Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War marks a thrilling return of the beloved anime, offering fresh animation and a refined conclusion to the story of Bleach. However, fans anticipating Part 4 may face a lengthy wait, paving the way for potential restlessness.
To ease the waiting game, we’ve compiled a list of 10 anime series that resonate with the themes and energy found in Bleach. These selections vary in their attributes, ranging from high-octane action to supernatural encounters. Although most fall into the shonen category, each series offers diverse experiences, captivating fans who appreciate the essence of Bleach. Here’s a look at these must-watch titles.
10. Chainsaw Man (2022)
Produced by MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto
The narrative of Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a young orphan burdened by debt and entangled with the mafia. His life takes a drastic turn when he teams up with Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil, transforming him into the titular hybrid hero. This dark yet comedic tale sees Denji recruited to hunt dangerous Devils that emerge from hell, paralleling the intense supernatural battles found in Bleach.
9. Samurai Champloo (2004)
Original Anime Series Produced by Manglobe
Samurai Champloo transports viewers to a stylized feudal Japan, chronicling Fu’s quest to find a unique samurai. Accompanied by two unlikely allies—a masterless samurai named Jin and a brash swordsman Mugen—this series is filled with dynamic swordplay and cultural nuances. While lacking supernatural elements, its aesthetic and thrilling choreography resonate with the exciting battles of Bleach.
8. Inuyasha (2000)
Produced by Sunrise, Based on the Manga by Rumiko Takahashi
Inuyasha invites viewers to follow Kagome, a modern girl transported to an enchanting version of feudal Japan, where dragons and yokai exist. Teaming with the half-demon Inuyasha, they embark on a journey to restore the Shikon Jewel while navigating the delicate balance between their two worlds—a struggle echoed in Bleach with Ichigo’s dual existence as both a human and Soul Reaper.
7. Blue Exorcist (2011)
Produced by A-1 Pictures and Studio VOLN, Based on the Manga by Kazue Kato
In Blue Exorcist, Rin Okumura discovers he is the son of Satan. Driven by revenge and the desire to harness his demonic abilities for good, he trains to become an exorcist alongside his brother Yukio. This conflict between light and dark mirrors the complexities found in Bleach, where characters often grapple with their inherent powers and responsibilities.
6. Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)
Original Anime Series Produced by Shaft
Puella Magi Madoka Magica follows Madoka as she faces the choice of becoming a magical girl, fighting Witches that threaten humanity. This series dives into the darker aspects of magical endeavors, showcasing the duties of magical girls in a fashion reminiscent of Bleach’s Soul Reapers, who are tasked with combating Hollows, reflecting a similar battle against malevolent forces.
5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba (2019)
Demon Slayer presents the tale of Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is brutally attacked by demons. Forced to forge an alliance with a Demon Slayer to save his transformed sister, Nezuko, Tanjiro’s journey features intense battles and visually stunning animation echoing Bleach. The hierarchy found among the Demon Slayers bears resemblance to the Soul Reapers, further endearing it to Bleach fans.
4. Black Clover (2017)
Produced by Studio Pierrot, Based on the Manga by Yuki Tabata
In Black Clover, Asta dreams of becoming the Wizard King despite being born without magic. His anti-magic capabilities thrust him into the Magic Knights, a competitive group reminiscent of Bleach’s Court Guard Squads. Asta’s interactions and trials evoke themes familiar to fans of Bleach while introducing its unique flair.
3. Yu Yu Hakusho (1992)
Produced by Studio Pierrot, Based on the Manga by Yoshihiro Togashi
Yu Yu Hakusho narrates the story of Yusuke Urameshi, who becomes a Spirit Detective after an act of self-sacrifice. This series showcases Yusuke’s encounters with various demons and martial arts tournaments, echoing Bleach’s own structure with its afterlife bureaucracy and conflicts. Many consider Yu Yu Hakusho to be a significant influence on the Bleach series.
2. Soul Eater (2008)
Produced by Bones, Based on the Manga by Atsushi Ohkubo
Soul Eater focuses on Maka and her weapon partner, Soul, as they collect souls to become the ultimate Death Scythe. The blend of combat, death concepts, and the quest for power draws parallels to Bleach’s exploration of the Soul Society and its Reapers, making it a title that Bleach fans will enjoy.
1. Burn the Witch (2020)
Produced by Studio Colorido, Based on the Manga by Tite Kubo
Created by Tite Kubo, Burn the Witch dives into a parallel world named Reverse London, where Ninny and Noel confront dragon-like beings. This series shares the Bleach lineage, encapsulating similar themes of duty and conflict, making it an ideal pick for fans seeking more of Kubo’s unique universe.
As anticipation builds for the fourth installment of Bleach, these anime selections provide thrilling alternatives to keep fandom satisfied. For more details, you can check this source.