Bleach: Best Bankai, Ranked By Strength

A little more than a decade ago, the anime world was dominated by three series, and Bleach was one of them. At its core, Bleach focuses on the conflict between three factions: the Soul Reapers, Hollows, and Quincy, and each group possesses distinct attributes and abilities. When it comes to powerful iconic Shonen protagonists, Ichigo Kurosaki ranks near the top, and like several other Soul Reapers, he is capable of using Bankai.

Every Soul Reaper has a katana called a Zanpakutō, and each one possesses a Shikai release. Bankai refers to a Zanpakutō’s second release, and it can usually only be achieved by Captain-level Soul Reapers. Fans have seen more than a dozen of these Bankai, and they are all extremely powerful, but some are far stronger than others.

Updated September 28, 2024, by George Voutiritsas: The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc has been a huge success thus far. It has already introduced some never-before-seen Bankai, and as the story continues, several more Bankai will make their debut. The Bankai release is the strongest weapon that a Soul Reaper can use, but only a handful of Soul Reapers can actually awaken their Zanpakutō’s Bankai. Every Bankai is different in terms of ability and appearance, and some can wipe out dozens of enemies at once. Each Bankai may be powerful, but when it comes to overall power and effectiveness, they are not all equal. Most fans know what the strongest Bankai is, but there are still a few that need to be mentioned, including some that are only present in fillers and supplementary novels. The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc has even revealed a Bankai that was never shown in the manga.

28 Ginjo’s Unnamed Bankai

A Cheap Imitation Of A Stronger Bankai

Kugo Ginjo served as the main antagonist of the Lost Substitute Shinigami Arc. He is a Fullbringer who gathered other members of his kind to form the Xcution organization. When he was younger, Soul Society took note of his immense power and made him the first Substitute Shinigami. When Ichigo fully awakens his Fullbring, Ginjo stabs him and absorbs all of his power.

This allows Ginjo to use his currently unnamed Bankai. It significantly enhances his spiritual energy to the point he can fight other Bankai, and it gives his body extra skeletal armor. He can use an enhanced Getsuga Tensho and fire energy from the tip of his blade. Ultimately, Ginjo’s Bankai is a cheap imitation of Ichigo’s Bankai. Ginjo makes a brief appearance in the manga version of the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc, but he does not use his Bankai against the Quincy. So far, Ichigo is only known person who has ever faced this Bankai in actual combat.

27 Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame

Can Restructure Anything; More Suited For Support & Defense

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Kisuke Urahara is the former Captain of Squad 12, and he possesses a Bankai, which makes use of his scientific mind. His Bankai is called Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame, and it takes the form of a large woman with dark, braided hair. Her arms look like they belong on a mannequin, and she wears a surprisingly revealing red dress.

This Bankai is capable of restructuring anything it touches. Basically, it can cut anything around it as if it were dissecting something, and it can then restructure them by stitching them back together. Healing is just one of its applications, as Urahara used it to fix his blindness. It can enhance certain other body parts, too, and can create paths through obstacles and barriers. Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame does have offensive potential. but its defensive and supportive capabilities are more helpful.

Urahara will finally use Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame in The Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3, when he battles Askin Nakk Le Vaar in Yhwach’s new palace. Askin is one of Yhwach’s Royal Guards, and his body is susceptible to Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame’s abilities. This Bankai does not outright kill Askin, but it ultimately leads to his defeat.

26 Ryumon Hozukimaru

Power Increases When Damage Is Dealt Or Received

Ikkaku has been a fan-favorite ever since he debuted during the Soul Society Arc. He loves to fight, and his Zanpakuto is perfect for melee fighting. His Shikai is a type of spear that can split into three pieces, but his Bankai is far larger, and it deals a lot more damage. Ryumon Hozukimaru takes the form of three different weapons that are all connected via a thick metal chain.

The main weapons are a monk spade and pole-like weapon, but there is also a large axe blade with a dragon crest above his head. The crest continues to turn red each time Ikkaku receives or deals damage, and when it is fully charged, he can utilize his Bankai’s true cutting power. Ryumon Hozukimaru can cut through things with minimal effort, but it takes too long to charge up.

Ikkaku has used his Bankai in a movie and in filler arcs, but when it comes to actual canon, he has only used it once. Ryumon Hozukimaru saved Ikkaku from Edrad Liones, one of Grimmjow’s Fraccion. Edrad possessed especially hard skin, but Ryumon Hozukimaru was able to slice through him.

25 Tekken Tachikaze

Produces Powerful Melee Attacks, But Has No Ranged Capabilities

When Kensei Muguruma activates his Shikai, his Zanpakuto takes the form of a combat knife that can produce air blades. His Bankai, on the other hand, looks far different. Tekken Tachikaze takes the form of two knuckle blades with curved silver edges, and he gains segmented purple wraps that cover his arms like armor.

These knuckle blades can also take the form of brass knuckles and spiked gauntlets. The destructive force of Kensei’s Shikai is amplified and focused into his fists, which allows his punches to produce explosive force. This Bankai is great for melee combat, but it is far less effective against ranged opponents, and it can be countered if the enemy can enhance their body’s durability.

Tekken Tachikaze was first used during the Fake Karakura Town Arc when Kensei battled Wonderweiss Margela, the modified Arrancar who was created to counter Captain Commander Yamamoto’s Zanpakuto. Kensei uses Tekken Tachikaze again in the second season of The Thousand-Year Blood War when he pummels Mask de Maculine during the second Quincy invasion. If it were not for Mask’s healing Schrift, Tekken Tachikaze would have defeated the Sternritter.

24 Kinshara Butodan

Creates Physical Illusions, But Is Useless If The Target Can’t Hear Its Music

Rojuro Otoribashi became a Captain again after the war with Aizen, but it wasn’t until the war with the Quincy that he revealed his Bankai. His Shikai is a golden whip that uses sound as a weapon, but his Bankai allows him to create physical illusions with music. It creates a large pair of hands, a conducting wand, and a group of colossal dancers.

The music is meant to deceive his opponents’ hearts, and as long as they are deceived, the Illusions can inflict real physical damage. The illusions are produced by the dancers, and if Rojuro wishes, he can make them stop his opponent’s breathing. This Bankai is deadly, but it is useless if Rojuro’s opponent cannot hear the music.

Officially, Kinshara Butodan has only been used once, and it dealt a significant amount of damage to Mask de Maculine. This Bankai had the power to defeat Mask, but the Sternritter countered its effects by destroying his own eardrums.

23 Soo Zabimaru

Can Reduce Enemies To Ash, But Can Be Overwhelmed

There was a great deal of emotion when Ichigo battled Renji, and what makes their fight even more interesting is the fact that neither had achieved Bankai yet. Renji achieved it shortly after his defeat, and it took the form of a long skeletal snake. This was not his Bankai’s true form, however. The true form is achieved during the Thousand Year Blood War Arc, and it is much smaller.

The iconic snake skull is now a gauntlet with a protruding blade, and snake vertebrae cover Renji’s body. When he impales someone, the Bankai produces jaws made of spiritual energy that latch onto his opponent. He can then shoot them with a blast that can turn the target to ash. The biggest issue with this Bankai is the fact that Renji needs to get very close in order to use its full power, which means that it can be overpowered by certain Kido and Elemental Bankai.

Renji first used his Bankai against Byakuya, but it was easily overpowered due to Renji’s lack of training. He later used his incomplete Bankai to destroy Yylfordt Granz, one of Grimmjow’s Fraccion. He attempted to defeat Szayelaporro and Yammy with it, but they both proved to be too strong. He perfected Soo Zabimaru while training at the Soul King’s Palace and used it to obliterate Mask de Masculine’s body.

22 Raika Goen Kaku

Unleashes Powerful Flames That Can Be Countered In Various Ways

Of all the filler characters that Bleach introduced, only one became a Gotei 13 Captain. Shusuke Amagai took command of the 3rd Division, and he wielded a Zanpakuto, which would heat up and unleash powerful fireballs and fissures of flames. His Bankai is called Raika Goen Kaku, and it takes the form of an enlarged crimson blade with a hook at the end.

Its hilt is covered by a large white shell which serves as a shield. Its special ability is quite simple, as it enhances his flames. This Bankai is basically an empowered flamethrower that can also create flaming spears from the ground. Raika Goen Kaku’s flames are intense, but there are many abilities that can counter them. They can be snuffed out by stronger flames, and ice or water-type Zanpakuto can neutralize them. Energy-based attacks can also cut through them.

Raika Goen Kaku was only used in a filler arc, when Captain Amagai attempted to kill Captain Commander Yamamoto with it. Fortunately, Ichigo saved Yamamoto and faced the Bankai himself. In the end, Raika Goen Kaku was unable to defeat anyone of significance.

21 Koko Gonryo Rikyu

Produces Lightning Strikes From The Sky

Captain Commander Yamamoto was the strongest Soul Reaper for centuries, so it makes sense that his Lieutenant would be a powerful fighter as well. Chojiro Sasakibe wielded a Zanpakuto that transformed into an ornate rapier when he activated his Shikai.

His Bankai is called Koko Gonryo Rikyu, and when it is released, his Zanpakuto fires a bolt of lightning into the sky, which then creates a dome of lightning. There are also numerous lightning pillars that extend toward the ground. Chojiro can direct the lightning bolts with his hands, or he can use them to turn his sword into a lightning spear. This Bankai was strong enough to permanently scar Captain Commander Yamamoto when he was in his prime.

Koko Gonryo Rikyu was used against Yamamoto 1,000 years later during the first Quincy invasion. Driscoll Berci of the Sternritter unleashed it, but Yamamoto claimed that it was weaker than Chojiro’s version. Chojiro attempted to use Koko Gonryo Rikyu when the Quincy declared war, but Driscoll stole it as soon as it was activated.

20 Jakuho Raikoben

Causes A Powerful Explosion, But Cannot Defeat Some Opponents

Sui-Feng’s Shikai creates a gauntlet with a stinger-shaped blade on one finger, and she can use it to kill an opponent in two hits. This ability complements her fighting style, which incorporates stealth and speed, but her Bankai is the complete opposite, which is why she hates using it.

Jakuho Raikoben is twice the size of Sui-Feng, and it is an armored missile launcher made of gold that is attached to her right arm. It is a heavy Bankai that requires Soifon to aim from far away. Once she locks onto her target, the missile tracks them down, and the resulting explosion causes large-scale destruction. The explosion can theoretically destroy the lower-ranked Espada, but it cannot kill someone like Baraggan or BG9 of the Sternritter.

Sui-Feng hit Baraggan with Jakuho Raikoben twice during the Fake Karakura Town Arc, but it could not get through the Espada’s aging ability. BG9 of the Sternritter takes a direct hit from Jakuho Raikoben during the second Quincy invasion. He survives because of his Quincy: Vollstandig, but Jakuho Raikoben damages his body heavily.

19 Kokujo Tengen Myo’o

A Massive Armored Giant, But The User Shares The Warrior’s Injuries

Captain Sajin Komamura is built like a tank, and unlike other Captains, he has used his Bankai in every single fight. His Bankai is pretty straightforward, as it summons a giant which wears a full suit of armor. The giant mimics Komamura’s actions, and it wields a massive blade.

This Bankai’s one downside is the fact that Komamura sustains any damage his giant receives. When Komamura enters his human form, he can unleash his Bankai’s strongest form, which sees the giant lose its armor. While in this form, the giant is immune to all forms of physical damage because Komamura is temporarily immortal.

Kokujo Tengen Myo’o was first used against Kenpachi Zaraki, but it was not a serious fight. This Bankai easily defeated Choe Neng Poww, the largest Fraccion that served Baraggan. It was then used against Tosen and Aizen, who both dealt major injuries to it and Komamura. Kokujo Tengen Myo’o’s final activation came during the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc, where it defeated Bambietta of the Sternritter. It had no armor at the time, and Bambietta was using her Quincy: Vollstandig.

18 Tensa Zangetsu

Its True Power Can Injure A Quincy God

As the main character, Ichigo has a number of powerful abilities at his disposal, and they all seem to enhance his Bankai. For the majority of the series, Tensa Zangestu looked like an ordinary black katana, and it gave Ichigo a black outfit. It also gave him enhanced speed, reflexes, and durability. The strength of his Getsuga Tenshou was increased as well.

Tensa Zangetsu’s true form is revealed during the final fight with Yhwach, and the blade looks very similar to Zangestu’s curved Shikai design. The true ability of this Bankai has not been seen, but it can produce a golden Getsuga Tenshou that can seriously injure the father of all Quincy. This Bankai has been used more than any other in the series.

Ichigo first used Tensa Zangetsu to defeat Byakuya Kuchiki, and went on to use it against powerful opponents like Aizen, Grimmjow, Yammy, and Ulquiorra. So far, Yhwach is the only person who has faced Tensa Zangetsu’s true form, but he only lost to it because Uryu and Aizen helped.

17 Hakka No Togame

Creates A Mist That Freezes Anyone It Touches, But Can Kill The User

Rukia is one of Bleach’s main characters, and she achieves her Bankai release during the Manga’s final arc. Unlike most Bankai, Rukia changes her physical appearance to the point that her hair turns white. She also gains a long, white kimono, and the blade of her sword becomes transparent ice.

This Bankai creates a pillar of cold mist where Rukia is standing, and it grows until it covers a wide area. Anything this mist touches freezes, and once her enemy is frozen, their entire body will crumble away within seconds. Hakka No Togame has the potential to become a very powerful Bankai, but it is currently dangerous to use because it can cause Ruikia’s body to shatter.

Rukia achieved Bankai while training at the Soul King’s Palace, which explains why she has only used it once in actual combat. This ability not only countered As Nodt’s fear, but it also caused his entire body to break apart.

16 Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo

Creates Poison And New Abilities, But Can Be Destroyed Easily

Mayuri Kurotsuchi is by no means a good person, but at least he is on Soul Society’s side. His Shikai uses poison that acts like a neurotoxin, but his Bankai is even deadlier, despite its appearance. Its original form has a worm-like body and a golden baby’s head. It breathes extremely lethal poison, it has numerous retractable blades in its chest, and it can self-destruct.

In its modified form, Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo becomes a massive purple-skinned baby that can create modified versions of itself. After gathering information on an opponent, Mayuri sends the data to his Bankai, which, in turn, creates specific abilities to counter said enemy. Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo’s body can be destroyed fairly easily, which is fine since its ability to counter other abilities is a tad overpowered.

Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo was actually the first Bankai used in Bleach, and Uryu was the first character to face it. Luckily, Uryu was able to defeat it with a single empowered Quincy arrow. Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo was later used against Szayelaporro Granz, the Eighth Espada, who was actually eaten by this Bankai. The upgraded version of Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo will be used in the third season of The Thousand-Year Blood War, and it will be a deciding factor in the battle against Pernida Parnkgjas.

15 Kazeshini Fushi No Kojyo

Creates A Cycle Of Death & Rebirth; Can Kill The User

Shuhei Hisagi may not get a lot of screen time, but he is one of the strongest Lieutenants in Bleach. Hisagi never achieved Bankai in the manga, but he did reveal it in the official Can’t Fear Your Own World novels. He used it against an artificial hybrid soul named, Hikone Ubuginu, who was created to usurp the Soul King. Hisagi is training to awaken his Bankai during the Thousand Year Blood War arc, so it may be shown in the anime.

Its name is Kazeshini Fushi no Kojyo, and it creates a massive sphere of chains above Shuhei and his desired target. Chains wrap around their necks, and they drain the spiritual energy of both individuals until one is fully drained and dies. Until then, neither will die because the chains will continuously heal both parties, thus creating a cycle of death and rebirth. This is a very deadly and effective Bankai, and If Shuhei were stronger, it could theoretically take out someone as strong as Aizen.

14 Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari

Turns Everyone Against Each Other

Shinji was the Captain of the 5th Division more than a century ago, and he was reinstated after Aizen’s defeat. During the fight in the fake Karakura Town, he revealed his Shikai – which has the ability to invert his surroundings by creating an optical illusion. His Bankai was never shown in the manga, but it was mentioned in a light novel. It has since appeared in the animated version of The Thousand-Year Blood War.

It is called Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari, and it is so dangerous that he is not allowed to use it within Soul Society. Upon activation, large flower petals form around him and then encase him for his own protection. This Bankai is perfect for fighting an enemy army because everyone caught within its area of effect will begin to kill everything without mercy. It literally forces allies to become enemies.

Shinji uses Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari to eliminate a group of Quincy Soldat in the second season of The Thousand-Year Blood War. He also used it in the Can’t Fear Your Own World novels, which take place some time after the war. In this instance, Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari was used to destroy a massive army of Hollows.

13 Nozarashi

Can Cut Through Anything, But The User Loses Control Of Their Senses

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Bleach’s anime does several things better than the manga, including the way it introduces the new Bankai. Fans have wanted to see an animated version of the final arc for years, and Kenpachi’s Bankai is a major reason why. The Bankai’s name was never fully revealed, but it causes his skin to turn red, and it makes him grow horns on his face like a demon.

While in this form, Kenpachi is a mindless berserker, and he uses a rough and jagged cleaver. He gains immense physical strength and his cutting power increases to the point that he can cleave through anything. Nozarashi’s cutting power can defeat anyone as long as they are not immortal, but it would be even stronger if Kenpachi could maintain his consciousness.

Nozarashi’s Bankai will make its anime debut in the Thousand-Year Blood War’s third season, where it will be used against Gerard Valkyrie, the sentient heart of the Soul King. Gerard only survives this demonic Bankai because his Schrift automatically brings him back to life.

12 Suzumushi Tsuishiki

Creates A Space That Nullifies Most Senses

Many fans believe that Aizen is one of the best anime villains of all time, and he managed to assemble quite an army of followers. Tosen was one of those followers, and he used his Bankai only once throughout the entire series. It was used against Kenpachi Zaraki, who found the entire situation annoying. In the end, Kenpachi used an incredible battle tactic to counter this terrifying Bankai.

It is called Suzumushi Tsuishiki, and it creates a black void that expands until it forms a massive dome-like space. This space nullifies an enemy’s ability to smell, taste, see and hear. It also takes away their ability to sense spirit energy, but it leaves them with their sense of touch. With most of their senses gone, someone trapped within this Bankai cannot defend themselves from Tōsen’s attacks. That being said, Tosen’s opponent can regain all of their senses if they manage to grab the hilt of Suzumushi’s blade. The Bankai itself will shred to pieces if Tosen sustains a serious injury.

11 Senbonzakura Kageyoshi

Creates Countless Flying Blades For Offense & Defense

Byakuya Kuchiki is one of Bleach‘s more recognizable Captains, and his Bankai produces an almost limitless amount of offensive potential. Upon activation, he summons thousands of large blades, which scatter into a countless number of smaller blades that resemble cherry blossoms. These blades are completely under Byakuya’s control, and he can surround his opponent with them. This is considered Senbonzakura Kageyoshi’s ultimate attack.

He can literally tear his enemy to shreds, and best of all, he can use these blades as a shield to protect himself from opposing attacks. The Bankai’s second form surrounds Byakuya and his opponent in a circle of constantly moving swords, and he can control each sword mentally. In its final form, Byakuya can condense every blade into a single white ethereal sword. The cutting power of this sword is greatly enhanced. Very few people are capable of matching Senbonzakura Kageyoshi’s speed and offensive potential, and its defensive capabilities are some of the highest in Bleach.

Senbonzakura Kageyoshi was first used against Renji, who was defeated with a single attack. Ichigo experienced most of Senbonzakura Kageyoshi’s techniques on Sokyoku Hill, but he was able to overcome them with his speed and Hollowfication. Byakuya then used this Bankai to take down the Seventh Espada. Tsukishima was the next person to fall to Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. Byakuya experienced the power of his Bankai when As Nodt nearly killed him with it. After regaining Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, Byakuya used it to deal serious damage to Gerard Valkyrie.

10 Minazuki

Produces Acid To Slice Through Enemies While Protecting The User

Captain Unohana may not be one of the smartest female Shonen characters, but she is a founding member of the Gotei 13, and she was once the Soul Society’s most vile criminal. Her Shikai is a giant manta ray that can heal people with its stomach acids, and her Bankai does the complete opposite.

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When its Bankai is activated, Minazuki’s blade liquefies into a thick, dark red substance that pools around her. She can still use the blade as a weapon once it solidifies, but she can use the liquid as an extension of her sword. This allows Unohana to create ranged slashes. The liquid is like acid, and it is capable of melting even the strongest opponents. Minazuki is a highly effective combat Bankai, but what sets it apart is the fact that it can also heal its user.

Minazuki was likely used during the first Quincy war 1,000 years ago, but its first documented use was during the Thousand-Year Blood War‘s first season. Unohana used it against Kenpachi Zaraki. This Bankai cut him down multiple times, but he was eventually able to overpower it.

9 Kamishini No Yari

A Piercing Bankai That Can Dissolve Enemies At A Cellular Level

Gin Ichimaru only pretended to be a villain so he could kill Aizen at the right time, and he nearly accomplished this goal with his Bankai. Kamishini no Yari’s main ability is similar to its Shikai, as it can extend at high speeds while producing a great deal of force. The speed with which it extends is greatly amplified, however, as it can extend up to 8 miles at 500 times the speed of sound – making it almost impossible to dodge. The blade itself can slice through a city in a single attack.

The sword can also transform into dust for a split second, and this allows Gin to leave a small piece of his sword inside his target’s body. Once activated, this piece releases a fast-acting poison that dissolves the target’s body at a cellular level. Kamishini No Yari’s true ability can kill anyone, but it is technically a last resort since very few people can keep up with the Bankai’s speed.

Gin used Kamishini no Yari’s main ability against Ichigo in Fake Karakura Town, but Ichigo was never in any real danger because Gin was not trying to kill him. Gin attempted to kill Aizen with Kamishini No Yari’s true ability, but he survived thanks to the Hogyoku.