Top 10 Bleach Episodes

#10: Episode 1 - The Day I Became a Shinigami

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Fittingly, we’re gunna kick off our list with the episode that started it all. In the very first episode of Bleach we are introduced to Ichigo Kurosaki, a fifteen year old boy who can see and communicate with what appear to be ghosts. However, his abnormal days of getting into street brawls and talking to spirits take a sudden twist as he encounters a Shinigami by the name of Rukia )Kuchiki She shows him that not only is there an afterlife, but it’s got its own military made for killing evil spirits know as Hollows. Before you can say “life-changing event” Ichigo finds himself a job as a giant-sword wielding Substitute Shinigami! Now that’s how you start a series!

This episode is awesome for a couple of reasons. Besides seeing Hitsugaya and company kill a whole bunch of Arrancar, the show gives us its first real taste of fan favourite antagonist Grimmjow, who proceeds to beat the ever loving crap out of Ichigo during their first encounter. Not only did it show us what a beast Espada No. 6 was, but also just how real the Arrancar threat really was.

#8: Episode 17 – Ichigo Dies!

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While it certainly wouldn’t be the first time Ichigo bit the dust, this one certainly packed the biggest punch. While trying to save Rukia from being taken back to the Soul Society as a prisoner, he ends up meeting a rather grisly fate at the sword of her adoptive older brother Byakuya Kuchiki While it does certainly look like an early end for our favourite anime ginger, he finds aid in the mysterious shopkeeper, who manages to bring him back from the brink and paves the way for a good old training montage!

The conclusion of the Soul Society Arc certainly ended on a high note. Following the incredible battle between Ichigo and Byakuya as well as the reveal of Aizen as the series main villain, all the players gather to one central location to try and defeat him. It goes as well as we all should have expected, with the traitorous captain swatting the others aside like flies before making one hell of an exit. We also get a rather touching moment with Rukia and Byakuya as they try to forge a real sibling bond.

The battle against Aizen and his Espada was arguably the longest overarching storyline in the Bleach anime, and this is the episode where that epic battle reached its end. With both of their powers reaching astronomical heights, Ichigo managed to finally defeat the monstrous Aizen but sacrifices his own Shinigami powers in the process. At least he got to keep a cool mullet…

This episode just pushed slightly above Aizen’s downfall for a couple of reasons. There was of course the heartbreaking death of fan favourite Gin Ichimaru the man who surrendered himself to the role of a villain just so he could find a way to kill Aizen. As he lays dead in the arms of his childhood friend, we are then greeted to the arrival of a super-powered Ichigo, who proceeds to do what no one in the series had managed to accomplish – beat the ever loving crap out of Aizen!

Before it became an everyday thing, the thought of Ichigo using Bankai was a Bleach fan’s dream, which just happened to come true during one of the series’ greatest battles – Ichigo against Byakuya. We had already seen how devastating Byakuya’s Bankai was, so to see Ichigo not only unleash his own, but then proceed to outrun and outclass it was a truly epic moment.

Fittingly enough, our third entry is the third and final time these two rivals clashed. Fighting for his pride as opposed to the will of Aizen, Grimmjow disobeys orders and revives a wounded Ichigo so they can fight at their full strength. It’s a pretty even match for the most part, but eventually the Substitute Shinigami comes out on top and lands the finishing blow. Though you have to give points to Grimmjow, the man just refuses to give up!

This was when things got really good. Drawing close to the conclusion of the Soul Society Arc, Rukia is saved in the last second from her execution by a fully-trained Ichigo. From that point onwards it’s a barrage of awesomeness! Various Shinigami are pitted against each other, Ichigo takes out three single handed, and of course the crème de la crème, Byakuya stepping into the ring to fight Ichigo as an equal. For many, this was the highlight of the entire series! Before our number one pick unleashes its Bankai, here are a few honourable mentions – Episode 111 – Shock! The Father’s True Identity Episode 133 – Ikkaku: The Hot-Blooded Kendo Tale Episode 293 – Hitsugaya, Enraged! Blade of Hatred Episode 342 – Thank You Episode 362 – Revival: Substitute Shinigami: Ichigo Kurosaki

The battle against Byakuya was for honour, the battle against Grimmjow was for pride, and the battle against Aizen was the embodiment of good vs. evil. But the one that came out on top was the emotional battle of Ichigo against Espada No. 4, Ulquiorra Trying to rescue his friend Orihime ) from the Arrancar, Ichigo clashes with the emotionless on numerous occasions, but it’s their final battle above the canopy of Las Noches which steals the show. Ulquiorra’s almighty second form, Ichigo’s supposed death and resurrection into a Hollow, as well as Ulquiorra’s heart-wrenching farewell to Orihime as he questions whether he truly had a heart. Damn. Do you agree with our list? Which Bleach episode rocked your socks off? With new videos published every day due to the will of Lord Aizen, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.