Subbed vs. Dubbed Anime
Today, AnimeNation’s Ask John column answers an oft-asked question: How many Americans prefer dubbed anime? John answers that “…based on my observations as an employee of an anime specialty retailer and as a habitual industry observer, I have no doubts whatsoever that the American anime watching population predominantly prefers anime dubbed into English…”
Truthfully, from my experience in anime forums, I thought most would prefer subbed anime. Dubs, in my honest opinion, are generally extremely bad - devoid of the original emotion put in by the Japanese voice actors.
What do you guys think?
Related Articles:
If you liked this post, keep updated with future posts by subcribing to Anime Field (for free) through RSS or email.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 28th, 2005 at 11:16 am and is filed under Animanga News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
December 29th, 2005 12:40
I agree with you. Most of the DUB anime I’ve watched have been extremly bad. I can only remember a few (ex. Cowboy Bebop) where they have done a reasonabely good job. The few times that I do watch DUB anime are if I have no other choice, or just to get a good laugh of how bad the voice-actors are. I would choose SUB over DUB any day!
December 29th, 2005 15:29
Great to know of other sub lovers out there. Yeah, there have been a few good ones, maybe even some like Princess Mononoke (because of Disney, lol).
January 5th, 2006 21:33
It is a little late to comment I guess, nevertheless, I will add my 2 cents here. I watch subbed anime, well, my previous experiences with dubbed anime has being terrible. Take, for example, the hit show Naruto on Cartoon Network right now, listening to voice actors’ over-the-top voices threw all my faint interest in Naruto out of window. Voice acting is a big part of a good anime, if this element is badly butchered in dubbed shows, then I would rather listen to an unfamiliar language.
January 6th, 2006 03:12
Its never late, really. But you’re right. Most dubbed anime has really really disappointed when it comes to the voice acting.
Besides, I’ve realised that I’m pretty much in love with the way the Japanese language sounds as unfamiliar it may seem to be.
February 13th, 2006 16:21
This is majorly late, but I have to ass this. Down with dubbing, I hate it, the Naruto example above was an excellent portrayal of the typical voice actors chosen to do dub-work. I need to admit though, there have been a few exceptions to this in cases where I personally believe the dubbing process didn’t fail us. Such as Vic Mignogna who was chosen to do the voice of Ed Elric on Fullmetal Alchemist, personally I believe that he outperformed the woman who originally played Ed in the japanese version. Where as Al Elric was a lose-lose situation, both voice actors were horrible. Also Richard Cox’s role in Inu Yasha, I prefer the japanese voice, because I like the originals of most animes, but still, Richard Cox did pretty well when compared to the original voice actor. But exceptions aside, dubbing ruins anime, if you are too lazy to read subtitles, then why even bother watching the piece of shit that the dubbing process spawns. Watch Ranma or Naruto in japanese with subs, then in English dubbed, it will open your eyes.
February 13th, 2006 21:38
Hehe, correcto. While I personally disagree with your Ed Elric example, I believe you’ve hit the mark on the rest.
September 12th, 2006 19:16
Well I have to admit that most of the dubbed anime shows voice actors are…sucky.Even though I still love dubbed anime because I can understand it.When I watch anime in jap with english subtitles I can’t enjoy the show because I have to read the subtitles just to figure out what there talking about.But the vocie actors really get into character.So I guess if I have to watch shows in jap with english subtitles I like it to.I guess I like dub and sub if thats possible.
September 13th, 2006 16:21
Never mind I like subbed anime better.
September 15th, 2006 01:49
For me, sucky is a bit too weak a word. I’ve been reminded of this when watching Animax recently. Urghh, no more dubs please…
October 18th, 2006 23:37
F.A.U - Dubbed haters _ Dubbed is for ppl who can’t speak jap.. and for those who cant read F***ing fast as h*ll
Thaks
-D????? L.
October 19th, 2006 08:34
well i really like dubed and subed. for me its really hard for me to read fast and i get head acks becaues of my bad eyes. so its easyer for me to have it dubed but i still love having it in Japanese language.
October 20th, 2006 18:15
Original Subbed Anime= HAPPINESS!!!!!
Dubbed anime is TERRIBLE!!!!!!!
Reasons(and many more):
Plot point are changed
voices suck really bad
songs changed(to crap)
original intentions of creator=DESTROYED
entire theme and emotional strain=DEAD
japenese language is better sounding :]
And above all:
COMPLETE DISTORTION OF SOMEONE’S GREAT PHILOSOPHICAL MESSAGES AND MORALS!!!!!
4Kids, Toei Animation, and any other anime changing company WILL FALL!!!!!!!
I hope you guys agree :] (sorry for the flaming)
November 1st, 2006 18:40
Well, I see a majority of the people here do not care for the average dubbing, but overall I believe that it isn’t AS BAD as everyone says it is… I mean compare Dragon Ball from the more modern show such as Trinity Blood… There has been major improvements over the years and even though I particularly do not HATE subbed anime, I still prefer dubbed because I know when I do not feel like reading the tiny captions at the bottom at the screen I can still listen to what is happening when my back is turned and I ewnjoy them both as equally, but like the DUBBED better
January 22nd, 2007 14:50
im doing a research report on dubbed is better than subbed and you DID NOT HELP. but i got a good quote from WTF. i cleaned it up for my grade 6 teacher
January 28th, 2007 12:57
Good luck writing that report. Have you ever even watched subbed anime? Until you do, I guess it’s hard to comprehend how much better it really is. The first time I downloaded a subbed anime, I thought, shoot, it’s subbed…
I turn the TV off now when dubbed anime comes on.
February 3rd, 2007 11:51
I really like subbed anime better. i have a few ecceptions mainly full metal alchemist i think the dubbing in that anime was done very well and i watched 30 episodes of that in english so i was just used to it so it threw me off a bit when i finished watching the series subbed.
my reason for posting here today was that i was curious to know if anyone can tell me where to download dubbed anime. i prefer subbed but my little sister loves to watch anime with me she is dyslexic so reading subtitles is difficult for her. im primarily trying to find chobits, fruits basket, and cardcaptors but i will love to show her any good anime (rated pg13) so if anyone can help me let me know
February 8th, 2007 20:11
Well it certianly seems that there are alot of people who enjoy subbed more than dubbed. (At least people who take the time to post on forums.) But I think the vast majority are really underestimating the value of dubbed
Have there been terrible dubings? Oh hell yeah, nobody doubts that. However I do think that most people are stuck in the “subbed HAS to be better mentality.” As if its the trendy thing to believe in
There has been major advances in dubbing over the past few years. The work of Steven Blum, has been especially good over the years. (He has been in more anime that there is room for here.) Aging shows like Trigun and Cowboy Bebop and newer shows like Trinity Blood, Samuria Champloo, Eureka 7 have made tremendous efforts to capture the origninal message of the creators
Dubbing is a long and difficult process. Words vary in length and exact meaning. Taking this into consideration, I’m willing to accept some distortion in exchange for easier viewing that allows me to both understand the show better, while allowing me to take in nothing short of beautiful artwork.
February 13th, 2007 19:30
I like dubbed >.> but i like sub too..but if I could find a dubbed I like I would pick it over sub. IE. Trigun
February 17th, 2007 21:05
“I do think that most people are stuck in the “subbed HAS to be better mentality.” As if its the trendy thing to believe in”
I believe you are wrong about that. Many people, like myself prefer subbed animes rather than dubbed animes because of its quality. Animes, came from japan and there are a lot of japanese culture involved in most animes. If it were dubbed in another language, the culture would be lost and some of the meanings of the story would be ruined.
I’m not saying that I don’t like dubbed animes. All I’m saying is that most dubbed animes suck, because of bad voice acting, changed story lines (sometimes they even change the name!), and a whole lot more reasons!
The thing that I want to point out here is that most people like subbed animes not because it’s “trendy” but because it captures the anime as a whole, especially animes which has a lot to do with the japanese culture (a good example of this are shoujo animes where every valentines day, a girl gives chocolates to the guy she likes). Most dubbed animes cannot do that.
February 25th, 2007 12:14
I don’t think that subs are always better. Believe it or not, there ARE bad Japanese voice actors. It’s just harder for people to notice because they don’t speak Japanese. People also talk about how certain words are changed in English. I don’t think subtitles are that accurate either. Fansubs have to change the words around so it can be read quickly. I think the meaning of words stays pretty much the same in the dub depending on who dubs it.
Personally, I would choose dub if it’s really good. Bad dubs however *coughOnePiececough* deserve to burn in hell.
March 12th, 2007 14:13
Not all dubs are good, but one example of good dubbing is the dub of Fruits Basket. I like Yuki’s english voice actor better. In the Japanese version I believe he sounds like a girl, the dub is more fitting for his personality and is much more ‘prince-like’.
April 13th, 2007 18:39
All u guys have a point…it’s true most words and plots are changed.But u guys have to understand that Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and on this case “a masterpiece is in the ears of the listener” For me dubbed animes are better for a decent amount of reasons
-I kinda like the funny American voice
[Dragonball & Trigun]
-Reading and watching TV isn’t really my thing.
{gives me headaches–im serious…and im pretty sure im not the only 1.
-I really get into the story if i can
understand it.
P.S. Ive seen BTx on Filipino Language and its Bliss! Im a Filipino! They should dubb it in English!
April 29th, 2007 19:21
Some Anime I prefer dubbed, and others with subs. For example. CowBoy Bebop I watch dubbed. It just seems more westernized then most anime. Cromartie High I watch dubbed as well, it’s just so much funnier when you don’t have to read.
I watch Last Exile and Blue Sub with subs… Maybe I just prefer to read and hear the emotion in the voices when I watch serious Anime.
All in all I’d have to say that as a general rule, if it’s a comical Anime I’d rather just zone out and go with the flow.
May 5th, 2007 06:10
for me, subs are for those who are patient enough to read each and every line the character says… (like me..) and dubs are for those who would like the easier way of just listening while watching..
when they subbed the animes here in the philippines, the effect for me seems to be the same, and at times much better, than when i watch animes with subs… i don’t know if its because of the fact that im already used of it.. or filipinos are just good dubbers..(well its only MY opinion.. and no offense to the english dubbers)
on the other hand.. i also enjoy animes with subs… mainly because.. they explains what does a certain japanese phrase means.. and so on..(im sorry if i can’t explain it very well, im not good at english that much)
and with subs.. i also get the chance of learning a few japanese words..
June 7th, 2007 12:47
Subbed is definetly better i used to watch anime dubbed when i was younger coz it was easier but if i try now i just cringe. the japanese language is better suited to anime coz its the original way it was shown and even though you have to read the subtitles i dont think you miss out on anything thats going on. i tried to find howls moving castle in subbed but couldnt find it so i thought well the dubbed cant be that bad, oh my god i couldnt watch more than 2 mins of it it completely ruined it, the actors voices didnt suit the characters it all . to people out there who diss subbed they should really just try it coz for me it really improved it !!
August 14th, 2007 22:53
Insane to say that ABSOLUTELY one way or the other is better. you could safely say that for the most part subbed is better, but is it impossible for voice actors to perform as good or better on a dubbed version? of course it isn’t. i’m not saying it is better definitively, but i would have you watch Ranma 1/2 both ways and tell me which is better. I’m not fluent in Japanese, but I can safely say that the English dubbed version is incredible.
August 23rd, 2007 10:06
Some times dubbed is better… like in Mushi-Shi…
Sometimes it’s not…Like in Naruto…
Really, It just depends on your perspective, I have a friend who has only seen Naruto dubbed, and thinks it’s awesome, while I can ONLY watched Naruto subbed(I refused to watch the dubbed version ages ago).
It’s more of an opinion thing if you ask me…
October 15th, 2007 08:43
I prefer Subbed before Dubbed not many englich anime are that good there are very few.
Most Subs are the best you get used to them…then when you here the english verson it takes a while too get used to! seriously not many good voice actors out there!
October 18th, 2007 16:10
Mostly I have watched subbed anime so mayb e I prefer them that subbed rather than dubed because that is what i am used to. Sometimes the timing on the subs is awkward or the screen time is too short. (Hey folks, that’s why the the pause button is there) I am not a huge fan of just the sound of the Japanese language. If it wasn’t for the music I would mute the box. What is most annoying for me is the chipmunks they hire to do the dubs. I would enjoy dubs that were more emotional ly apropiate.
November 22nd, 2007 06:33
Gundam SEED Destiny = dubbed
Naruto = subbed
Everything else = subbed
What you guys prefer dubbed = dubbed
Sums it up i think? 2vs2 thing eh?
March 1st, 2008 09:17
i like he dubbed voices in animes such as dbz,naruto,and bakugan but others are kinda disappoitnting..
May 3rd, 2008 21:36
I dont see how the fuck someone can say japanese language sound better than english. Fuckin homos if that the case move to fuckin japan!!!!!
Dubbed anime is way fuckin better then subbed!!
With subbed you cant even come home from school(or work) and sit down and enjoy some anime because you have to fuckin read WHAT THE FUCK!!
With dubbed you can just sit and relax!!!!
BTW…………….
SHAKUGAN NO SHAN! 4EVER! BIATCHEZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 3rd, 2008 21:37
I dont see how the fuck someone can say japanese language sound better than english. Fuckin homos if thats the case move to fuckin japan!!!!!
Dubbed anime is way fuckin better then subbed!!
With subbed you cant even come home from school(or work) and sit down and enjoy some anime because you have to fuckin read WHAT THE FUCK!!
With dubbed you can just sit and relax!!!!
BTW…………….
SHAKUGAN NO SHAN! 4EVER! BIATCHEZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 3rd, 2008 21:42
aah
you homos has a point,
If you like japanese language so much why live in america?
But really anime did originate in japan, so why go though the trouble of changing the language completly?
Dubbed is better for ” you homos” relaxing reason to.
The last true thing “you homos” said is
SHAKUGAN NO SHANA 4EVER
May 3rd, 2008 21:47
The japanese actually got there idea of anime from english cartoons so if anyone say english anime sucks remember where anime came from!
July 18th, 2008 10:21
S.U.B.B.E.D.! how can people just step in and copy their voices and make it seem like it’s okay? it sound bad, it doesn’t ryme anymor, [songs], they change the words up! ppl stop being lazy and just READ! the only reason u should watch dubbed is if u keep missing alot of stuff in the anime cause ur reading, or cause u cant read! ONLY ECUSE!
July 26th, 2008 23:32
Ok now I want all of you to stop for a second and think about what got you into anime. Now I’m sure for most of us it was watching DUBBED versions of the animes that we love now. Now for older people it might be Astro Boy, but for me I remember the first anime I ever watched was Gundam. (I can’t remember which one it is now, I believe the one with Amuro, or possibly Wing.) Had we saw these shows on the TV with subtitles at that age we’d say “WTF is this!?!?!?!” and go do something else, leaving us devoid of anime.
Now then I want you to get this through your head when you watch anime sure you worry about the small stuff like art, voice-overs, etc. But what do we really watch it for? The STORY. Now stop complaining about this dubbing because quite frankly the way we view dubs here is how view dubs of English shows there.
And also the start of anime was infact English cartoons. Manga originated from a man in Japan (Hey that rhymed.) sketching out Bambi a famous Disney cartoon. And as we all know anime originates from manga. So TA-DAH.
And there you have it, three reasons why you should STFU about dubs.
July 27th, 2008 00:46
I completely forgot to use this in my argument as well. You’re leaving manga completely out of this. To “all-the-good-names-r -taken” think of how us manga lovers feel when an anime is made out of the manga we love so much. They don’t leave the certain dialog in there, hell they don’t even give the real ending. An example would be Gantz, Air Gear, or Hajime no Ippo all of which had the anime end before the manga. Therefore there was, in the case of Gantz, half-hearted attempts at an ending. While Hajime and Air Gear stopped without a fork in the storylines.
And to all you people say “Just read.” Go read the mangas because they have the full story the way the creator had in mind without any director changing the story, characters, plot, etc. (An example of changes like this would be the Ghost in the Shell animes which were only approved by Shirow Masamune and not made.) So there you have it if anything anime itself is ruining anime due most of them to it being loosely based off the mangas, or in some cases games, of the same name, but fail to completely replicate it. (Don’t get me wrong I like anime its just I just recently saw the animes I mentioned above again and I needed to vent. Sorry.)
August 2nd, 2008 07:00
i really hate most of the dubs,
but there are those which i consider okay…
but the heck with naruto
i really hate the english dub of naruto…
especially the accent… instead of just saying naruto, why do they pronounce it as naruto-w!!
i mean.. there’s no “w” in naruto.. right?
August 2nd, 2008 07:11
i really prefer subs…
but here in the phil…
the emotion i get from watching dub anime’s and sub anime’s is actually the same…
in my opnion, filipino dubbers are actually good compared to english dubs.. (no offense guys)
well, i DO admit, we suck at some anime’s, especially BLEACH and RAGNAROK… damn they suck…
but to naruto, ghost fighter (yuyuhakusho), and the others that are filipno(tagalog) dubs… they are just great…
but i do prefer english dub in pokemon and DBZ…