Blog

Sep 09, 2023

Which Bleach Episodes Have The Best Animation?

Bleach's TYBW arc has raised the bar for the series' animation quality, but plenty of older episodes display impressive visuals for fans to enjoy. Since its debut in 2004, Bleach has become one of the

Bleach's TYBW arc has raised the bar for the series' animation quality, but plenty of older episodes display impressive visuals for fans to enjoy.

Since its debut in 2004, Bleach has become one of the recognizable names in anime history, earning a spot alongside Naruto and One Piece as members of the shonen genre's legendary Big Three. Despite its ten-year hiatus, the release of Bleach: Thousand-Year War has reinvigorated the franchise's fanbase; as a result, many long-time viewers are reflecting upon its legacy thus far.

Studio Pierrot, the production company behind Bleach's anime adaptation, have done a wonderful job since the franchise's debut, and as time goes on, the quality of their work only grows better. Every episode of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is a visual spectacle, although there are still plenty of other episodes scattered throughout the series that demonstrate its impressive animation.

RELATED: The 10 Most Well-Animated Episodes Of Naruto, Ranked

While Bleach's first few narrative arcs are visibly dated compared to more recent material, sequences like Ichigo Kurosaki's rematch with Byakuya Kuchiki still pass the eye test almost 20 years later. When the pair of Soul Reapers square off for the second time during the Soul Society: Rescue Arc, it results in one of the most well-animated episodes in the first half of the series.

"Release! The Black Blade, Miraculous Power" begins with the release of Byakuya's Bankai, which is beautifully accented by the swarm of cherry blossom petals that it spawns. Ichigo's Bankai, defined by its sleek black blade and outfit, perfectly contrast with the flowery aesthetic of his opponent, and as a result, the entire episode stands head-and-shoulders above other shonen anime from the time period.

Ichigo's first trip to Hueco Mundo is full of memorable moments, including a high stakes tilt against the Sixth Espada, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Grimmjow dealt Ichigo a crushing defeat in their previous meeting, so there is plenty of anticipation going into their second battle — thankfully, Bleach's animators make the most of this buildup.

Ichigo worked tirelessly to improve his strength after falling short against Grimmjow the first time, and in their rematch, his growth is on full display. Bleach's protagonist Hollow form proves to be the difference this time around, allowing him to deal Grimmjow a visually stunning blow that debilitates the Espada.

RELATED: 10 Plotlines That Earned Bleach Its Big Three Status

Although Ichigo Kurosaki's second battle against Grimmjow features fantastic animation, another fight that occurs in Hueco Mundo is actually even more well-animated — the Substitute Soul Reaper's duel with Ulquiorra Cifer. The Fourth Espada pushes Ichigo to the brink of death, but in a frightening display of power, Ichigo rises from the grave in a brand-new Hollow form, decimating everything in his wake.

Ichigo and Ulquiorra's raw firepower surpasses anything seen in Bleach up to that point, and thanks to its fluid animation, even brief moments like Uryu Ishida's intervention in the battle are dazzling to watch. While it's tough to label such a gruesome fight as beautiful, Episode 271's visual quality is more than impressive.

The widespread criticisms surrounding Bleach's over-reliance on filler episodes are well-founded; however, that doesn't mean the series' non-canon material is completely without merit. In fact, episodes like "Invading Arm Arc, Final Conclusion!" are among the most impressively animated in the entire franchise.

The Invading Army Arc follows Ichigo and his allies as they defend the Soul Society from a Modified Soul named Kageroza Inaba, who is aided by copies of the Soul Society's thirteen captains. Set after Ichigo's climactic battle with Aizen, the final sequence of this arc sees Bleach's protagonist briefly regain his powers, allowing him to go toe-to-toe with Kageroza in what is easily one of the most well-animated filler episodes in anime history.

Bleach's abrupt hiatus came as a shock to both its fandom and its production studio, so the narrative pacing of its final arc leaves plenty to be desired. However, the show never dips in animation quality, as clearly evidenced by the last episode of the original series, "Changing History, Unchanging Heart."

Ichigo Kurosaki finishes his fight with the leader of the Fullbringers, Kugo Ginjo, in Bleach's original conclusion, and despite its unfortunate legacy as the final episode of the original series, it's still fantastic from a production standpoint. Were it not for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Changing History, Unchanging Heart" would easily rank as the most well-animated episode in the franchise.

RELATED: 10 Best Immortal Anime Characters, Ranked

Every moment in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is gorgeously animated, bringing its long-awaited final saga to the screen in spectacular fashion. Even episodes like "THE BLADE IS ME," which lack any significant combat, are a delight to watch.

After Yhwach shatters Ichigo Kurosaki's Bankai, the Substitute Soul Reaper is forced to reforge his Zanpakuto. In the process, he reconciles his Quincy heritage with his natural Hollow powers, resulting in the dazzling reveal of his sword's true form.

Kenpachi Zaraki serves as an antagonist when he is first introduced in Bleach, but thanks to his ferocious attitude and immense strength, he quickly transforms into a fan favorite. The Eleventh Division captain continues to play a major role in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, resulting in his most well-animated battle to date.

Zaraki's fight with the Sternritter's resident visionary, Gremmy Thoumeaux, displays both combatant's unique fighting styles, and thanks to the latter's ability to manifest anything that he imagines, the sequence is full of imaginative attacks.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War does an excellent job of showcasing the long-term development of its cast, often subverting the expectations surrounding established characters like Rukia and Byakuya Kuchiki. Their contentious relationship causes significant problems for both parties during the franchise's first few narrative arcs; however, as seen in "The White Haze," they've seemingly grown from these experiences.

When Rukia and Byakuya face off against the Sternritter's As Nodt, the pair is backed into a corner after Byakuya's Bankai is stolen by their opponent. This opens the door for Rukia to finally achieve her own Bankai, ending the battle with a breathtaking ice attack that defeats the fear-inducing member of Yhwach's army.

No entity in the history of Bleach — including Sosuke Aizen — has posed a greater threat to the Soul Society than Yhwach and his Quincy army, and thanks to Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War's next-level animation, their terrifying strength feels like its constantly looming over the shoulder of Ichigo and his allies. This is never more true than the episode "BORN IN THE DARK," which picks up immediately after Yhwach emerges victorious over Captain Yamamoto.

With Yamamoto defeated, Yhwach is free to lay waste to the Soul Society. He and the Wandenreich brutalize the remaining Soul Reapers with devastating attacks until Ichigo Kurosaki arrives, at which point the leader of the Quincy engages Bleach's protagonist in an awe-inspiring display. Although the conflict ends in Ichigo's defeat, it's a fantastic display of both character's abilities.

RELATED: 10 Writing Decisions That Changed Modern Anime Forever

Throughout Bleach's narrative, each one of the Soul Society's thirteen captains receives an opportunity to showcase their power. However, Captain Yamamoto, the leader of the First Division, and his abilities largely remain a mystery until the Wandenreich's invasion of the Soul Society — thankfully, his efforts to repel the invaders more than live up to the hype.

In one of the most well-animated episodes in shonen history, Yamamoto finally debuts his Bankai, proving that he serves as the head of the Soul Society for a reason. Aided by flames rivaling those of the Sun and the spirits of his former opponents, the First Division's captain unleashes his full might to defeat Yhwach, falling just short in a literal blaze of glory.