No matter what anyone says, English dubbed anime holds a special place in the hearts of fans who seek the comfort of their language. While subbed anime, with its original Japanese voice acting, has its own allure, dubbed anime offers a unique experience. This accessibility allows a wider audience to enjoy the intricate worlds, complex characters, and captivating stories that anime has to offer.
In this article, we’ll explore the best English dubbed anime, where fantastic storytelling meets incredible performances. Whether you’re new to anime or a seasoned enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone.
20. Cyberpunk Edgerunners
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners takes place in the futuristic and dystopian world of Cyberpunk 2077. The anticipation for this anime was driven by the popularity of the Cyberpunk 2077 video game, which has a massive following.
In a corrupt and cyber-enhanced dystopia, a talented street kid named David, reeling from a personal tragedy, chooses to survive on the fringes of the law as an “edgerunner” or “cyberpunk.”
This anime is a must-see for fans of who like gritty, high-tech settings with cybernetically-enhanced characters who often face complex moral dilemmas. If that’s something you’d enjoy, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is tailored just for you.
19. Fruits Basket (2019)
Fruits Basket (2019) is a heartwarming and emotionally rich anime that has captured the hearts of many. Beloved for its deep and empathetic exploration of the human condition and personal growth, it delves into the lives of characters who are cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex.
Many might be surprised that, despite the seemingly comedic synopsis, Fruits Basket tackles complex themes such as trauma, family, and friendship, all the while maintaining a lighthearted and comedic tone in a clever and engaging manner.
18. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
For fans of rom-coms that take place in school, Kaguya-sama: Love is War is an unavoidable recommendation. Following the student council president, Kaguya Shinomiya, and the vice president, Miyuki Shirogane, we watch them engage in comical battles of wit to make the other confess their feelings.
If you thought that psychological mind games were the exclusive domain of action-fueled shounen or dark fantasy anime, Kaguya-sama: Love is War proves you wrong. With its delightful and witty moments, this romantic comedy offers a unique twist on the genre.
17. Lycoris Recoil
A lesser-known gem in the world of anime, Lycoris Recoil has a niche but dedicated following due to its neat blend of action, espionage, and yuri undertones.
In a world where peace relies on government-trained assassins and spies posing as high school students, Lycoris Recoil follows Takina Inoue, a rogue agent seeking redemption. Teaming up with elite operative Chisato Nishikigi, they run a covert café named “LycoReco.”
While it might not be as well-known as some mainstream anime, Lycoris Recoil has a well-executed English dub.
16. 86
86 isn’t just a random number. It’s a name assigned to soldiers who battle against autonomous drones. Contraty to what you’d think based on this plot, 86 isn’t just another action-packed shounen anime that you will forget about after finishing it.
Curiously, Asato Asato, the light novelist of the series, decided to use unmanned drones and artificial intelligence in warfare, which reflects contemporary issues and technological advancements. The series also breathed new life into the mecha genre.
By addressing themes such as societal prejudice, discrimination, and the consequences of war, 86 emerges as a thought-provoking treasure that’s definitely worth watching.
15. Ascendance of a Bookworm
Both heartwarming and wholesome, Ascendance of a Bookworm revolves around a book-loving girl who is reborn in a world without books. However, she doesn’t give up on bringing the written word back to life.
While for many, reading books might be seen as a mere annoyance, for Myne, the main character of this anime, books are everything. Her genuine passion for reading books and determination to create books, coupled with the exploration of the profound impact it can have on a society, are the primary reasons why this series is a perfect fit for fans of slice-of-life and fantasy.
14. The Devil is a Part-Timer
This anime is a clever and often hilarious take on the isekai concept. It follows the Devil King, who ends up working part-time at a fast-food restaurant in modern Tokyo. The clash of his demonic powers with mundane human life is both entertaining and comedic.
What’s more, the voice actors bring out the humor and character quirks, making it an enjoyable experience for those who prefer English dubbed anime.
13. Psycho-Pass
Imagine residing in a world where technology can foresee a person’s criminal tendencies. For the inhabitants of the Psycho-Pass universe, this isn’t a mere imagining; it’s their everyday reality.
The narrative of this anime centers on Akane Tsunemori, a police officer in a society where technology quantifies an individual’s criminal intent. Her experiences and challenges within this dystopian realm form the crux of the story.
Drawing inspiration from classic dystopian works such as George Orwell’s 1984 and Philip K. Dick’s Blade Runner, Psycho-Pass weaves together a rich tapestry of ideas. This, in turn, makes it an enticing choice for those who enjoy dystopian settings, psychological thrillers, and deep stories.
12. Cowboy Bebop
A space adventure, Cowboy Bebop is famous for its captivating blend of genres, including space western, noir, and jazz. The story centers around Spike Spiegel and his eclectic crew aboard the spaceship Bebop as they hunt down bounties and confront their pasts.
Notably, the English dub of the series is nothing short of extraordinary. The voice actors deliver performances that are often considered superior to the original Japanese version.
Additionaly, the series boasts an exceptional jazz soundtrack by Yoko Kanno, which perfectly complements the show’s atmosphere and adds an extra layer of immersion.
11. Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter has garnered immense popularity, particularly among fans of English dubbed anime. This anime is known for its intricate and well-crafted world, along with unforgettable characters. It’s a story of adventure, the bonds of friendship, and the pursuit of dreams, which strikes a chord with a diverse audience.
Notably, the creator of Hunter x Hunter, Yoshihiro Togashi, is also the creative genius behind Yu Yu Hakusho, another classic English dubbed anime. His storytelling prowess shines through in both series, making them fan favorites.
In Hunter x Hunter, we follow the story of Gon Freecss, a young boy with dreams of becoming a Hunter, which is a prestigious but risky job. As he sets off on his journey, he faces many challenges and exciting adventures.
10. Vinland Saga
Did you enjoy the series Vikings? If so, you should definitely give Vinland Saga a try. This series is making waves for its historical setting, compelling characters, and Viking-inspired adventures. After all, it’s like a journey back in time to the age of Vikings, complete with battles, drama, and a quest for a legendary land.
The story follows Thorfinn, a young warrior seeking revenge against the man who killed his father. This quest leads him on a journey through the brutal world of the Vikings.
09. Code Geass
Code Geass is a thought-provoking masterpiece with numerous plot twists and a story that keeps you guessing until the very end. It’s another anime like Attack on Titan or Death Note with morally grey and genius characters.
Set in an alternate future where the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered Japan, Lelouch, a disowned prince, gains the power of Geass. With this extraordinary ability, he can command anyone. As a result, he leads a rebellion against Britannia, challenging its oppressive rule.
Since it challenges people’s moral compass and offers intense mecha action, Code Geass is a well-rounded series that’s a must-watch for any fan of complex storytelling and intellectually stimulating dilemmas.
08. Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a timeless classic in the world of anime. This series is cherished for its exceptional storytelling, well-developed characters, and an intricate world filled with alchemy and adventure. Furthermore, Brotherhood follows the original manga more closely than the 2003 version, resulting in a more faithful adaptation of the story.
In this anime, two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, use alchemy to bring their mother back to life but suffer tragic consequences. To undo their mistakes, they set out to find the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies.
The English dub of the series is highly acclaimed. The voice actors, like Vic Mignogna as Edward, deliver outstanding performances that capture the essence of the characters.
07. Death Note
Another iconic English dubbed anime is Death Note. Famous for its gripping battle of wits and moral dilemmas, this anime is all about a high-stakes game of cat and mouse between a brilliant but morally conflicted student, Light Yagami, and the enigmatic detective, L.
Death Note delves deep into the consequences of absolute power and the ethical questions it raises. It makes you ponder about the fine line between justice and vengeance. Watching it is a must for anyone looking to engage their mind and question the boundaries of right and wrong.
06. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Based on a light novel series and known for pushing the boundaries of the isekai genre, Mushoku Tensei stands out for its deep world-building and character development. The story follows Rudeus Greyrat, a man who gets reincarnated into a magical world and decides to make the most of his second chance at life.
The anime is recommended for those who appreciate a well-crafted world, character growth, and a more mature take on the isekai genre.
The English dub is well-done, and the voice acting captures the nuances of the characters effectively. This can help non-Japanese speakers enjoy the anime without missing out on the emotional depth of the story.
05. Spy x Family
This anime hits the sweet spot between spy intrigue and heartwarming family moments. It’s a delightful mix of action, humor, and a dash of heart. Fans love it for its witty humor and the way it explores the complexities of family bonds.
Considering Spy x Family’s popularity, it’s only natural that it would draw in top-notch voice talents, securing its spot on the list of the best English dubbed anime.
The anime revolves around Twilight, a spy who needs to create a fake family to complete his mission. He adopts Anya, a telepathic girl, and marries Yor, an assasin, to form this unusual family.
Spy x Family is an ideal choice for anyone who craves clever plot twists and a genre fusion that’s nothing short of exceptional.
04. Cautious Hero
This anime is a hilarious take on the typical hero story. The main character, Seiya, is incredibly cautious to the point of absurdity. He overprepares for everything, and his antics will have you laughing in stitches.
The English dub version of this series does justice to the humor. Jamie Marchi, who voices Ristarte, adds a fantastic comedic touch to the character. Moreover, Seiya’s cautious nature is brilliantly brought to life in the dub.
The story starts with Ristarte, a goddess, who summons the hero Seiya to save a troubled world. The twist is that Seiya is ludicrously careful and takes preparation to the extreme.
03. Black Lagoon
Looking for an anime that’s a wild mix of over-the-top action, shady dealings, and morally complex characters? Well, Black Lagoon should be your top pick. This series holds nothing back—it’s unapologetically violent and thrilling.
Interestingly, the anime is set in Southeast Asia, which isn’t a common location for anime. The mix of cultures and the way it’s portrayed in the show is pretty unique.
Black Lagoon follows a group of mercenaries who take on all sorts of dangerous jobs. The story centers on Rock, an ordinary salaryman who gets caught up with this ragtag group.
While it’s great for fans of action and a darker tone in their anime, it’s not for the faint of heart.
02. Spice & Wolf
Spice & Wolf combines two seemingly unrelated elements: a medieval fantasy world and economics. The chemistry between the two main characters, Holo, a wolf deity, and Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant, is beautifully portrayed. Their witty banter and the slow-burning romance keep fans hooked.
In this series, the story revolves around Holo, a wise wolf deity, and Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant. Their journey takes them through a world filled with adventure and danger as they seek Holo’s homeland.
This anime is a treat for fans of romance, fantasy, and even a bit of economic intrigue. For those who appreciate character-driven tales and a gradual, heartfelt romance, Spice & Wolf is a perfect pick.
01. Attack on Titan
Only those who live under a rock haven’t heard about Attack on Titan. While the subbed version is legendary, it’s also one of the best English dubbed anime that you can watch. The voice actors do an incredible job of bringing the characters to life in both versions.
The show’s creator, Hajime Isayama, drew inspiration from a range of media, from classic poems to Jurassic Park. Little did he know that his shounen will become one of the most popular anime of all time later.
In a world where humanity is trapped within enormous walls to protect themselves from giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, Attack on Titan follows Eren Yeager and his friends who dream of exploring the outside world. When the Titans breach the walls, their peaceful life shatters, and the fight for survival begins.
This anime is recommended for anyone who loves action-packed stories, mysteries, and a touch of horror. If you’re into intense battles and deep character development, Attack on Titan is a must-watch!
