If you've spent any time the anime community, you’ve probably seen the “dub vs sub” debate explode online. Some people swear subtitles are the only way to truly enjoy anime, while others defend English dubs as accessible and emotional. But here’s the truth: both sides often miss the bigger picture.

“Overacted” Voices: Dub and Sub

English dubs often get criticized for being overacted—characters scream, cry, or express emotions in exaggerated ways. But here’s the kicker: Japanese subs are often overacted too. Anime voice acting (seiyuu) is deliberately stylized. It’s meant to be dramatic, larger-than-life, and emotionally charged. So when you hear an English voice actor going all out, the Japanese version is probably just as intense—only culturally, it feels “normal.”

Don’t Judge All Dubs by One or Two

One of the biggest misconceptions is that “all dubs are bad.” Many people say this based on one or two series they watched years ago—or older, poorly localized versions. Meanwhile, there are bad subs too, but viewers often can’t tell because they don’t speak Japanese. Opinions formed without seeing the full spectrum of either format miss the point: quality varies in both dubs and subs.

A Look Back: How Older Fans Watched Anime

For fans who started in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, the situation was even more extreme. Shows often aired without subtitles or official dubs, and access to Japanese audio was limited. Fans sometimes had to watch whatever version was available—dubbed in English, French, Spanish, or even poorly translated bootlegs. The important part was just getting to experience the story and the characters. Enjoying anime has always been about connection, not format.

Different Translations for Different Audiences

Anime studios often ask dub teams to adjust scripts for Western audiences. Direct translations can feel awkward or lose cultural nuance, so English versions sometimes tweak dialogue or add lines to better fit the audience. These changes aren’t “wrong”—they’re an attempt to capture the emotion and meaning in a way that resonates.

When Dubs Shine

Not all dubs are equal, but some are truly remarkable:

• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Edward and Alphonse’s voices deliver raw, heartfelt emotion.

• Cowboy Bebop – The English cast nails the cool, jazzy, noir vibe.

• Death Note – The tension between Light and L is just as gripping in English.

• Dragon Ball Z – Goku screaming Super Saiyan transformations? Legendary.

These performances prove that dubs can be just as impactful as subs, sometimes even bringing a new layer of energy to a scene.

The Real Point of Anime

Ultimately, the dub vs sub debate misses the heart of anime: enjoying the story, characters, and world. It doesn’t matter if you first got into anime through a dubbed Saturday morning show, a fan-subbed VHS in the 90s, or a modern streaming service. What matters is being part of the shared experience, connecting with the narrative, and having fun.

So the next time someone claims “all dubs are bad” or “subs are always better,” remember: both formats have hits and misses. Bad subs exist too, but viewers often can’t notice because they don’t know Japanese. Opinions based on limited experience don’t reflect the full spectrum of anime performances. It’s not how you watch anime that matters—it’s that you’re enjoying it.