With over 360 episodes, Bleach is a shonen classic that delivers incredible fights, iconic characters, and a deep supernatural world. But like many long-running anime adaptations, Bleach has filler episodes and arcs that weren’t part of Tite Kubo’s original manga.
Some fans love the added content for the extra character moments and world-building. Others prefer to stick to the main storyline without detours. If you’re trying to decide what to watch or skip, this guide breaks down all the filler episodes and arcs in Bleach, with helpful recommendations on which episodes you can safely skip.
Table of Contents
What Counts as Filler?
Filler episodes are anime-original content, stories created by the studio (Pierrot) to give the manga time to stay ahead. While it’s not canon, some filler arcs are pretty entertaining and feature decent animation, fights, or character development. However, they can also interrupt major plotlines, especially if you’re binge-watching.
Bleach Filler Episodes by Arc
Here’s a breakdown of all the filler episodes across the series, grouped by arcs. If you’re in a hurry, jump to the quick skip list at the end.
1. Bount Arc (Episodes 64–109)
- Episodes: 64–91 (Bount Invasion), 92–109 (Bount Assault on Soul Society)
- Skip or Watch: Optional
This is Bleach’s first major filler arc. It introduces the Bounts—a group of soul-absorbing immortals with vampire-like traits. The arc adds some backstory and gives more screen time to supporting characters like Ishida and Orihime. The Bounts infiltrate Soul Society in the second half, but overall, the pacing is slow, and the stakes never quite match those of the main plot.
2. New Captain Shūsuke Amagai Arc (Episodes 168–189)
- Skip or Watch: Skip unless curious
This arc follows a newly introduced captain, Shūsuke Amagai, who joins the 3rd Division. The story explores corruption within the Soul Society’s nobility and touches on themes of justice and betrayal. However, the arc doesn’t connect to the main storyline, and the villain’s motivations feel underdeveloped, making it one of the more forgettable fillers.
3. Zanpakutō Rebellion Arc (Episodes 230–265)
- Skip or Watch: Recommended
This is arguably Bleach’s best filler arc. It explores a fresh idea: What if the Soul Reapers’ Zanpakutō spirits turned against their wielders? Each sword spirit is given a physical form and personality, leading to internal clashes and unique matchups. While not canon, the arc dives deep into lore and offers great animation, especially in later episodes.
4. Gotei 13 Invading Army Arc (Episodes 317–342)
- Skip or Watch: Watch if you liked the Zanpakutō arc
This arc continues the theme of doppelgangers and identity by having the Gotei 13 face off against imposters created by a mysterious villain. It expands on the idea of artificial Soul Reapers and plays with familiar characters in new ways. While not as polished as the Zanpakutō arc, it still offers compelling fights and a deeper look at squad dynamics.
5. Other Filler Episodes You May Skip
| Filler Episode / Arc | Episode No | Watch Or Skip |
|---|---|---|
| Miracle! The Mysterious New Hero | 33 | Skip |
| The Reviving Lion | 50 | Skip |
| Stolen Hogyoku Arc | 128 – 137 | Watch |
| Menos Forest Arc | 147 – 149 | Watch |
| Rurichiyo And Kenryu’s Feud | 204 – 205 | Skip |
| The Karakura-Raizer Omake Arc | 213 – 214 | Skip |
| Summer! Sea! Swimsuit Festival! | 228 | Watch if you are a Fan Service Enjoyer |
| Ikkaku And Yumichika’s Adventures | 229 | Skip |
| A Recap Of Hueco Mundo Events | 266 | Watch if you need a Recap |
| Side Story! Ichigo and the Magic Lamp | 287 | Skip |
| Shinigami Film Festival | 298 – 299 | Skip |
| Various One-Off Fillers | 303 – 305 | Optional |
| Various One-Off Fillers | 311 – 316 | Optional |
| Shinigami Showdown! Seireitei’s New Year Bash! | 355 | Skip |
These include comedic or seasonal one-offs (like beach or New Year’s episodes) and standalone side missions. They’re harmless and sometimes funny but don’t impact the main narrative.
Bleach Filler Arcs and Episodes – Table
If you’re only interested in canon manga content, skip these episodes:
| Filler Arc | Episode Number | Watch or Skip |
|---|---|---|
| Bount Arc | 64 – 109 | Optional |
| New Captain Shūsuke Amagai Arc | 168 – 189 | Optional |
| Zanpakutō Rebellion Arc | 230 – 265 | Must Watch |
| Gotei 13 Invading Army Arc | 317 – 342 | Must Watch |
This means roughly 45% of Bleach includes filler. That said, the manga canon episodes are still plentiful and powerful—and with Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War now airing, this is the perfect time to revisit or binge the series.
Are Any Filler Arcs Worth Watching?
Yes! Here’s a short list of the best Bleach filler arcs if you’re willing to give them a shot:
- Zanpakutō Rebellion Arc (230–265) – A unique concept that expands lore.
- Gotei 13 Invading Army Arc (317–342) – Good animation and stakes.
- Select standalone episodes (e.g., 133, 132, 287) – Funny or heartwarming intermissions.
Final Thoughts on Bleach Filler Episodes
Whether you’re a new viewer or a longtime fan revisiting the series, knowing which Bleach episodes are filler can really enhance your watch experience. While not all filler is necessary, it often gives beloved characters more screen time and offers a break from the intense canon arcs.
So whether you choose to skip or savor them, the choice is yours—but now, you’re equipped to do it wisely.
