Top 10 Anime to Binge While You Await Bleach: TYBW’s Finale

The final arc of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is still on the horizon, leaving fans eager for more soul-reaping action and intense battles. If you’re looking to fill the void while you patiently await the epic conclusion, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 anime to binge that share Bleach’s thrilling combat, compelling characters, and deep supernatural lore. Get ready to dive into new worlds and exciting adventures that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

1. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Tensura)

While an isekai, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime offers a surprising amount of common ground with Bleach. If you’re looking for an action-packed fantasy with an overpowered lead, this is a great choice. Much like Ichigo Kurosaki’s near-unstoppable power in later Bleach, Rimuru Tempest in Tensura is incredibly formidable. Both Ichigo and Rimuru are driven by a desire to protect their friends, not glory or validation. They reluctantly wield their immense power, preferring a life of peace, setting them apart from battle-loving shonen protagonists like Naruto or Goku.

2. D.Gray-Man

A classic from the 2000s, D.Gray-Man is a gothic, European-inspired monster hunter series that Bleach fans will find familiar. It swaps Soul Reapers and Hollows for Exorcists and Akuma, with Exorcists like Allen Walker donning uniforms and utilizing special powers to hunt monsters. The parallels extend to a powerful, world-threatening villain: the outwardly goofy but ultimately evil Millennium Earl, reminiscent of Sosuke Aizen.

3. Dandadan

One of the newest and most memorable shonen anime, Dandadan blends high school life with monster hunting and a quirky mascot. While more comedic and sci-fi-focused than Bleach, it shares a love for monster hunting and “half-other” tropes. Protagonist Ken Takakura, or Okarun, is a high schooler with scary monster powers, much like Ichigo. Both series also cleverly contrast intense action with high school comedy, and Dandadan even has its own Kon in the form of Turbo Granny.

4. Solo Leveling

Solo Leveling might not share Bleach’s world-building or humor, but it offers a similar progression for its male lead. Both series start with a likable protagonist who is initially outmatched by monsters. A major event awakens their powers, allowing them to fight back. Ichigo and Sung Jinwoo both have immense potential and are cool, confident protagonists who maintain a stern demeanor as they battle monsters and villains. They both navigate streets filled with deadly creatures and have younger sisters to protect. While Solo Leveling’s dungeons differ from Bleach’s Soul Society, both show heroes venturing into fantasy realms for combat.

Top 10 Best Anime Like Solo Leveling

5. Yu Yu Hakusho

Any Bleach fan will immediately spot the strong parallels with Yu Yu Hakusho. Both shonen anime introduce a punkish, good-hearted lead who gains supernatural powers and develops connections to an afterlife realm. Yusuke Urameshi, like Ichigo, assembles a small team of heroes, often including former rivals or enemies. The dynamic between Yusuke and Kazuma Kuwabara is similar to Ichigo and Uryu Ishida, initially antagonistic before becoming allies. Even villains like Renji Abarai and Hiei eventually join the hero’s side. Both series also feature “journey to another world” sequences, like the demonic underworld and Hueco Mundo.

6. Fire Force

Fire Force is another monster hunter anime that should appeal to Bleach fans, especially for those who miss the Hollow hunting aspect. In Fire Force, fire soldiers battle Infernals with ignition abilities. Crucially, like Bleach, Fire Force evolves beyond “monster of the week” battles to a high-stakes clash against a world-threatening villainous group. Bleach has the Quincy king Yhwach, while Fire Force features the Evangelist and her White-Clad cult. In both series, the villains are launching their endgame, and it’s up to the protagonists to stop them.

7. Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man focuses on slaying monsters and features a similar protagonist to Bleach. Denji is a punk teenager whose life is transformed by suddenly gaining incredible powers. Like Ichigo, Denji fights for survival, not glory. While Chainsaw Man has its own distinct flair, like the intriguing and suspenseful conflicts involving Denji’s boss Makima, the core elements of a reluctant, powerful monster hunter will resonate deeply with Bleach fans.

8. Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul offers a monster hunter experience with strong humanistic themes, much like Bleach’s nuanced portrayal of Hollows as twisted souls with unresolved business. Tokyo Ghoul humanizes its ghouls, some of whom are truly monstrous, while others are innocent individuals simply trying to survive. Characters like Hinami Fueguchi might remind Bleach fans of Acidwire—classified as a monster but ultimately a good person. Protagonist Ken Kaneki is a half-other grappling with his powers, much like Ichigo and his inner Hollow.

9. Demon Slayer

It’s no surprise that Demon Slayer shares many similarities with Bleach, with author Koyoharu Gotouge even citing Bleach as an inspiration. The Demon Slayer Corps functions much like the Gotei 13, with sword-wielding heroes protecting humanity from monsters. The Hashira are essentially Demon Slayer’s Captains. Both series also feature sympathetic monsters who are victims of their circumstances. Bleach set the mold with Acidwire (Orihime’s brother turned Hollow), and Demon Slayer expands on this, showcasing many demons, even some Upper Moons, with their own tragic backstories and softer sides, akin to Ulquiorra and Starrk.

10. Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen is another shonen anime with confirmed Bleach DNA, along with influences from Naruto and Yu Yu Hakusho. Protagonist Yuji Itadori even referenced Zangetsu in an early episode. Like Ichigo, Yuji is a tough but kind high schooler with a talent for martial arts and monstrous half-other powers. The supporting cast also feels like a fresh take on Bleach’s characters, with Nobara Kugisaki reminiscent of Rukia Kuchiki and Satoru Gojo sharing elements with Kisuke Urahara. Both series start with heroes fighting supernatural monsters on the streets, but then dramatically escalate the stakes with powerful villains. Jujutsu Kaisen’s Shibuya Incident Arc, like Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, has elevated the ante by making shocking eliminations among its heroes, providing thrilling and horrifying moments for viewers.