The subbed versus dubbed argument is familiar to any anime fan, with many holding strong opinions about which version delivers the best experience. Ultimately, viewers love what they love, and the correct answer is always subjective. For viewers who prefer to watch their anime with dubs, it can sometimes be challenging to find ones with the right tonations and stresses that flow well with the story and don’t distract from it or take away from the experience.
While watching anime with dubs offers several advantages, finding them can be a significant disadvantage as some anime don’t have dubbed versions or have worse dubs than others. This selection of anime with great English dubs will appeal to battle shonen fans.
10 Fairy Tail (2009)
Fairy Tail tells the story of a group of wizards on adventures through a magical world called Fiore. The show comprises characters who are distinct and uniquely gifted at magic, and it is also full of intense fights that show off those characters’ magical abilities.
The English dubs include voice actors like Cherami Leigh, who has worked on notable shows like Sword Art Online, Bungo Stray Dogs, and Steins;Gate. Fans of the anime particularly love the voice acting for the character Natsu Dragneel, played by Todd Haberkorn.
9 The Seven Deadly Sins
Powerful knights at the center of this story are said to have plotted against the kingdom. But several years later, they become what the kingdom needs for its breakthrough. The story follows the knights' journey to clear their names and save the kingdom from evil forces.
The show includes many relatable characters, almost demanding the viewer's emotional investment. They are voiced by an incredible cast of voice actors, including Ben Diskin, Bryce Papenbrook, and Cristina Valenzuela, who have lent their voices to several other iconic characters like Attack on Titan’s Eren Jaeger.
8 Akame ga Kill!
Akame ga Kill! Is one show that isn’t afraid to tug at viewers' heartstrings, with several emotional moments that can leave a lasting impact. It takes its diverse characters through intense and brutal action sequences, showing off several unique weapons and abilities.
The English dubs were done by a host of experienced voice actors whose skills shine through and contribute generously to the thrill of the show. Fans especially love the voices behind the characters Kurome and Akame, done by Juliet Simmons and Molly Searcy, respectively.
7 My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya on his journey to prove himself in the unique world of Musutafu, Japan, where almost everyone has some superpower. These powers are called “Quirks,” and unfortunately for Izuku, he was born without them.
This anime brings on waves of emotions and excitement for viewers, and the English dubs are a huge part of that. The dubbed voices flow exceptionally well with the characters and the different moods in the story. The show has the notable Christopher Sabat playing All Might, a significant character on the show.
6 Bleach
Bleach is impossible to miss when looking through the battle shonen canon. It is every shonen lover’s dream, with action sequences good enough to bring on chills, and animation and music to lure anyone into its strange world of ghosts and spirits.
The English dubs are just as great as the subs, and choosing to watch the dubbed version doesn’t mean losing a bit of the show’s essence. It features an incredible cast, including Johnny Yong Bosch, a voice actor notable for his work on shows like Durarara!! And Demon Slayer.
5 Black Clover
Black Clover follows Asta and Yuno, orphaned boys left behind at the same church in a world where magic is essential to everything. Yuno possesses magical abilities, while Asta does not. However, Asta has the dream of becoming a Wizard King so he can prove his worth.
The English dubbed version is praised for the charm it adds to the characters and the story and its generally enjoyable delivery style. It features the likes of Dallas Reid and Micah Solusod, who also played Yukine on Noragami.
4 Naruto: Shippuden
Naruto: Shippuden continues with Naruto Uzumaki on his journey to becoming a powerful ninja. The plot is full of action and drama, and characters who are as unique as they are powerful. The fight scenes are packed with energy and emotionally resonant moments.
The English dubs are appealing, well done, and a great alternative to the subbed version. Because the show is lengthy, viewers often opt for the dubs and don’t regret it. It features voice actors like Maile Flanagan, the distinct voice of Naruto Uzumaki, and Dave Wittenberg, who was also featured in the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.
3 Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen has gained a lot of attention since its 2020 release. Its premise is interesting, with the concept of sorcery and cursed energy taking over the life of its unsuspecting protagonist, Yuji Itadori. The show deals with complex themes while remaining thrilling and action-packed.
The English version isn’t lacking in any way, though it has tough competition in the subbed version. It features the likes of Adam McArthur and Kaiji Tang, who voiced the iconic Guts on Berserk, and Osamu Dazai on Bungo Stray Dogs.
2 Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Hunter x Hunter stands out from other anime for several reasons. It’s a unique story following Gon Freecss's journey to becoming a Hunter, a skilled individual whose job is to take on many dangerous tasks and wild adventures.
The fight scenes in the show are unique because they lean heavily on strategy and intelligence instead of pure strength. For the English dubs, Erica Mendez voices Gon, and it’s a voice made familiar by other characters like Ryūko Matoi in Kill la Kill or Emma in The Promised Neverland.
1 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the story of two brothers trying to resurrect their dead mother and are then plunged into the consequences of their actions. The brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, are portrayed with a complex and well-crafted relationship that powers the story.
The show’s visuals make up some of its many selling points, with fighting scenes made unique by adding alchemy as a weapon. The Elric brothers are voiced by Maxey Whitehead and Vic Mignogna for the English dubs, and both deliver a memorable experience that is tough to forget.