6 Anime Better Than Bleach – Investment Policy

Years ago, Bleach became a hugely popular and important anime, considered one of the greats. It was part of the well-known “big three” and paved the way for newer series like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen. Currently, the Bleach anime remains highly regarded, even compared to its successors, especially with the success of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. However, a handful of other anime still surpass it in quality.

As a huge anime fan, I’ve seen a lot, and while Bleach is a classic, a few series have actually managed to top it! They either matched Bleach‘s epic, long-form action, or they did something truly special that Bleach didn’t, or smartly avoided some of the issues that held Bleach back. Don’t get me wrong, Bleach is great, but it wasn’t perfect, and that opened the door for a select few anime to just slightly edge it out in terms of overall quality.

6. One Piece is the King of the Big Three

One Piece’s Worldbuilding and Creative Fights Overshadow Bleach’s Own

Image via Toei Animation.

Being one of the most popular shonen anime – alongside One Piece and Naruto – automatically puts Bleach above most others. However, when comparing the “big three,” Bleach is generally considered the weakest. One Piece, on the other hand, consistently ranks as the best, and for good reason. Creator Eiichiro Oda has skillfully used the series’ extensive length – both in episodes and chapters – to build an incredibly detailed world and develop complex, compelling storylines that are unmatched in anime.

In many ways, One Piece surpasses Bleach. Its world-building, for example, is far more expansive and detailed than almost any other anime, including Bleach. The vibrant islands of the Grand Line and the long, intricate storylines are unforgettable. Even now, mysteries like the Void Century and the true identity of Imu continue to captivate audiences, with fans who first discovered the series in the 90s now sharing it with their children.

5. Naruto is the Middle Member of the Shonen Big Three

Naruto’s Heart and Jutsu Surpass Bleach’s Creative Flair

Image via Pierrot.

While often compared to Bleach and One Piece, Naruto ultimately stands out as the stronger series. Though Bleach has its strengths, Naruto excels in its powerful themes of friendship, forgiveness, and redemption. While sometimes sentimental, the story of Naruto Uzumaki and his ability to inspire change even in his enemies is truly remarkable and legendary.

Beyond that, Naruto generally has more clever and exciting fight scenes than Bleach. While Bleach has some characters with really cool powers – like Gremmy Thoumeaux and Izuru Kira – Naruto consistently delivers that level of creativity with its diverse range of jutsu. Naruto‘s fights aren’t just about strength; they rely heavily on strategy, deception, and unique techniques like transformations, illusions, and even switching bodies.

4. Vinland Saga is a Stunning Story of Grief, Revenge, and the Purpose of Life

The Best Seinen Anime Are Stronger Than Even the Longest Shonen Titles

Image via studio Wit.

While shonen anime often gets the most attention, some seinen series are just as good, and Vinland Saga is a prime example. This historical anime excels at exploring themes of self-discovery and redemption, arguably even better than Bleach. Though Vinland Saga might feel less flashy than a large-scale fantasy anime like Bleach, that simplicity is often a strength. It keeps the story and characters realistic and relatable.

Despite having a shorter run than Bleach, Vinland Saga offers a lot to think about when it comes to life’s big questions, like revenge and dealing with loss. Thorfinn’s journey feels more impactful than Ichigo’s, as he struggles with his complicated connection to Askeladd. While Askeladd is the target of Thorfinn’s anger, he’s also a surprisingly insightful person. Thorfinn needs to learn from Askeladd and confront his own inner struggles if he wants to become someone who can truly make a difference in the world.

3. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is the Ultimate Fantasy Anime

Frieren’s Theme of Embracing Life Resonated With Fans

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End beautifully demonstrates that strong emotions and simple, everyday happiness can be just as compelling as the action-packed adventures found in popular anime like Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach. While it doesn’t have flashy powers or epic worlds, it’s arguably a more impactful series. Frieren focuses on heartfelt moments and realistic characters grappling with life’s meaning, making it potentially more appealing to viewers who enjoy thought-provoking anime like Vinland Saga than to fans of the ‘big three’ action series.

The story revolves around Frieren, a powerful elf wizard, but what truly makes the series special isn’t her magic. It’s her grappling with her own immortality after witnessing the death of the hero, Himmel. She finally begins to cherish the time she spends with others and appreciate the fleeting lives of humans. Combined with a relaxed, open-ended adventure in a fantasy world reminiscent of Dungeons & Dragons, Frieren becomes a thoughtful exploration of life’s purpose and the value of the journey itself.

2. Attack on Titan Was an Instant Classic With its Brutal Combat and Grim Characters

Attack on Titan’s Plot Twists Are Superior to Anything in the Big Three

Image via studio Wit.

In 2013, Attack on Titan burst onto the scene as a daring and violent anime. Unlike many shows of its kind that focus on defeating ultimate villains, Attack on Titan centered on the desperate fight for humanity’s survival. It stood out with frequent character deaths and overwhelming odds, making each victory feel truly earned. As the series continued, it also became known for its complex and intricate storyline.

The first season of Attack on Titan featured some great surprises, like Eren’s Titan form and Annie’s shocking actions, but the story only got more complex. Later twists, such as the reveal of the Marley Empire and the history of Ymir, made the plot far more suspenseful and captivating than Bleach‘s. Unlike Bleach, Attack on Titan keeps a strong pace and momentum, even with its complicated storylines and many twists.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Perfectly Blends Action, Conspiracy, and Drama

This Anime’s Plot Twists Are Some of the Finest in All of Shonen

Image via studio Bones.

Even with newer shows like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End gaining popularity, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is still considered by many to be one of the greatest anime ever made. A major reason for this is its incredible story, which is often praised as being better than those found in the most popular anime series, offering a complex and expansive narrative filled with conspiracy, revenge, human struggles, and betrayal.

Compared to Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a more streamlined and impactful anime. Its 64 episodes deliver a well-paced story that doesn’t feel overly long. The plot twists are more intelligent, and the action is more creative, relying on the principles of alchemy and science rather than simple power increases. While the conflict in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood definitely escalates, it does so in a way that feels earned and avoids the typical shonen trope of characters just becoming arbitrarily more powerful.

2026-01-16 00:07