Summary
Uryu vs. Mayuri shows the harsh realities of combat in Bleach, with its personal risks and risky decisions. Ichigo vs. Ginjo is a battle fueled by emotion and redemption, showcasing Ichigo's resilience. Captains vs. Aizen highlights the struggle for power and the sacrifices of Soul Society's best warriors.
Bleach has long been a member of the “Big Three” manga, standing alongside Naruto and One Piece as one of the most popular series of the 2000s. Although Bleach and Naruto both ended after many years, their influence They're as strong as ever, thanks to the incredible moments that live on in their friends' imaginations.
These battles rank among the best fight scenes in Bleach, fights that remain vivid in fans' memories even years later. Some are brutal blows, while others are desperate struggles against much stronger enemies. These fights often carry greater weight due to the emotional impact of victory or defeat, putting everything on the line. Here are 10 of Bleach's greatest ever fights, the kind of fights that demonstrate exactly how Bleach earned its place in the Big Three.
10 Uryu Vs. Mayuri is one of Bleach's most satisfying fights
Soul Society arc, chapters 119-126
Mayuri Kurotsuchi is one of Bleach's most controversial characters; despite being allied with the Soul Reapers, there is no denying that he is an amoral and possibly even evil person. This battle demonstrates Mayuri's depravity as he fights against Uryu, admitting to experimenting on and killing several Quincy, including Uryu's grandfather.
This gives Uryu's fight with Mayuri a personal element that many battles in the Soul Society arc lack.. Here, Uryu is a serious underdog, as a relatively inexperienced Quincy facing off against a top-level Captain. Uryu made the bold decision to unleash his full power, at the risk of losing his Quincy abilities forever, and was able to defeat even Mayuri's Bankai, blasting a hole in Mayuri which would have killed anyone else.
9 Ichigo vs Ginjo is an emotional fight
Lost Agent arc, chapters 459-479
Fullbringers may not be a famous part of Bleach, but Ichigo's final confrontation with Ginjo is still a spectacular battle. Ichigo is at his lowest here, having lost his Soul Reaper powers and having his Fullbring powers taken away by Ginjo. Even his friends weren't present because they had all been brainwashed by the Fullbringers.
However, Ichigo did not surrender or give up. He manages to hold on until Rukia and the Shinigami arrive, together restoring Ichigo's Shinigami abilities. Once his powers return, Ichigo teams up with Uryu to defeat Ginjo once and for all. Ichigo has been psychologically manipulated throughout the series, so it's satisfying to see him take down the mastermind of his suffering.even if the arc itself wasn't popular with fans.
8. Kyoraku vs. Starrk is a brutal battle of supreme power
Fake Karakura Town Arc, Chapters 335, 339, 359-364
Coyote Starrk and Shunsui Kyoraku are surprisingly similar characters, forced by circumstances to become enemies. They both admitted at the beginning of the fight that they wished they could pretend, but considering the timing, the stakes were simply too high for Kyoraku to lose by playing around.
TThe battle between the two was extremely brutal, especially since they didn't want to fight. There is a lot of respect between the two warriors, showering each other with compliments and lamenting their need to fight. Starrk, due to the nature of his power, technically has an ally in Lilynette, while Kyoraku is ultimately supported by Ukitake. Their fight was eventually interrupted, but Starrk, despite being the 1st Espada, still regretted having to fight against such a powerful enemy.
7 Rukia vs. Äs Nödt demonstrates Rukia's new ultimate power
Thousand Years of Blood War, Chapters 566-570
Rukia is an often underrated character in Bleach, often having her performance limited and forced to sit out due to circumstances. However, the battle in this Thousand Year Blood War arc finally gives Rukia her chance to shine, especially with the new Bankai unlocked for her.
Äs Nödt is a fearsome character who preys on his opponents' fears and was even able to defeat Byakuya with relative ease. That makes this particular match Rukia's personal match, and Byakuya actually goes there to witness her victory. Äs Nödt underestimates Rukia, who uses her Bankai to freeze him, leaving the master of fear with only the fear of death to think about before it's all over.
6 Captain Vs. Aizen shows the best of Soul Society
Fake Karakura Town Arc, Chapters 389-393
The concentrated strength of the entire 13 Court Guards is assembled to fight against Aizen at this desperate time. They bravely resolve not to let Ichigo fight alone and all the Captains unleash their strongest abilities against Aizen. With one man against more than a dozen warriors, one might expect the fight to end quickly, but that was not the case.
The Captains fight well, making full use of their Bankai and other abilities, but unfortunately they are no match for the empowered Aizen and his illusions, which he uses to force Hitsugaya to stab his close friend Momo by tricking him into thinking that Momo is Aizen. The battle really shows how strong Aizen has become and even though the Captains ultimately lose, it is an incredible fight.
5 Ichigo Vs. Grimmjow tests Ichigo's abilities
Arc Start, chap 277-286
In the final match between Ichigo and Grimmjow, the fan-favorite Arrancar Espada character, every trick was used by both sides to ensure victory. Grimmjow used his Resureccion form almost immediately, while Ichigo quickly pulled out his Bankai. With both Nel and Orihime protecting him, Ichigo has a lot to lose if the battle goes wrong.
Grimmjow unleashed his strongest attacks and put Ichigo on the defensive, but soon the tables were turned. Ichigo defeats Grimmjow with an incredible attack that shatters Grimmjow's ultimate technique before impaling him with his sword. While Grimmjow was not killed by this, he was clearly defeated, just as another opponent began to reveal himself…. Nnoitra Gilga, who attacks his allies.
4 Ichigo Vs. Aizen is one of Bleach's most hyped battles
Soul Society Invasion Arc, chapters 417-421
Aizen has been Bleach's biggest baddie for most of its run up to this point, and so the final battle between Ichigo and Aizen was a hotly anticipated moment that lived up to the hype. Ichigo can reinforce mental pressure into his body, increasing his fighting ability and making him a worthy opponent for Aizen.
Aizen's cocky attitude throughout the series made it very satisfying to see Ichigo slap him around, even undoing the Kido spell Aizen attempted with just one gesture. Ichigo poured all of his spiritual power into one final attack, the Final Getsuga Tensho, an epic finishing blow that left Aizen completely helpless.
3 Ichigo Vs. Kenpachi Zaraki proves how superior Ichigo is
Soul Society arc, chapters 103-114
Kenpachi Zaraki is one of the most dangerous warriors in Soul Society, and Ichigo is unlucky enough to soon encounter the extremely powerful Captain of Division 11. Zaraki is eager to fight Soul Society's invaders, and he faces Ichigo with the same bloodlust as few other characters.
Zaraki even goes so far as to remove the eyepatch that inhibits his spiritual pressure, unleashing his full power against Ichigo. Ichigo is at such a disadvantage that he is struggling to control his inner Hollow, which appears in this battle to protect him. However, against all odds, Ichigo not only wins but also wins Zaraki's respect, earning the support of Team 11.
2 Ichigo Vs. Ulquiorra pushes Ichigo to his limits
Arc Start, chap 341-354
Ichigo had to struggle a lot to reach Las Noches and challenge Ulquiorra, who has been acting as Orihime's jailer for the entire story thus far. Ulquiorra does not consider Ichigo a worthy opponent, and Ichigo intends to change that now by rescuing Orihime.
Ichigo tried his best to win this war, even overcoming death. He transformed into a terrifying form of Hollow monster, known as the Vasto Lorde transformation, raising his power level beyond its current level and violently attacking Ulquiorra.. Ichigo has to refrain from continuing to attack even when his opponent is about to die, showing how close he is to losing himself.
1 Ichigo Vs. Byakuya is Bleach's best fight
Soul Society arc, chapters 152-153, 160-167
Ichigo's rematch with Byakuya Kuchiki is one of the biggest battles in the series, with Rukia's fate at stake. It was a very personal battle for both warriors, and Byakuya held nothing back, unleashing his full power and even his Bankai on Ichigo.
Ichigo struggles to control himself in battle, resisting his inner Hollow's attempts to take over the fight and determined to win with his own strength. Byakuya is shocked by this and doesn't know what kind of opponent to consider Ichigo. Ichigo proves to be a formidable opponent and ultimately wins without having to rely on the power of the Hollow within. Byakuya is one of Ichigo's first big challenges in the Bleachand so Ichigo's victory over him was definitely one of victory Bleach's best battlessecuring it a place in the manga's Big Three.