Are you an anime fan who prefers watching shows in English? While subtitled anime is great, a high-quality English dub can make an anime even more enjoyable and accessible. The best dubs feature talented voice actors who bring the characters to life and elevate the viewing experience.
To help you find the cream of the crop, we’ve put together this list of the 27 best English dubbed anime of all time. These shows represent a variety of genres and eras, but they all have one thing in common – fantastic English voice acting that rivals or even surpasses the original Japanese.
Whether you’re an English dub connoisseur or just getting into anime, these are the must-watch shows to put on your list. Let’s count them down!
27. The Devil is a Part-Timer!
Starting off our list is the hilarious reverse-isekai comedy The Devil is a Part-Timer! When the demon lord Satan is forced to retreat from his world to modern day Tokyo, he and his general Alsiel must navigate the complexities of Japanese society.
The absurd premise of the demon king working part-time at a fast food joint is brought to life by a pitch-perfect comedic dub. Josh Grelle as the fish-out-of-water Satan and Anthony Bowling as the loyal Alsiel have fantastic chemistry and comedic timing. With season 2 coming soon, now is the perfect time to check out this beloved dub.
26. Noragami
Noragami follows down-on-his-luck minor god Yato as he does odd jobs for 5 yen apiece in an attempt to gain followers. When a normal high school girl named Hiyori saves Yato from a traffic accident, her soul starts slipping out of her body, pulling her into Yato’s supernatural world.
The dub features an all-star cast including Jason Liebrecht as the snarky Yato, Bryn Apprill as the spunky Hiyori, and Micah Solusod as Yato’s sarcastic shinki partner Yukine. The performances perfectly capture the show’s balance of action, comedy, and heartfelt emotion. Small script changes in the dub also enhance the humor in places.
25. Haikyuu!!
Sports anime Haikyuu!! is a smash hit in Japan and the US for its lovable characters and electrifying volleyball matches. Undersized but determined Shoyo Hinata joins the Karasuno High School volleyball team and forms a contentious partnership with prickly setter Tobio Kageyama.
A great sports anime dub needs to capture the passion and personality behind the game, and Haikyuu!! absolutely nails it. Bryson Baugus brings endless enthusiasm and energy to Hinata, while Scott Gibbs excels as the initially aloof Kageyama. The whole Karasuno team is bursting with personality thanks to the dub cast.
24. Assassination Classroom
Assassination Classroom has a truly one-of-a-kind premise. When a mysterious tentacled creature destroys the moon and threatens to do the same to Earth, he takes up teaching the misfits of class 3-E. Now the students must find a way to assassinate their new teacher before graduation, while also learning his bizarre but effective lessons.
Sonny Strait is perfectly cast as the enigmatic and nurturing Koro-sensei. His lively performance anchors the show’s unique mix of action, comedy, and heartfelt coming-of-age stories. The students are also memorably portrayed, especially the English voices for delinquent Karma and stoic Nagisa.
23. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Don’t let the cute magical girl exterior fool you – Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a dark, psychological deconstruction of the genre full of twists and turns. Studio Shaft’s signature visual style is used to great effect as the story takes increasingly unsettling turns.
The dub is a great way to experience this modern classic. Cristina Vee captures the sweet innocence of main character Madoka, which contrasts against the more jaded magical girls she meets. As the mystery unfolds, the vocal performances become more raw and emotional, selling the story’s gut punches.
22. Parasyte -the maxim-
Parasyte is a horror sci-fi series about a teenage boy named Shinichi who bonds with a parasitic creature that takes over his right hand. As more dangerous parasites spread throughout the world, Shinichi must fight to protect humanity.
The dub is very solid overall, with Adam Gibbs doing a great job capturing Shinichi’s transformation from ordinary high schooler to hardened fighter. Brittney Karbowski is also memorable as Migi, Shinichi’s deadpan parasite partner. Some side characters are a bit hit-or-miss, but the main cast carries the show well.
21. Ouran High School Host Club
This classic shojo comedy follows scholarship student Haruhi as she gets roped into joining the wealthy Ouran Academy’s host club. Haruhi disguises herself as a male host and charms guests with her “natural” appeal, leading to many humorous misunderstandings.
The dub is a key part of why this series became a breakout hit on Netflix. Caitlin Glass captures Haruhi’s sarcastic wit and grounded nature, while the male hosts are all perfectly cast, especially J. Michael Tatum as flamboyant king Tamaki. The English script amps up the comedy even further.
20. Black Clover
Black Clover is a long-running shonen action series about two orphans and friendly rivals – the magicless Asta and the prodigious Yuno – who both aim to become the Wizard King. Asta’s underdog story and never-give-up attitude have won the series many fans.
The dub is somewhat divisive among fans, but most agree that it improves significantly after the first dozen episodes. Dallas Reid grows into the role of the loudmouthed Asta, and the wider Black Bulls guild is full of memorable English performances. If you can get used to Asta’s yelling, it’s a fun shonen dub.
19. Overlord
Overlord is an isekai series about a salaryman who gets trapped in the body of his video game character, the skeletal lich Ainz Ooal Gown. As the new ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz must lead his former NPC subordinates in a strange fantasy world.
Chris Guerrero does an excellent job capturing Ainz’s dual nature – the confident, commanding Overlord and the uncertain man behind the facade. The floor guardians like Albedo and Demiurge are also perfectly cast. The dub script takes a few liberties but keeps the dark humor intact.
18. Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied is an infamously violent and disturbing anime, but there’s more to it than just shock value. It follows Lucy, a “Diclonius” girl with psychic powers who escapes from a research facility and takes shelter with two college students, setting off a chain of tragic events.
The dub is very well-acted, with Kira Vincent-Davis selling both Lucy’s cold brutality and her innocent alter ego Nyu. The supporting cast also does a great job with the emotional material. Watching dubbed lets you better appreciate the symbolism and storytelling beneath the gore.
17. Baccano!
Baccano! is a unique crime drama set in Prohibition-era America, featuring a sprawling cast and non-linear storyline. It centers around the passengers of the Flying Pussyfoot train, including mafiosi, thieves, and immortals, as their stories intertwine in bloody and spectacular fashion.
The dub is one of the best examples of English voice actors enhancing a series. The 1930s setting and larger-than-life characters are a perfect fit for the hammy, exaggerated performances. J. Michael Tatum is a particular standout as the gleefully psychotic Ladd Russo. Watching Baccano! dubbed is a must.
16. Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt
Studio Gainax’s crass, irreverent comedy follows the angel sisters Panty and Stocking as they battle Ghosts in Daten City. The art style and raunchy humor are heavily influenced by American cartoons, making it a natural fit for an English dub.
And what a dub it is. Jamie Marchi and Monica Rial gleefully sink their teeth into the title roles, spitting rapid-fire vulgarities with gusto. The supporting cast is clearly having a blast too, especially Colleen Clinkenbeard as the reverend Garterbelt. The dub script amps the lewdness up to 11, making for a one-of-a-kind experience.
15. Spice and Wolf
Spice and Wolf is a slow-burning fantasy romance about traveling merchant Kraft Lawrence and his companion Holo, a wolf goddess of the harvest. As they journey together and get involved in various trading schemes, a tender relationship develops between them.
The dub is headlined by two all-time great performances from J. Michael Tatum and Brina Palencia. Tatum’s suave confidence is a perfect match for Lawrence, while Palencia brings out Holo’s cheeky wit and hidden vulnerabilities. The English script features a bit more playful banter between the leads, making their romance even more engaging.
14. Black Butler
In Victorian-era England, 12-year-old Earl Ciel Phantomhive serves as the Queen’s Watchdog, investigating London’s criminal underworld with the aid of his one hell of a butler, Sebastian Michaelis. Black Butler is a stylish supernatural mystery with no shortage of dark humor.
The dub is a big part of the show’s appeal for English-speaking fans. J. Michael Tatum is perfectly cast as the devilishly charming Sebastian, delivering his quips with a wry smirk. Brina Palencia also does an excellent job as the haughty Ciel. The Victorian setting and gothic atmosphere make for a great fit with the theatrical English performances.
13. Ghost Stories
Ghost Stories is a mostly forgotten horror anime from 2000 about a group of elementary school kids investigating paranormal happenings. But its English dub has earned a cult following for throwing out the original script and turning the show into an outrageous comedy.
ADV’s Gag Dub is full of adult humor, pop culture references, and fourth wall breaks that have nothing to do with the original story. The main draw is the voice actors’ hilarious and offensive adlibs. It’s not for everyone, but Ghost Stories is undoubtedly one of the most unique English dubs ever made.
12. Hellsing Ultimate
Hellsing is a bloody action-horror series about a secret organization that protects England from supernatural threats. It follows the vampire Alucard and his master Integra Hellsing as they battle ghouls, rival vampires, and Nazi remnants.
The English dub, especially for the Hellsing Ultimate OVA series, is considered one of the best in the business. Crispin Freeman’s aristocratic drawl is perfect for the bloodthirsty Alucard, while K.T. Gray’s commanding performance as Integra anchors the cast. Steven Brand’s Alexander Anderson and Patrick Seitz’s Captain are also dub highlights. It’s an absolute must-watch dub for action fans.
11. Yu Yu Hakusho
This classic 90s shonen series follows delinquent Yusuke Urameshi, who dies saving a child from being hit by a car. He’s given a second chance at life by the ruler of the Spirit World, Koenma, and becomes a Spirit Detective tasked with solving supernatural cases.
Yu Yu Hakusho‘s dub is fondly remembered by many fans who grew up watching it on Toonami. Justin Cook’s snarky Yusuke and Christopher Sabat’s tough-guy Kuwabara are pitch-perfect fits for the characters. The supporting cast also features many great performances, especially Chuck Huber as the sly Hiei and John Burgmeier as the refined Kurama.
10. Samurai Champloo
From the mind of Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe comes this anachronistic samurai adventure. Brash ronin Mugen and stoic swordsman Jin form an unlikely alliance to help waitress Fuu track down a mysterious samurai who smells of sunflowers.
The dub is a key part of Samurai Champloo‘s unique style. The script is heavily influenced by hip-hop culture and African-American Vernacular English, tying into the show’s blending of Edo-era Japan with modern urban aesthetics. Steve Blum, Kirk Thornton and Kari Wahlgren all deliver memorable performances as the leads.
9. Dragon Ball Z
Arguably the most iconic anime dub of all time, Dragon Ball Z introduced an entire generation to anime on Toonami. Goku’s battles against powerful villains like Vegeta, Frieza and Cell are the stuff of legend.
The dub is a nostalgic childhood favorite for many fans, with Sean Schemmel’s Goku and Christopher Sabat’s Vegeta ranking among the most recognizable English anime performances. The early episodes are a bit rough, but the dub finds its stride in the later sagas. The English script also provides additional backstory and world-building not present in the Japanese version.
8. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a neo-noir space western following the misadventures of bounty hunters Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, and their super-intelligent corgi Ein. The series is a masterful blend of style and substance, with a unique jazz-infused atmosphere.
The English dub is considered one of the all-time greats for good reason. Steve Blum’s effortlessly cool Spike, Beau Billingslea’s world-weary Jet, and Wendee Lee’s femme fatale Faye are all perfectly cast. The dub script is also full of memorable one-liners and quips that have become iconic in their own right.
7. Berserk (1997)
Kentaro Miura’s dark fantasy manga Berserk received a 25-episode anime adaptation in 1997 that covered the series’ Golden Age arc. It tells the tragic story of mercenary Guts and his relationship with the charismatic leader Griffith and the Band of the Hawk.
The dub is a great example of an older anime dub that still holds up today. Marc Diraison’s gruff performance as Guts perfectly captures the character’s anger and inner pain, while Kevin T. Collins’ Griffith exudes both charm and menace. The dub script takes some liberties with the translation, but the stellar performances make it a must-watch for Berserk fans.
6. My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia has become one of the most popular modern shonen series, following Izuku Midoriya’s journey to become the world’s greatest hero. In a world where most of the population has superpowers called Quirks, Midoriya is a rare Quirkless boy who nevertheless dreams of attending the prestigious U.A. High School.
The dub features consistently great performances across a huge cast of characters. Justin Briner’s earnest and emotive Midoriya anchors the show, while Christopher Sabat’s boisterous All Might delivers some of the most memorable lines. The students of Class 1-A are also full of standouts like Clifford Chapin’s hot-headed Bakugo and Luci Christian’s bubbly Uraraka.
5. Mob Psycho 100
From the creator of One-Punch Man comes this unique supernatural comedy about powerful esper Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama. Mob wants to live a normal life despite his immense psychic abilities, but finds himself roped into increasingly bizarre situations by his con-artist mentor Reigen.
The dub perfectly captures the show’s offbeat sense of humor. Kyle McCarley’s understated performance as the emotionally stunted Mob contrasts wonderfully with Chris Niosi’s bombastic Reigen. The supporting cast is also full of colorful characters brought to life by the likes of Max Mittelman, Cherami Leigh, and Michael Sorich.
4. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan became an international phenomenon for its brutal, action-packed story about the last remnants of humanity fighting against man-eating giants called Titans. When his hometown is attacked, young Eren Yeager vows revenge against the Titans and joins the military to take back what was lost.
The dub features stellar performances across the board, especially from Bryce Papenbrook as the rage-filled Eren, Josh Grelle as the level-headed Armin, and Trina Nishimura as the stoic Mikasa. Matt Mercer also leaves a strong impression as Captain Levi in later seasons. The dub script stays fairly close to the original while still sounding natural in English.
3. Death Note
This psychological thriller follows high school student Light Yagami, who gains the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in a mysterious notebook. As Light tries to reshape the world as a god of justice, he’s pursued by the eccentric detective known only as L.
The dub is a big part of why Death Note became such a breakout hit in the West. Brad Swaile’s cold, calculating Light is a perfect foil for Alessandro Juliani’s quirky L. Their cat-and-mouse mind games are riveting to watch in English. The supporting cast is also excellent, especially Brian Drummond as the unhinged Shinigami Ryuk.
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
This beloved shonen series follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who search for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a tragic alchemical accident. Along the way, they uncover a vast conspiracy that threatens the entire nation of Amestris.
The dub is considered one of the best of all time for good reason. Vic Mignogna and Aaron Dismuke have incredible brotherly chemistry as Ed and Al, while the rest of the cast is stacked with talent like J. Michael Tatum, Caitlin Glass, Travis Willingham, and Laura Bailey. Even minor characters are elevated by memorable dub performances.
1. Steins;Gate
This time travel thriller follows eccentric “mad scientist” Okabe Rintarou, who accidentally invents a method of sending messages into the past. As Okabe experiments with his newfound ability, he draws the attention of a shadowy organization and becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy and tragedy.
The dub is the gold standard for English anime adaptations. J. Michael Tatum delivers a tour de force performance as Okabe, perfectly capturing both his grandiose chuunibyou persona and his more vulnerable side. Trina Nishimura’s Kurisu is an equally iconic tsundere, while Ashly Burch brings lovable ditz Mayuri to life. Every performance feels authentic and emotionally resonant, making it a must-watch dub.
And there you have it – the 27 best English dubbed anime of all time! Whether you prefer action-packed shonen adventures, psychological thrillers, or offbeat comedies, there’s a fantastic dub on this list for you.
Watching a great dub can enhance your appreciation of a series and make it more accessible to newcomers. While subs vs. dubs is still a matter of personal preference, these shows prove that English voice acting can be every bit as iconic and emotionally powerful as the original Japanese.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy these amazing English dubs that bring some of the greatest anime of all time to life. With so many incredible performances across a wide range of genres and styles, you’re sure to find a new favorite. Happy watching!
