List of the Most Translated Movies for Cinephiles

Picture this: A film so powerful, that it speaks to people in the farthest reaches of the Amazon rainforest, the highest peaks of the Himalayas, and the bustling streets of Tokyo—all in their native tongues. This isn't science fiction. Because films worldwide are being distributed and translated worldwide like never before.

Today, we'll explore the world's most dubbed films and discuss the importance of linguistic accessibility in global cinema. Making movies accessible in multiple languages is crucial for engaging diverse audiences and expanding global reach.

The most translated film:  "Jesus (1979)" film 

Known as one of the most translated and dubbed films, the Jesus Film Project has taken on the mammoth task of translating this film into over 2,100 languages, including the recent addition of the Waorani language. This milestone is not just about numbers. It represents countless hours of dedication to making the film accessible to diverse populations, from remote tribes to bustling metropolitan areas.

Focusing on movies with most language versions, the "Jesus (1979 film)" film's reach is staggering. It has been viewed by over 600 million people worldwide. The strategy behind its distribution ensures that it reaches people not only in a language they understand but also in ways that resonate with their cultural contexts.

The Jesus Film Project, part of Cru, has been pivotal in coordinating global efforts in movies in multiple languages. This organization works with a vast network of translators and cultural experts to ensure each version of the film resonates with its audience, no matter where they are. 

Read more: The Best Foreign Films Across All Streaming Services

Advantages of dubbed versions 

As you can see with the 'Jesus (1979)’ Film, dubbed films have several merits. They make films accessible to those who find subtitles distracting or difficult to read quickly, enhancing viewers’ enjoyment without the split focus. Quality dubbing can successfully maintain the original's spirit by adapting cultural nuances and humor to resonate with the local audience more effectively.

Read more: When, Why and How Should You Localize Your Content?

The original vs. dubbed debate in cinema 

The debate between original and dubbed versions of films is steeped in nuances that affect the viewer's experience. In original versions, the director’s vision is communicated more effectively, as each element, from casting to the final cut, is meticulously chosen to serve the story.

Actors are selected not just for their ability to deliver lines, but for their whole physical embodiment of the characters—nuances that include gestures, facial expressions, and timing. These subtleties are synchronized perfectly with the spoken language, creating a cohesive and immersive viewing experience.

However, when a film is dubbed, some of these critical nuances can be lost. The voice actors hired to dub the film may not always match the physical intensity or subtlety of the original actors. Discrepancies in lip synchronization and vocal expression can occur, leading to a potential disconnect for the audience. 

While skilled dubbing can mitigate some of these issues by matching the emotional tone and pace, it's a challenging task to replicate the original performance's authenticity fully. The process involves not only translating the language but also adapting cultural nuances and humor, which can either enhance or detract from the original intent depending on the execution.

The benefits of dubbing and when should a movie be dubbed? 

Despite the potential drawbacks, dubbing benefits foreign language films by broadening their reach. It helps overcome language barriers and enables movies to be distributed to various countries. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon have boosted the popularity of dubbed movies by offering films in multiple languages. 

For instance, anime from Japan and live-action TV series from Korea have amassed a global following, partly due to the availability of dubbed versions. A movie should ideally be dubbed when there is a substantial potential audience in a different language group that may not be proficient in the original language.

Subtitles versus dubbing: which is more accurate? 

While subtitles typically provide a more literal translation of the dialogue, they might not capture the full essence of a conversation due to language nuances. Meanwhile, dubbing often involves a certain level of localization, which can result in more fluid dialogues that feel natural to the audience. However, the accuracy of both subtitles and dubs greatly depends on the skills of the translators and voice actors involved in the process.

Top 10 dubbed films that surpassed their originals 

Certain films have achieved remarkable success in their dubbed versions, sometimes even surpassing their original releases. Notable examples include:

• Spirited Away: The English dubbed version was integral to its success in America, contributing to its Oscar win. It’s available in 44 languages.  

• Parasite: Its English dub played a crucial role in its international acclaim and Oscar victory. Its translated subtitles are available in 28 languages.

• Dragon Ball Z: It is preferred by many fans in its English dub over the original Japanese. It has reached out to 81 countries worldwide.

• Star Wars: Excellently received in various dubbed versions, especially in Spanish in Spain. Since its first release in 1977, the film franchise has been translated into more than 50 languages. 

• Harry Potter series: Popular in many dubbed versions, including Hindi and Italian. It’s available in over 42 languages.

• The Lion King: The Italian dub was particularly well-received, surpassing the original English version in Italy. It’s currently available in dub across 45 languages. 

• New York, I Love You: Performed well in various dubbed versions, especially in non-English speaking regions. It's available on Prime Amazon across 32 languages.

• Frozen: The dubbed versions were immensely popular worldwide, especially in Japan. It has been dubbed across 42 languages and dialects.

• Dark: Gained significant popularity on Netflix with its excellent English dub.

• The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The English dubbed version of this Italian film became a classic in the Western genre. It’s available in Italian, English, and Spanish.

Future of film translation 

The future of film translation is poised for a significant transformation with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine translation. These technologies are set to revolutionize the process by enhancing the speed and accuracy of translations, making films accessible in more languages than ever before. This progress will not only expand the global reach of films but also allow for nuanced understanding across different cultures. 

AI and machine translation algorithms are capable of learning linguistic subtleties and cultural contexts, thereby improving the quality of translations and reducing the time needed to localize a film effectively. As a result, filmmakers will be able to engage with a broader audience, ensuring that language barriers no longer hinder the universal appeal of cinema. This technological leap forward promises to make the rich tapestry of global cinema more accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Read more: 10 Best AI Translation Software & Tools for 2024

Conclusion 

The journey of the "Jesus" film from a single-language movie to the top translated movie is a remarkable example of how cinema can bridge the world's linguistic and cultural divides. As we continue to explore and expand the boundaries of film translation, the promise of a truly global cinema becomes more tangible, making every story available to everyone, anywhere.

Unlock global accessibility for your films and content with Tomedes! Our global customer support team will guide you through every step, ensuring your materials resonate with audiences across different cultures and languages. Get in touch with us today to get started.