Bleach: 10 Best Shinigami Captains, Ranked

Among the different races and organizations in the world of Bleach, the Gotei 13 is by far the most prominent in the story, them being the ones the story follows for most of the runtime. The Gotei 13 captains have become important figures in the manga industry, influencing many other similar groups like the Hashira in Demon Slayer.

RELATED: Best Anime Like Bleach

Some of these captains are all-time fan favorites among the Bleach fandom. They rank very high in character popularity polls and get plenty of appreciation and work around them from fans and Kubo Tite himself. A large group of iconic characters with distinct personalities, designs, and powers. These are the best captains among the current Gotei 13.

10 Komamura Sajin

The first time fans see Sajin during the Soul Society arc, he’s this hulking figure wearing a wooden helmet. Later on, when the helmet is torn off, we see his true face, that of a wolf. Sajin is part of the ostracized Werewolf clan, and as a captain of the Gotei 13, he strives for a future where his people can coexist peacefully with the other inhabitants of the Soul Society. Sajin is an honorable and loyal man, putting great trust and respect in his comrades, including, of course, Ichigo.

9 Hirako Shinji

Shinji is a special case among his peers. Unlike most of the other captains, he is a Vizard. A shinigami that possesses hollow powers, he was a victim of the hollowfication experiments conducted by his former lieutenant, Aizen Sousuke. Shinji has returned to the Gotei after living in exile in the Human World for a hundred years. And so he carries his duties as a protector of Soul Society once again. Shinji was largely responsible for training Ichigo to control his Hollow powers. But Shinji’s relevance takes a back seat during the latter portions of the story.

8 Ukitake Juushiro

After the creation of a Shinigami academy, head captain Yamamoto personally took on two students, Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Juushiro. To him, Yamamoto is sort of a father figure, and Shunsui is his closest friend. Ukitake is an incredibly kind and friendly man, caring more for his people, unlike other captains. His involvement in rescuing Rukia during her unjust execution is proof of this. Ukitake is also the one who came up with the Substitute Shinigami system. So, Ichigo would have never come into the picture if it wasn’t for him.

7 Hitsugaya Toushiro

The youngest captain in the Gotei 13, Toushiro is the promising prodigy wielder of the strongest ice zanpakutou. Toushiro is one of the most popular characters in the franchise and for a good reason. His fantastic design, cool ice powers, and presence in the story make him one of Bleach’s central characters. Always looking to do the right thing, fulfill his role dutifully, and grow as an individual, Toushiro is a pillar of the Bleach franchise. However, his immature nature can be a hindrance to his character at times.

6 Kurotsuchi Mayuri

The current captain of Squad Twelve is by far the most eccentric and strange member of the Gotei. The mad scientist of the group has a bad temper and a disdain for almost everyone else, especially his former captain, Urahara Kisuke. But Mayuri is no less than a brilliant and vital figure in the story. He led many victories with his inventions, such as the creation of the Fake Karakura Town. Without this unpleasant but genius captain, the battles against Aizen and the Quincies would have played out very differently.

5 Unohana Retsu

This is a character that took on a completely new light with the events of the Thousand-Year Blood War. Throughout the story, Unohana is this loving and kind healer who cares for everyone and seems like this warm presence in the Gotei 13. However, it is revealed that she used to be this bloodthirsty killer that lived for violence as the First Kenpachi. Unohana gained a new depth that made her even more interesting. This sinister side of hers was hinted at for years, and seeing it pay off is fantastic. But her short participation in the war left fans with much left to be desired.

4 Zaraki Kenpachi

The ferocious, bloodthirsty, and battle-hungry Zaraki is a beast among the captains of the Gotei. But even so, his involvement in the story and with Ichigo’s journey is one of the biggest among his peers.

RELATED: Most Powerful Bleach Characters Of All Time, Ranked

He and his division were one of the agents supporting Ichigo and his friends during the Soul Society arc, and Squad Ten has remained friends with the protagonist since then. Watching Zaraki is always fun and exciting; he brings this badass and fearless attitude that is always appreciated in battle shonen.

3 Kuchiki Byakuya

Yet another monumental presence in the story of Bleach. Byakuya took Rukia into his family after the passing of his wife, Hisana, who was Rukia’s older sister. And after advocating for her execution, his eyes were opened by the intruder he had to destroy, Kurosaki Ichigo.

RELATED: Bleach: Every Canon Story Arc, Ranked

Since then, Byakuya has continued to be a vital ally and friend to Ichigo and the Human World. Powerful, graceful, and steadfast, Kuchiki is the model a captain should be. But these next entries are the foundations of the organization.

2 Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni

The founder of the Gotei 13 is a man no one should mess with. A thousand years ago, he was a ruthless and terrifying warrior. And his actions during the war brought great regret to this wise master. After a long journey, he stands a changed man, more protective of his people and humans, without leaving aside his overwhelming power as a leader. The entire corps have undying respect for Yamamoto, seeing him as the wise and strong master he is without ignoring his flaws. But as a head captain, he might as well be surpassed by the one closest to him.

1 Kyoraku Shunsui

An easygoing personality hiding a ruthless darkness, Kyoraku has always seemed like this relaxed and friendly man while also showcasing a scary and immense power. However, there was always this sinister side to him. A shinigami’s true nature is reflected in their zanpakutou, and Shunsui’s rather sinister shikai, Katen Kyokotsu, is proof of that. Fans see Kyoraku’s sinister side in full effect during the Thousand-Year Blood War. Kyoraku is an interesting, complex character with a compelling personality and awesome powers. He’s a captain that showcases the best aspects of the Bleach story.

NEXT: Bleach: Every Espada, Ranked