TheBleachmanga began its publication in August 2001, and ever since, Tite Kubo’s story has become one of the most popularanime seriesof all time. The manga went on until August 2016 and gave us several amazing moments. Bleach has had a total of twelve canon story arcs over its 15-year-long run.
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Some arcs are among the greatest anime arcs ever made, while others fail to live up to the expectations set on them. This list will rank every canon arc from worst to the pinnacle of the series.
12The Past
The Past arc is the shortest arc in the series, as it was covered in only seven anime episodes. It’s a flashback arc focusing on Kisuke, Yoruichi, and the Visards before Aizen transformed them.
It’s not a bad addition to the series, but it’s too short of having left a lasting imprint on the overall narrative. This flashback sequence also occurs between two action-heavy story arcs. It makes many watchers want to skip ahead to see what happens next.
11Substitute Soul Reaper
The very first arc excellently introduces the main cast of characters but lacks the depth that makes both the writing and action of later arcs more interesting. The plot is essentially just Ichigo becoming a Substitute Soul Reaper and seeing him fight Hollows as they attack citizens.
Some high points of this arc are the backstories of the main cast, Ichigo defeating Grand Fisher to get revenge for his mother, and Uryu’s introduction as Ichigo’s first rival.
10Fullbringer
After the incredibly epic conclusion to Aizen’s storyline, it was a bit unclear what direction the series would take. This arc sees Ichigo training with Fullbringers to protect his friends once again. This arc also gives us an explanation of what Chad’s powers are.
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Since it’s mostly a training arc, most of it isn’t particularly exciting. Tsukishima inserting himself into most characters' memories, and Ginjo’s plot twist mostly carries this arc. The main conflict isn’t as clearly black and white as seen in the original arc, but it still doesn’t compare to the other arcs.
9Arrancar Arrival
This arc was the first time when Ichigo was on the same side as the Gotei 13 captains. This results in many characters from the previous arc now getting their own fights to save the world.
Aizen’s army of Arrancar are smarter and have more unique powers than basic Hollows seen in the original arc, but only very few of the main Espada-ranked Arrancar actually have any impact on the story here.
8Soul Society Sneak Entry
This arc starts with Ichigo looking for a way to rescue Rukia after she gets kidnapped. He no longer has his Soul Reapers powers and thus has to find a way to regain them. After a training arc, he finds his way into the Soul Society. Knowing super strong and intelligent Soul Reapers are now the main villains is exciting compared to the Hollows from the arc prior.
While there may not be much action, this arc feels vital for getting from point A to point B in the story. Most previously mentioned arcs feel like they could’ve been shortened to get to the point faster, but this one feels like it covers just what’s necessary to get the plot to where it needs to be.
7Hueco Mundo Sneak Entry
Breaking into Hueco Mundo was a more entertaining experience than the Soul Society due to the setting. It’s a demonic wasteland filled with enemies, a large contrast from the Soul Society’s mostly paradise feel.
There are enemies at every unexpected turn and even some new surprise allies. Nel and co were fun new additions to the cast that lightened the mood. The arc blends serious fights and humor very well.
6Shinigami VS Arrancar
The main plot points in this arc are the fight against Nnoitra, the origin of Nel, and the Soul Society deciding to send back up into Hueco Mundo to save Ichigo’s group.
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The focus on Nel, Kenpachi, and Mayuri’s fighting breaks up the large focus on Ichigo that the previous and follow-up arcs have, but its small length and few fights do hold it back from being as good as later arcs on this list.
5Soul Society Rescue
This is where Bleach found its true identity. The Gotei 13 captains and Bankais would become major focuses from here to the very end. The action choreography, atmosphere, conclusion to everything that came prior, and foreshadowing for what’s to come were all excellently executed.
The cast feels bigger, the scope of storytelling larger, and the action more intense. Almost everything about this arc is a step up from what came before it, and it’s certainly one of the most important arcs in the series.
4Decisive Battle Of Karakura
The Decisive Battle of Karakura takes an interesting approach of not focusing on Ichigo at all. A large variety of side characters, such as Ikkaku, Shuhei, Toshiro, and Sui-Feng, get their own individual fights against Aizen’s army.
The diversity in characters and unique powers improve the action this arc has a heavy focus on, although most of the villains the heroes fight here are very basic underlings.
3Arrancar Fierce Fight
Fierce Fight is the first half of the main group’s quest to defeat Espada. Rukia defeating the Hollow that killed her mentor, Ichigo overcoming his latest rival Grimmjow, and the rest of the main cast getting their own fights balance this arc well.
There’s not really any dull moment since there’s constant action, and the comic relief allies from the Hueco Mundo Sneak Entry arc do an even better job here by keeping funny moments in this otherwise serious storyline.
