These days, many anime fans prefer English dubs, and there are seven classic opening themes that are surprisingly better than the originals. When anime first became popular worldwide, adapting it for Western audiences often involved significant changes to the original Japanese versions. While these changes sometimes missed the original intent, they occasionally created something entirely new and even more engaging. Sometimes the dub was worse, but in a few cases, it was a clear improvement.
7). Yu Yu Hakusho
It’s a little unusual to include these first two entries because they’re essentially direct English versions of the original Japanese songs, but they’re too good to leave out. A key part of Yu Yu Hakusho‘s success when it aired on Toonami was the English adaptation of “Smile Bomb,” complete with new lyrics. It’s a fantastic way to introduce the series and really highlights the unique experience it offers viewers. It’s remained popular with fans for years, and they still enjoy singing it today.
6). Sailor Moon
Like with Yu Yu Hakusho, the English dub of Sailor Moon changed the lyrics to the original Japanese theme song, “Moonlight Densetsu,” when it was released by DIC Entertainment. This created a very different experience for English-speaking viewers. While some might consider the Sailor Moon theme even more memorable than the Yu Yu Hakusho one, both songs played a huge role in making their respective shows popular in Western countries. The Sailor Moon theme, in particular, really helped the show become a standout hit.
5). Ultimate Muscle
Out of all the shows on this list, this one’s opening theme has definitely become more popular than the anime itself. For whatever reason, Kinnikuman never really took off here in North America. Even with 4Kids’ Ultimate Muscle adaptation and the “Fox Box” release, it just didn’t quite catch on. But the opening theme? That’s a different story. It’s surprisingly simple – mostly just repeating the title – but it gets stuck in your head. I found myself humming “Ultimate Muscle” with that same rhythm all the time, even years later. It’s a bit of an earworm, honestly.
4). Shaman King
While 4Kids Entertainment often faced criticism from anime fans for its adaptations, their opening themes were frequently outstanding. The opening to Shaman King is a prime example – it’s a dramatic, large-scale song that effectively hinted at the epic adventure the series promised. Though the anime didn’t fully live up to that potential, it ironically makes the opening even more impactful and memorable than the show itself.
3). Dragon Ball GT
The following choices might be controversial, but that’s precisely what makes them superior to the originals. When it comes to epic adventures, the opening of Dragon Ball GT really set the stage. While the English dub opening of Dragon Ball Z is arguably more famous, Dragon Ball GT’s “Step Into the Grand Tour” is far more widely remembered than the original Japanese theme, “Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku.”
The episode felt a bit disjointed, hinting at storylines for later episodes, but its unpredictable and energetic vibe is what’s made it stand out even now.
2). One Piece
It’s hard to deny that the original opening theme of One Piece, “We Are!”, is incredibly iconic. However, many fans have a special place in their hearts for the first English dub theme created by 4Kids. While it initially gained notoriety, it’s now remembered with fondness, and people are realizing the rap wasn’t as bad as they once thought.
Honestly, this opening is just so different from the original Japanese version, and it was a really cool change of pace for One Piece! The series definitely found its footing later on, but you couldn’t ask for a better way to kick things off – it really grabbed my attention right away. Plus, we got a little taste of Luffy’s Gum Gum powers, which was awesome!
1). Pokémon
As a huge Pokémon fan, I truly believe the original English opening theme is a massive reason for the franchise’s success! People debate which version is better – the Japanese ‘Aim to Be a Pokemon Master’ or the English one – but honestly, I don’t think Pokémon would be the global phenomenon it is today without that iconic English intro. It really launched a whole new wave of popularity for anime, games, and everything Pokémon – it was all about striving to be the very best, and it worked!
Over the years, the original Pokémon theme song has become a cultural icon, and it remains the strongest opening in the show’s history. Many fans consider it the best opening theme ever for an English-dubbed anime – it’s truly one of a kind.
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2026-01-06 23:13