The Ultimate Episode Guide: Bleach Bleach consists of 366 original episodes (2004–2012) and the sequel series, Thousand-Year Blood War (2022–Present). Because the anime often overtook the manga during its original run, the show is famous for its "Filler" episodes—original stories not found in the manga. Below is the breakdown of every arc and how to watch them.
Part 1: The Original Run (Episodes 1–366) The "Must-Watch" Viewing Order If you want to watch only the canon story (the original manga plot) and skip the filler side-stories, follow this order.
Episodes 1–32 (Canon) Episodes 34–49 (Canon) – Skip Episode 33 (Filler) Episodes 50–109 (Canon) Episodes 110–127 (Canon) Episodes 138–146 (Canon) – Skip the Bount Filler arc Episodes 149–150 (Canon) Episodes 168–189 (Canon) Episodes 190–203 (Canon) Episodes 206–212 (Canon) Episodes 215–226 (Canon) Episodes 243–265 (Canon) – Note: Some mixed filler episodes here, but largely skippable. Episodes 266–316 (Canon) – Includes the Deicide arc. Episodes 317–342 (Filler - Gotei 13 Invading Army) – Skip if you want only canon. Episodes 343–366 (Canon – The Lost Substitute Shinigami Arc)
Part 2: Detailed Arc Breakdown Here is the detailed list of arcs, including Canon and Filler, so you can decide what to watch. 1. Agent of the Shinigami Arc (Episodes 1–20) list of bleach episodes
Status: Canon Plot: Ichigo Kurosaki gains Soul Reaper powers from Rukia Kuchiki. It introduces the main cast (Orihime, Chad, Uryu) and sets up the world. Filler Note: Episode 33 is a filler episode inserted later in the timeline, but generally, this arc is pure canon.
2. Soul Society: The Sneak Entry Arc (Episodes 21–41)
Status: Canon Plot: Ichigo and friends infiltrate the Soul Society to save Rukia from execution. This is widely considered the peak of the series and introduces the Captains and Lieutenants. The Ultimate Episode Guide: Bleach Bleach consists of
3. Soul Society: The Rescue Arc (Episodes 42–63)
Status: Canon Plot: The climax of the Soul Society arc. Major battles occur, and the conspiracy behind Rukia's execution is revealed.
4. The Bount Arc (Episodes 64–91) [FILLER] Part 1: The Original Run (Episodes 1–366) The
Status: Filler Plot: Ichigo and friends face a clan of humans called Bounts who consume souls to gain immortality. Verdict: Skippable. However, it introduces Mod-Souls (Ririn, Nova, and Kurodo), who appear in later filler scenes.
5. Bount Assault on Soul Society Arc (Episodes 92–109) [MIXED]