Worst shinigami in Bleach, ranked

It cannot be denied that the Shinigami with Bleach they are in a class of their own and possess an incredible level of power that allows them to fight massive threats and save the living world and soul society by any means necessary. Shinigami in this series can find many ways to destroy their enemies, from powerful banks that give them the strength they need to fight tough enemies, to Kido spells that compensate for their lack of physical strength and even the odds.

However, there are times when some Shinigami fail to make a lasting impression despite appearing so impressive. Some of these weaker characters barely get a chance to show off their skills and fall by the wayside, while others get enough time to improve their skills but fall short anyway. This is unfortunate and points to the power scaling and character bloat problem that plagued Tite Kubo in Bleach many times.

5 Renji Abarai

Gains a one-time victory during the Thousand Year Bloody War after losing time and time again

• Debut: Cohn's Grand Plan (Episode 15)

In truth, Renji is strong enough to give most opponents a run for their money, especially after he reformed his Shikai under the close tutelage of Division Zero. However, what defines Randy as a weak character is that he has always choked in important fights, almost holding his own, only to be humiliated and eliminated to make his opponent look stronger. The fact that he only won one significant fight all the time Bleach is a testament to that.

His win against Mask de Masculine is the only one fans remember, so it feels like a consolation prize of sorts. In reality, Renji has lost so many high profile people that it's hard to imagine the Gotei 13 relying on him when the situation calls for it. In an objective ranking, this shinigami would rank higher than most of his compatriots, but for a character who gets an incredible amount of screen time, the lack of personality and strength he displays over and over again makes Renji one of the most unpleasant characters to see on screen.

4 Sui-Feng

Fails to live up to its potential throughout the series

• Debut: Get together! Gotei 13 (Episode 24)

​​​​​​​Although she came across as a brat who can't get over herself in the early stages of Soul Society, Sui-Feng eventually established herself as an endearing character that Yoruichi loved before being blindsided by her apparent betrayal. In an arc full of amazing highlights, Sui-Feng and her former teacher put on a clinic, lifting both characters in an arc full of these highlights. So it's really sad to see this character's potential fall off a cliff after this battle.

Her wins are empty and come against little opposition, while the rest of the shinigami in Soul Society prove themselves against tougher opposition and secure W at all costs. Although her explosive Bankai is unique in a series full of eccentric abilities, Sui-Feng fails to live up to her character's promise and ends up being just another tiresome fighter in the background while as the other main and supporting characters steal the spotlight with their timed abilities and once again. It's completely criminal that she was somehow deemed worthy enough to lead the Gotei 13's 2nd Division.

3 Isan Katetsu

• Debut: Overcome your limits! (Episode 45)

One of the most memorable shinigami in Soul Society, Isane takes no time to impress. She is scornfully defeated by Ichigo during Rukia's execution and becomes a background character who constantly lets her emotions get the better of her. The fact that she does not defeat any enemy in Bleach a shame and highlights Kubo's problems when it comes to writing women in his magnum opus.

​​​​​​​Although she has no Shikai and no Bankai to speak of, she somehow rises through the ranks to become the captain of the 4th Division. It's a rank reserved for top level shinigami who boast a ton of strength, so it's just ridiculous that someone as unskilled as Eason would take that spot.

2 Kakichiro Takezoe

Hardly anything worth noting about this weak character

• Debut: Avengers (Episode 47)

A huge problem with Bleach what rears its ugly head again and again is the inclusion of unnecessary characters that have little or no relevance to the plot. This only adds to the stuffiness of a series that doesn't give some of its main supporting characters the development they need to be memorable. As a result, Shinigami like Kokithiro Takezoe are relegated to the background after a pointless debut that adds nothing to the show or their character.

He serves under Captain Hitsugaya and makes a fleeting appearance to announce that Renji, Momo, and Izuru have escaped from their cells. The fact that this is the only time he shows his face on screen makes it clear that he doesn't have much power to speak of to the point that the entire series could have progressed as usual without the character's existence.

1 Torue

A member of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute who has no strength to brag about

• Debut: Fierce struggle Conclusion! Let go, the last Getsuga Tensho! (Episode 309)

Fanservice is bad for the anime industry, making fans feel embarrassed about their investment in the entertainment medium, and Bleach here is no exception. Many of the women in this series are poorly written, some boasting curvaceous figures or revealing clothing to appeal to the lowest common denominator. The fact that one of these Shinigami was created out of nowhere to serve as the main plot point for a creepy gag shows the depraved thought process behind their existence.

In a throwaway gag, a member of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute named Toru finds Kono passed out in the fake town of Karakura. Her voluptuousness causes this Mod Soul to lose his balls, only to be knocked out and grabbed in such a tasteless way that fans can't help but wonder why Thor is even showing up. Knocking out a Mod Soul is a largely obscure feat, and the fact that she's a researcher makes it safe to assume that this shinigami is nothing more than a difficulty in battle.