English dubs sit at the center of many fans’ first encounters with anime. The right performance can turn a character into a favorite and make a story feel even bigger. Fans often revisit the best English voice actors in anime because strong vocal work brings emotion, humor, and intensity to every scene. The landscape keeps growing, and each performer on this list has a track record that proves why audiences remember their work.
Hollywood Meets Anime
Many fans forget that some of the biggest names in Hollywood once stepped into the booth for anime. These titles introduced major actors to a generation of viewers and built a bridge between Western film and Japanese animation.
Keith David delivered one of the most commanding dub performances in the genre. His work as Okkoto in “Princess Mononoke” showed the same power that made him a legend in animation. Fans who know his voice from films, TV, and video games still talk about how he brought that same presence to Studio Ghibli.
Kirsten Dunst also made her mark early in her career. She voiced Kiki in the English release of “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and her warmth shaped many childhood memories. Her performance revealed how major actors could step into anime and elevate it without overshadowing the material.
These early contributions helped push English dubs into mainstream entertainment. They created space for a new class of voice talent that now leads some of the biggest streaming titles.
The New Era of Dub Stars
Today’s best actors deliver bold takes that match the energy of the original Japanese performances while giving each role its own style. Fans know their voices instantly because they define so many hit shows. These English voice actors shaped the modern dub scene, introducing countless viewers to long-running franchises.
Below are five of the best English voice actors whose credits span action, fantasy, and high-energy ensemble casts.
Bryce Papenbrook
Bryce Papenbrook brings sharp intensity to lead roles. Fans know him as Eren Yeager in “Attack on Titan,” Kirito in “Sword Art Online,” and Inosuke in “Demon Slayer.” His work also includes “Blue Exorcist,” “Seven Deadly Sins,” and “Miraculous Ladybug,” which helped grow his fan base across genres.
John Eric Bentley
John Eric Bentley anchors every scene with a deep, grounded delivery. He plays Barrett Wallace in the “Final Fantasy VII Remake” video game and continues to voice the character across related projects. Some of his anime credits include roles in “Bleach,” “Naruto Shippuden,” “Cells at Work! Code Black,” and “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.”
Colleen Clinkenbeard
Colleen Clinkenbeard stands at the center of some of the most popular long-running series. She voices Monkey D. Luffy in “One Piece,” Momo Yaoyorozu in “My Hero Academia,” and Erza Scarlet in “Fairy Tail.” Her credits also include “Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Darker Than Black,” and many films and specials tied to these franchises.
Justin Briner
Briner connects with fans through emotional, earnest performances. He stars as Izuku Midoriya in “My Hero Academia,” a role that shaped his career and made him a leading voice in modern anime. He also appears in “Black Clover,” “Fire Force,” “Dr. Stone,” and “Seraph of the End.”
Christopher Sabat
Sabat stands as one of the most recognizable voices in English anime. He plays Vegeta and Piccolo in “Dragon Ball,” All Might in “My Hero Academia,” Yami Sukihiro in “Black Clover,” and Roronoa Zoro in “One Piece.” His work spans action, comedy, and sci-fi titles that dominate streaming platforms.
A Legacy That Keeps Growing
The best English voice actors in anime continue to evolve as new performers join the scene. Fans embrace actors who bring purpose and energy to every role. These voices carry entire worlds, helping audiences form lasting connections with the stories they love.
Which English voice actors rank at the top of your list? Share your picks in the comments.
