How to watch Bleach in order (TV show and movies)

Watching the Bleach movies in the right order can enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the series. Start with “Bleach: Memories of Nobody,” which fits chronologically after episode 117 of the anime. This movie introduces a new storyline that complements the series.

Next, follow up with “The DiamondDust Rebellion” after episode 125. This movie digs deeper into the character of Hitsugaya and explores secrets from his past. After viewing, continue with the anime until episode 299.

Conclude your movie journey with “Fade to Black” and “Hell Verse.” “Fade to Black” fits well after episode 299, while “Hell Verse” is best watched after episode 310. For those committed to fully experiencing the Bleach universe, understanding the placement of these films in the storyline can make your viewing much more rewarding.

The Best Order to Watch Bleach

To fully enjoy Bleach, follow this specific viewing order. This guide incorporates all key episodes, original video animations (OVAs), and movies, ensuring you experience the storyline in a smooth and engaging way.

1. Bleach (Episodes 1 – 7)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Begin with episodes 1 through 7. These introduce Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who gains the abilities of a Soul Reaper. You learn about his family and Rukia Kuchiki, the Soul Reaper who transfers her powers to him. This introduction sets the stage for Ichigo’s journey into the Soul Society, where most of the story unfolds. Watch these episodes to understand the primary characters and the basic premise of the world of Bleach.

2. Bleach: Memories in the Rain (OVA)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Next, watch the OVA “Memories in the Rain.” This special episode highlights the emotional story of Ichigo visiting his mother’s grave. It offers more insight into his family background and motivations, adding depth to his character. This OVA elaborates on Ichigo’s drive to protect his loved ones, which is central to his character development. It fits well after the initial episodes, offering context about Ichigo’s past.

3. Bleach: 13 Court Guard Squads Omake (OVA)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

This OVA presents comedic scenes involving the members of the 13 Court Guard Squads. It doesn’t advance the main plot but provides entertainment and light-hearted interactions. You get to know the personalities of the various Soul Reapers in a fun setting. This is an optional watch, especially for those interested in the lighter side of the Bleach universe.

4. Bleach (Episodes 8 – 63)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Continue with episodes 8 to 63. This stretch covers the “Soul Society” arc, where you witness Ichigo and his friends embark on a mission to save Rukia from execution. The series begins to delve into the politics and hierarchy of the Soul Society. Key battles, friendships, and rivalries develop during this arc, making it one of the most critical parts of the storyline.

5. Bleach: The Sealed Sword Frenzy (OVA)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Watch “The Sealed Sword Frenzy” OVA after episode 63. This special episode features Ichigo and his friends facing off against a rogue Soul Reaper. It combines action with a stand-alone storyline, offering a brief interlude before delving into more complex plotlines. This OVA fits naturally into the series, adding another layer of adventure to the Bleach experience.

6. Bleach (Episodes 64 – 109)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Episodes 64 through 109 contain the “Bount” arc, an anime-exclusive storyline that introduces you to the Bounts, a group of human-like beings with unique abilities. Although this arc doesn’t appear in the manga, it is interesting for those who want additional content. Here, you’ll see further character development and some engaging battles that fill in more of Ichigo’s journey.

7. Bleach The Movie: Memories of Nobody (Movie)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Once you finish episode 109, watch the first movie, “Memories of Nobody.” This film involves Ichigo confronting new threats from mysterious beings called Blanks and a mysterious Soul Reaper named Senna. The movie fits well into the series by exploring themes of memory and identity, providing a self-contained story that expands on the concepts explored in the main anime.

8. Bleach (Episodes 110 – 127)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Episodes 110 to 127 continue with the “Arrancar” arc. In these episodes, new enemies known as Arrancars appear, and Ichigo must battle these powerful foes. This arc introduces essential new characters and starts to explore deeper conflicts that serve as the main focus in the following episodes. This section is crucial for setting up future confrontations and alliances.

9. Bleach the Movie: The DiamondDust Rebellion (Movie)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Next, watch “The DiamondDust Rebellion” movie, which follows the mysterious theft of the King’s Seal and the troubles it causes for the Soul Society. This film centers on Hitsugaya and reveals more about his past. The movie provides additional context and a thrilling storyline that fits well at this point in the series, developing supporting characters further.

10. Bleach the Movie: Fade to Black (Movie)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Watch “Fade to Black” after the previous film. It features a crisis where memories are erased, affecting Ichigo’s relationship with key characters. The movie dives into emotional themes and showcases the strong bonds formed throughout the series. It’s a high-stakes story that fits neatly before the next major arcs in the anime series.

11. Bleach (Episodes 128 – 299)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Episodes 128 to 299 cover various arcs, including the “Arrancar vs. Shinigami” and “Fake Karakura Town” storylines. You’ll witness intense battles, character growth, and strategic planning. These episodes are filled with action and highlight the ongoing struggle against the Arrancars. Key developments and surprise twists enrich the storyline, making this a thrilling segment of the series.

12. Bleach the Movie: Hell Verse (Movie)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Now, watch “Hell Verse,” focusing on Ichigo’s journey into Hell to rescue a friend. This movie showcases intense battles and the exploration of Hell, adding a darker tone to the series’ mythology. It’s filled with action-packed scenes and expands on the larger world of Bleach, providing another exciting break from the ongoing arcs in the series.

13. Bleach (Episodes 300 – END)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Continue with episodes 300 through the end. These episodes resolve several ongoing storylines, including climactic battles and character resolutions. You’ll see the culmination of long-standing conflicts and witness the growth and transformation of key characters. This final section wraps up many threads from earlier arcs, bringing satisfying conclusions and closure to major plotlines.

14. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%

Finally, watch the “Thousand Year Blood War” arc, the newest addition to the Bleach series. It adapts the final arc of the manga, featuring epic battles and the resolution of the Quincy conflict. This arc provides closure to ongoing storylines and reveals hidden secrets about the Soul Society, offering a fitting end to Ichigo’s journey.

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