I will be awkward about this as Kapwing’s pitch is that “TV viewers are choosing dubs over subtitles”.
Why will I be awkward? I’m an anime fan, and I’m not sure dubbed anime is more popular than subbed? It’s a hard-fought battle. I’m not sure I’ll die on the hill, but I will fire incendiary rounds before retreating (if I have to).
The one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles.”
That’s how Parasite director Bong Joon Ho famously described the hurdle many viewers face when it comes to enjoying foreign-language films and TV.
While Hollywood’s dominance often leaves American audiences with a wealth of homegrown content, a vast and diverse world of international storytelling remains untapped. But Kapwing increasingly argues that viewers are finding a solution: dubbing.
The shift towards dubbing isn’t just an American phenomenon. Across the globe, audiences opt for dubbed versions of international content, from critically acclaimed cinema to viral YouTube videos. Streaming giants like Netflix, now offering dubs in up to 34 languages, are fueling this trend, dramatically expanding the reach of original productions. While purists might argue that dubbing compromises the authenticity of a work, it’s undeniably a more cost-effective way to connect with a global audience than remaking content entirely. Moreover, it allows creators to share their vision with a wider international viewership.
But what does this global appetite for dubbed content reveal about the most popular titles and performers? To answer this, the team at Kapwing delved into the extensive Dubbing Database, a crowdsourced resource encompassing thousands of movies, TV shows, and actor profiles. By analyzing this data, they uncovered some fascinating insights into the most translated works in entertainment.
Key Findings From the Dubbing Database
- A Biblical Phenomenon: The 1979 film “Jesus” (also known as “The Jesus Movie“) reigns supreme with a staggering 1,131 dubs – a figure 17 times higher than any other film. This speaks to the film’s universal message and enduring appeal across cultures.
- Minions Take Over the World: The “Despicable Me” franchise proves its global dominance, boasting an average of 51 dubs per film. This highlights the franchise’s broad, family-friendly humour and international marketability.
- The Voice of Many Tongues: Will Arnett emerges as the most dubbed actor, with a remarkable 708 dubbed versions of his performances. His distinctive voice and versatile roles have clearly resonated with audiences worldwide.
- Exploration Knows No Language Barrier: “Dora the Explorer” tops the list of most dubbed TV shows with 68 versions, narrowly edging out “SpongeBob SquarePants” (67). This underscores the popularity of children’s programming and its ability to transcend linguistic boundaries.
A method that downplays anime?
The Kapwing study analyzed the entire Dubbing Database (2,221 movies, 5,384 TV series, and 21,153 actor profiles) in December 2024. To determine the most dubbed films and franchises, they calculated the total number of international dubs for each title and franchise, focusing on the top 50 box office earners. For actors, the study concentrated on leading roles, cross-referencing the Dubbing Database with IMDb to ensure accuracy. Voiceover roles were also included, recognizing them as integral to an actor’s performance and subsequent dubbing.
Whether you agree or even like the data, these findings seem to reveal a world that is increasingly interconnected through translated media. As streaming platforms expand their global reach, dubbing will undoubtedly play an even more significant role in bridging cultural and linguistic divides, allowing audiences to experience stories from all corners of the world.
Via Kapwing.
