Bleach might be the worst amongst the Big 3 when it comes to fan service, but its female characters are better written than Naruto's

After watching Bleach and reading the manga, I understand why fans believe it has both strengths and flaws. While it’s stylish, fast-paced, and full of energy—exactly what I expect from a classic shonen—there is one criticism that sticks out the most when people talk about it.

It is the fan service, and this is where my hot take comes in. Even though Bleach might be the worst of the Big 3 when it comes to fan service, it actually handles its female characters better than Naruto ever did.

Although, before I talk about why I strongly believe in this opinion, it is important to talk about what fan service is. Fan service, especially in anime, refers to content designed to please the audience, usually through suggestive visuals, jokes, or attention-grabbing designs. It can feel gratuitous, especially when it overshadows plot or character integrity.

While Bleach does use fan service, character depth and fan service are not mutually exclusive. I believe that one can exist without the other, just like how this series has shown characters to be seductive and still be smart, complex, and emotionally resonant.

And if I am to compare this with Naruto, I sometimes forget certain female characters even existed in the latter until they showed up again in later scenes. For instance, take Tenten, Ino, and Karin. There are so many female ninjas with amazing potential who never got the time of day. Meanwhile, Bleach, even with its flaws, consistently gave women space to leave a lasting impression.

When fans like me compare the Big 3 anime with each other, female character writing doesn’t come up nearly enough. It’s usually about power scaling, world-building, or pacing. But for me, the way each of these series treats their women says a lot about what they value narratively.

I remember watching this series and feeling like the women mattered. Rukia’s goodbye to Ichigo after the Soul Society arc hit me harder than most moments in Naruto. Another major character I need to talk about is Rangiku Matsumoto. Her character design is undeniably meant to be provocative, but the creator has made sure to give her a strong personality.

This brings me to another point that Rangiku is not just the comic relief who shows some skin in a provocative manner. I feel she has one of the most tragic and quietly devastating backstories in Bleach. She masks her pain with bravado and humor, which to me is incredibly human.

Why I Think Bleach’s Women Are Stronger Characters Than Naruto’s

When I think about Bleach, one of the first names that comes to mind is Rukia Kuchiki. Rukia isn’t just the female lead; she’s the reason the entire story begins. She’s the one who transfers her powers to Ichigo and kicks off his journey.

If I compare this to Naruto’s Sakura Haruno, she starts off promising. She’s a brilliant student and a capable ninja. But then, for large parts of the series, she becomes sidelined, especially when compared to Naruto and Sasuke.

Yes, she gets moments of growth during the war arc, but they feel like afterthought. Her character arc often revolves around her feelings for Sasuke, and by the end, it’s hard to say whether she truly had her own identity outside Team 7.

Final Thoughts

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After watching all three of the Big 3 anime, I can conclude with confidence that Bleach gives these women mythos, not just moments. I’ll admit: sometimes, the fan service in Bleach makes me roll my eyes. But I never for once felt like the female characters existed only to serve as visual appeal.

This is something I never felt while watching Naruto. At no point would I try to look down at Naruto for this reason. It has its strengths that make it one of the greatest stories to exist, but if you ask me which series among the Big 3 treated its female characters the best, I’ll say Bleach, without hesitation.

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