Anime Fans Are Choosing Dubs Over Subs, Says New Netflix Update

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For years, fans have been debating whether watching anime shows with English subtitles or dubbed audio provides a better experience. However, it appears that Netflix viewers have predominantly opted for dubbed versions. This shift is likely due to Netflix’s expansion of licensed and original anime productions over the past few years. The growth in these offerings has led to significant changes within the streaming service, including easier access to episodes airing simultaneously in Japan, as well as multiple language options.

Attending Anime Expo 2025 this July, I had the opportunity to witness Netflix unveiling their upcoming anime projects. During their panel presentation, they shared some intriguing figures that left quite an impression. It turns out that a staggering half of Netflix’s global user base (that’s approximately 150 million households) are now avid anime enthusiasts! Interestingly, these viewers often prefer watching their favorite shows in English dubbed versions rather than the original Japanese audio with English subtitles.

Anime Grows Even Bigger With Netflix

Based on Netflix reports, the number of viewers watching anime on their platform has significantly increased over the past few years, reaching a record high in 2024. Interestingly, around 80-90% of these users opt to watch their shows with English dubs. This trend has led Netflix to expand their language offerings for new releases at an accelerated pace compared to earlier times. Consequently, shows that may not appear popular on social media are actually gaining significant popularity among fans.

In a similar vein, Sakamoto Days ranked in the Top 10 Global TV Shows for ten consecutive weeks, coinciding with its initial broadcast across various nations. Although the show may not generate much anticipation when it comes to its upcoming episodes this summer, it’s evident that Netflix is taking notice and appreciating its success. This underscores the growing popularity of Netflix as an anime platform, as its collection of both classic and contemporary hits continues to expand.

What Does This Mean for Anime Fans?

In recent times, due to the impact of COVID-19, the way anime is consumed has undergone a significant transformation. Over the past five years, a fresh wave of enthusiasts has emerged who prioritize watching anime more than ever before. Additionally, the rise of streaming services has made it possible for people to watch anime on various popular platforms. These platforms are adapting to cater to this growing demand. Moreover, you may have observed that the pace at which English dubs are created and distributed has significantly accelerated as well.

The surge in fans watching anime shows with English dubs has significantly improved the quality of these dubs, effectively resolving the long-standing debate about their quality. It’s no longer accurate to say that companies produce cheap dubs for immediate profit. Nowadays, these anime are created and distributed with a global audience in mind, resulting in more careful handling of multi-language releases than ever before. The growth in dubbing talent, resources, and technology has made this an excellent time for dub fans. Moreover, these fans are reaping the benefits as Netflix provides them with a vast array of these high-quality dubbed anime.

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2025-07-12 20:11