The BEST episodes of Bleach

Every episode of Bleach ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Bleach!

For as long as he can remember, Ichigo Kurosaki has been able to see ghosts. But when he meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper who battles evil spirits known as Hollows, he finds his life is changed forever when Rukia transfers most of her powers to him. Now a Soul Reaper himself with a newfound wealth of spiritual energy, Ichigo discovers his true calling: to protect the living and the dead from evil.

Last Updated: 3/8/2024Network: TV TokyoStatus: Continuing
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The Reversal of Rukia, the Rampaging Blade
star
10.00
28 votes

#1 - The Reversal of Rukia, the Rampaging Blade

Season 9 - Episode 10 - Aired 6/25/2008

Rukia, Ishida & Chad start to figure out the powers of who they are fighting, and start to win. Meanwhile Ichigo continues his battles with Hanza.

Ichimaru Gin's Temptation, Resolution of Destruction
star
8.92
59 votes

#2 - Ichimaru Gin's Temptation, Resolution of Destruction

Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired 10/4/2005

Zaraki Kenpachi is still fighting with Tousen and Komamura. Tousen asks Komamura to step aside; he will fight Zaraki by himself. Tousen immediately initiates his Ban-Kai surrounding himself and Zaraki in a gianatic black sphere where only Tousen has use of his senses. Can Zaraki win this fight even though he cannot rely on his senses?

True Identity of the Devil, the Secret Which Is Revealed
star
8.70
84 votes

#3 - True Identity of the Devil, the Secret Which Is Revealed

Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/14/2006

RinRin, Cloud, Nova are on their final game. Orihime, Ishida, Renji, Kon and Ichigo make there attempt to save Chad. It turns out that Urahara has been the one behind it all, but then they find out there new enemies they must beat.

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Special Mission! Rescue Captain-Commander Yamamoto!
star
8.60
139 votes

#4 - Special Mission! Rescue Captain-Commander Yamamoto!

Season 13 - Episode 17 - Aired 11/17/2009

The Captains begin planning on how they're going to rescue Yamamoto, knowing that they're going to run into high class zanpakuto. Meanwhile Kazeshini comes back to the hideout and faints from exhaustion. Kenpachi, Ukitake, and Kyoraku head into the cave while Yoruichi and Ichigo head in another way. In the cave, Ukitake and Kyoraku meet their materialized zanpakuto. In the meantime, Ichigo and Yoruichi encounter Haineko and Tobiume, and both are defeated by Yoruichi. Ichigo heads on, and is lead into Kazeshini by Minazuki. Kazeshini is easily defeated, breaking, as Ichigo moves on to find the Captain-Commander.

Thank You
star
8.60
224 votes

#5 - Thank You

Season 15 - Episode 26 - Aired 10/4/2011

Gradually losing his temporarily restored powers, Ichigo struggles against a hollow, but is saved by Rukia. The shinigami in charge of Karakura town, Kuramadani Zennosuke interrupts their conversation, yelling at them to stop doing his job. The next day, Rukia is instructed a mission by Ukitake to prevent Ichigo from fighting because of the fast rate of his disappearing spiritual powers. That night, Ishida and Rukia save Ichigo from a hollow and tell him to rest, much to his dismay. The next day, Ichigo takes Rukia and his friends to an ice skating rink, since he saw Rukia staring at the place a lot. Fireworks from a nearby amusement park begin to shoot up in the sky, ending the day on a happy note. While walking home, Ichigo senses a giant hollow and goes to his shinigami form, before being stopped by Rukia. Ichigo once again struggles against the giant hollow as his powers begin to fail him. Rukia saves him, leaving Ichigo to question if he was getting in her way. Rukia replies with a heartwarming speech about their friendship. Ichigo requests for Rukia to freeze the hollows legs, and he fires his "last getsuga tenshou," destroying the hollow. Ichigo, exhausted, has a brief conversation with Rukia before he is told to rest. Ichigo wakes up in his human body, in his room, with his friends surrounding him. Ichigo takes note of his disappearing powers, and asks to go outside. Outside, Ichigo notices that he can barely sense spirits anymore and even Rukia's presence is disappearing. The two say goodbye and have a brief conversation before Rukia begins to disappear from Ichigo's sight. After Rukia fully disappears, Ichigo thanks her.

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Baunt! The Soul Hunters
star
8.50
56 votes

#6 - Baunt! The Soul Hunters

Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired 2/14/2006

RinRin senses the presence of a Baunt, who are the new villains, and tells Ichigo about it . He arrives on the scene and starts to fight with the female Baunt. Later, someone he doesn't expect comes to help him.

Invading Army Arc, Final Conclusion!
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8.50
168 votes

#7 - Invading Army Arc, Final Conclusion!

Season 15 - Episode 25 - Aired 9/27/2011

As the captains and lieutenants battle it out with the Reigai, Ichigo uses his restored powers to fight the fused form of Inaba and Nozomi.

The Two Hinamori, Hitsugaya's Resolution
star
8.50
168 votes

#8 - The Two Hinamori, Hitsugaya's Resolution

Season 15 - Episode 10 - Aired 6/14/2011

Ichigo enters the Precipice World and heads toward Soul Society. Byakuya kills fake Hitsugaya and moves forward, where he encounters fake Byakuya. While in a bamboo forest, Kenpachi is attacked by Soi Fon and the Punishment Force. He easily defeats all of Soi Fon's forces. Ichigo reaches Soul Society where he encounters Inaba. Elsewhere Hitsugaya is confronted by fake Hinamori. Despite knowing she is an imposter, Hitsugaya cannot bring himself to kill her. The real Hinamori seems to appear and attacks her Reigai. After tricking Hitsugaya into saving one of them, they reveal that both of them are Reigai and cut him down. Yoruichi then appears and defeats both of the Reigai, saving Hitsugaya. Meanwhile, Soi Fon attacks Kenpachi, but Komamura interrupts and challenges fake Soi Fon. As Ichigo arrives in Soul Society, he is attacked by Inaba, who explains that Ichigo's lack of purity makes him an erasable anomaly. Inaba then uses his zanpakuto to trap Ichigo in the Precipice World.

Gotei 13, Gathering in the Real World!
star
8.50
112 votes

#9 - Gotei 13, Gathering in the Real World!

Season 15 - Episode 4 - Aired 5/3/2011

At the Urahara Shop, Ichigo, Uryū, Sado are sitting at a table silently, as Orihime assesses the condition of Nozomi Kujō. She stirs in her sleep, much to Orihime's surprise, as Uryū informs her of her whereabouts. He reassures her, stating that they are in a safe location. As Nozomi attempts to get up, Orihime tells her not to over-exert herself, as Kon appears, asking if she is alright.

Shinigami and Zanpakuto, Total Sortie
star
8.50
168 votes

#10 - Shinigami and Zanpakuto, Total Sortie

Season 13 - Episode 13 - Aired 10/20/2009

Ichigo goes to confront Byakuya, but Senbonzakura intercepts him, and he and Ichigo fight each other with their bankais. Renji and Zabimaru move to prevent Byakuya from leaving. Izuru begins fighting Kazeshini, suspecting that its personality is based off of Hisagi's suppressed negative impulses. Soifon fights Gonryomaru and Tenken at once, but is surprised by a smoke attack. Yumichika faces Ruri-iro Kujaku, and the two exchange insults. Ikkaku fights Houzukimaru, and although Houzukimaru unleashes his bankai, Ikkaku is able to break it by repeatedly attacking, and manages to withstand its final attack and claim victory. Fourth division lieutenant Isane Kotetsu and seventh division lieutenant Tetsuzaimon Iba go to assist the wounded at the scene of the battle when Ashisogi Jizo appears.

Fierce Fighting Concludes? Towards a New Battle!
star
8.50
167 votes

#11 - Fierce Fighting Concludes? Towards a New Battle!

Season 12 - Episode 14 - Aired 6/30/2009

Allon goes into a rage upon seeing the wound Yamamoto inflicted, and immediately regenerates it. He enlarges his right arm into a gigantic size and tries to punch Yamamoto, demolishing several buildings in the process. But Yamamoto blocks the attack easily, releases Ryūjin Jakka and cuts Allon in half. When it seems over, one half of Allon attacks once again and Yamamoto finishes him off by incinerating him. Mila Rose, Sun-Sun and Apache attack Yamamoto in unison but are burnt to crisp before the might of Ryūjin Jakka. Meanwhile, Hitsugaya continues his heated battle with Harribel. Harribel releases a torrent of energy from her weapon and reveals herself as Tercera Espada. Shunsui and Starrk watch the pair's battle. Shunsui guesses Barragan must be the Primera Espada, but Starrk corrects him and reveals his "1" tattooed to the back of his left hand. The three most powerful Espada unleash pillars of energy, readying themselves to fight at top strength. Meanwhile Rukia, Renji and Sado dispatch the last of the Exequias and Rukia faces down Rudobone, the Exequias' leader. Ulquiorra tells Ichigo that it is useless to resist but Ichigo swears to keep fighting for the sake of everyone. The episode ends with Ulquiorra firing a cero and Ichigo slamming his blade against it, fading to white.

Directors: Noriyuki Abe
Writer: Masashi Sogo
The Fallen Shinigami's Pride
star
8.50
56 votes

#12 - The Fallen Shinigami's Pride

Season 9 - Episode 22 - Aired 10/7/2008

The battle with Ichigo and Amagai comes to a close. Amagai finds out the shocking truth of his father's death.

Duel! Amagai vs. Ichigo
star
8.50
56 votes

#13 - Duel! Amagai vs. Ichigo

Season 9 - Episode 21 - Aired 9/17/2008

Ichigo and Amagai finally face off. With Amagai's bakkutou sealing his shinigami reiatsu, Ichigo is forced to use his Vaizard's mask and hollow powers.

Ichigo Rages! The Assassin's Secret
star
8.50
56 votes

#14 - Ichigo Rages! The Assassin's Secret

Season 9 - Episode 20 - Aired 9/10/2008

Amagai starts to attack Yamamoto, and we find out his reasons why he planned his attack. Amagai finally seals Yamamoto's power and starts to attack him and Ichigo and Rukia come to stop him. Ichigo mad at Amagai, because of what he did to Rurichiyo, starts to charge his power up to attack Amagai.

Sortie Orders! Suppress the House of Kasumiōji
star
8.50
56 votes

#15 - Sortie Orders! Suppress the House of Kasumiōji

Season 9 - Episode 19 - Aired 9/3/2008

Yamamoto with the proof he needs to attack the Kasumiōji. Kumoi starts to panic and releases all the ninja armed with bakkōtō to fight off the Shinigami invasion. He also holds Rurichiyo hostage and is finally cornered by Ichigo and Rukia and some one comes in and stops him.

Ice and Flame! Fierce Fight of Amagai vs. Hitsugaya
star
8.50
56 votes

#16 - Ice and Flame! Fierce Fight of Amagai vs. Hitsugaya

Season 9 - Episode 18 - Aired 8/27/2008

Kira finishes his fight against Kifune and gains the Bakkuto as proof. Meanwhile Ichigo, Rukia and Amagai are faced with Hitsugaya`s squad. While the captains fight against each other Rukia has to deal with Matsumoto so that Ichigo can go search for Lurichiyo. After Renji presents the evidence of treason to Captain-Commander Yamamato he orders the 13 Protection Squads to break into the Kasumi-Ooji mansion.

Kira and Kibune, Offense and Defense of the 3rd Division
star
8.50
56 votes

#17 - Kira and Kibune, Offense and Defense of the 3rd Division

Season 9 - Episode 17 - Aired 8/20/2008

The squads manage to put aside their fighting and set up specified territories to patrol, but Ichigo, Amagai, Rukia and Shuu proceed through unassigned territory and, making contact with members of the third division, head for the third division stadium, Lurichiyo's last known location. Izuru begins fighting Kibune. Although Izuru initially gains the advantage by increasing Reppu's weight with Wabisuke's special ability, Kibune manages to make it fly even while heavier, and reveals that he too has a bakkutou. He reveals his past, where his belief that weak comrades could be sacrificed caused him to be largely ostracized in the Gotei 13, and eventually assigned to an expeditionary force due to his being unable to be placed anywhere else. He reveals that he sought power in order to gain respect. With his bakkutou's strength, he knocks Izuru down and prepares to finish him off.

The Darkness Which Moves! Kibune's True Colors
star
8.50
56 votes

#18 - The Darkness Which Moves! Kibune's True Colors

Season 9 - Episode 16 - Aired 8/6/2008

Now that Amagai has joined Ichigo, word quickly spreads among the Shinigami ranks, and Genryuusai decides that the new captain might have violated the law.

Amagai's True Strength, Zanpakutō is Released!
star
8.50
56 votes

#19 - Amagai's True Strength, Zanpakutō is Released!

Season 9 - Episode 15 - Aired 7/30/2008

Ichigo, Rukia, and Shuu are currently hiding out in the sewers while planning their next move, and Ichigo suspects that Rurichiyo is somewhere on the Kasumiooji estate. He is intercepted by 3rd division's new captain, Amagai.

The Princess' Decision, the Sorrowful Blade
star
8.50
56 votes

#20 - The Princess' Decision, the Sorrowful Blade

Season 9 - Episode 13 - Aired 7/16/2008

Princess Lorichiyo decided to go back home and go ahead with her wedding. Ichigo, Kenryuu, Enryuu and Rukia know she will be in danger and decide to follow her. But by doing this will their actions put themselves in danger?

Confrontation?! Amagai vs. Gotei 13
star
8.50
56 votes

#21 - Confrontation?! Amagai vs. Gotei 13

Season 9 - Episode 12 - Aired 7/9/2008

In a meeting with all of the captains, Amagai tries to make the case that the divisions lack coordination between themselves and proposes holding joint exercises. That's not a bright idea for everyone though.

The Nightmare Which is Shown, Ichigo's Inside the Mirror
star
8.50
56 votes

#22 - The Nightmare Which is Shown, Ichigo's Inside the Mirror

Season 9 - Episode 11 - Aired 7/2/2008

Ichigo is trapped in Saiga's illusion what Hanza wants him to see. Hanza wants Ichigo to dream, his biggest regret, and that was not protecting his mom. Ichigo finally manages to break free and continues his battle with Hanza. Can Ichigo beat Hanza, using Saiga at full power?

Mystery! The Sword-Consuming Assassin
star
8.50
56 votes

#23 - Mystery! The Sword-Consuming Assassin

Season 9 - Episode 9 - Aired 6/25/2008

Refusing to give up Rurichiyo, Rukia uses her special ability to encase her new opponent Douko Jinnai in ice, but he easily breaks free.

The Revenging Assassin, Ichigo is Targeted
star
8.50
56 votes

#24 - The Revenging Assassin, Ichigo is Targeted

Season 9 - Episode 8 - Aired 6/18/2008

Nukiu Hanza and his friends are back and stronger than ever! And this time the real battle begins with Nukiu declaring he will have Ichigo's head!

Break the Mirror's Boundary! Ichigo's Captivity!
star
8.50
56 votes

#25 - Break the Mirror's Boundary! Ichigo's Captivity!

Season 9 - Episode 7 - Aired 6/11/2008

Nukui Hanza and his assasins atack Ichigo and his gang. Nukui Hanza manages to capture Ichigo in his Zanpakutou`s power but underestimates his reiatsu and has to retreat when Yoruichi makes an appearance.