The Sound of Silence: Why the English Dub of ‘A Silent Voice’ is a Masterpiece of Empathy

When anime fans discuss the "best" English dubs, the conversation usually revolves about faithful translation or vocal matching. However, the 2017 dub of Kyoto Animation’s masterpiece, A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi), sits at the top of the list for a different reason: it is a masterclass in emotional vulnerability.

The movie follows Shoya Ishida, a former elementary school student who was once a bully. He targeted Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf classmate, relentlessly, leading to her transfer to another school. Years later, Shoya is filled with regret and guilt for his past actions. He begins to make amends by learning sign language and befriending Shoko again. As they reconnect, Shoya discovers the complexities of Shoko's life and the impact of his bullying.

Critical Reception: What the Experts Say

When the dub was released, it surprised critics. Many had assumed A Silent Voice was "undubbable." Instead, the English dub holds a 95% positive audience rating on sites like MyAnimeList for its dub quality (compared to 98% for the sub).

Story

Supporting Cast: The secondary characters, such as the young Maria, are noted for being exceptionally well-performed, often adding a charm that resonates better in English for native speakers. Critical Reception vs. Subtitles

A Silent Voice Koe No Katachi English Dub Top May 2026

The Sound of Silence: Why the English Dub of ‘A Silent Voice’ is a Masterpiece of Empathy

When anime fans discuss the "best" English dubs, the conversation usually revolves about faithful translation or vocal matching. However, the 2017 dub of Kyoto Animation’s masterpiece, A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi), sits at the top of the list for a different reason: it is a masterclass in emotional vulnerability.

The movie follows Shoya Ishida, a former elementary school student who was once a bully. He targeted Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf classmate, relentlessly, leading to her transfer to another school. Years later, Shoya is filled with regret and guilt for his past actions. He begins to make amends by learning sign language and befriending Shoko again. As they reconnect, Shoya discovers the complexities of Shoko's life and the impact of his bullying. a silent voice koe no katachi english dub top

Critical Reception: What the Experts Say

When the dub was released, it surprised critics. Many had assumed A Silent Voice was "undubbable." Instead, the English dub holds a 95% positive audience rating on sites like MyAnimeList for its dub quality (compared to 98% for the sub). The Sound of Silence: Why the English Dub

Story

Supporting Cast: The secondary characters, such as the young Maria, are noted for being exceptionally well-performed, often adding a charm that resonates better in English for native speakers. Critical Reception vs. Subtitles He targeted Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf classmate, relentlessly,