The essential episodes of Bleach

Watch these 10 in order and you've got Bleach — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S2004E01 · Pilot · October 5, 2004 · 30m

   The Day I Became a Shinigami8.0

   Ichigo Kurosaki is a teenage boy given the ability to see ghosts.While trying to help a young girl ghost being terrorized by a giant monster called a Hollow..he's saved by the intervention of Rukia Kuchiki, a tough female soul reaper..Later when a Hollow appears and terrorizes Ichigo's family, an injured Rukia makes a fateful decision and transfers her remaining powers to Ichigo.

2. 02

   S2005E39 · Season 2005 peak · October 4, 2005 · 30m

   Renji, Oath of the Soul! Death Match with Byakuya9.7

3. 03

   S2006E02 · Season 2006 peak · January 17, 2006 · 30m

   New School Term, Renji Has Come to the Material world?!9.5

4. 04

   S2007E20 · Season 2007 peak · June 6, 2007 · 30m

   The Nightmare Arrancar! Team Hitsugaya Moves Out9.5

5. 05

   S2008E13 · Season 2008 peak · April 16, 2008 · 30m

   The Moment of Conclusion, the End of Grimmjow9.7

6. 06

   S2009E03 · Season 2009 peak · January 20, 2009 · 30m

   Karakura Town Gathers! Aizen Versus Shinigami9.5

7. 07

   S2010E20 · Season 2010 peak · May 18, 2010 · 30m

   Ichigo Dies! Orihime, the Cry of Sorrow!9.8

8. 08

   S2011E06 · Season 2011 peak · February 8, 2011 · 30m

   Goodbye...Rangiku9.8

   Ichigo arrives to settle his score with Aizen once and for all.

9. 09

   S2012E07 · Season 2012 peak · February 21, 2012 · 30m

   A New Appearance! Meet the Gotei 13!9.3

   Ginjo reveals his true colors by attacking Ichigo and stripping him of his Fullbring powers. Ichigo lies in despair from losing his powers yet again, when his father Isshin and Kisuke Urahara arrive.

10. 10

    S2012E12 · Series finale · March 27, 2012 · 30m

    Changing History, Unchanging Heart8.2