Bleach became one of the acclaimed Big Three because of its characters and action sequences. The original anime aired from 2004 to 2012, but the series returned in 2022 with The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc. As a result, Bleach currently has 392 total episodes. This includes filler episodes. Most of Bleach's episodes are good for a one-time watch, but there are a few episodes that are worthy of being rewatched multiple times.
When it comes to Bleach, the most rewatchable episodes tend to feature a lot of action. These specific episodes and fights are usually animated very well, and they often include a never-before-seen ability or transformation. Fans tend to skip filler episodes, but even some of those episodes are worth a rewatch.
10 "The Day I Became a Shinigami"
Episode 1
Every anime's first episode is important because it sets the tone for the entire series. Bleach's debut episode begins with a pair of Hollows appearing as invisible threats, and Rukia appears in her Soul Reaper attire. The episode establishes Ichigo as a kind high school student with spiritual abilities, and it briefly explains what Soul Reapers and Hollows are.
The episode ends with Ichigo and Rukia fighting a Hollow that has grabbed Ichigo's little sister. The audience gets to see how bloody Bleach can be, and Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper for the first time after an injured Rukia gives him her power. It's an exciting episode that sets the tone of the series, and fans get to see Ichigo's power from the start as he destroys the Hollow.
9 "BLACK"
Episode 392
The final episode of The Thousand-Year Blood War's second season is filled with action. After Yhwach resurrects his elite Quincies with Auswahlen, his Royal Guards activate their Vollstandig. Lille then immediately shoots a hole through Oetsu. Luckily he survives, and each Zero Squad member has a one-on-one fight with one of the Royal Guards.
Many manga readers like this episode because it features action that was never seen before. The episode shows just how skilled the members of Squad Zero are, which is something that the manga failed to do. The episode even includes two extremely overpowered and never-before-seen Bankai, which is something many Bleach fans love to see.
8 "Hitsugaya, Enraged! Blade of Hatred!"
Episode 293
In Episode 293, the remaining Captains and Visored fight Sosuke Aizen on Ichigo's behalf, and they get obliterated. Aizen shows them the true meaning of power by slicing through multiple captain-level Soul Reapers as they use Shikai and Bankai. When the remaining Soul Reapers land a perceived killing blow, Aizen uses Kyoka Suigetsu to instantly turn the tables on them, and they get cut down as well
Aizen was built up to be an all-powerful villain, and Episode 293 shows just how strong he is. When the episode first aired, it really felt like no one would be able to stand in Aizen's way.
7 "Byakuya, the Truth Behind his Betrayal"
Episode 252
Episode 252 is part of the Zanpakuto Unknown Tales Arc, and it proves that filler episodes can be entertaining. Koga was the villain of the episode, and he was a Soul Reaper who married into the Kuchiki Clan. He rebelled against Soul Society after being framed for a heinous crime, and he was sealed away because his Zanpakuto was too strong.
The highlight of the episode is the fight between Byakuya and Koga. It starts off with a special type of fast-paced sword combat that had not been seen in the anime up until that point. In terms of animation, it is arguably the cleanest and most fluid fight of the original anime, and it does a fantastic job of incorporating high-level Kido spells.
6 "Desperate Effort vs. Desperate Effort! The Hollowfied Ichigo"
Episode 166
The bulk of Bleach's 166th episode is a continuous fight between Ichigo and Grimmjow Jaegerjaques. The episode starts with Orihime being intimidated by Ichigo's Hollow Mask, and a thrilled Grimmjow activates his Resurreccion for the first time. He reveals his panther-like hybrid form and attacks Ichigo after releasing an empowered roar.
Their fight is filled with quick close-quarters combat, and they each get big blows in. Grimmjow may have dominated Ichigo in their first encounter, but Episode 166 is his best outing because he fights at maximum power. The episode is great for Ichigo fans as well because he is finally able to use his Hollow Mask effectively.
5 "The Fire"
Episode: 372
Captain Commander Yamamoto was considered the strongest Soul Reaper for centuries, and he finally displayed his immense power in Episode 372. The entire episode focuses on the fight between Yamamoto and Yhwach, and It includes a very brief anime-only fight sequence.
The highlight of the episode is Yamamoto's Bankai. Bleach fans wanted to see Yamamoto's Bankai for a long time, and Episode 372 delivered. The Bankai's effects look spectacular and Yamamoto looks like a true monster while using it. The episode also includes a major twist which leads to Yamamoto's shocking and unexpected death.
4 "Release! The Black Blade, the Miraculous Power"
Episode 58
The fight between Byakuya and Ichigo spanned several episodes, but Episode 58 is especially memorable. It is the first time Ichigo faced Byakuya's Bankai, and he was quickly overpowered by it. That is when Ichigo activates his Bankai for the first time.
Up until this point in the story, all of Ichigo's battles consisted of hack and slash encounters, but Episode 58 proved that he could fight with speed and skill. The episode shows how dangerous both Ichigo and Byakuya can be, and it includes the iconic scene of Ichigo deflecting all of Senbonzakura's blades.
3 "I AM THE EDGE"
Episode 386
In Episode 386, Kenpachi Zaraki goes toe-to-toe with Gremmy Thoumeaux – a Quincy who has the ability to turn fantasy into reality. The audience gets to see Kenpachi deal with a barrage of bullets, and a meteor that Gremmy creates out of thin air.
This leads to Kenpachi using his Shikai for the first time. He cuts through the meteor in spectacular fashion, and he delivers a serious blow to Gremmy after slicing through space itself. Kenpachi is a beloved character, and Episode 386 allows him to shine like never before. It also shows just how powerful he has become since hearing his Zanpakuto's voice.
2 "Ichigo Dies! Orihime, the Cry of Sorrow!"
Episode 271
Episode 271 starts off with a horrified Orihime watching as Ulquiorra blasts a hole through Ichigo's chest, and she rushes to his side in hopes of healing him. Her powers do not work, and she begs for him to come back to help her. Ichigo can hear her and wills himself back to life, but in doing so, he transforms into a full Hollow.
The ensuing fight is fast-paced and surprisingly violent. Ichigo fights Ulquiorra with a level of brutality that no one could have predicted, and he has not fought like that since. The episode showed how dangerous and powerful Ichigo's inner Hollow really is.
1 "Fierce Fighting Conclusion! Release, the Final Getsuga Tensho!"
Episode 309
The battle between Ichigo and Aizen ended in Episode 309. At this point, Aizen was fused with the Hogyoku, and he assumes a demonic form which transcends both Soul Reapers and Hollows. While in this form, Aizen gets the upper hand and grabs Ichigo by the throat. Before Aizen can finish him off, Ichigo slashes his chest and reveals the Final Getsuga Tensho.
This is the only time Ichigo uses his intimidating dark bandaged form, and at the time, it was believed to be his strongest form. For many Bleach fans, Aizen is the one-and-only final villain, and his defeat in episode 309 marks what would have been the perfect ending for the series.
