Ghost Stories [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 20]

Ghost Stories: A Cult Classic That Redefined Anime Dubbing

If you’ve ever stumbled upon Ghost Stories (or Gakkou no Kaidan in Japanese), chances are you’ve either been horrified by its original premise or rolling on the floor laughing at its infamous English dub. This 2000 anime, produced by Studio Pierrot and directed by Noriyuki Abe (YuYu Hakusho, Bleach), was initially a straightforward supernatural horror series for kids. But what happened next? The English dub turned it into something entirely different—a chaotic, irreverent comedy that’s become a cult phenomenon.

The Plot (Or Lack Thereof?)

The story follows Satsuki Miyanoshita, her little brother Keiichirou, and their friends as they uncover the dark secrets of their school, which is haunted by vengeful spirits. Each episode introduces a new ghost, from a toilet monster to an internet-obsessed demon, and the kids must solve the mystery behind each one to put them to rest.

Sounds like a typical kids’ show, right? Well, the original Japanese version was exactly that—a mildly spooky, moral-driven series. But when it flopped in Japan, the English localization team at ADV Films was given free rein to rewrite the script. And boy, did they go wild.

The Dub That Stole the Show

The English dub of Ghost Stories is legendary for one reason: it doesn’t care. The voice actors were told to keep the plot intact but were otherwise free to improvise. The result? A dub filled with adult humor, pop culture references, and fourth-wall-breaking jokes that turned a forgettable kids’ anime into a comedy goldmine.

Fans online are obsessed with this dub. One Reddit user put it perfectly: “The original is a boring children’s drama, while the dub turns it into a relatively decent adult comedy.” Another fan on MyAnimeList joked, “I’ve been laughing so hard I’m seeing spots and the room is spinning.”

Highlights from the dub include:
– Hajime’s casual homophobia: “Leo played with dolls when he was a kid, and he’s not a fag.” (Yes, they went there.)
– Momoko’s Verizon rant: “Excuse me, Satsuki. Verizon! Like Jesus, it’s everywhere!”
– Random existential crises: “What happens when we die? I know that the ones who love us will miss us.” (This line appears multiple times in fan discussions, proving its meme-worthy status.)

Sub vs. Dub: The Eternal Debate

The divide between sub and dub fans is real. Some argue the original Japanese version has emotional depth (“I can’t believe how emotional this anime can be”), while others dismiss it as “a crappy little kids’ show.”

But the overwhelming consensus? The dub is funny as hell. One fan even compared it to South Park: “The witty, insensitive humor kinda reminds me of Family Guy or South Park.”

Of course, not everyone’s a fan. Some purists hate the dub’s over-the-top jokes (“They practically ruined the show with stupid jokes”), but even they admit the original isn’t exactly a masterpiece. As one user put it: “The dub saves this anime from being boring and generic.”

Why It Still Matters

Ghost Stories is more than just a meme—it’s a case study in localization. Most dubs try to stay faithful to the source material, but this one said, “Screw it,” and created something entirely new. It’s a reminder that anime doesn’t always have to be serious or profound. Sometimes, it’s just about having fun.

And let’s be real: in an era where fandoms dissect every frame for hidden meanings, Ghost Stories is a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t take itself seriously, and neither should you.

Final Verdict: Watch the Dub (But Maybe Skip Episode 18 If You’re Sensitive)

If you’re looking for a horror anime, Ghost Stories isn’t it. But if you want to laugh at absurdity, this is your show. The dub’s humor isn’t for everyone—some jokes haven’t aged well—but it’s undeniably unique.

As one fan perfectly summarized: “This is possibly the best dub for a series ever. It completely rescued an awful series.”

So grab some popcorn, turn off your brain, and enjoy the chaos. Just don’t blame me if you start quoting Hajime’s one-liners at inappropriate times.

Rating: 8/10 (for the dub, 3/10 for the sub).
Best enjoyed with friends and zero expectations.