As the Winter 2025 anime season progresses, we’ve had ample time to reflect on the conclusion of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 – The Conflict. The third installment of this arc consistently impressed with each episode, introducing exciting new elements, thrilling battles, and the stunning visual quality that has become synonymous with the revival of Tite Kubo’s beloved manga.
The direction, pacing, battles, and overall experience of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 were exceptional, raising the question of whether this is the finest installment of the final arc of BLEACH so far. Let’s explore what made Part 3 so remarkable.
| Highest-Rated Episodes of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War on IMDB | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode Title | Rating (/10) | Year | Which Part? |
| “Don’t Chase a Shadow” | 9.7 | 2024 | 3 |
| “The Fire” | 9.6 | 2022 | 1 |
| “BLACK” | 9.5 | 2023 | 2 |
| “Baby, Hold Your Hand 2 (Never Ending My Dream)” | 9.5 | 2024 | 3 |
| “Shadows Gone” | 9.5 | 2024 | 3 |
| “friEND” | 9.5 | 2024 | 3 |
| “The Blade is Me” | 9.4 | 2022 | 1 |
| “Too Early To Win, Too Late To Know” | 9.4 | 2023 | 2 |
| “The Master” | 9.4 | 2023 | 2 |
| “Against The Judgment” | 9.4 | 2024 | 3 |
The Various Major Revelations of Part 3
Origins of The BLEACH Universe, The Soul King’s Name, Character Relationships
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the final arc of BLEACH is its exploration of the relationships among characters that have been part of the story for a long time. It highlights the connections that unite not only the Shinigami but also the Quincies. The arc reveals important truths about the series’ lore against the dramatic backdrop of Yhwach’s devastating war, allowing us to appreciate the complexities of the relationships between the Captains and Lieutenants in the Seireitei, while also gaining deeper insights into the characters themselves.
In the third part, Ukitake emerges as a key figure, unveiling that he was the host for a deity known as Mimihagi, the Right Arm of the Soul King. By sacrificing himself, Ukitake managed to postpone the collapse of the worlds’ boundaries, enabling Mimihagi to reconnect with the Soul King, who had been divided by Ichigo due to Yhwach’s manipulation.
The third course unveiled the origins of the BLEACH universe and exposed the Shinigami’s grave transgression: the killing and dismemberment of the Soul King. This act was committed to use him as a crucial element in maintaining the separation of realms he established, thereby initiating the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation that is central to the series. Yhwach succeeds in annihilating the Soul King, whose true name is revealed to be Adnyeus, and he transforms the Soul King’s palace into his own vision, creating the Quincy castle city of Welt. This city becomes the battleground for fierce confrontations between his Schutzstaffel and the remaining Shinigami forces. Each battle was masterfully executed, offering deep explorations of various themes and providing powerful conclusions to character arcs.
Atmosphere and Character Relationships and Thematic Battles Bolstered By Soundtrack and Direction
Part 3’s Exploration of Character Relationships Was The Best So Far
Just like the earlier sections, Part 3 features remixed tracks from the classic series, including “Here To Stay,” which accompanied Nemu’s poignant death in her battle against Pernida Parnkgjas. In this installment, we delve into Kyōraku’s connection with Nanao, who turns out to be his niece, explore Uryū’s reasons for joining the Sternritter, and uncover Bazz-B’s childhood bond with Jugram Haschwalth, along with his resentment towards Yhwach, among other significant discoveries.
Kyōraku’s significant burden turned out to be the Shinken Hakkyōken, a revered ceremonial sword that had been passed down through the matrilineal Ise Clan. His sister-in-law had entrusted him with its concealment, fearing it was the source of a family curse that claimed the lives of any man who married into the clan. Meanwhile, Nanao, a character who had never faced an enemy throughout the series, found herself in a fierce battle against a divine adversary who had previously defeated Kyōraku and his theatrical Bankai, ultimately overcoming Lille Barro through a surprising twist of fate.
In total, five episodes from Part 3 are in the top 10 highest rated episodes of the arc so far.
The episode featuring Kyoraku’s Bankai, titled “To Chase a Shadow,” has achieved the highest rating in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc on IMDB, boasting an impressive score of 9.7/10. Close contenders include “Baby Hold Your Hand 2,” “Shadows Gone,” and “friEND,” all rated at 9.5. Remarkably, five episodes from Part 3 have made it into the top 10 highest-rated episodes of the arc so far. Additionally, Kurotsuchi delivered one of the most poignant moments in the third part during his confrontation with Pernida, revealing the backstory of Nemu, the seventh version of the Nemuri Project aimed at creating a fully artificial soul—Kurotsuchi’s ultimate creation, which he referred to as “a dream he is experiencing while awake.”
It was thought that Uryū Ishida had betrayed his friends, but he actually joined the Sternritter to get nearer to Yhwach and avenge his mother, who died after Yhwach’s Auswählen nine years ago, the same day Ichigo’s mother passed away. This arc highlights the parallels between Uryū and Ichigo, and a meaningful exchange between them at school explores the tensions in Uryū’s relationship with his father.
The Anime-Only Fights Were All Very Exciting
Uryū’s Quincy: Vollständig is Revealed and Put to the Test in Multiple Incredible Battles
In Part 3, we witness a remarkable number of battles that didn’t make it into the original manga. One of the highlights is Uryū’s epic confrontation with Ichigo at the Soul King’s Palace, which is a stunning display of animation and fight choreography, featuring one of the most intense battle conclusions in the series. Uryū’s fight against Renji, which follows Yhwach’s creation of Welt, is another thrilling moment. Although Uryū’s Quincy: Vollständig was never unveiled in the BLEACH manga, Part 3 finally showcases it during these standout battles, making them memorable parts of the third cours and the overall arc.
The battles in BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 were nothing short of extraordinary. From the ongoing duel between Yhwach and Ichibē Hyōsube to Shutara Senjumaru’s confrontation with the Schutzstaffel, and the unique anime battles like Kyōraku versus Lille Barro and Kurotsuchi against Pernida, every encounter was packed with excitement, grandeur, and exquisite animation (even if Pernida had a bit of an odd look). The way each new twist was revealed added depth to the source material. This adaptation was outstanding and a significant milestone in the saga of one of anime’s greatest resurgences.