Voice acting represents one of the most crucial yet often underappreciated elements of anime, games, and animated entertainment. While we may not see their faces on screen, these talented performers breathe life into characters that have become cultural icons, delivering performances that can move us to tears, make us laugh uncontrollably, or inspire us to push beyond our limits.
The best voice actors don’t simply read lines, they inhabit their characters completely, bringing nuance, emotion, and authenticity to every role they undertake. Their performances transcend language barriers, creating connections with audiences around the world who might never understand the original dialogue but can feel the emotional truth behind every word.
Here are 8 exceptional voice actors who have shaped the landscape of anime and gaming with their unforgettable performances.
8 Mamoru Miyano
The Voice That Commands Every Scene
Mamoru Miyano has established himself as one of the most charismatic voices in the anime industry, known for his ability to create larger-than-life characters that leave lasting impressions on audiences worldwide.
His most iconic performance remains Light Yagami in «Death Note,» where he masterfully portrayed the character’s evolution from an idealistic student to a megalomaniacal mass murderer. Miyano’s delivery of Light’s internal monologues showcases his ability to balance calculated calm with bursts of manic intensity, particularly in Light’s famous «I’ll take a potato chip… and EAT IT!» scene that has become legendary among fans.
As Rintarou Okabe in «Steins;Gate,» Miyano created another unforgettable character with his exaggerated «mad scientist» persona that conceals deeper emotions. His ability to transition from Okabe’s grandiose declarations to moments of genuine despair as the story darkens demonstrates his exceptional emotional range.
In «Bungo Stray Dogs,» Miyano voices Osamu Dazai with a sing-song quality that makes the character’s dark tendencies all the more unsettling. His ability to make Dazai simultaneously charming and disturbing showcases his nuanced approach to morally complex characters.
Beyond his acting abilities, Miyano is also accomplished in musical performance, often singing character songs and anime themes. This musical background enhances his vocal control, allowing for the precise modulation that makes his characters so distinctive and memorable.
7 Hiroshi Kamiya
The Voice of a Thousand Personalities
Hiroshi Kamiya stands as one of the most versatile voice actors in the industry, with a vocal range that allows him to disappear completely into characters that seem nothing alike.
His portrayal of Levi Ackerman in «Attack on Titan» has become arguably his most recognized role, delivering the captain’s cutting remarks with a cold precision that perfectly captures the character’s intimidating presence. Despite Levi’s typically monotone delivery, Kamiya infuses subtle emotional undercurrents that hint at the character’s complex past.
In stark contrast, Kamiya’s performance as Trafalgar Law in «One Piece» carries a cool confidence with hints of dark humor. His ability to make Law’s elaborate attack names sound natural rather than overdramatic showcases his technical skill.
Perhaps most impressive is Kamiya’s work as the God of Highschool, Yato, in «Noragami.» Here, he seamlessly transitions between comedic overreactions, serious determination, and chilling intensity as the character’s true nature emerges, demonstrating remarkable emotional dexterity.
Beyond his acting skills, Kamiya is known for his professionalism and analytical approach to roles. In interviews, he often speaks about finding the psychological core of his characters, regardless of whether they’re in comedic or dramatic series.
6 Akira Ishida
The Voice of Calculated Complexity
Akira Ishida has carved out a unique niche in the anime industry with his distinctive soft-spoken delivery and uncanny ability to portray intellectually complex characters with hidden depths.
His breakthrough role came as Kaworu Nagisa in «Neon Genesis Evangelion,» where his gentle, mysterious performance created one of anime’s most enigmatic characters. Despite limited screen time, Ishida’s Kaworu made such an impact that the character remains a fan favorite decades later.
Ishida’s portrayal of Gaara in «Naruto» showcases his remarkable range, evolving from a chilling, unstable antagonist to a respected leader. The transformation in his vocal performance mirrors Gaara’s character development, gradually softening while maintaining the character’s fundamental seriousness.
As Katsura in «Gintama,» Ishida demonstrates his comedic timing, delivering absurd speeches and catchphrases with deadpan seriousness that enhances the humor. His ability to maintain Katsura’s dignity even in ridiculous situations has made the character a consistent fan favorite throughout the series’ long run.
5 Yuki Kaji
Master of Emotional Extremes
Yuki Kaji has established himself as one of his generation’s most talented voice actors, known for his exceptional ability to portray characters experiencing intense emotional states.
His performance as Eren Yeager in «Attack on Titan» stands as a tour de force in voice acting.
Kaji’s portrayal evolves dramatically throughout the series, from Eren’s youthful rage in early seasons to his complex, morally ambiguous persona in the final arc. The raw emotion in Eren’s famous declarations of vengeance against Titans remains some of the most powerful moments in anime voice acting.
Equally impressive is Kaji’s completely different approach to voicing Meliodas in «Seven Deadly Sins.» Here, he adopts a lighthearted, sometimes childish tone that perfectly masks the character’s ancient nature and hidden pain, creating layers that reveal themselves as the series progresses.
Kaji demonstrated his versatility with Todoroki Shoto in «My Hero Academia,» crafting a deliberately restrained performance that gradually opens up as the character heals from his traumatic past. The subtle shifts in Todoroki’s voice as he develops friendships and confronts his family issues showcase Kaji’s attention to character development.
One of Kaji’s most surprising roles was Speed o’ Sound Sonic in «One Punch Man,» where he delivers a maniacally competitive performance that stands in stark contrast to many of his other characters. This ability to completely transform his vocal approach for different roles has made him one of the most sought-after talents in the industry.
In 2022, Kaji won the «Best Voice Actor» award at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards for his work on «Attack on Titan,» a recognition of his exceptional contribution to one of anime’s most
4 Takahiro Sakurai
The Voice That Defined a Generation
Takahiro Sakurai possesses one of the most distinctive and versatile voices in the anime industry, with a career spanning over two decades and more than 300 roles across anime, games, and dubbed foreign films.
His portrayal of Giyu Tomioka in «Demon Slayer,» where he perfectly captures the character’s aloof nature and hidden depths. The contrast between Tomioka’s usual emotional restraint and rare moments of intensity showcases Sakurai’s remarkable range.
Perhaps one of his most challenging roles was Griffith in the 2016 «Berserk» series, where he had to portray both the charismatic leader and the morally corrupted antagonist. Sakurai’s ability to convey Griffith’s charming exterior while hinting at the darkness beneath demonstrates his nuanced approach to complex characters.
In «Code Geass,» Sakurai brought the cunning and morally ambiguous Suzaku Kururugi to life, creating a perfect foil for the series protagonist. His performance evolves alongside the character, reflecting Suzaku’s shifting ideals and growing disillusionment throughout the story.
3 Aleks Le
Rising Star With a Voice Beyond Borders
Aleks Le has rapidly established himself as one of the most promising talents in English voice acting, breaking through cultural barriers with performances that resonate deeply with anime fans worldwide.
His breakthrough performance came as Zenitsu Agatsuma in «Demon Slayer,» where he masterfully balanced the character’s cowardly panic with moments of unexpected courage. Le’s ability to transition from comedic hysterics to serious determination in battle scenes showcased his impressive emotional range.
Le’s performance as Sung Jin-woo in «Solo Leveling» further cemented his reputation in the industry. His portrayal of Jin-woo’s evolution from a weak «E-rank» hunter to a confident, powerful «S-rank» demonstrates his skill at character development through vocal performance alone.
What makes Le particularly notable is his cultural sensitivity when approaching roles. As a Vietnamese-American voice actor, he brings authenticity to Asian characters without resorting to stereotypes. This attention to cultural nuance has earned him praise from international viewers who appreciate his respectful approach.
Despite being relatively new to the industry compared to some veterans on this list, Le has already built an impressive resume that includes roles in popular titles «Tokyo Revengers» as Manjiro «Mikey» Sano, establishing himself as a go-to voice for young, emotionally complex protagonists.
2 Sean Schemmel
The Voice That Transcended Power Levels
Sean Schemmel has become synonymous with the character of Goku from the «Dragon Ball» franchise, a role he has voiced for over two decades in the English dub. His journey with the character mirrors Goku’s own growth, evolving from the early days of Dragon Ball Z to the latest iterations in Dragon Ball Super.
What makes Schemmel’s performance particularly impressive is his physical commitment to the role. During Goku’s intense power-up scenes, Schemmel is known to actually scream until nearly passing out in the recording booth, creating the authentic strain heard in Goku’s transformations. This dedication led to him once rupturing a vocal cord while recording a particularly intense Super Saiyan transformation.
Schemmel’s Goku has become so iconic that many fans of the English dub find it difficult to imagine any other voice for the character. His ability to transition between Goku’s carefree, somewhat naive personality and his serious, battle-ready demeanor shows remarkable range.
Beyond Goku, Schemmel has voiced King Kai in the same series, showcasing his versatility by creating a distinctly different voice for the wise but often comical deity. The fact that he can convincingly play both characters in the same scenes demonstrates his technical skill as a voice actor.
Despite voicing many other characters throughout his career, Schemmel has embraced his connection to Goku, often appearing at conventions to share stories about his experiences and even performing Goku’s signature lines for excited fans.
1 Kenjirou Tsuda
The Master of Menacing Baritones
Kenjirou Tsuda stands as one of the most recognizable deep voices in the anime industry. His naturally intimidating baritone has made him the perfect choice for stoic, powerful characters that leave a lasting impression on viewers.
His portrayal of Overhaul in «My Hero Academia» perfectly captures the character’s terrifying calm and calculated cruelty. The way Tsuda delivers Overhaul’s lines with measured restraint makes the villain’s occasional emotional outbursts all the more impactful.
Another standout performance is his work as Jigen/Isshiki Otsutsuki in «Boruto,» where he brings a sense of ancient power and disdain to the character. Fans often note how his voice alone can create tension in a scene before any action occurs.
Tsuda’s versatility shines in his unexpected role as Nanami Kento in «Jujutsu Kaisen,» where he balances professional detachment with subtle hints of care for his students. His delivery of Nanami’s iconic «After 5 PM, I’m off the clock» line perfectly encapsulates the character’s burnout and rigid boundaries.
