Bleach Viewing Guide: Chronological Order for 2025

Bleach may not enjoy the same spotlight as its "Big Three" peers Naruto and One Piece, but Ichigo Kurosaki's quest to guide lost souls to the afterlife left a lasting impact. Its unique blend of Japanese mythology and Shinigami lore gave it a distinctive edge in the U.S. market. Two decades later, its mix of supernatural action, humor, and grit remains compelling.

Bleach has endured beyond its original TV run, spawning multiple films and a revival 20 years after its debut. Whether you're diving into the series in 2025 or revisiting it, this chronological guide outlines the complete order to watch Bleach.

Which "Big Three" anime is your top pick?

BleachNaruto One Piece

AnswerSee Results

How Extensive Is the Bleach Anime?

Based on Tite Kubo’s manga, Bleach began airing in 2004, spanning 366 episodes across 16 seasons. The series initially concluded in 2012 as it caught up with the manga’s final arc. Instead of extending with filler, it paused.

In 2020, marking the manga’s 20th anniversary, Bleach returned to adapt its final arc, known as the Thousand-Year Blood War.

Beyond the anime, the Bleach franchise includes four films. Like many shonen movies, these are non-canon with original stories and characters, though designed by Tite Kubo. They offer fun side stories and often hint at future anime developments.

How to Watch Bleach in Sequence

1. OVA 1: Memories in the Rain

Premiered at Jump Festa 2004, this OVA serves as Bleach’s pilot. It’s not legally available, but its story is retold in episodes 8 and 9 of the first season.

2. Bleach Season 1 - The Substitute Soul Reaper

Agent of the Shinigami Arc (Ep 1-20)

3. Bleach Season 2 - The Entry

Soul Society: The Sneak Entry Arc (Ep 21-41)

4. Bleach Season 3 - The Rescue

Soul Society: The Rescue Arc (Ep 42-63)

5. OVA 2: The Sealed Sword Frenzy

Shown at Jump Festa 2005, this OVA follows a Shinigami freed from Soul Society’s seal, causing chaos until Ichigo intervenes. It deepens Soul Society’s history, showcasing its triumphs and flaws.

6. Bleach Season 4 - The Bount

The Bount Arc (Ep 64-91)

This filler arc introduces a self-contained story about soul-consuming humans extending their lives.

7. Bleach Season 5 - The Assault

The Bount: Assault on Soul Society Arc (Ep 92-109)

8. Bleach The Movie: Memories of Nobody

When unknown spirits invade Karakura, Ichigo and Rukia encounter a mysterious Shinigami. This film fits seamlessly into the anime’s continuity, balancing action and lighthearted moments.

9. Bleach Season 6 - Arrancar Part 1

Arrancar: The Arrival Arc (Ep 110-131)

10. Bleach Season 7 - Arrancar Part 2

Arrancar: The Hueco Mundo Sneak Entry Arc (Ep 132-151)

11. Start Bleach Season 8 - Arrancar Part 3

Arrancar: The Fierce Fight Arc (Ep 152-153)

12. Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion

This second film celebrates fan-favorite Hitsugaya, exploring Soul Society’s corruption and complexities in ways the anime often doesn’t.

13. Finish Bleach Season 8 - Arrancar Part 3

Arrancar: The Fierce Fight Arc (Ep 154-167)

14. Bleach Season 9 - The New Captain

The New Captain Shusuke Amagai Arc (Ep 168-189)

This filler season, focusing on a new Soul Reaper captain, is skippable but offers solid character moments.

15. Bleach Season 10 - Arrancar Part 4

Arrancar vs. Shinigami Arc (Ep 190-205)

16. Bleach: Fade to Black

This film delivers strong character drama, centering on Rukia’s kidnapping by past spirits and Ichigo’s rescue mission.

17. Bleach Season 11 - Turn Back the Pendulum

The Past Arc (Ep 206-212)

18. Bleach Season 12 - Arrancar Part 5

Decisive Battle of Karakura Arc (Ep 213-229)

19. Bleach Season 13 - Zanpakuto The Alternate Tale

Zanpakuto Rebellion Arc (Ep 230-255)Sword Beasts Arc (Ep 256-265)

This standout filler season features Zanpakuto swords taking human form and rebelling, offering rich worldbuilding and engaging twists.

20. Start Bleach Season 14 - Arrancar Part 6

Arrancar: Downfall Arc (Ep 266-299)

21. Bleach: Hell Verse (2010)

Exploring hell, a rare concept in Bleach, this film offers Dante’s Inferno-inspired visuals and striking creature designs.

22. Finish Bleach Season 14 - Arrancar Part 6

Arrancar: Downfall Arc (Ep 300-316)

23. Bleach Season 15 - Gotei 13 Invading Army

Gotei 13 Invading Army Arc (Ep 317-342)

This filler arc uncovers a Soul Society conspiracy where Soul Reapers are replaced by copies, delivering thrilling action and fan-service fights.

24. Bleach Season 16 - The Lost Agent

Lost Agent Arc (Ep 343-366)

25. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Part 1

The Blood Warfare Arc (Ep 367-379)

26. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Part 2

The Separation Arc (Ep 380-392)

27. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Part 3

The Conflict Arc (Ep 393-406)

What’s Next for Bleach?

Announced after Part 3 aired in December 2024, the fourth and final Thousand-Year Blood War arc, The Calamity, will conclude the manga’s story. Over 20 years after its debut, expect intense battles, emotional moments, and major reveals.