Anime is best known for its stunning visuals, memorable characters, and often thrilling or heartwarming narratives that keep viewers hooked from the first episode. Countless hours of effort go into bringing these series to life, with one of the most notable stemming from the voice acting. When executed with precision, voice acting can elevate a series.
For years, anime fans have debated whether watching a series in Japanese with subtitles or viewing with an English dub offers a better experience. While many series are debatable, there are some cases where the English adaptation significantly stands out in comparison to the original, so much so that they become known as the best way to experience a series.
Soul Eater
Soul Eater takes place in the fictional Death City, where students at the Death Weapon Meister Academy, or DWMA for short, train to fight against supernatural threats, including corrupted souls and witches. The series primarily centers around Maka Albarn and her scythe partner Soul “Eater” Evans, as they work towards the goal of creating a Death Scythe.
The series is known for its distinctive style and unique power system. Paired with its comedic timing and intense battles, Soul Eater is a thrilling classic that may have fans continue to return to. Its English dub stands out for its authenticity and often energetic performances, bringing the characters to life and enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion follows the titular character, Lelouch Lamperouge, formerly Prince Lelouch vi Britannia of the Holy Britannian Empire. After his exile, he and his sister go into hiding until he gains the power of Geass. With his new ability, he leads a rebellion against the empire to create a world where his sister can be safe.
10 Years Ago, 1 Anime Dropped a Finale So Unhinged That It Is Unmatched to This Day
Even years after its conclusion, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion has an ending that remains unmatched and has yet to be surpassed.
The series stands out for its thrilling premise and deep exploration of morality and justice. The English dub is known for its strong casting and performances, bringing every scene to life, whether it’s an emotional or intense moment. By leaning into the drama, the dub reinforces the series’s narrative stakes.
Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon centers on Rokuro “Rock” Okajima, a Japanese salaryman who is abruptly pulled into the criminal underworld after he’s kidnapped by the Lagoon Company, a team of modern-day pirates. When his company abandons him, he joins the crew and must learn how to navigate dangerous, often chaotic, jobs.
Black Lagoon is filled with thrilling action sequences and memorable characters that are elevated by their moral complexity. The English dub is widely considered superior among fans for its ability to convey authenticity in a way that matches the series’s cynicism and volatility.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their lost bodies after they attempt to resurrect their mother through human transmutation. Along their journey, the two uncover deeper secrets tied to their nation and military, leading to a dark conspiracy that threatens the lives of millions.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely considered one of the greatest anime to watch by countless fans. Its exploration of humanity, balance, and power is executed with thoughtfulness from beginning to end, delivering a meaningful and thrilling story. Many fans consider the English dub to be one of the best in anime.
Death Note
Death Note centers on Light Yagami, a high-achieving high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written on its pages. As Light begins to reshape the world by killing criminals, he catches the attention of world-renowned detective L, sparking a high-stakes battle of wits that will determine their fate.
Death Note is a cult classic, beloved by millions of fans around the world. It’s a psychological thriller that excels at suspense and tension while providing thought-provoking questions surrounding morality, justice, and the line between good and evil. Its English dub is exceptional, with an intense emotional range that truly brings the story to life.
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z continues Goku’s story into adulthood as his alien origins come to light and he, alongside his allies, begins to take on increasingly powerful threats. Known for its iconic transformations, intense battles, and unforgettable rivalry, Dragon Ball Z stands out as one of the most influential anime ever created.
Dragon Ball Z’s English dub stands out for its intense voice acting that leans into every high-stakes confrontation, which reinforces the sense of scale in the story. While the Japanese cast captures a unique charm that defines the series in more ways than one, many fans prefer the English dub.
Ghost Stories
Ghost Stories revolves around a group of children, Satsuki Miyanoshita, her little brother, Keiichirou Miyanoshita, Hajime Aoyama, Momoko Koigakubo, and Leo Kakinoki, who confront restless spirits haunting their town, leading them to uncover secrets and tragedies behind every supernatural occurrence. Using Satsuki’s mother’s diary, the group seals away the spirits they come across.
This resulted in a series that was not only atypical but completely absurd and unhinged.
After the series flopped in Japan, ADV Films was given nearly full creative freedom, allowing the English voice actors to improvise and ad-lib lines. This resulted in a series that was not only atypical but completely absurd and unhinged. While the series didn’t age as gracefully in the long run, Ghost Stories remains a cult classic that fans can’t help but love.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop centers around a ragtag crew of bounty hunters traveling through space aboard the Bebop. Following Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Ed, and Ein, each character carries their own burdens and regrets, allowing the story to slowly unravel the mysteries behind them over its episodic run.
The series is known for its soundtrack and ability to blend humor, tension, and tragedy, with many considering Cowboy Bebop a masterpiece. The English dub features iconic performances that bring the story to life, enhancing the viewer’s experience. Even the series director, Shinichiro Watanabe, has praised the English cast for being a perfect fit for the characters.