There are plenty ofanimeout there, but three are known as some of the most popular of their time and remain in the spotlight. The Big Three consists ofOne Piece,Naruto,andBleach, a trio of uber-popular battle shonen. However,Bleachhas returned after a long slumber, finishing the final arc after years. One of the best aspects ofBleachis its Bankai, a part of the power system which upgrades the user’s sword.
Bankai has many shapes and sizes, ranging from useless abilities to overpowered attacks. However, one of the most underrated aspects of Bankai is its beauty. This list will rankBleach’sten most beautiful Bankai based on theirdesign, powers, visual appeal, and general beauty. This listwill include anime andmangaspoilers of specific character’s Bankai. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but everyone can agree these ten are stunning!
10Soo Zabimaru, Zaga Teppo
Wielder: Renji Abarai
Renji Abarai is sort of the laughingstock ofBleachbecause he always acts tough but can never finish the job or defeat mighty opponents. His original Bankai was also somewhat lacklustre, never accomplishing much besides looking cool. However, his new Bankai, Soo Zabimaru, Zaga Teppo, is incredibly effective, with destructive attacks, a wide range, and a massive power boost to keep him in the fight.
However, Soo Zabimaru, Zaga Teppo is not only cool but also beautiful. While this entry states Renji’s new Bankai, it includes both of them since they share similarities.Bleachis an essential anime, and Renji played a big part in its popularity, specifically with hisgrand Bankai, who had an impressive design and flashy powers. While this ability is more extraordinary than beautiful, some would argue it can be gorgeous.
9Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame
Wielder: Kisuke Urahara
If fans don’t want any spoilers about Kisuke and his Bankai, then they should move to the next entry. Kisuke Urahara has been a significant and delightful character inBleach, as well as a mighty Soul Reaper. However, no one knew his Bankai until they revealed it in the manga. While it is yet to appear in the anime, it can restructure anything it wants, giving anime fans something to look forward to in the next season.
While Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame is absolutely terrifying, it is also reasonably beautiful, considering it looks like an attractive woman. Its doll-like and mannequin characteristics are pretty unsettling, and its ability is just as creepy; there is a sense of beauty to it. Kisuke is one of thestrongest characters inBleach, thanks tothis gorgeous ability, displaying a giant beautiful woman with a red dress.
8Tensa Zangetsu
Wielder: Ichigo Kurosaki
It would be a disservice not to include Ichigo in anyBleach-related list, considering he is the main character of the series. With the most time spent on him, Ichigo has gone through many different zanpakuto powers, frequently changing Bankai. For the sake of this list, it includes his most recent power-up, Tensa Zangetsu, which launches a bright energy slash, but its true power is unknown.
Bleachwouldn’t be essential without Ichigo, the reliable protagonist who continues entertaining fans with flashy and over-the-top fights. While Tensa, Zangetsu may just be a cool-looking sword with an energy slash, that alone is a beautiful burst of light. It is avisually appealing technique with bright colors. Its sleek design also stands out, making it an underrated beauty in the series.
7Koko Gonryo Rikyu
Wielder: Chojiro Sasakibe
Many fans might not know who Chojiro Sasakibe is, and it’s hard to blame them, considering the vice-captain of Squad One barely has any time to shine. He dies early in the final arc, but fans get to see his Bankai in a flashback, and a Quincy uses it as a stolen power. Koko Gonryo Rikyu can alter the weather, creating thunderstorms and directing powerful lightning bolt strikes at enemies.
The return ofBleachbrought many things, including some of thebest animation in anime, blessing fans with beautiful designs with modern technology. One of the most significant benefits of the better animation was Chojiro’s Bankai, whichglistened a gorgeous goldin the flashback and was a striking dark purple when Quincy used it.
6Daiguren Hyourinmaru
Wielder: Toshiro Hitsugaya
Toshiro Hitsugaya is a fan-favorite character due to his impressive abilities and stern yet caring attitude. As the youngest Captain inBleach, his Bankai is incomplete, with only age able to improve upon his powers. With the power to wield ice, his Bankai, Daiguren Hyourinmaru, creates dragon wings that can freeze objects and deal sharp and deadly strikes to enemies.
If fans are upset about Toshiro’s lacking Bankai, then the next season ofBleachshould betheir most anticipated anime, because there is more in store for him. However, his incomplete Bankai is stillvery impressive and beautiful, with theglistening ice wingscomplementing the ability nicely. Ice is a naturally beautiful resource, making Daiguren Hyourinmaru a stunning ability with an appealing design.
5Shirafude Ichimonji
Wielder: Ichibei Hyosube
The introduction of Squad Zero was an epic moment, with a new set of powerful Soul Reapers taking on the Quincies. The Captain is Ichibei Hyosube, who uses their unique power to paint things black, which takes away their name and, ultimately, the object’s power. His Bankai, Shirafude Ichimonji, does the opposite, turning into a white paintbrush that gives new names and characteristics of whatever it touches.
Ichibei’s shikai or Bankai would make this list despite its simple characteristics. It only produces a white or black line but is reminiscent of ink, providing a classy yet gorgeous ability to witness. Thestriking and stunning calligraphymakes this Bankai one of the most beautiful in the series. It was even more impressive watching it in a fight, providing one of themost epic battles in anime.
4Kinshara Butodan
Wielder: Rojuro Otoribashi
The Captains inBleachare supposed to represent the strongest characters that can protect the Soul Society while looking cool. Rojuro Otoribashi is one of the Visoreds who later joined the ranks of Captain. Unfortunately, he isn’t the most prominent character, but he quickly showcases his Bankai before losing his fight. Kinshara Butodan uses music to create illusions that can confuse and harm enemies.
Rojuro, also known as Rose, may not be the most remarkable character, and he has one of theweakest Bankai inBleach, but at least it looks pretty. Kinshara Butodan’s one saving grace is its visual style, which creates multiple golden figures with golden hands controlling them. This style hasexcellent visual appeal and is a stunning sight, making it one of the most beautiful Bankai inBleachdespite its ineffectiveness.
3Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami-no-Tsugi
Wielder: Senjumaru Shutara
Like Ichibei, Senjumaru Shutara is a member of Squad Zero. She faced off against the Sternritter with her other three squad members, but when they fell short, they sacrificed themselves to allow Senjumaru to perform her Bankai. As the only Bankai of the four members, fans were expecting something big, and it didn’t disappoint. Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami-no-Tsugi seals the enemy in cloth work and preys on their weaknesses.
Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami-no-Tsugi is a mouthful and confusing, but fans can at least understand this technique’s beauty and visual appeal. Each silk tapestry features a lovely design, and when the entire room is encased with cloth, it becomesan enveloping masterpiece of beauty. The dazzling colors and striking designs easily make this Bankai one of the most beautiful, and it is one of the reasons why the last season ofBleachwas one of thebest anime of 2024.
2Senbonzakura Kageyoshi
Wielder: Byakuya Kuchiki
Byakuya Kuchiki is one of the most popular characters inBleachbecause of his stoic and calm personality. Initially serving as the primary antagonist, he develops into a trusty ally who fights alongside Ichigo and is one of the reasons whyBleachis a perfect action anime. His Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, creates multiple large swords that turn into razor-sharp sakura petals that shred the enemies.
Whether or not fans believe Byakuya deserves the top spot or not, he has at least the second most beautiful Bankai inBleach. Sakura is known for its beauty, from itscalming color, relaxing presence, and gorgeous leaves. This Bankai creates a frenzy of sakura petals, making it a dazzling and magnificent event whenever Byakuya activates Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. Theflurry of pink leaves is a visual treat and spectacle.
1Hakka no Togame
Wielder: Rukia Kuchiki
Coming in at number one on this list is the other Kuchiki sibling, Rukia. These siblings are unmatched when it comes to having beautiful and powerful Bankai. As the deuteragonist ofBleach, Rukia is a constant character, but unfortunately, she never gets many fights to showcase her power. It wasn’t until the final season that fans saw her Bankai, Hakka no Togame, creating a wave of freezing cold wind that instantly freezes anything.
Despite its fairly unoriginal power, Hakka no Togame is one of the most unique-looking Bankai inBleach. While most powers do something to the sword or create a separate being, this ability gives Rukia a glistening white dress of ice. The series states that this is themost beautiful Bankai inBleach, and who are fans to disagree with the series? Itsglistening white shine and dazzling beauty are unmatched, resulting in the franchise’s most visually stunning and gorgeous design with an elegant presence.
