The 10 Best English Dubbed Anime You Need to Watch
Anime has exploded in popularity over the past few decades, and while purists may argue that “subs over dubs” is the way to go, there’s no denying that some English dubbed anime are absolutely phenomenal. Whether you’re someone who struggles to keep up with subtitles or just prefer hearing dialogue in your native tongue, dubbed anime can offer an experience that’s just as rich, emotional, and captivating as the original.
So, let’s put the sub vs. dub debate aside and dive into a list of the 10 best English dubbed anime you absolutely need to watch. And who knows? You might find your next favorite anime here—without reading a single subtitle.
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1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 2009 |
Let’s kick things off with a true masterpiece. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood isn’t just one of the best anime of all time—it also boasts one of the best English dubs in the business.
The story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who commit the ultimate taboo in alchemy to bring their mother back to life. It fails, catastrophically. The journey that follows is emotional, philosophical, and packed with jaw-dropping action.
What makes the dub shine? Vic Mignogna as Edward Elric delivers raw emotion and fiery passion, while the rest of the cast fits so naturally into their roles, it’s hard to imagine it any other way. The timing, emotion, and delivery are just… chef’s kiss.
Related:
10 Best Anime Like Fullmetal Alchemist You Must Watch
2. Cowboy Bebop
| Genres | Action, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 1998 |
You can’t talk about English dubbed anime without bringing up Cowboy Bebop. This space-western classic has a vibe that’s completely its own. Jazz, bounty hunting, existential dread—it’s got it all.
But what truly sets Cowboy Bebop apart is its dub. Steve Blum as Spike Spiegel? Absolute perfection. His laid-back, slightly sarcastic delivery adds so much personality to the character. The entire cast is incredibly well-matched, making this one of the few anime where many fans prefer the dub over the sub.
3. Death Note
| Genres | Supernatural, Suspense |
| Release Date | 2006 |
If you’re into mind games, crime, and philosophical dilemmas, Death Note is a must-watch. The story pits genius student Light Yagami against equally brilliant detective L in a battle of wits—and it’s a wild ride from start to finish.
The English dub holds its own brilliantly. Brad Swaile as Light captures the duality of a charismatic student turned ruthless god-complex killer. Alessandro Juliani’s voice work as L is also hauntingly good, adding depth and intensity to every moment they share.
This is one dub that doesn’t just hold up—it elevates the experience.
4. My Hero Academia
| Original title | Boku no Hero Academia |
| Genres | Action |
| Release Date | 2016 |
Superheroes, epic battles, and powerful friendships—that’s the heartbeat of My Hero Academia. Following Izuku Midoriya’s journey to become the number one hero, this anime is all about perseverance, power, and heart.
The dub cast is energetic, emotional, and full of life. Justin Briner absolutely nails Deku’s nerdy, passionate personality, while Christopher Sabat as All Might brings gravitas and warmth in equal measure.
If you’re into Marvel-style action with a Shonen twist, this one’s a must.
5. One Punch Man
| Genres | Action, Comedy |
| Release Date | 2015 |
Ever wonder what it would be like if a superhero was too strong for his own good? Enter One Punch Man, the hilarious, action-packed tale of Saitama, a hero so powerful he defeats every enemy with—yep—one punch.
The English dub here is spot-on. Max Mittelman delivers Saitama’s deadpan boredom and quirky charm with perfect comedic timing. It makes the show even more fun and accessible, especially for new anime fans.
6. Attack on Titan
| Original title | Shingeki no Kyojin |
| Genres | Action, Drama, Suspense |
| Release Date | 2013 |
Brutal, intense, and deeply emotional, Attack on Titan takes you on a wild ride through a world ravaged by man-eating giants. But it’s not just action—it’s about politics, war, and the human condition.
The English dub brings all the passion and pain to life. Bryce Papenbrook as Eren Yeager delivers the raw rage and ambition that define the character. And the rest of the cast keeps up the emotional intensity throughout all the twists and turns.
If you want an anime that keeps you on the edge of your seat—with incredible English voice acting—this is it.
7. Steins;Gate
| Genres | Drama, Sci-Fi, Suspense |
| Release Date | 2011 |
Time travel, conspiracy, and heart-wrenching drama—that’s Steins;Gate in a nutshell. It follows a group of friends who accidentally discover a way to send messages to the past, which (unsurprisingly) causes chaos.
The dub is outstanding. J. Michael Tatum as Rintarou Okabe blends eccentricity and intellect effortlessly, making his descent into madness even more compelling. The emotional delivery, especially in the second half of the series, is chillingly good.
If you’re looking for an anime that’s smart and moving, this is one of the best in English.
8. Code Geass
| Genres | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi |
| Release Date | 2019 |
Code Geass is what you get when you mix mechs, rebellion, and a protagonist who’s smarter than 99% of anime characters out there. Lelouch is a high school student who gains the power to command anyone to do his bidding—and he uses it to spark a revolution.
The English dub does an excellent job conveying the complexity of Lelouch’s character. Johnny Yong Bosch nails the role, giving us a performance that’s manipulative, charming, and heartbreaking all at once.
This one’s a rollercoaster—and the dub makes it even smoother.
9. Dragon Ball Z
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy |
| Release Date | 1989 |
Ah yes, the classic that introduced a whole generation to anime. Dragon Ball Z is practically a rite of passage. Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, Cell—you know the names.
The English dub by Funimation is legendary. Sure, some voices changed over the years, but Sean Schemmel as Goku and Christopher Sabat as Vegeta became iconic. For many fans, these voices are the characters.
Is it cheesy at times? Absolutely. But it’s also nostalgic gold, and the dub is a huge part of why DBZ is still loved today.
10. Sword Art Online
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance |
| Release Date | 2012 |
Imagine being trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG where dying in the game means dying in real life. That’s the premise of Sword Art Online, and it’s packed with action, romance, and plenty of feels.
The dub makes this wild journey even more enjoyable. Bryce Papenbrook (again!) voices Kirito with just the right balance of aloofness and emotion, while Cherami Leigh gives Asuna real depth and strength.
It’s one of those shows that’s easy to binge—and the dub makes it all the smoother.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, watching anime should be enjoyable—and if dubbed anime makes it easier or more engaging for you, then go for it! The shows on this list aren’t just “good for a dub”—they’re great anime, period. With stellar voice acting, strong storytelling, and unforgettable characters, these English dubbed anime prove that great performances transcend language.
So next time you’re in the mood for anime but don’t want to read subtitles? Just press play on one of these gems. You won’t regret it.
