Bleach filler arcs are a notable aspect of the anime, adding exciting stories and introducing new characters, but like many long-running shows, they include episodes that don’t follow the main story. These fillers were made to give the manga time to continue, and while some are fun side stories, others don’t feel connected to the main plot.
Some filler arcs, like the Zanpakuto Unknown Tales Arc and The Gotei 13 Invasion Arc, are interesting and explore characters in creative ways, so they are worth watching. However, many fillers, like the New Captain Arc or the funny standalone episodes, don’t add to the main story and can be skipped. Here is a list of filler arcs and episodes from Bleach, along with recommendations on which ones you can skip and which are worth watching.
1. Miracle! The Mysterious New Hero
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| Miracle! The Mysterious New Hero | 33 | Skip |
This episode brings in a new character, a mysterious hero who helps Ichigo and his friends for a short time. The story is separate from the main plot, and we never learn more about the hero’s identity or background. The episode has a light and fun tone but doesn’t add anything important to the main story.
This is a standalone episode that doesn’t affect the main story of Bleach, so you can skip it without missing anything important. It doesn’t add anything to Ichigo’s journey or develop the characters, so it’s not necessary to watch if you’re focused on the main plot.
2. The Reviving Lion
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| The Reviving Lion | 50 | Skip |
In this filler episode, Ichigo and his friends meet a lion spirit connected to the Soul Society. The episode is full of funny moments and has a simple story that stands on its own. It doesn’t add anything to the main story of Bleach and is mostly focused on comedy.
The episode shows some character interactions and a small spiritual creature, but it doesn’t affect the main story. There’s no important information or character development, so it can be skipped if you’re only following the main arcs.
3. The Bount Arc
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| The Bount Arc | 64-108 | Watch |
The Bount Arc is a major filler arc in Bleach that introduces the Bounts, humans with spiritual powers. They try to gain immortality by taking souls, which leads to battles with Ichigo and his friends. Even though it’s not in the manga, the Bounts have detailed personalities, and the arc includes some interesting side stories.
This filler arc gives more screen time to Bleach characters, showing their relationships and personal challenges. It doesn’t affect the main story, but many fans find it enjoyable because of the character-focused subplots. It’s worth watching if you want to explore side stories and take a break from the main plot.
4. Stolen Hogyoku Arc
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| Stolen Hogyoku Arc | 128-137 | Skip |
This arc is about the theft of the Hogyoku, a powerful artifact, and introduces new filler villains. The story feels separate from the main events of the series since the villains and the conflict don’t have any lasting impact on the main plot.
The Hogyoku is important in the main story of Bleach, but this arc doesn’t add anything meaningful to it. There’s no real character development, and the stakes are much lower than in other parts of the series. It’s easy to skip this arc if you want to stick to the main plot.
5. Menos Forest Arc
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| Menos Forest Arc | 147-149 | Watch |
This filler arc focuses on Rukia as she fights the Menos, a group of strong Hollow creatures. It gives more backstory and development for Rukia, showing a side of her that isn’t covered in the main story. The arc adds depth to her character and helps fans understand her better in the world of Bleach.
Even though this is a filler arc, it expands on Rukia’s character and her reasons for fighting. Since Rukia is a popular and important character, this arc is worth watching if you’re interested in her backstory and challenges. It’s a short and focused arc that gives a good look at her character without moving too far from the main story.
6. The New Captain Arc
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| The New Captain Arc | 168-189 | Skip |
This filler arc introduces a new captain, Shūsuke Amagai, to the Soul Society, along with new characters and enemies. Although it tries to create an interesting story about Amagai’s leadership, it doesn’t connect to the main plot of the series.
The arc has some action and new character interactions, but it doesn’t add much to the main story or the growth of important characters. Since the new characters don’t show up again and the arc has no lasting impact, it can be skipped if you’re following the main story.
7. Rurichiyo and Kenryu’s Feud
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| Rurichiyo and Kenryu’s Feud | 204-205 | Skip |
These episodes are about a short feud between Rurichiyo, a princess, and her bodyguard, Kenryu. The story is based on a misunderstanding between them that causes a small conflict. While it tries to show some character growth for Rurichiyo, it doesn’t add much to the main story.
The story has no connection to the main plot, and the new characters aren’t important to the overall Bleach narrative. This filler doesn’t add to the main themes of the series, so it can be skipped if you’re focused on the central story.
8. The Karakura-Raizer Omake Arc
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| The Karakura-Raizer Omake Arc | 213 & 214 | Skip |
These two episodes are funny fillers made to promote merchandise and add some light-hearted fun. The story shows Ichigo and his friends in funny situations but isn’t connected to the main plot.
While they’re enjoyable for fans who like seeing the characters in a less serious way, they don’t add anything to the main story. You can skip these episodes without missing anything important.
9. Summer! Sea! Swimsuit Festival!
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| Summer! Sea! Swimsuit Festival! | 228 | Skip |
This filler episode is about a summer beach festival where the characters join in fun activities like wearing swimsuits. It’s entertaining but has nothing to do with the main story of Bleach and doesn’t add any character growth or new details.
The comedy and fanservice are just for fun, so it’s completely optional to watch. You can skip it if you’re more interested in the serious and important parts of the series.
10. Ikkaku And Yumichika’s Adventures
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| Ikkaku And Yumichika’s Adventures | 229 | Skip |
This filler episode features Ikkaku and Yumichika on a short adventure full of humor and fun moments. While it’s enjoyable, it doesn’t add anything to the main story or character development.
As a one-time filler, it’s not important for understanding the plot or characters. It’s a fun break from the main story but can be skipped if you want to focus on the more important events in Bleach.
11. Zanpakutō Unknown Tales/Rebellion Arc
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| Zanpakuto Unknown Tales/ Rebellion Arc | 230-265 | Watch |
This popular filler arc looks at the Zanpakutō spirits, which are alive, as they rebel against their Soul Reaper masters. It gives a lot of character development for the Soul Reapers, showing their bond with their Zanpakutō and revealing new sides to familiar characters.
Even though it’s not in the manga, this arc has one of the most interesting filler stories. It explores the personalities and conflicts of the Soul Reapers and their weapons. If you like learning more about the Bleach world, this arc is a must-watch as it adds a lot to the story and character depth.
12. A Recap Of Hueco Mundo Events
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| A Recap Of Hueco Mundo Events | 266 | Skip |
This episode is a filler recap of the events in Hueco Mundo, going over what has already happened in previous episodes. It doesn’t add anything new and just repeats important moments from earlier in the series.
Since Hueco Mundo is already a key part of the main story, this filler isn’t needed and doesn’t offer anything extra. It’s best to skip if you’re following the main plot and don’t need a recap.
13. Side Story! Ichigo and the Magic Lamp
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| Side Story! Ichigo and the Magic Lamp | 287 | Skip |
This is another fun filler episode where Ichigo finds a magical lamp and goes on a short, funny adventure. The episode is entertaining but doesn’t connect to the main plot, and it doesn’t really affect character development.
As a one-time filler, it doesn’t have any lasting importance to the story. If you’re watching Bleach for the main plot and character growth, it’s best to skip this episode.
14. Shinigami Film Festival
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| Shinigami Film Festival | 298-299 | Skip |
These episodes are a promotional filler for the Bleach: Hell Chapter movie, set at a film festival where the characters take part in different activities. It’s not important to the main plot, but it’s a fun, light episode that shows the characters in a more relaxed, festive setting.
While these episodes aren’t needed for the main story, fans of the series may enjoy them for the humor and the fun way they portray the characters. They’re not necessary to understand the bigger plot, but they add some extra entertainment.
15. One-off Filler Episodes
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| One-off Filler Episodes | 303-305 311-316 | Skip |
These episodes feature various one-off filler stories that are lighthearted and often comedic, but they don’t contribute to the ongoing plot or character development. They are short, stand-alone stories that don’t connect to the main Bleach narrative and don’t provide any deeper insights into the characters or plot.
Since these fillers don’t add meaningful value to the overarching storyline, they can be easily skipped by anyone focused on the main events and character growth without missing anything important.
16. The Gotei 13 Invasion Arc
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| The Gotei 13 Invasion Arc | 317-342 | Watch |
The Gotei 13 Invasion Arc is a filler story in Bleach where new characters are introduced, and the Soul Society is attacked by a group of unknown enemies. The arc includes some exciting battles and shows more of the captains and their roles in the Soul Society.
Despite its action-packed battles, the Gotei 13 Invasion Arc doesn’t have a major impact on the main storyline or the development of key characters. However, for fans who enjoy exploring more about the Soul Society and its captains, it can be an entertaining side story. While it isn’t essential to the main plot, it can still be watched for those who want extra content and character interactions.
17. Shinigami at War
| Arc or Episode Name | Episodes | Watch or Skip |
| Shinigami at War | 355 | Skip |
The Shinigami at War filler arc in Bleach is a short and fun story where a group of Soul Reapers take part in a mock battle to test their fighting skills and teamwork. It’s a break from the main plot, with different characters joining in the “war” for some funny and action-packed moments.
The Shinigami at War arc doesn’t add anything to the main story or character growth. It’s mostly just a funny and entertaining filler with no important plot developments. If you’re focusing on the main events of Bleach, you can skip this filler without missing anything important.