Top 10 Unforgettable Bleach Moments Every Fan Should Recall, Ranked

Due to its extensive length and immense popularity worldwide, Bleach was deemed one of Shonen Jump's "Big Three," alongside Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto and One Piece by Eiichiro Oda. Centered around Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts since childhood, Bleach showcases a remarkable ensemble of characters. With its mind-blowing plot twists also playing a significant role, it becomes evident why Bleach has gained such colossal fame. Despite some fans being disappointed by the rushed conclusion of the manga, the series has made a triumphant return with the highly anticipated anime adaptation of the final arc known as Bleach TYBW.

With that being said, here are ten of the best moments ever featured in Tite Kubo’s engaging franchise.

The 10 most memorable moments in Bleach, listed in descending order

10) Orihime's brother finding peace

The story of Orihime and Sora was heartbreaking (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)

Orihime Inoue once enjoyed a peaceful relationship with her beloved brother, Sora. However, things took a turn for the worse when they had a disagreement about the hairpins Sora had purchased for Orihime. Tragically, on that very day, Sora passed away.

Consumed by feelings of sorrow and rage, Sora's spirit metamorphosed into the menacing Hollow known as Acidwire. Despite still harboring deep affection and concern for Orihime, Acidwire eventually unleashed his fury on his sister, even going so far as to attempt to devour her.

In a surprisingly heartfelt moment, Orihime embraced the monstrous Acidwire. Touched by the gesture, Acidwire willingly removed his Hollow mask, cleansing himself. As Orihime tearfully said goodbye to Sora's ghost, Ichigo transported his spirit to the Soul Society.

Ever since Sora's passing, Orihime has faithfully worn the hairpins he once gifted her. These hairpins now hold her spiritual energy, housing six fairy-like beings within them. This newfound power allows Orihime to reject and reverse various phenomena and events.

9) Isshin kills Grand Fisher

Killing Grand Fisher, Isshin avenged Masaki (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)

Ever since his wife Masaki sacrificed herself to save their son Ichigo, Isshin has carried the burden of guilt for not being able to prevent her death. Grand Fisher, the Hollow responsible for killing Masaki, later returned to the human world seeking revenge against Ichigo.

Transformed into a more powerful Arrancar than his previous Hollow form, Grand Fisher was confident in his ability to kill Ichigo, who had previously wounded him. However, instead of encountering the Substitute Shinigami, he crossed paths with Ichigo's father, Isshin.

In a matter of moments, Isshin effortlessly vanquished Grand Fisher with a solitary, lethal strike from his unreleased Zampakuto. At long last, harnessing his Shinigami abilities that had been dormant for years, Isshin exacted revenge for his beloved wife. Though the anguish of losing Masaki still remained, his indomitable character was undeniably underscored.

8) Gin Ichimaru's sacrifice

The image provided above shows Rangiku's final interaction with Gin, taken from the anime Bleach, produced by Studio Pierrot.

Gin made the decision to betray the Soul Society along with Sosuke Aizen and Kaname Tosen. However, there is a deeper reason behind his actions. In the past, Gin witnessed Aizen and his accomplices employing the Hogyoku to extract a portion of Rangiku Matsumoto's soul, an act that nearly resulted in her demise.

Due to this motive, Gin resolved to eliminate him. In order to establish proximity with Aizen, he employed every strategy available to earn his confidence, even distancing himself from Rangiku. After meticulously studying every aspect and patiently awaiting the opportune moment, Gin executed his plan.

Nevertheless, despite launching an unexpected assault with his Bankai's unique technique, he not only fell short of terminating Aizen but also propelled his evolution, activating the powers of the Hogyoku. Severely injured by Aizen, Gin had no choice but to entrust everything to Ichigo.

Gin's interaction with Rangiku was limited before his death, as he was compelled to render her unconscious. When she arose and searched for him, she tragically discovered his motionless body. The Soul Society continues to view Gin as a traitor, intensifying the poignancy of his destiny.

7) Orihime confesses her love for Ichigo

Orihime's love for Ichigo was truly sincere.

Following the conclusion of the Arrancar Arc, Aizen dispatched Ulquiorra to capture Orihime and transport her to the Hueco Mundo. Prior to being coerced into accompanying Ulquiorra, Orihime was granted permission to have a brief encounter with one specific individual, on the condition that she remained incognito.

In a display of unwavering love for Ichigo and a willingness to put his safety above all else, Orihime made the difficult decision to bid farewell to her beloved. Stepping into Ichigo's room, where he lay peacefully asleep, Orihime couldn't contain her emotions any longer and tears streamed down her face.

Through heartfelt words, she poured out her soul, confessing her deepest feelings to the slumbering Ichigo. Amidst her tears, Orihime shared her desire to have lived multiple lives, each one uniquely different from the last, yet always finding herself inexorably drawn to Ichigo, the person who captured her heart.

6) Ichigo's Final Getsuga Tensho

Ichigo becoming Getsuga (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)

After equipping himself with the Hyogyoku, Aizen ascended to an unparalleled level among Shinigami. Ichigo, with the assistance of his father, devoted himself to mastering the Final Getsuga Tensho, a technique that would provide him with the power necessary to surpass Aizen temporarily. To attain this power, Ichigo underwent rigorous training in the Dangai.

However, utilizing the Final Getsuga Tensho came at a cost. It would strip Ichigo of all his Shinigami abilities. Following the completion of his training, Ichigo emerged even stronger than before. When he confronted Aizen, he immediately gained the advantage over him, despite Aizen's augmented capabilities with the Hogyoku.

Aizen underwent a transformation while Ichigo unleashed his ultimate move. Instead of using his Getsuga, Ichigo transformed into it, generating an immense amount of energy. This allowed Ichigo to wound Aizen, who was eventually sealed by his archenemy Kisuke Urahara.

Despite recovering his Shinigami powers, this somehow diminishes the determination Ichigo displayed when he accepted to perform the Final Getsuga Tensho. However, the form's iconicity and visually stunning power remain unmatched.

5) Ichigo goes Bankai for the first time

Ichigo using Tensa Zangetsu for the first time (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)

Rukia faced a terrible fate because of the Soul Society's laws, but Ichigo intervened to rescue her. Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia's older brother, was determined to uphold those laws, even if it meant sacrificing his own sister. In previous encounters, Ichigo was no match for Byakuya. However, this time was different. With his newly-acquired Bankai, Ichigo surprised even the composed Byakuya.

Ichigo's Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, was truly unforgettable. With his big cutlass transformed into a sleek black katana and donning a matching robe, Ichigo became a force to be reckoned with. This phenomenal trump card not only showcased his coolness but also put Byakuya in serious trouble. Moreover, the sudden reveal of Tensa Zangetsu was flawless, heightened by the weight of Renji's heartfelt hopes to save Rukia.

4) Ichigo creates his true Zanpakuto

Ichigo's true powers (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach TYBW)

After encountering Old Man Zangetsu within his subconscious, Ichigo acquired a fresh Zanpakuto crafted from his own inner strength. Prior to his encounter with "Old Man" Zangetsu, Ichigo had primarily relied on Rukia's power during battles.

While facing Zaraki, Zangetsu served as Ichigo's mentor, playing a crucial role in assisting him to triumph over his adversary. Additionally, Ichigo began harnessing his Hollow abilities, manifesting as a mask, which he gradually learned to control, despite occasionally surrendering control to the spirit.

The true nature of Ichigo's Zanpakuto spirit was unveiled, showing that it is formed by the inner Hollow inherited from his mother Masaki and the Shinigami powers passed down from his father Isshin.

Old Man Zangetsu, confirmed to be the embodiment of Masaki's Quincy powers, is also a component of Ichigo's Zanpakuto. Originally, both the authentic Zangetsu and the Quincy manifestation were a unified entity, as they are both the origin of Ichigo's power.

3) Yamamoto uses his Bankai in Bleach TYBW

Yamamoto's last stand was epic (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach TYBW)

Few characters embody the archetype of the "incredibly strong elderly man" better than Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto. As the founder and Commander of the Gotei 13, and the mentor of Kyoraku and Ukitake, Yamamoto possesses unimaginable might.

In spite of his advanced age, Yamamoto's fundamental abilities and sheer physical strength are unmatched. Additionally, his Zanpakuto has the capability to reduce the entire Soul Society to ashes. Even Aizen avoided direct confrontation with Yamamoto, highlighting the overwhelming power he possesses.

During the Quincy Invasion, fans were finally able to witness Yamamoto's Bankai in action. He effortlessly demolished multiple Sternritters before unleashing the devastating Zanka no Tachi to obliterate Yhwach. However, in typical Kubo style, it was then revealed that Yamamoto had not actually battled the true Quincy leader, but rather a Sternritter who had assumed his identity.

Suddenly, the real Yhwach emerged and mercilessly slew Yamamoto with a colossal energy blade. This shocking turn of events starkly juxtaposed Yamamoto's overwhelming display of power with his tragic demise, effectively highlighting the severity of the Thousand-Year Blood War and underscoring the imminent danger posed by the Quincy.

2) Vasto Lorde Ichigo vs Segunda Etapa Ulquiorra

Ichigo vs Ulquiorra is probably the best fight in Bleach (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)

Ulquiorra, displaying a nihilistic and emotionless nature, stood out among the Espada as the sole individual capable of executing the Segunda Etapa. Acting on Aizen's commands, Ulquiorra engaged in combat against Ichigo and, utilizing his heightened power, completely overpowered him, ultimately inflicting a devastating blow that pierced through his body.

Upon witnessing this horrifying spectacle, Orihime was consumed by sorrow, unleashing piercing screams. This agonizing display prompted Ichigo to transcend his limits, as his inner Hollow seized control, transforming him into an authentic Vasto Lorde. In this formidable state, Ichigo's power surged to unprecedented levels.

He easily defeated an Ulquiorra who had been enhanced with Segunda Etapa, even when Ulquiorra unleashed his highly destructive Lanza del Relámpago. However, the transformation made Ichigo savage, causing him to tear apart Ulquiorra's body and even harm Uryu, who tried to intervene and stop the excessive brutality.

Once Ichigo regained control and snapped out of his Vasto Lorde state, Ulquiorra, unable to regenerate any longer, disintegrated into dust. Orihime felt pity for the dying Ulquiorra, and he finally understood the depths of human emotions. Balancing intense battles with heartfelt moments, this became one of the most memorable scenes in Bleach.

1) Aizen's iconic betrayal

Aizen is Bleach's most renowned villain (Image via Studio Pierrot, Bleach)

With the ambition of replacing the Soul King, Aizen embarked on his grand scheme. Disguised as the captain of the 5th Division, he developed the Hogyoku – a powerful tool capable of merging Shinigami and Hollows.

Upon the revelation of his experiments on Shinigami Hollowfication, Aizen cunningly shifted the blame onto Kisuke Urahara. Determined to obtain the hidden Hogyoku within Rukia's body, he orchestrated a series of events involving Ichigo and Rukia, ultimately sparking conflict within the Soul Society.

Upon Ichigo's arrival to rescue Rukia and his ensuing charge at Aizen, the latter unmasked his true intentions. With a mere finger, Aizen effortlessly halted Ichigo's Bankai. Demonstrating his superior prowess, he surpassed the Gotei 13 captains who had gathered at the scene.

Even now, Aizen's act of betrayal continues to resonate as an iconic moment. As a seemingly friendly captain, he revealed himself to be an immensely powerful individual and a manipulative mastermind. His incredible misdirection and disdainful treatment of others cemented him as an untouchable antagonist.

Keep up with Bleach's manga and the Bleach TYBW anime as 2023 progresses.

Editor's P/S

Bleach, one of the most popular and iconic anime and manga series of all time, has left an indelible mark on fans around the world. With its compelling storyline, intriguing characters, and epic battles, Bleach has rightfully earned its place among the "Big Three" of Shonen Jump. The series is filled with unforgettable moments that have captivated and thrilled fans, leaving them in awe and eager for more.

Among the most unforgettable moments in Bleach is the heartbreaking story of Orihime and her brother, Sora. The tragic loss of Sora and his subsequent transformation into the Hollow, Acidwire, is a poignant and emotional moment that showcases the depth and complexity of the series. The scene where Orihime embraces her brother's monstrous form and bids him farewell is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, highlighting the strength of their bond and the enduring power of love. This moment not only serves as a powerful character development for Orihime but also emphasizes the themes of loss, grief, and the importance of familial bonds.