The sub versus dub debate has been long-running, with both sides arguing about why they prefer one over the other. However, the prevailing sentiment has long been that subs are the “proper” way to watch anime. The original language, as it was meant to be spoken by the voice actors, offers a more truthful representation of the anime as it was intended to be watched. On the other hand, dubs do support the voice acting industry in the West, and they allow some to multitask and are more accessible to some viewers.
However, a recent interview with Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini for C21Media has been making the rounds, suggesting that anime watchers’ attitudes may be shifting. This shift to dubs being preferred over subs by a growing audience is a net negative.
Anime Viewers Are Starting To Show a Preference for Dubs
Aniplex of America/Netflix
In the interview with Rahul Purini, he noted that fans in the UK are leading the way with a shifting interest in dubs over subs. Specifically, he noted that 48% of UK fans watch their anime with subtitles, with the rest choosing dubs. This marks the highest percentage of viewers selecting the English-language dub, and does not necessarily reflect global viewing habits. Still, extending this idea to similar trends worldwide is not unreasonable.
Even considering language barriers and accessibility issues, these numbers can suggest that many people choose dubs out of convenience. Why is this a problem? The trend can be extended to other issues facing modern audiences, which show they are becoming less engaged in content. Additionally, subtitles have proven beneficial in helping people develop skills and be more “in the moment” with how they consume media. The sad truth is that switching to dubs when watching anime indicates larger problems for all TV viewers.
GKIDS Films/Shout Factory
Sitting down and watching a program from start to finish is becoming more uncommon. Notably, a 2022 study done by YouGov showed that 55% of Americans look at their phones while watching TV. This also reflects a decline in attention spans, with the average person in 2025 able to focus on a single task for 8.25 seconds, a sharp decline from 12 seconds reported in 2000 (via Recovery Home). Not being able to focus on a single piece of media consistently affects everything from productivity, ability to learn, and social skills; choosing anime dubs over subs is just the tip of the iceberg of the greater concerns these trends point to.
Related
The 5 Best Anime Movies, According to Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert preferred live-action movies, but Japanese animation touched his heart, too. These are his favorite anime movies.
Reading subtitles also has its benefits. On a cultural level, it allows you to hear other languages, and the argument of getting the “true experience” does hold merit. Yet, reading subtitles also helps people focus, with studies showing that reading subtitles while watching a program makes you more engaged in the content and helps improve reading skills. Notably, a study showed that 34% of younger children would become proficient readers from schooling alone, but exposure to half an hour of content with subtitles a week increased that rate to 70% (via World Literacy Foundation).
Regardless of how you want to enjoy the best anime series available, it is up to the viewer; we’re not here to shame dubs or the work that goes into them from talented voice actors. However, if you can opt for subs, even occasionally, the benefits far outweigh the convenience. Unfortunately, signs only point to a continued decline in attention span, social skills, and learning ability; it would be surprising if the number of viewers preferring dubs did not increase in the coming years.
You can view the original article HERE.
