Bleach is a popular Shonen anime, well known for introducing unique characters and bearing great power. In almost every Arc, Bleach manages to present characters much stronger than ever before. What makes the show even more interesting is that the characters are much different, displaying unique skills in battles and making them highly thrilling for the fans.
Additionally, with Bleach, the unpredictability of battles is quite common. Some characters fight with sheer strength, while others display high intellect, using exciting methods to take down their foe.
Ichigo Kurosaki is the protagonist of the show and quite strong as well, but certainly not the strongest. Now, since the last arc of Bleach is airing, fans are wondering about the brilliant characters in Bleach and who really is the strongest of them all.
Here are the 20 strongest Bleach characters.
20. Tier Harribel
Taking the 20th position, we have Tier Harribel, the former third Espada and current ruler of Hueco Mundo. Her power as an Arrancar is breathtakingly evident during her bout with Toshiro Hitsugaya in the Fake Karakura town Arc.
Harribel is a force to be reckoned with amongst the Espada, seamlessly clashing with a remarkable captain and two Visoreds at the same time.
Renowned for her mastery of Sonido, she boasts speed that leaves most captains struggling to keep up. Moreover, her destructive Cero attack enhances her prowess in any battle.
What sets Harribel apart is her Resurreccion, wielding water in any form, even boiling ice to counter it. Her control over water reaches far and wide, sweeping across an entire town.
Her critical passive ability, ‘Hierro,’ aids her survival against deadly attacks from both Toshiro and Aizen. As an Espada, Harribel is no pushover and duly earns her position as the ruler of Hueco Mundo.
19. Mayuri kurotsuchi
The 19th spot is held by Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the esteemed Captain of the 12th squad. His brilliance might overshadow his physical prowess, but his intellectual capability makes him a terrifying opponent.
Kyoraku himself has confessed that given a day to prepare, this ingenious scientist will find a solution to any problem. Mayuri’s skill in body modification proved invaluable in his clash with Pernida.
He ingeniously rearranged his organs and specific contents in his arm swiftly to prevent Pernida from gaining control. Yet his alterations are not limited to body parts. Mayuri continually tinkers with and enhances his Zanpakuto.
His Shikai and Bankai are poison-oriented, with the former immobilizing opponents, and the latter dealing lethal blows.
While his Bankai may not match up to other captains, defeating Mayuri is a monumental task. His unpredictable Zanpakuto modifications keep opponents on their toes.
18. Yuroichi Shihoin
At the 18th rank, we find Yuroichi Shihoin, the regal princess of the Shihoin clan. This witty lady, formerly the Captain of Squad 2 and the commander of Onmitsukido, first graces the series as a cat guiding Ichigo and his friends in the Soul Society arc, where she also reveals her true form.
Though she possesses a Shikai and Bankai like her peers, creator Kubo has yet to reveal them. Yuroichi has a penchant for assassin-like techniques, focusing on Hakuda in battles. Her physical prowess is astounding, allowing her to easily overpower any Captain-level opponent.
She is also a master of Kido, combining it with Hakuda to perform advanced techniques such as Shunko. Employing Shunko, Yuroichi trumps Soi Fon despite a long hiatus from action. A more advanced version of Shunko, activated by Urahara, endows her with feline characteristics and demeanor.
Although only Urahara can control her in this state, her strength remains unparalleled, dealing damage to a formidable Quincy like Askin.
17. Pernida Parnkgjas
At the 17th spot is Yhwach’s Schutzstaffel and Sternritter, Pernida Parnkgjas, also known as “C” – “The Compulsory.” With an arsenal of unique abilities, Pernida controls the battlefield, becoming a formidable Quincy opponent.
As “The Compulsory”, Pernida can send its nerves into an opponent’s body.
Once infiltrated, it takes over their movements and can tear the opponent’s body apart. Pernida showcased this devastating ability against Soul King’s soldiers, Yuroichi, and Zaraki. It also possesses the ability to control anyone’s progress through accelerated evolution.
Using organic biomass, Pernida evolves, acquiring abilities and traits from the biomass’s original being.
Facing Zaraki, it evolved to match his formidable power. Its evolutionary ability allows it to contend with any adversary.
16. Jugram Haschwalth
Jugram Haschwalth, the Sternritter Grandmaster and advisor to Yhwach, takes the 16th position. As Yhwach’s other half, Jugram is quite similar to him, capable of distributing his powers to others. Moreover, when Yhwach sleeps, Jugram inherits his powers, gaining precognitive abilities.
In contrast to Yhwach, Jugram’s abilities are battle-oriented, making him a fearsome adversary.
He is an expert in Hirenkyaku, moving at speeds so rapid that even seasoned fighters lose track of him. As a Quincy, Jugram uses “Blut” to significantly boost his offense and defense.
His unique skill allows him to enhance his defense, enabling him to resist Yamamoto’s Bankai, capable of reducing anyone to ashes.
Jugram is a balanced character, possessing both the ability to deal significant damage and shield himself effectively.
15. Toshiro Hitsugaya
Toshiro Hitsugaya, the prodigious Captain of the 10th squad and the youngest among all captains.
Toshiro is the only Shinigami to become a Captain at such a young age, and he proves that he belongs among the strongest. Every appearance shows his growth, demonstrating his immense potential as a Shinigami.
Despite his youth, Toshiro is a seasoned strategist and a skilled swordsman, honing his skills from the start of his Shinigami career.
His Zanpakuto, Hyorinmaru, is the strongest ice-type sword in the soul-society, giving him control over ice, water, and the weather.
In its Bankai state, Hyorinmaru sprouts ice wings, ramping up the damage and enabling Toshiro to trap his adversaries in an ice jail.
When Toshiro matures into an adult, so does his Bankai, granting him the chilling ability to freeze everything in his path in mere seconds. With no limitations to his growth, this young Captain is on the fast track to surpass his fellow captains.
14. Kisuke Urahara
Kisuke Urahara, affectionately known as Mr. Hat-and-Clogs, is no ordinary Shinigami. As the former Captain of the 12th squad and the founder of the SRDI, Kisuke possesses an unimaginable blend of power and intelligence. Yet his true might often goes unnoticed due to his laid-back and easy-going demeanor.
As the mastermind behind SRDI, Urahara’s innovative genius has birthed a myriad of inventions pivotal in numerous battles. Take, for example, the faux Gigai he skillfully wielded against Yammy.
However, don’t let his intellectual prowess fool you into underestimating his combat skills. Urahara is a prodigious swordsman and an unparalleled master of Kido, effortlessly utilizing spells above level 90.
His Zanpakuto, Benihime, is a veritable force of destruction even in its Shikai state. Yet, when Urahara reveals his Bankai, the scales tip. Capable of reassembling any object it contacts, this Bankai aids him both offensively and defensively. It was thanks to this extraordinary ability and his sharp wit that he overcame the formidable Askin Nakk Le Vaar.
13. Askin Nakk Le Vaar
Askin Nakk Le Vaar, known as “D” – “The Deathdealing”, may come off as eccentric and nonchalant, causing his peers to underestimate him. However, this member of the Schutzstaffel and Sternritter proved himself a formidable adversary, giving the likes of Urahara a run for their money.
Askin’s distinctive power allows him to control the lethal dose of any substance he ingests. But here’s the catch: he can adjust the lethal dose for his enemies, turning the most mundane substances deadly. With this ability, he can enhance his healing while minimizing incoming damage.
Furthermore, after a mere minute of analyzing the spiritual power behind an attack, he can render himself immune. Askin’s manifold powers make him a lethal threat to even the mightiest Espada and Captains.
12. Lille Barro
Next up is Lille Barro, the “X” – “X-Axis”, a leader of the Schutzstaffel under Yhwach and a distinguished member of the Sternritters. His codename implies his exceptional ability: his bullets can penetrate virtually anything.
Lille’s weapon of choice is a rifle, and combined with his abilities, he can breach anything in his line of sight, even the most potent attacks.
Sporting a certain code of honor, he often keeps one eye shut to level the playing field. However, when both eyes are open, Lille becomes an unstoppable force, efficiently nullifying any attack.
In addition to his powers, Lille’s extraordinary marksmanship sets him apart. His uncanny precision makes him a sharpshooter who seldom misses, posing a formidable challenge to powerful combatants like Kyoraku.
11. Gremmy Thoumeaux
Among the Sternritters, Gremmy Thoumeaux, known as “V” – “The Visionary,” stands out as a terrifying opponent. His fearsome skills as a Quincy were on full display during his clash with Zaraki Kenpachi in the Thousand Year Blood Arc.
Gremmy possesses the uncanny ability to materialize his fantasies or imagination, which is as formidable as it sounds.
Whether it’s making his body more robust than the toughest steel or creating detrimental effects on his adversary, Gremmy’s powers enable him to manipulate reality to his whim, multiplying his strategic options.
Among his peers, Gremmy is arguably the most potent, thanks to his unparalleled ability and fundamental Quincy skills. He fought on equal footing with Zaraki, leaving the latter with severe injuries.
10. Byakuya Kuchiki
Occupying our 10th spot is Byakuya Kuchiki, the distinguished head of the Kuchiki clan and the esteemed Captain of the 6th squad. From the very inception of the series, Byakuya’s deft command over his abilities, his prowess in Kido, and his consummate swordsmanship have been exhibited in abundance.
Byakuya’s Flash Step is a sight to behold, rivalling the perfection of Yuroichi’s. Notably, he managed to execute it flawlessly, even under the duress of severe tendon injuries during his face-off with the 7th Espada.
His Shikai, Senbonzakura, is an ensemble of a thousand petal-like blades, each as lethal as the last. These petals not only act as potent offense but also provide a robust defense, safeguarding Byakuya himself.
Elevating the menace, his Bankai escalates the might of his Shikai, enabling him to form the petal-shaped blades into various structures for diverse attacks. Fearful to his adversaries, Byakuya’s Bankai rarely necessitates a full-scale offensive focus.
9. Kenpachi Zaraki
Coming up next is Kenpachi Zaraki, the formidable Captain of squad 11. With an innate savagery that defines his fighting style, Zaraki is undoubtedly one of the strongest Captains in Soul Society, owing to his unbridled brute strength. Remarkably, he ascended to the position of Captain without mastering Shikai, let alone Bankai.
Despite being underestimated by fans during the Soul Society arc, it was later revealed that Zaraki was merely fighting with a fraction of his powers when he battled Ichigo.
His manga clash against Unohana uncovers that Zaraki had self-imposed limits on his abilities to prolong his enjoyment of battles. His unrivalled physical prowess and superior combat skills allow him to decimate opponents using a sliver of his true power.
Upon unlocking his Shikai and Bankai, Zaraki removes his self-imposed restrictions, amassing an unprecedented degree of strength, and secures his rightful spot among the top 10 strongest Bleach characters.
8. Shunsui Kyoraku
Shunsui Kyoraku, the eccentric and flamboyant yet prodigious Captain of squad 8, often flies under the radar due to his laid-back demeanor. However, even Yamamoto recognized Kyoraku’s exceptional swordsmanship and acknowledged him as no ordinary Shinigami.
As the most senior Captain, Kyoraku wields colossal spiritual power and is adept in Kido. His Shikai, Katen Kyokotsu, conjures dual blades and initiates a deadly game with its user and adversary, where the victor survives, and the vanquished meets their end.
His Bankai, as hinted during his battle with Stark, is even more catastrophic. Ukitake explicitly forbade him from deploying it due to its cataclysmic effects. Kyoraku’s Bankai unfolds a story, sharing its afflictions with the foe. This power can effortlessly eradicate any enemy but can also harm allies if they’re within its radius.
7. Uryu Ishida
Securing the 7th rank is one of the main characters, Uryu Ishida, recognized for his significant progression in the final arc. Initially portrayed as a competent Quincy, but not at par with Ichigo or other series villains, Uryu experiences a power surge in the final arc when Yhwach’s shrift awakens his dormant abilities.
His skill “Antithesis” warrants special mention, enabling him to reverse any situation between two targets. This ability can expedite Uryu’s healing process while inflicting severe damage to his adversary.
Uryu also mastered Vollstandig, a potent state granting powers akin to Letzt Stil but without stripping the user of their abilities. Notably, Leizt Stil enabled Uryu to vanquish a captain as formidable as Mayuri.
Moreover, Uryu is the sole Quincy immune to the effects of Auswahlen, a power that robbed most Sternritters of their abilities.
6. Gerard Valkyrie
Stepping into the spotlight next is Gerard Valkyrie, the very embodiment of the Soul King’s heart and a formidable member of Yhwach’s Schutzstaffel. Belonging to the esteemed ranks of the Wandenreich’s Sternritters, he is infamously recognized as “M” – “The Miracle.”
With a towering presence that’s as intimidating as his powers, it comes as no surprise that he dispatched the Royal Guards with astonishing ease.
Furthermore, Gerard is a powerhouse of spiritual energy, which he utilizes to bring even the mightiest Gotei 13 Captains to their knees.
As the embodiment of “The Miracle”, Gerard possesses an extraordinary ability to manipulate probability, bending even the most improbable events to his will.
This unique ability not only sets him apart from the rest but also virtually guarantees his victory, regardless of the situation.
His overbearing might is such that he can ingeniously turn his adversaries’ fear to his advantage, effectively dampening the impact of even the deadliest of attacks.
In his Vollstandig form, Gerard’s power escalates dramatically, providing him with a weapon that can discharge unfathomably potent energy blasts, capable of laying waste to vast cities.
5. Genryusai Yamamoto
Storming in at the 5th position is the esteemed Head Captain of the Gotei 13, Genryusai Yamamoto. This mighty warrior is not just the founder of Gotei 13 but also the oldest and most revered Captain, his power unmatched.
Commanding respect through his sheer power and more than two thousand years of combat expertise, Yamamoto is an adversary to be reckoned with.
During his prime, he was revered as the strongest Shinigami, wielding the oldest and most potent Zanpakuto of the fire element.
A testament to his strength, even the cunning Aizen was cautious of his might, meticulously preparing to counter Yamamoto’s power by utilizing Wonderweiss to seal Yamamoto’s Zanpakuto.
Intriguingly, Yamamoto’s strength was not diminished even without his Zanpakuto. He relentlessly pursued Aizen, a stark demonstration of his unmatched prowess.
As the Head Captain, Yamamoto reigns supreme in every aspect, boasting tremendous strength, deft swordsmanship, and masterful Kido command. His adrenaline-inducing duel with Yhwach is a brilliant spectacle of his unyielding strength.
4. Ichibe Hyosube
At the helm of the Royal Guards, Ichibe Hyosube, also revered as the “High Priest,” is the one responsible for bestowing names upon significant entities in the Soul Society, such as Zanpakuto, Bankai, and Shikai.
His extraordinary ability to discern the true names of everything is truly a sight to behold.
Furthermore, Ichibe’s exclusive skills empower him to control and manipulate the true names for his benefit.
He can even regenerate his entire body by usurping powers from anyone who utters his name, a capability that remains firmly within his control.
Adding an element of intrigue, Ichibe’s name is a curse that silences anyone unworthy of saying it.
As the Royal Guards’ leader, he is a force to be reckoned with – a Kido and swordsmanship maestro, possessing spiritual power beyond imagination.
He was among the first to reach the state of Bankai, an accomplishment that enables him to modify the very properties of his target’s abilities.
Moreover, he can rapidly diminish any man’s powers by altering their name.
3. Ichigo Kurosaki
The face of the series, Ichigo Kurosaki, is in a class of his own, even though he is merely a substitute Shinigami.
While it is true that Aizen’s plotting considerably increased Ichigo’s strength, it is Ichigo’s impressive potential that made it all possible.
His hybrid status, boasting the powers of Shinigami, Fullbringer, Hollows, and Quincy, sets him apart from the rest.
This remarkable mixture of capabilities, even at the nascent stage of his powers, made him stronger than most Shinigamis in the Soul Society.
His unique lineage and the perilous battles that marked his journey give Ichigo an exceptional edge.
It is noteworthy that Ichigo was the only one who could stand against Aizen when the latter merged with Hogyoku.
When Ichigo finally awakens his Quincy powers, he becomes an even more formidable foe.
2. Sosuke Aizen
Sosuke Aizen, the crafty mastermind behind most of Bleach’s catastrophic events, never fails to stun his audience.
Once Shinji Hirako’s lieutenant and later the Captain of Squad 5, Aizen stunned everyone with his malevolent intentions in the Soul Society arc.
This wily character always seems to be a couple of steps ahead, ensuring all events unfold according to his schemes, with Ichigo’s strength being a prime example of his careful orchestration.
In his base form, Aizen’s sharp intellect combined with his Zanpakuto’s hypnotic ability make him an adversary worthy of the Head Captain.
After merging with Hogyoku, Aizen transcends into an immortal being, surviving even Ichigo’s ultimate Getsugatenshou and undergoing several transformative evolutions.
1. Yhwach
Topping our list is the formidable Yhwach, the Soul King’s son, who emerges in the final arc of Bleach.
Dubbed as “A” – “The Almighty,” Yhwach, the Emperor of Wandenreich and the Father of the Quincy, is the origin of all Quincy bloodlines.
While he was not born powerful, Yhwach gradually grew in strength due to his exceptional soul distribution power.
Using soul distribution, Yhwach assembled his army and plotted to conquer the Soul Society, a plan that resulted in his temporary sealing by Yamamoto.
Years later, upon his return, Yhwach displayed an even greater power and a range of new abilities.
This mighty Quincy can foresee and manipulate the future and control Reishi at his will, exhibiting spiritual power that far surpasses the Espada.
Yhwach’s tactical brilliance, coupled with his tremendous power, solidifies his position as the strongest character in Bleach.