The Manga Foundation

Hiromu Arakawa’s original Fullmetal Alchemist manga ran in Monthly Shōnen Gangan from 2001 to 2010, spanning 27 volumes. It tells the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two young alchemists who commit the taboo of human transmutation in a desperate attempt to resurrect their mother. The failed ritual costs Edward an arm and a leg and Alphonse his entire body; to restore what they lost, the brothers search for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, all while uncovering a deep conspiracy within the military state of Amestris. The manga’s tightly woven plot, balanced tone, and resonant themes of sacrifice, atonement, and the pursuit of knowledge form the bedrock on which every adaptation is built.

Although the manga is not required reading to enjoy the anime, it offers the definitive version of the story. Many fans consider it the purest way to experience Arakawa’s vision. The two animated series diverge significantly in their relationship to the source material, and understanding that difference is key to navigating the watch order. For those curious about the original art and pacing, the collected volumes are widely available in print and digital formats, with Viz Media overseeing the English release.

The Two Anime Adaptations

Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)

Produced by Bones and directed by Seiji Mizushima, the first anime series aired from October 2003 to October 2004, spanning 51 episodes. It faithfully adapts the early chapters of the manga but quickly begins to branch out as it catches up to the still-running source material. Around the halfway point, the story veers into an original direction, introducing unique antagonists, altered character motivations, and a completely different ending. The 2003 series is darker in tone, more focused on the brothers’ emotional trauma, and places a heavier emphasis on the concept of equivalent exchange as a philosophical framework. Its standalone conclusion led directly to the sequel film Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa.

This adaptation earned acclaim for its character-driven storytelling and atmospheric score by Michiru Oshima. The English dub, produced by Funimation, is widely regarded as one of the finest of the era, with Vic Mignogna lending a nuanced performance to Edward Elric. While the 2003 series lacks the epic scope of its successor, its intimate tragedy and moral ambiguity have earned it a loyal following. Anime News Network’s retrospective reviews often highlight the series’ bold divergence as a creative success in its own right.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

As the manga approached its final chapters, Bones launched a second adaptation designed to follow the completed story arc beat for beat. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood aired from April 2009 to July 2010 across 64 episodes under the direction of Yasuhiro Irie. This version accelerates through the early material covered by the 2003 series in about 14 episodes, then expands into the full narrative of the manga’s second half, including the final showdown and epilogue. Brotherhood is widely praised for its animation consistency, large-scale battle sequences, and the satisfying resolution of every major character arc. It remains the standard recommendation for newcomers seeking a self-contained, complete experience.

Brotherhood’s production benefited from a larger budget and a staff that included veteran animators like Yoshiyuki Ito. The soundtrack, composed by Akira Senju, leans on orchestral grandeur and complements the global conflict of Amestris. The English dub, again by Funimation, features many returning actors from the 2003 series, ensuring a seamless vocal continuity for fans of both versions. MyAnimeList ranks Brotherhood among the top-rated anime of all time, a testament to its widespread appeal and narrative cohesion.

Both series carry immense artistic merit, and neither renders the other obsolete. The 2003 adaptation offers a more intimate, elegiac take, while Brotherhood delivers the sprawling, epic version of the tale. Because their later episodes tell fundamentally different stories, many seasoned fans regard them as complementary rather than competing works.

There is no single “correct” way to watch Fullmetal Alchemist, but the following two approaches are widely endorsed by the community. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize a complete narrative or wish to explore every interpretation of the world.

Option A: Brotherhood First (Newcomer-Friendly)

  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Episodes 1–64
  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – The Sacred Star of Milos (film)
  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVAs – Watch after completing the series
  • (Optional) Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) – Episodes 1–51
  • (Optional) Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa (film)

This route introduces the complete, manga-faithful story without confusion. Brotherhood’s brisk pacing gives viewers a strong emotional anchor right away, and the definitive ending leaves fewer narrative threads hanging. After finishing Brotherhood, the 2003 series and its film can be appreciated as an alternate-universe exploration that deepens certain character dynamics. This approach is ideal for first-time anime watchers and anyone who wants the most streamlined, lore-rich experience.

Option B: Release Order (Enthusiast Deep Dive)

  • Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) – Episodes 1–51
  • Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa (film)
  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Episodes 1–64
  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – The Sacred Star of Milos (film)
  • Brotherhood OVAs

Release order preserves the evolution of the franchise’s themes and animation style. Starting with the 2003 adaptation allows viewers to experience the story’s early arcs with more deliberate pacing, which can make certain emotional beats land harder. The downside is that the narrative divergence may feel jarring when switching to Brotherhood, and some plot points are repeated. This method is recommended for viewers who already know they will watch both series and want to savor the historical context of the franchise’s growth.

For a more nuanced approach, some fans advocate a “machete” order: watch the first 25 episodes of the 2003 series (which covers the early overlapping arcs with richer character detail), then switch to Brotherhood from episode 11 onward. This hybrid method is not officially endorsed but can work for those willing to handle slight tonal shifts. However, be warned that the 2003 series introduces characters that Brotherhood treats differently, so the transition may feel disjointed without prior research. Resources like AniList’s community reviews can help you decide which order aligns with your taste.

Movies, OVAs, and Specials

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa (2005)

This 105-minute film serves as the direct sequel to the 2003 series. The story picks up two years after the anime’s conclusion: Edward Elric has been transported to a parallel world—1923 Munich, Germany—while Alphonse remains in Amestris. The film blends historical fiction with alchemical fantasy, introducing real-world figures like Fritz Lang and referencing the political turmoil of the Weimar Republic. Conqueror of Shamballa concludes the 2003 narrative arc with an emotionally charged finale that has divided fans but remains an essential piece of the alternate timeline. Watching it immediately after episode 51 of the 2003 series is mandatory to understand that version’s ending. The film’s animation retains the earlier series’ subdued palette, and its score expands on the already melancholic motifs. For completionists, Crunchyroll offers the film for streaming in select regions.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – The Sacred Star of Milos (2011)

This standalone film is set during the events of Brotherhood, roughly around episode 21. It follows the Elric brothers as they become entangled in a rebellion within the slum nation of Milos, where a mysterious alchemist seeks the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. The Sacred Star of Milos features original characters and does not directly impact the main plot, making it an enjoyable side story rather than a mandatory chapter. While its animation style differs slightly from the series (more fluid and cinematic), it retains the core themes of sacrifice and political ethics. It can be watched any time after the mid-point of Brotherhood, but most fans slot it in after finishing the series to avoid breaking narrative momentum. The film’s action sequences are particularly well-choreographed, and the new characters add a fresh perspective on the cycle of vengeance and redemption.

Brotherhood OVAs and Shorts

Four official OVAs were produced for Brotherhood, each providing lighthearted or experimental glimpses into the cast:

  • The Blind Alchemist – A bonus episode that can be viewed after the first few episodes of the series; it recounts a haunting tale unconnected to the main plot.
  • Simple People – A short that reimagines characters in a modern-day setting with humorous results.
  • The Tale of Teacher – A flashback episode focusing on Izumi Curtis’s training and early days, deepening her role as mentor.
  • Yet Another Man’s Battlefield – A period drama-style episode about Roy Mustang’s youth, exploring his past with Maes Hughes and Riza Hawkeye.

There are also 4-Koma Theater shorts—chibi-style animated skits adapting Arakawa’s gag comics. These are included on the Brotherhood Blu-ray releases and provide pure comedic relief after the heavier arcs. None of these extras are essential to the plot, but they enrich the lore and offer delightful camaraderie among the characters. The majority of these OVAs can be found on the Funimation streaming platform as part of the Brotherhood package.

The Live-Action Films

For completionists, Japan produced a live-action trilogy starting with Fullmetal Alchemist (2017), directed by Fumihiko Sori. The films star Ryosuke Yamada as Edward and condense the story using heavy CGI. Two sequels followed: Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar (2022) and Fullmetal Alchemist: The Final Transmutation (2022), which adapt the latter portions of the manga. These adaptations are generally not recommended as a primary introduction to the story due to condensed pacing and divisive visual effects, but they exist as a curiosity for diehard fans. Their continuity is separate from both anime timelines. The first film was released internationally by Netflix, while the sequels saw limited theatrical runs. For a broader perspective on the franchise’s cultural impact, Anime News Network’s trilogy review provides a balanced critique of the films' strengths and weaknesses.

Where to Stream Legally

Both main anime series and their movies are available on multiple platforms, though availability varies by region. At the time of writing:

  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood streams on Crunchyroll in many territories, as well as on Funimation and Hulu in the United States.
  • The 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist series is available on Crunchyroll (depending on region) and on Amazon Prime Video in select countries.
  • The Conqueror of Shamballa and The Sacred Star of Milos are purchasable digitally on platforms like iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon; physical Blu-rays often include the OVAs.
  • For those in the UK, Netflix carries Brotherhood in some territories, though the 2003 series may be absent.

Always check official sources to support the creators. Websites like MyAnimeList and AniList maintain up-to-date streaming links and user reviews if you need regional guidance.

A Complete Chronological Timeline of Animated Content

Below is a complete, conflict-free watch list that preserves narrative continuity for the Brotherhood timeline, including all OVAs and the film at appropriate points. This order assumes you have opted for the manga-faithful story as the main course.

  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episodes 1–21
  • The Sacred Star of Milos (film) – optional, fits thematically here
  • Brotherhood Episodes 22–64 (complete the series)
  • OVA: The Blind Alchemist – can be watched earlier, but fits as bonus content post-series
  • OVA: Simple People
  • OVA: The Tale of Teacher
  • OVA: Yet Another Man’s Battlefield
  • 4-Koma Theater shorts – anytime after the series for comedic decompression

If you choose to experience the 2003 timeline, simply watch episodes 1–51 of the 2003 series, then The Conqueror of Shamballa. There are no OVAs specifically tied to that continuity (though some compilation specials exist). Note that the 2003 series had a few unaired bonus episodes, but they are standalone and not required for continuity.

Community and Further Resources

Engaging with the Fullmetal Alchemist fandom enriches the viewing experience. The subreddit r/FullmetalAlchemist hosts active discussions, fan art, and rewatch threads. For those interested in the manga’s creation, Anime News Network’s interview with Hiromu Arakawa offers insight into her drafting process and thematic inspirations. Philosophical deep dives can be found on YouTube channels like “Mother’s Basement” and “Super Eyepatch Wolf,” which analyze the series’ treatment of science, religion, and war. For curated episode guides and trivia, MyAnimeList and AniDB remain invaluable. Podcasts such as The Fullmetal Podcast and Anime World Order frequently cover the franchise from multiple angles.

Whether you’re a first-time viewer or returning after a decade, the franchise rewards curiosity. The brotherhood at its core, the cost of ambition, and the unflinching look at human fallibility give the series a timeless resonance that continues to spark conversation.

Conclusion

Fullmetal Alchemist offers a rare dual-entry point into a masterfully crafted world. Brotherhood provides a definitive, faithful adaptation of the manga’s complete story, while the 2003 series and its film Conqueror of Shamballa carve a darker, parallel path that still commands artistic respect. By following the viewing orders outlined above, you can navigate the alchemical labyrinth with confidence. Dive in, let equivalent exchange guide you, and discover why this saga remains a cornerstone of modern anime. The franchise’s legacy—influence on later shonen series, critical reappraisal of its themes, and enduring fanbase—ensures that the journey is as rewarding as the destination.