Ranking the Best and Worst Bleach Openings
From electrifying rock anthems to heartfelt ballads, explore the mesmerizing world of Bleach through its iconic openings Prepare to be captivated by the diverse musical styles and stunning visuals that make each opening a masterful work of art
The Bleach openings are stunning, captivating masterpieces that perfectly capture the essence of Tite Kubo's story. With its fast-paced battles, unexpected plot twists, and diverse cast of characters, the anime adaptation's seventeen intros are truly a sight to behold.
In terms of opening themes, Bleach could be considered the most enthralling franchise among Shonen Jump's "Big Three." The opening sequences, featuring addictive songs and cinematic scenes, are a vital and well-executed aspect of the anime series.
Every Bleach opening before TYBW Cour 3, listed from least to most immersive
All the openings of Bleach, including the new intros from Bleach TYBW, can now be found on VIZ Media's official YouTube channel. Thanks to the top manga publisher and anime distributor, fans can freely enjoy them, from the 2005 Asterisk up to the 2023 Stars.
17) Bleach opening 8, Chu-Bura by Kelun
Chu-Bura (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
The CHU-BURA OFFICIAL VIDEO has an intro that is positioned last, not because it's unworthy, but because the Bleach anime has consistently strong openings. However, compared to the other intros, Chu-Bura’s visuals and song are lackluster.
16) Bleach opening 11, Anima Rossa by Porno Graffitti
The "New Captain Shusuke Amagai Arc" is lacking in excitement despite its smooth animation and pleasant atmosphere. The opening frames feel like a filler arc from the start, and it fails to generate much enthusiasm.
Anima Rossa (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
ANIMA ROSSA OFFICIAL VIDEO
The Bleach opening for the Zanpakuto Rebellion Arc is both vibrant and enchanting. During this filler arc, the Shinigami are compelled to confront the spirits of their own swords. Anima Rossa unintentionally hints at the elements within Ichigo coming together with the Substitute Shinigami, a concept further explored in Bleach TYBW's "The Blade is Me."
15) Bleach opening 5, Rolling Star by YUI
Rolling Star (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
Watch the official Rolling Star video, featuring warm and soothing colors that celebrate the end of the Bount Arc. Set against Karakura's urban backdrop, the heroes gear up for the impending arrival of the Arrancars.
A glimpse of Rangiku and Gin suggests their deep, sad bond, hinting at what's to come. As the opening scene draws to a close, the camera zooms in on Ichigo. Prepared to confront whatever obstacles lie ahead, the protagonist releases his Bankai.
14) Bleach opening 4, Tonight Tonight Tonight by Beat Crusaders
Tonight, Tonight, Tonight (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
TONIGHT, TONIGHT, TONIGHT OFFICIAL VIDEO
While the Bount Arc may not be the highlight of Bleach’s story, it is remembered for its incredible intro theme. Tite Kubo’s distinctive style is on full display in this opening, featuring Shinigami in trendy streetwear instead of their usual traditional garb. Seeing characters like Byakuya in casual clothing is a rare and unexpected sight.
13) Bleach opening 14, BLUE by ViViD
BLUE (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
Check out the official video for BLUE, the opening of the Reigai Uprising filler arc. It's filled with incredible combat scenes and features fluid, fast-paced transitions that make it a visual feast.
The sequences of the Gotei 13 members battling their identical counterparts provide a thrilling adrenaline rush, but the underlying reason for the conflict is rather lackluster, which diminishes the emotional impact of the opening.
12) Bleach opening 7, After Dark by Asian Kung-Fu Generation
After Dark (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
AFTER DARK OFFICIAL VIDEO
Despite the intense battles throughout, this Bleach opening highlights Ichigo's deep love for Orihime. Determined to rescue her no matter what, Ichigo ventures to Hueco Mundo to confront Aizen and the Espada.
The most striking moment of the opening is when Aizen and the Espada, depicted in classic manga black and white, gather in Las Noches. The tension escalates as Ichigo storms into the scene, ready to take on the smirking Aizen.
11) Bleach opening 10, Shojo S by SCANDAL
Rushing towards his archenemy, Ichigo seamlessly transitions between his ordinary self and his Hollow-masked form, demonstrating his readiness to sacrifice his humanity to rescue Orihime.
Shojo S (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
SHOJO S OFFICIAL VIDEO
The opening, despite its filler vibes, is a unique masterpiece that depicts the Shinigami cast through stylish shots with a vivid color palette. The enthusiastic song frames the whole scene. As each warrior is shown, Bleach’s most popular ladies, Rukia, Orihime, and Rangiku, dance to the theme’s boisterous rhythm. The opening exudes pure energy, reflecting Aizen’s entrance in Karakura with its proactive, youthful, and vibrant portrayal.
10) Bleach opening 6, Alones by Aqua Timez
Alones (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
ALONES OFFICIAL VIDEO
As Orihime disappears to the Hueco Mundo, Ichigo grapples with his inner Hollow, and the Soul Society reels from Aizen's betrayal, a more serious tone is required, making "Alones" the perfect choice.
9) Bleach opening 2, D-tecnolife by UVERworld
The beginning of the story centers on the emotions of Ichigo and his companions as they journey to Hueco Mundo to rescue Orihime. Interestingly, this opening became legendary for its comical opening scene, featuring Kon singing while the Mod Souls groove to the music.
D-Tecnolife (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
D-TECNOLIFE OFFICIAL VIDEO
Immersing fans in a whirlwind of action-packed scenes, D-tecnolife transports viewers to the Soul Society, a captivating new world that sets the stage for the homonymous arc. The energetic and relentless opening introduces the Gotei captains and vividly portrays the battle to rescue Rukia.
The intro showcases Ichigo, Chad, Hanataro, Ishiga, Ganju, and Orihime as central characters, with their initials cleverly spelling out "Ichigo," highlighting the protagonist's pivotal role.
8) Bleach TYBW opening 1, Scar by Tatsuya Kitani
Scar (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
Official video for SCAR
Only die-hard Bleach fans can truly understand the agony of watching the anime get canceled and then having to endure years of uncertainty. But after a decade-long wait, the franchise has finally made its glorious comeback.
The debut of Bleach TYBW's opening featured Scar, symbolizing the intense conflict between Shinigami and Quincy. The stylish and elegant pink-hued intro reinterpreted the battles of Cour 1, exceeding expectations. Each Gotei captain and lieutenant is depicted on a field of flowers matching their squad symbols, showcasing an impressive attention to detail.
7) Bleach opening 3, Ichirin no Hana by High and Mighty Color
Ichirin no Hana (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
ICHIRIN NO HANA OFFICIAL VIDEO
Determined to rescue Rukia, Ichigo and his friends put everything on the line. However, they soon find themselves caught up in a much larger and surprising turn of events. As tensions rise in the Soul Society, the heavy metal guitar of Ichirin no Hana intensifies the raw energy of the intense battles.
The song is more than just background music for action scenes - its lyrics capture the essence of the storyline, highlighting the theme of protecting someone in an oppressive environment. Furthermore, the opening sequence symbolically portrays Aizen's hidden face in darkness, representing both his supposed death and his secret plan concealed from the Soul Society.
6) Bleach TYBW opening 2, STARS by w.o.d.
STARS (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
Check out the official video for STARS, a blend of creativity and imagination that references the key events and interplays from Bleach TYBW‘s Cour 2 with a mix of bold aesthetics and symbolic imagery.
Shinigami and Quincy, dressed as high-fashion models, interact in a slice-of-life anime style. Ichigo, styled as a street-style musician, plays a double-neck guitar symbolizing his dual Zanpakuto, while elegant Uryu holds a violin representing his Quincy bow and arrow.
Kyoraku drowns his sorrow for Ukitake's sad fate with a drink, while Zaraki pays tribute to Unohana by leaving flowers in a river red like the blood of her Bankai. And nothing tops Yhwach's arrival for Uryu on a helicopter piloted by Haschwalth.
5) Bleach opening 13, Ranbu no Melody by SID
Ranbu no Melody (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
Official video for Ranbu no Melody
The impactful visuals and powerful song of Ranbu no Melody leave a lasting impression. This Bleach opening captures the intensity of the battle in Fake Karakura, conveying the significance of the moment and eliciting strong emotions.
The emotional shot perfectly encapsulates the tragic love story of Gin and Rangiku. As the intro reverses Ichigo’s Shinigami adventure, it symbolizes his inevitable loss of powers to perform Mugetsu. The contrast between nostalgia for the past and anticipation for the upcoming showdown is striking. Ichigo's willingness to sacrifice his newfound powers to protect his friends is evident in his confident smile, raising the stakes to their peak.
4) Bleach opening 1, Asterisk by Orange Range
Asterisk (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
Official Video for Asterisk
Bringing viewers into the world of Bleach, the anime's first opening, Asterisk, showcases a unique and mysterious realm inhabited by Shinigami, Hollow, and other intriguing beings. Featuring a blend of electronic rock and relaxed visuals, the intro captures the essence of the early 2000s, evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans.
Many Bleach fans began watching the series in their childhood at the start of the new millennium, and that’s why Asterisk resonates on a different level. It brings back memories of a time when it was just Ichigo and his friends battling Hollows and navigating everyday life together.
With no Arrancars, Soul Society captains, or sinister Sternritters to contend with, those were carefree times, akin to the uncomplicated life of a child compared to the complexities of adulthood.
3) Bleach opening 15, Harukaze by SCANDAL
Harukaze (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
The official video for Harukaze, the final Bleach opening before the anime's ten-year hiatus, hinted at a return that no one anticipated at the time.
Overall, Harukaze evoked a warm and nostalgic celebration of the franchise's past glory, while also exuding a hopeful and springy tone. The scene of Ichigo walking behind the episode titles and numbers hinted at the upcoming end of the anime adaptation, and the final scene suggested that the main character may regain the Shinigami powers he had thought lost forever.
2) Bleach opening 9, Velonica by Aqua Timez
Velonica (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
Check out the official video for Velonica! The energy is absolutely overwhelming, especially during the rap part which highlights the beautiful shots of the Gotei captains and lieutenants. Each character's uniqueness is epitomized by a masterful color temperature.
1) Bleach opening 12, Change by Miwa
The fusion of imagery and music creates an escalating intensity, intensifying the atmosphere for the showdown with Aizen's forces. From the Gotei warriors to the Vizards and Urahara's allies, all unite for the pivotal face-off.
Change (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)
CHANGE OFFICIAL VIDEO
The best Bleach opening is difficult to define, as each intro in the franchise has its own unique qualities. However, Change is particularly eye-catching with its constantly evolving visual display, transitioning from static shots to fast-paced fighting sequences. This vibrant and action-packed opening is a standout in every way, accompanied by captivating pop music and flawless transitions that showcase the major characters and their battles.
Experience the emotional high points of Bleach as Orihime reaches for Ulquiorra's hand, Ichigo battles Segunda Etapa Ulquiorra, and foreshadowing of Ichigo's Vasto Lorde transformation, reaching heights of emotional impact never before seen or since. Stay up to date with the Bleach manga and the Bleach TYBW anime as 2023 unfolds.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Bleach, I am thrilled to see an article ranking the best and worst Bleach openings. The openings of Bleach are truly iconic and have played a significant role in the success of the anime. Each opening has its unique style, visuals, and music that perfectly capture the essence of the corresponding arc.
I particularly enjoyed the analysis of each opening, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. The article accurately points out that while all Bleach openings are visually stunning, some stand out more than others. For instance, "Chu-Bura" and "New Captain Shusuke Amagai Arc" are considered weaker compared to others due to their lack of excitement and generic visuals. On the other hand, openings like "Anima Rossa," "Rolling Star," and "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" are praised for their vibrant visuals, catchy songs, and effective storytelling.
