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Every Bleach Ichigo Fight RANKED

Every Bleach Ichigo Fight RANKED
VOICE OVER: Ashley Bowman WRITTEN BY: Garrett Alden
These are the Shinigami Strawberry's greatest showdowns! Join Ashley as we look over Ichigo Kurosaki's best battles across the Bleach franchise, including the likes of "Ichigo vs Ulquiorra," "Ichigo vs Kenpachi", "Ichigo vs Grimmjow", and more!

Script written by Garrett Alden

Every Ichigo Fight Ranked (Bleach)

Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 30 best Ichigo fights, as part of every “Bleach” battle ranked.

For this list, we’ll be listing the major, and a few minor, fights of Ichigo Kurosaki, the protagonist of “Bleach.” To be clear, these will be from the original series only and we won’t be including any fights from filler. We might need to make some additions after “Thousand-Year Blood War,” though.

If there’s an Ichigo fight you think “feels like number 1,” “be the center of attraction” down in the comments!

#30: Ichigo vs. Acidwire


An early fight for the substitute Shinigami, Ichigo is pitted against his friend Orihime’s brother, Sora. Now a Hollow, Sora attacks first Ichigo and then his own sister. Sora eventually takes his own “afterlife,” to protect Orihime from himself. While the fight’s nothing special, it does give more insight into both Orihime and Ichigo as characters, as well as the nature of Hollows.

#29: Ichigo vs. Mr. Pork


Sure, the Fullbring arc kind of feels like filler, but it’s canon, and so is Ichigo’s battle against a stuffed animal. To further train his Fullbring, Ichigo is shrunk down into a dollhouse and pitted against an animate stuffed pig named Mr. Pork. For how ridiculous it is, it’s still surprisingly action-packed and features Ichigo developing a new power.

#28: Ichigo vs. Nnoitra


After Ichigo has triumphed over the iconic 6th Espada, he’s immediately attacked by the next in line. In addition to defeating Ichigo, Nnoitra is eager to take revenge when he discovers his companion Nel, the little Arrancar girl, whom he reveals was once his fellow Espada. Ichigo’s determination to protect her, despite his exhaustion and inability to win, is admirable. Nel does most of the heavy lifting by protecting Ichigo, though.

#27: Ichigo & Rukia vs. Fishbone D


This is where it all began! Shortly after meeting Rukia, Ichigo’s family is attacked by a large Hollow. Ichigo can’t do much against him and Rukia is heavily injured. However, thanks to her transference of her Shinigami powers to Ichigo, the orange-haired teen makes short work of the bestial spirit. The fight itself is simple, but it helped kick off the series.

#26: Ichigo vs. Jidanbo


When Ichigo and his friends attempt to infiltrate Soul Society, they’re stopped by Jidanbō, a huge gatekeeper. The enormous Shinigami brings down his equally large axes on Ichigo, but he manages to withstand every blow before shattering Jidanbō’s weapons. Ichigo may make quick work of him, but Jidanbō’s simple, honorable demeanor and interesting design make it a fun fight.

#25: Ichigo & Uryu vs. Menos Grande


When his Quincy classmate lures Hollows to their town to prove his superiority to Ichigo, it attracts one of the strongest kinds – a Menos Grande. Ichigo and Uryu have to put aside their differences and work together to drive off the skyscraper sized Hollow. There are some fun comedy moments sprinkled in, but Ichigo’s final, huge slash is what decides and makes the fight.

#24: Ichigo & Kugo vs. Xcution & Tsukishima


Faced with the Fullbringer Tsukishima and his reality distorting ability, Ichigo and Kugo track him to a mansion. However, once there, they’re unfortunately faced with Ichigo’s friends and the rest of Kugo’s group, Xcution, with Tsukishima having inserted himself into their memories and turning them into his potential pawns. It’s a fight fraught with emotions and unexpected betrayals.

#23: Ichigo vs. Zangetsu


To first achieve his Bankai, Ichigo first must battle the spirit of his own Zanpakuto, Zangetsu. Over the course of several days, Ichigo continually fights the shades-sporting manifestation of his sword. It’s an important step in Ichigo’s development, and sees him come to rely on his own power, as well as that of his blade.

#22: Ichigo vs. Yammy


After Chad and Orihime are attacked by two of the Espada, Yammy and Ulquiorra, Ichigo arrives in time to save them. In restitution for Chad’s arm, Ichigo slices off Yammy’s. Unfortunately, Ichigo’s inner Hollow surfaces, distracting him and giving Yammy the advantage. The fight showcases how far Ichigo has come, but also how far he has to go, especially with another hand on the wheel.

#21: Ichigo vs. Urahara


After losing his Shinigami powers, the first time, Ichigo regains them with Urahara’s help. However, to awaken his Zanpakuto, Ichigo must face real danger as Urahara attacks him. While most of the fight is Ichigo trying not to die, a vision of Zangetsu allows him to unleash its true form. Not only that, his use of Getsuga Tensho for the first time left us, and Urahara, shook!

#20: Ichigo vs. Hiyori & Shinji


Eager to control his Hollow powers, Ichigo turns to the Vizards. When Shinji proves uncooperative, after Ichigo refuses to join them, he decides to get the answers by force. He and Shinji spar briefly, before Hiyori inserts herself forcefully into the fight, donning her Hollow mask and pushing Ichigo to the brink. She soon regrets it, as Hollow Ichigo takes over and nearly crushes her.

#19: Ichigo vs. Dordoni


A former member of the Espada, Dordoni is an eccentric Arrancar Ichigo encounters upon entering the fortress of Las Noches. His cyclone abilities prove pretty troublesome for Ichigo, but then Ichigo wants to save his strength for stronger foes. Dordoni shows him how naïve that mentality is, and Ichigo takes his advice and goes all out, defeating him in a single slash after letting the Hollow out the bad.

#18: Ichigo vs. Grimmjow, Round 1


Ichigo’s first encounter with the battle-hungry Espada, Grimmjow, is quite the spectacle. After the Sixth Espada impales Rukia, Ichigo battles furiously. However, despite going Bankai, Ichigo barely manages to scratch him with regular attacks. His Getsuga Tensho makes a mark, but just as Grimmjow is about to get serious, their fight is interrupted. It’s a promising start to their rivalry though.

#17: Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra, Round 1


From rageful panther to the epitome of emptiness, Ulquiorra was the other Arrancar who earned a place as Ichigo’s nemesis. After learning of his involvement in Orihime’s kidnapping, Ichigo lashes out in full force. However, despite hitting Ulquiorra with his strongest attack in his most powerful form, Ichigo doesn’t even leave a scratch. But the despair really sets in when he learns that Ulquiorra is only the 4th Espada! The hole in the chest probably didn’t help either…

#16: Ichigo & Renji vs. Aizen


After Aizen’s machinations are revealed to Soul Society, the former Shinigami captain attacks Rukia and Renji. Thankfully Ichigo drops in to even the odds. However, when the duo orchestrates a counterattack, Aizen stops not only Ichigo’s attack, but also his theme music, with just a finger! All it takes is a touch to cut the Substitute Shinigami to bloody ribbons. Now this is how you establish a villain’s credentials!

#15: Ichigo vs. Shinigami Lieutenants


Ichigo’s whole purpose in infiltrating Soul Society is to save Rukia from execution. He accomplishes this with grand and flashy style. After tossing her unceremoniously to Renji, he tells them both to get out of dodge. When the two of them are pursued by three Shinigami Lieutenants, Ichigo intervenes and stands in their way, taking them on barehanded. In rapid succession, he smashes through their Zanpakutos and knocks them all out! Now that’s how you flex like a shonen protagonist.

#14: Ichigo vs. Hollow Ichigo


Ichigo’s training with the Vizards eventually goes forward, and it culminates in him facing his Hollow version in his own inner world. Ichigo’s conflict with his alabaster doppelganger not only has great choreography, but it also features some callbacks to Ichigo’s previous foes, as well as some philosophizing on Hollow Ichigo’s part. In the end, Ichigo develops his killer instincts and shows his double which of them truly deserves to be “the king.” Despite ultimately being a training fight, it really fires on all cylinders.

#13: Ichigo vs. Renji & Byakuya


Rukia’s life in the human world is upended when she’s snatched up by childhood friend Renji, and her brother-in-law, Byakuya. Naturally, Ichigo comes to save her. The substitute Shinigami first fights Renji, initially taking advantage of Renji’s overconfidence. However, Renji strikes back by releasing his Shikai, with Byakuya stepping in to land the would be killing blow with blinding speed. The fight has some important firsts, like the reveal of Shikai, and also hammers home the power of Soul Society.

#12: Ichigo vs. Kugo


The former Substitute Shinigami Kugo Ginjo is a piece of work - he manipulated Ichigo, stole his powers, and was generally a disrespectful bastard. So when Ichigo got his Shinigami powers returned to him, a final showdown between the two was inevitable. Even with Ichigo’s borrowed essence in his arsenal as well as his mind games, the predecessor proved no match for the newer model, with Ichigo ultimately striking Kugo down, proving himself the superior Substitute Shinigami. As the final fight of the original anime, the animation is exceptional, even if the emotional impact is on the weaker side.

#11: Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra, Round 2


Never fear Ulquiorra stans - we’re splitting this fight in two. Their rematch sees them fight with Ichigo attempting to rescue Orihime from Ulquiorra directly. Although Ichigo has come a long way in a short time, Ulquiorra still handles him, particularly after using his
Resurrección. Annoyed at Ichigo’s persistence, Ulquiorra shows him true despair – a second, even more powerful form! While Ichigo wasn’t in a great spot before this, Ulquiorra’s new form utterly ragdolls him, before finally blowing a hole in his chest! The sheer overwhelming despair and power here, as well as the fact that Ulquiorra straight up kills Ichigo makes this an incredible match – and the latter is why we split up the fight. Killing your opponent is generally considered a victory. Generally.

#10: Ichigo vs. Grand Fisher


While visiting his mother’s grave with his family, Ichigo is confronted by Grand Fisher, the Hollow that killed her. Grand Fisher is immediately hateable, and his amorphous fur and human-shaped lure prove particularly difficult for Ichigo to overcome. The latter ability imitating Ichigo’s mother is a real gut punch. Still, even if Ichigo doesn’t manage to kill Grand Fisher, he wins the day, and grievously wounds the Hollow. Although it’s not the flashiest or most intense fight in the series, it’s easily one of the most emotional.

#9: Ichigo vs. Gin


Although these two have clashed briefly before, this is their first full-on battle. While Aizen demolishes the others, his enigmatic right-hand man Gin decides to “play” with Ichigo. Gin’s Zanpakuto’s special ability allows him to extend and contract his sword blade to incredible lengths and at amazing speeds. This gives their battle a great balance of long and short range. Ultimately, Gin appears ready to let Ichigo depart, after seeing that he doesn’t believe he can fight Aizen. Full of interesting action and Gin’s cryptic hints about his true intentions and his tests of Ichigo’s resolve, this is one fascinating bout.

#8: Ichigo vs. Grimmjow, Round 2


Ichigo’s second match with Grimmjow starts off with a bang, as Ichigo shows his rival the results of his training. Donning his Hollow mask, Ichigo proceeds to wipe the asphalt with the Espada…for 11 seconds, at least. Unfortunately, the tables turn after his mask shatters, with Grimmjow giving Ichigo another beating and snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Their fight is interrupted once again, first by Rukia saving Ichigo, and then by Shinji taking over. But while it lasts, it’s pretty hype! Seeing Ichigo own an opponent that previously gave him so much trouble is really satisfying, even if it’s all too brief.

#7: Ichigo vs. Ikkaku


Ikkaku is a hotblooded Shinigami fighter who enjoys a good battle. And his match with Ichigo is definitely a great one, albeit often overlooked. The Shinigami with the shaven head uses a three-section spear to great effect in the narrow street they fight in. However, despite several injuries, Ichigo manages to overpower Ikkaku and deliver some devastating blows of his own that let him emerge victorious. As the series goes on, the fights become increasingly bigger and bombastic, but that only makes this close-quarters battle stand out more as one of Ichigo’s best.

#6: Ichigo vs. Renji, Round 2


Despite bringing Rukia to her execution, Renji wants to save her too. He just doesn’t think it’s possible and he blames Ichigo for taking Rukia’s predicament. This lends Renji a sense of desperation as he tries to defeat Ichigo. His long-range whip blade is tough for Ichigo to defend against. Even working around the limitations of Renji’s Zanpakuto isn’t enough. It’s only when Ichigo is willing to go for the kill, figuratively speaking, that he manages to overpower Renji. Fraught with emotion and some tense action, this battle saw two of Bleach’s best take that next step to becoming stronger.

#5: Ichigo vs. Kenpachi


Kenpachi Zaraki is an absolute monster of a Shinigami! This captain loves violence, whether it's hacking enemies down or getting sliced up himself. His presence alone is terrifying, proving himself to be a literal mountain for Ichigo to overcome. After connecting with his Zanpakutō, Ichigo comes back swinging with renewed strength, leading to a knockdown brawl with big swings and even bigger auras. No fancy gimmicks her, just two giants going all out with their blades.

#4: Ichigo vs. Grimmjow, Final Round


Third time’s the charm! Grimmjow is so eager for a rematch that he has Orihime heal the injured Ichigo so they can both fight at full strength! They appear fairly evenly matched at first, with Ichigo having caught up to Grimmjow’s level, leading to the two of them to pull out all their stops with their Hollowfication and Ressureccion respectively. Alas, the blue-haired cat-man’s claws are no match for Ichigo’s sword in the end. This battle has some of the most fast-paced and well-choreographed action in the entire series, perfectly capping the two’s extended rivalry.

#3: Ichigo vs. Aizen, Final Round


This is it! The final battle against the granddaddy of all Bleach villains. After some intense training, Ichigo arrives to save his friends from Aizen, his new and improved OP-state allowing him to knock around the thought invulnerable butterfly god. After the almighty mullet transforms yet again in one last bid to brush the strawberry, Ichigo concludes the battle with a badass new look of his own, and the infamous insta-kill that is the “final” Getsuga Tensho. A few nitpicks aside, Ichigo’s last battle with Aizen was a worthy conclusion and a fantastic fight.

#2: Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra, Final Round


Dying is something you can just walk off if you’re a protagonist. Or in Ichigo’s case, he gets himself a sweet new Hollow form! After Ulquiorra puts a hole in his chest, Ichigo resurrects as a mindless, yet incredibly powerful Hollow! His utter savagery in dealing with Ulquiorra is incredibly entertaining, from ripping off his arm, to blanketing him with widespread Ceros. Ichigo’s lack of control may endanger his friends too, but the sheer barbarity on display, as well as Ulquiorra’s almost melancholy end, help make this one of Ichigo’s most incredible battles.

#1: Ichigo vs. Byakuya, Final Round


The whole Soul Society arc plays like Ichigo and his friends rebelling against an unwavering, inflexible authority, and Byakuya is the embodiment of that, which makes him the perfect foil for Ichigo. The cliff-top duel with the Shinigami captain is iconic, to not only the arc, but the story as a whole. It features plenty of firsts, from Ichigo unleashing his Bankai, to his initial Hollow transformation. And it all culminates in a clash of light and dark that leaves a permanent mark on not only their battlefield, but on the show and fandom. It’s Bleach at its peak.
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