Fullmetal Alchemist watch order, explained

One of the most beloved and iconic anime series of all time is Fullmetal Alchemist. If you’re a new fan or a diehard, this is a series you will hear a lot about when discussing anime. The writing is phenomenal, the combat is engaging, and the power system is quite balanced. It talks about deep questions about life, loss, and the price of ambition.

But for newcomers, one thing can be confusing: What is the correct way to watch the show? That’s because multiple versions of the anime exist. There are two core series, and the story is told differently across them. If you’ve heard the name Fullmetal Alchemist before and are ready to jump in, this guide will help you do so in the right way.

Before we get into the watch order, here's a little bit about the story.

Fullmetal Alchemist is about two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who live in a world where people use alchemy. After their mother dies, they try to bring her back using alchemy. But the experiment fails, costing Edward a leg, and Alphonse loses his entire body. In a bid to save his brother, Edward gives up his arm to put Alphonse’s soul inside a suit of armor.

They go off on an adventure to search for the Philosopher’s Stone, an object that can return their bodies to normal. But finding it was not exactly as simple as they would have preferred it to be. They learn dark secrets about the world and face deadly foes at each turn. Most people don’t know how to watch the show because there are two different anime series:

1. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

The two series share the same source manga by Hiromu Arakawa but diverge rather sharply. This was because the manga was incomplete when the 2003 version (the first adaptation) was created. That led the anime to eventually run out of source material and create its own story.

It was later, in 2009, that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was made. This version is more faithful to the manga from beginning to end. Because of those divergences, the two series give very different experiences within the same characters and environment.

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Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)

The first adaptation was the 2003 version. The series begins quite close to the manga, but then it branches into a direction of its own after a certain point. It has a darker tone, delving into themes unlike those seen in the original manga. It has 51 episodes and ends with an original conclusion that is not found in the manga.

This version went differently because it overtook the manga. Episodes were being released faster than the manga was being written. Because of this, the studio made its ending. Even though the story is different from the original, many people still like the show and say it has a good story.

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Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

The second version came out in 2009. Since the manga was almost finished, this version could follow the original story closely. Brotherhood tells the full story of Edward and Alphonse just as it was meant by Hiromu Arakawa, the manga’s author.

More action and better animation are some of the things that are better in this version when compared to the 2003 version. It is 64 episodes long and is generally regarded as the best version of the series. For most viewers, especially those watching for the first time, Brotherhood is the recommended piece to watch.

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But which version should be watched first? This is among the most popular questions people ask. Both versions can be enjoyed independently, but most fans will tell you that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the preferred option for first-time viewers. It gives the full story with a satisfying ending and follows the original manga closely.

Some people still choose to watch the 2003 version first, especially if they are interested in seeing a different take on the same story. Others watch it later out of curiosity. But if you want a clear, complete experience, Brotherhood is the better place to begin. That said, if you’re the type of viewer who enjoys exploring multiple interpretations of a story, there is no harm in watching both of them.

If you want to watch both versions, here’s one way to do it without getting confused.

Start with Brotherhood. This will give you the full, original story as it was meant to be told. If you find yourself wanting more afterward, you can go back and watch the 2003 version to see how it tells the story differently. After watching Brotherhood, you can also watch the movie The Sacred Star of Milos (2011). While it’s not essential to the main plot, it fits somewhere around episode 21 (according to Director Kazuya Murata) and offers a side story that some fans enjoy.

If you decide to watch the 2003 series, you can follow it up with its movie, Conqueror of Shamballa (2005), which finishes the story created by that version. It serves as an epilogue to the series.

Fullmetal Alchemist Live-Action Films

Netflix recently made live-action versions of the anime. These include:

• Fullmetal Alchemist (2017)
• Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar (2022)
• Fullmetal Alchemist: Final Transmutation (2022)

These films attempted to adapt anime into live-action productions with real actors but got mixed reactions. But you still might have fun watching them after you finish the anime. They are outside the main continuity and are not generally recommended for people watching for the first time.

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Conclusion

The watch order is slightly confusing at first, but it’s easy to pick up once the difference between the two versions is understood. If you want to see the full story that sticks to the manga, pick Brotherhood.

If you’re curious about different takes on the same world and characters, there’s a 2003 version worth watching as well, though you should note that it tells a different story and has an ending that diverges entirely from the 2009 series. Whichever version you decide to begin with, it will be an epic experience.