Bleach, like many anime franchises, had several movies be released during its original run–four, to be precise. But in 2025, with the advent of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War and all the improvements in anime that have been made since, are these films actually worth going back and watching?

Like most anime movies, Bleach‘s films are generally considered noncanonical to the storyline of the anime, with one possible exception. That means it’s not necessary to watch them to understand what’s going on in the anime, but there are other reasons one might want to watch these movies. Whether it’s to see more of your favorite characters, spend a little more time in Bleach‘s vibrant world, or just an earnest desire to conquer it all, these movies may still come up on someone’s radar. So, are they actually worth the effort to watch, or are the Bleach movies a big waste of time?

Bleach: Memories of Nobody

Studio Pierrot, 2006

The first film, Memories of Nobody, follows Ichigo and Rukia as they deal with an unknown Soul Reaper, Senna, who appears out of nowhere to help them defeat strange ghosts. It soon becomes apparent that a group calling themselves “the Dark Ones” are after Senna for reasons unknown, so Ichigo must help protect Senna, who has amnesia, as they try to unravel the mystery of why these people are after her, and where Senna came from.

Senna is a very lovable character, immediately endearing herself to fans in the film. This is widely considered to be the best of the four Bleach movies, as its story holds together well. While there are some slight inconsistencies, it also fits neatly within in the canon of the Bleach series, and is even referenced in Thousand-Year Blood War with the Valley of Screams, a plot element that plays a big role in the film. If you’re a fan who’s considering watching any of the Bleach movies, definitely give this one a try first, not only because it’s the first film, but because it’s the best.

Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion

Studio Pierrot, 2007

The second film focuses on fan-favorite character Toshiro Hitsugaya. While entrusted to protect a rare artifact, Hitsugaya’s squad comes under attack by a rogue Soul Reaper, who Hitsugaya seems to recognize. Hitsugaya chases after the man, abandoning his post, and becomes suspected of treason by the Soul Society. Suspicions increase when another Soul Reaper is attacked by a Zanpakuto resembling Hitsugaya’s Hyorinmaru. Since no two Soul Reapers have the same Zanpakuto, Hitsugaya is on the run, and Ichigo must help him to clear his name and track down the real culprit.

The consensus on this film is that it’s watchable, but hardly necessary. For big fans of Hitsugaya, of course, the movie is a must-see, as Hitsugaya gets a lot of screen time, even surpᴀssing Ichigo, and the story reveals a bit of Hitsugaya’s past (although it is, of course, noncanonical). The plot is very difficult to reconcile with Bleach canon, particularly with the events that come afterward, as the Hollows and Hueco Mundo are further explored and developed, and it moves in a very different direction. Overall, The DiamondDust Rebellion is probably a pᴀss for most fans.

DiamondDust Rebellion is set around episode 151 of the anime.

Bleach: Fade to Black

Studio Pierrot, 2008

The third film places the focus squarely on Rukia Kuchiki. Two mysterious siblings launch an attack on Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s lab, but after failing to get what they want, they retreat, and then attack Rukia, using a bizarre weapon that causes the victim to not only lose their memories, but also be forgotten by all who knew her. The only one able to remember Rukia is Kon, who reminds Ichigo, and Ichigo sets out to find out what happened to Rukia and why no one is able to remember her. Meanwhile, the siblings endear themselves to Rukia, and work hard to prevent her from remembering her past idenтιтy as a Soul Reaper.

Ironically, this is easily the most forgettable of the Bleach movies. It retreads some of the same amnesia ground as the first movie, but doesn’t handle it nearly as well. It also doesn’t do nearly as much for Rukia’s character as DiamondDust Rebellion does for Hitsugaya, with her taking a backseat to Ichigo, Renji, and even Byakuya. The villains are somewhat interesting, in that they’re not actually malicious, but they don’t get enough development, either, which causes the film’s ending to ring hollow. There’s really no reason to check out Fade to Black, unless you’re a completionist or a Rukia mega-fan.

Bleach: Fade to Black is set around episode 197 of the anime.

Bleach: The Hell Verse

Studio Pierrot, 2010

The final Bleach movie focuses on Ichigo and his family. While Renji and Rukia investigate a strange phenomenon in the World of the Living, Ichigo’s family comes under attack by a mysterious force, and Yuzu is kidnapped and taken to Hell. A denizen of Hell, named Kokuto, explains to Ichigo what’s going on, and Ichigo and friends set out on an impossible mission to retrieve his sister from Hell and prevent the villains from achieving their goals, which could result in all the corrupted souls of Hell escaping and running wild across all of Bleach‘s other spiritual planes.

Hell Verse is interesting in that it focuses on a mostly ignored part of Bleach‘s world, Hell. However, Hell recently became the subject of a one-sH๏τ by тιтe Kubo, retconning how it is portrayed in the film and making it impossible for the movie to be considered canon by any means. The story of the film is a bit more worthwhile than some of the others, and it features some truly bizarre and powerful transformations for Ichigo. The best part of the film is arguably the well-animated recap at the beginning, which features Ichigo’s fight with Ulquiorra. For those eager for the “Hell arc” of Bleach to begin, perhaps this film will help to tide them over, but it doesn’t otherwise stand out very much.

Bleach: Hell Verse set around episode 299 of the anime.

Ultimately, most of Bleach‘s movies are just average, and aren’t really worth the time to watch except for the most dedicated fans.

Bleach

Created by

тιтe Kubo

First Film

Bleach: Memories of Nobody

First TV Show

Bleach

Cast

Johnny Yong Bosch, Michelle Ruff, Stephanie Sheh, Jamieson Price, Derek Stephen Prince, Wally Wingert

TV Show(s)

Bleach, Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War