The essential episodes of Bleach

Watch these 25 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

   S2004E11 · Season 2004 peak · December 14, 2004 · 30m

   The Legendary Quincy9.3

   Rumors spread about Ichigo and Rukia's relationship when they keep dissappearing from school to respond to Hollow alerts. Overworked and frustrated, Ichigo is unaware that one of his classmates, Uryu Ishida, possesses spiritual powers of his own.

3. 03

   S2005E03 · Top rated · January 25, 2005 · 30m

   The Encounter, Renji Abarai!9.6

4. 04

   S2005E07 · Top rated · February 22, 2005 · 30m

   Ichimaru Gin's Shadow9.6

5. 05

   S2005E23 · Top rated · June 14, 2005 · 30m

   Kenpachi Zaraki Approaches!9.5

6. 06

   S2005E26 · Top rated · July 5, 2005 · 30m

   The Man of Immortality9.5

7. 07

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

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

8. 08

   S2005E47 · Top rated · December 6, 2005 · 30m

   Truth of Despair, the Dagger that has been Brandished9.7

9. 09

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

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

10. 10

    S2006E03 · Top rated · January 24, 2006 · 30m

    Creeping Terror, the Second Victim9.5

11. 11

    S2006E04 · Top rated · January 31, 2006 · 30m

    Break Through! The Trap Hidden in the Labyrinth9.5

12. 12

    S2006E05 · Top rated · February 7, 2006 · 30m

    Death Game! The Missing Classmate9.5

13. 13

    S2006E06 · Top rated · February 14, 2006 · 30m

    True Identity of the Devil, the Secret Which Is Revealed9.5

14. 14

    S2006E07 · Top rated · February 14, 2006 · 30m

    Baunt! The Soul Hunters9.5

15. 15

    S2006E08 · Top rated · February 21, 2006 · 30m

    Return of Rukia! The Substitute Team Revival9.5

16. 16

    S2006E10 · Top rated · March 14, 2006 · 30m

    Water Attack! Escape from the Shutdown Hospital9.5

17. 17

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

    The Nightmare Arrancar! Team Hitsugaya Moves Out9.5

18. 18

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

    The Moment of Conclusion, the End of Grimmjow9.7

19. 19

    S2008E42 · Top rated · November 25, 2008 · 30m

    Joining the Battle! The Strongest Shinigami Army Appears9.7

20. 20

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

    Karakura Town Gathers! Aizen Versus Shinigami9.5

21. 21

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

    Ichigo Dies! Orihime, the Cry of Sorrow!9.8

22. 22

    S2010E42 · Top rated · October 19, 2010 · 30m

    Hitsugaya, Enraged! Blade of Hatred!9.8

    The Shinigami and Visored, attacking Aizen, are unable to defeat the treacherous captain.

23. 23

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

    Goodbye...Rangiku9.8

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

24. 24

    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.

25. 25

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

    Changing History, Unchanging Heart8.2