredictable. It’s got super fast dialogue that just keeps coming at you non-stop. If you’re one of those super speedy readers, maybe you can keep up with the subtitles. But let’s be real, for most of us, it’s a bit of a struggle.
But hey, here’s the good news! The dubbed version of FLCL is just as awesome as the original. It’s got all the hilarious and wacky humor, plus some seriously impressive voice acting. And the best part? It’s way easier to follow along with. No need to strain your eyes trying to keep up with those subs.
6. Yu Yu Hakusho
The Yu Yu Hakusho dub is super popular among Western anime fans. You know why? ‘Cause it’s often the first time people get to see the series. Justin Cook’s Yusuke Urameshi is spot-on and totally keeps the character intact. And Christopher Sabat’s Kuwabara might sound different, but it still has that original vibe.
But that’s not all! The dub also throws in a bunch of hilarious jokes that aren’t in the Japanese version. It’s such a fun and memorable experience from start to finish.
7. Howl’s Moving Castle
The Howl’s Moving Castle dub stands out for its inclusion of actors not typically associated with dubbing. Names like Lauren Bacall, Christian Bale, and Billy Crystal bring a fresh perspective to the table. Don’t get me wrong, the regular dub voice actors are fantastic, but it’s refreshing to see how exceptional actors from other backgrounds approach the work.
8. Hellsing Ultimate
Hellsing Ultimate is set in England and draws loose inspiration from the renowned Irish author Bram Stoker, who wrote Dracula. The diverse cast showcases characters hailing from various European nations, including Italy, Germany, and more. However, these distinct vocal nuances may not be effectively conveyed in Japanese. As a result, viewers who opt for the dubbed version might find themselves immersed in a more authentic experience.
9. Dragon Ball Z
No offense to the legendary Masako Nozawa, but some may find her distinctive voice a bit surprising when it comes out of Goku’s mouth. For Western fans, Sean Schemmel’s portrayal of the Saiyan hero is much more recognizable and favored by many.
Schemmel truly immerses himself in the role – he even passed out during the intense scene of performing a Super Saiyan 4 Kamehameha in Dragon Ball GT. Although we certainly wouldn’t encourage any voice actor to risk their well-being like that, it does demonstrate a remarkable level of commitment.
10. Ghost Stories
When Ghost Stories was initially released, it didn’t receive much attention due to its unremarkable plot. It might have gone unnoticed if ADV Studios hadn’t decided to pick it up. The actors involved in the dub were given a simple directive: “do whatever it takes to sell the show.” While they had to keep the characters’ names and the basic premise intact, they were free to make any outrageous changes they desired. The outcome of this creative freedom is a dub that is widely regarded as one of the funniest ever made.
On the other hand, Animax also produced a dub of Ghost Stories that remained faithful to the original story. However, it lacks the ADV version’s legendary status and the comedic genius that came with it.