Bleach has stood the test of time and remained one of the most successful anime of all time. Created by Tite Kubo, Bleach was released with worldwide acclaim as anime fans clung to the unique world and exciting characters that populated the series. The high-octane energy of Bleach and the constant threat of world-ending scenarios kept fans glued to their screens to see if Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends could save the day. Bleach became most known for its beautifully animated fight scenes between characters that had true weight behind the outcomes.
From the moment that Ichigo first picked up a Zanpakuto, it was clear that he was a cut above other main characters as he constantly put his life on the line to protect what was most present to him; this was a virtue shared with other lovable characters in the show and was a steady theme through the series. There were dozens of fights that took place and set the tone for the anime, accurately portraying the weight of what was at stake and setting the tone for what was to come. Here are some of the most thematically important fights in Bleach.
8 Ichigo Vs. Byakuya Round One
The rivalry between Ichigo Kurosaki and Byakuya Kuchiki reigned supreme throughout Bleach's entire duration. The cold and stone-faced squad captain's entrance created a heavy presence that completely changed the tone of Bleach when he first appeared to retrieve Rukia and take her back to the soul society as a prisoner. After getting the best of Renji, this ultimately leads to Byakuya and Ichigo's first encounter, where Byakuya completely outclasses Ichigo.
This defeat would spark the aggression that Ichigo would constantly target Byakuya with due to his overbearing pretentiousness and obsession with class and tradition. While their first fight was short-lived, it opened up the world of Bleach to viewers and presented the first real threat and villain of the anime.
7 Renji Vs. Byakuya
Byakuya remained a constant antagonist in the early episodes of Bleach and to more than just Ichigo. When the mission began to rescue Rukia from execution, Renji Abari was met with an internal conflict that would send him on the path of permanent character change.
Renji's hidden feelings for Rukia would force him to look at himself closely and wonder why he could not take a step toward the decision to save Rukia's life, but Ichigo could without hesitation. As Renji found his conviction, it placed him at odds with his mentor and squad captain, and the two met on the battlefield. This fight marked a change in Renji's character and the start of his growth into more than just a subordinate.
6 Yamamoto Vs. Yhwach Final Confrontation
Captain Commander Yamamoto has been the figurehead of the thirteen court squads in the soul society and the epitome of power in Bleach ever since his presence was first felt on the battlefield when he faced his two best students, Kyoraku and Ukitake, during the soul society arc. While the full force of Captain Yamamoto had not been felt until he faced off against the mock Yhwach during the wandenreich invasion, fans of the series knew that he was not to be underestimated due to the respect he was granted by his underlings, Zaraki Kenpachi included.
When Yamamoto stepped into the fight and fully released his devastating power, fans were met with more than just the realization of how strong he was but how dark the past of the soul society really was. Yamamoto's true strength had been the crushing of his enemies and the imprisonment of their souls. This fight which ended in a tragedy, set a melancholy tone for the entire Thousand Year Blood War Arc.
5 Ichigo Vs. Hollow Ichigo Round One
Ichigo's life as a soul reaper was some of the most difficult challenges of his life as he faced some of the most powerful beings in existence. However, more often than not, Ichigo's most challenging battles occurred within himself. Ichigo's power has been one of the most discussed topics in the series, with fans wondering just what Ichigo's conception was.
The first time Ichigo's hidden power revealed itself was when Ichigo had been nearly defeated by Zaraki Kenpachi. Ichigo met his Zanpakuto, Zangetsu, for the first time and was challenged to prove himself worthy of being his wielder. Ichigo would face off against a mirror image of himself, a secondary power biting for control. This would be a peek at the power struggle growing inside Ichigo that would come to a head during the invasion of Huecqo Mundo.
4 Ichigo Vs. Tensa Zangetsu
Ichigo has undergone monumental changes in his journey to be strong enough to protect his friends and family. However, on rare occasions, Ichigo must dig deep and seek the advice of his Zanpakuto when his strength alone is not enough to save the day. Zangetsu has always appeared to Ichigo as an old and wise man, always capable of bestowing the right knowledge on Ichigo at the right time. However, Ichigo was met with a much different greeting in one of their fiercest encounters.
With Aizen on the loose and the thirteen court squads powerless to stop him, Ichigo and his father retreat to a realm between time, hoping to unlock an ability that will tip the odds in Ichigo's favor. In hopes of learning the final Getsugatenshou, Ichigo battle with Tensa Zangetsu, who refuses to aid Ichigo in hopes of saving him from the consequences of learning this new power. The relationship between Ichigo and Zangetsu has always been unique, but the conclusion of this battle marked a much deeper bond between the two.
3 Gin Vs. Aizen
Gin Ichimaru became a fan-favorite character from his very first appearance bestowing a well-deserved lesson on Ichigo Kurosaki about the difference in power between him and the captain of the thirteen court guard squads. The sinister presence, paired with his unnerving smile, solidified Gin as a dangerous character which many fans flocked to. It would quickly be revealed that Gin was one of Aizen's subordinates who waged war on the soul society alongside him.
However, during the final confrontation, as Aizen slowly obtained the power he sought, Gin revealed himself to be a double agent. In a swift strike, Gin would land the first and most fatal blow Aizen had ever received. Playing the long con, Gin had positioned himself and been inhumanly patient in order to strike at the precise time to ensure Aizen's downfall. Gin's pivot would completely change how he was viewed in the series and be one of the best twists to many fans worldwide. Unfortunately, Gin's betrayal would be for naught and cost him dearly.
2 Ichigo Vs. Byakuya Round Two
In the rematch between Ichigo and Byakuya in the soul society arc, the long-awaited face-off between the two swordsmen meant more than just winning or losing. The culmination of all the efforts Ichigo and his friends had put into saving Rukia, and the grudge that Ichigo held against Byakuya due to his disregard for his sister's life fueled the tension between them and came to a head in a sensational bout.
Byakuya would underestimate how far Ichigo had come in such a short time and be completely overwhelmed by the lowly ryoka's new-found power. Ichigo would throw harsh criticisms in Byakuya's face and reinforce them with his strength. While subtle, this marked Byakuya's own growth as a character who was not an emotionally distant classist but a man running from his grief.
1 Unohana Vs. Zaraki
With the start of the Thousand Year Blood War arc in Bleach's new season, the soul society has been estimated by the first fight against the wandenreich. With many casualties and the experience of being dramatically overpowered, the remaining soul reapers, and Ichigo seeks to gain enough power to stand on equal ground against the Quincy army. In a last-ditch effort, the new captain commander of the thirteen squads orders Zaraki Kenpachi to be released of his shackles, and it is up to Unohana to free him.
Unohana and Zaraki meet on a sacred battleground, and two Kenpachi exchange blows in hopes of returning Zaraki to his former glory. This fight explores the history between the two warriors and the depth of the title handed down from the strongest fighter to the next.