Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood stands as one of the most acclaimed anime series ever produced, lauded for its tightly woven narrative, unforgettable characters, and thematic depth. Based on Hiromu Arakawa’s complete manga, this 2009 adaptation is often held up as a gold standard for manga-to-anime fidelity. However, even a story as meticulously crafted as this one contains a handful of episodes that diverge from the strict canon or slow the pace enough to make viewers wonder if they can be skipped. This article examines the filler episodes of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, clarifies common misconceptions, and provides a thoughtful guide for those looking to streamline their viewing experience without losing the essence of the journey.

The Filler Phenomenon in Anime

In long-running anime series, filler episodes are original content written by the animation studio that does not appear in the source material. Their purpose ranges from giving the manga time to get ahead, to expanding on side characters, or simply injecting comedic relief. While sometimes filler can be enjoyable, it often disrupts narrative momentum and leaves viewers confused about what matters. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an unusual case. Unlike its predecessor, the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist anime which diverged into a largely original second half, Brotherhood was produced after the manga had concluded. This allowed the studio to adapt the entire story faithfully, rendering large swaths of filler unnecessary. Consequently, the series has remarkably few filler episodes, a fact that surprises many viewers who come across inaccurate filler lists online.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s Manga Fidelity

When Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood aired in 2009, the manga had already reached its final arc. Director Yasuhiro Irie and the team at Bones aimed to create a definitive adaptation that mirrored Arakawa’s pages beat for beat. This commitment means that nearly every episode after the first one is packed with canon material that drives the central plot forward. The early pacing is notably brisk, compressing some early manga chapters to reach the new content faster. As a result, the notion that the series contains numerous filler episodes is a myth, often perpetuated by mislabeled lists that incorrectly classify character-establishing episodes or slower canon moments as skippable material. Understanding the true filler landscape requires a closer look at the series’ three genuine non-canon entries: Episode 1, Episode 27, and Episode 39.

A Comprehensive Breakdown of FMAB’s Filler Episodes

Episode 1: “Fullmetal Alchemist” – The Original Introduction

The first episode of Brotherhood is entirely anime-original, written to reintroduce the Elric brothers and their world to a new audience while avoiding a direct repeat of the 2003 series’ opening. The story places Edward and Alphonse in the freezing northern city of Liore, hunting a rogue alchemist named Isaac McDougal. The episode showcases the brothers’ alchemy skills, their bond, and the involvement of the military, all while establishing the tone and rules of alchemy. Because it is not based on any manga chapter, it is classified as filler. However, its value lies in character introduction and world-building, making it a useful entry point for viewers completely unfamiliar with the franchise. Those revisiting the story or who have already seen the 2003 anime may choose to skip it without missing crucial plot information, as the series proper begins with Episode 2, which adapts the manga’s first volume directly.

For a detailed breakdown of canon versus filler content, resources like animefillerlist.com offer episode-by-episode guides, confirming that this episode stands alone as a non-manga entry.

Episode 27: “Interlude Party” – A Recapitulation

The second true filler episode is a recap. “Interlude Party” lands at the exact midpoint of the 64-episode series, summarizing everything that has happened from the Elrics’ failed human transmutation to the revelation of the Homunculi’s identities and Father’s grand scheme. The framing device sees Lieutenant Hawkeye reading a report to King Bradley, interspersed with flashbacks from earlier episodes. As a pure recap, it contributes nothing new to the plot or character development. For binge-watchers or anyone with a firm grasp of the story so far, this episode is entirely skippable. It was designed as a breather for the weekly broadcast, not as a narrative necessity. Skipping it will not leave you confused; Episode 28 picks up right where the story left off, plunging directly back into the East City turmoil.

Episode 39: “Daydream” – An Alternate Reality

Episode 39 is the most notorious filler entry, presenting a surreal what-if scenario. After Edward is impaled by a metal pipe during a battle in Baschool, he falls unconscious and experiences a lengthy dream. In this dream, he finds himself in an alternate version of Amestris where his mother Trisha is alive, his father Hohenheim is present, and Alphonse never lost his body. The episode toys with the idea of a perfect life, but as the illusion begins to crumble, Ed realizes the falseness of the world and fights to return to reality. While thematically resonant—echoing the series’ core message that one must face pain to move forward—the entire episode is filler and does not advance the main storyline. It can be skipped without any loss of understanding when Ed wakes up at the beginning of Episode 40. Some fans appreciate the emotional weight it adds, but for a streamlined watch, it is entirely optional.

Episodes with Filler-Like Pacing (Canon but Skimmable)

Beyond the official filler episodes, a few canon episodes contain moments or entire sections that can feel slow or tangential, leading some viewers to wonder if they can be passed over. While none of these are filler in the strictest sense, understanding their role helps viewers make informed choices.

Episode 16: “Footsteps of a Comrade” – A Slower Tone

After the devastating death of Maes Hughes, Episode 16 spends significant time focusing on the funeral and the emotional aftermath for the Central crew. This episode is entirely canon, but it deliberately lowers the pace to let the characters grieve. There are no major action sequences or plot revelations; instead, it explores how Roy Mustang, Riza Hawkeye, and the Elrics cope with loss. For viewers who prefer rapid plot progression, the funeral scenes and quiet conversations can feel like filler. Skipping this episode is possible if you already know the emotional stakes, but doing so risks missing essential character beats that strengthen later payoffs. I recommend watching it at least once to fully appreciate the depth of the bonds between the characters.

The Dublith Arc: Episodes 13–14 Are Not Filler

One of the most common misconceptions is that “Beasts of Dublith” (Episode 13) and “Those Who Lurk Underground” (Episode 14) are filler. This is incorrect. These episodes adapt manga chapters where the Elrics visit their alchemy teacher Izumi Curtis, meet the chimera soldiers at the Devil’s Nest, and first clash with the Homunculus Greed. The information and character introductions here are vital for later arcs, including the chimera team’s role in the final battle and the concept of philosopher’s stone-powered homunculi. Similarly, episodes like “Doorway of Darkness” (Episode 25) and “Reunion” (Episode 26) are often mislabeled but are in fact crucial chapters that bring Hohenheim back into the story and set up the Promised Day. Always verify against a reliable filler guide before skipping any episode beyond the three confirmed entries.

Why You Might Want to Skip These Episodes

The decision to skip episodes comes down to personal preference and viewing context. If you are rewatching the series for the tenth time, you likely know the beats of Episode 1 and can comfortably jump to Episode 2 without losing anything. Recaps like Episode 27 are universally skip-friendly, and the alternate dream of Episode 39 can be bypassed if you are not in the mood for a tonal detour. Some fans create their own “perfect watch order” by omitting these episodes to maintain a relentless forward momentum, especially when showing the series to a newcomer who might lose patience during slower moments. However, for a first-time viewer, I suggest experiencing the series in its entirety—including the filler—to fully grasp the studio’s original broadcast intent. The filler episodes, while not manga-canon, were crafted with care and occasionally add nuance.

If you choose to skip filler, the essential episode list is straightforward. Start with Episode 2, which adapts the manga’s opening and properly begins the Liore storyline. Watch continuously through Episode 26 (note that Episode 27 “Interlude Party” can be eliminated entirely). Continue from Episode 28 through Episode 38, then skip Episode 39 and resume with Episode 40 through the finale at Episode 64. This path trims only about 70 minutes of screen time while preserving the complete canonical narrative. You can still stream every episode legally on Crunchyroll or other platforms, so nothing is permanently lost.

External Resources and Community Insights

For further verification, the MyAnimeList episode list provides community ratings that can help gauge whether an episode is widely considered skippable. The filler guide on Anime Filler List is also a trusted companion, clearly marking which episodes are canon, mixed, or pure filler. Engaging with the subreddit r/FullmetalAlchemist can offer lively debate about whether Episode 1 is worth watching, with veterans often recommending it for its bright animation and character establishment.

Final Thoughts on Filler and the Fullmetal Experience

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood remains a benchmark for faithful manga adaptation, and its scant filler is a testament to that legacy. While episodes like the original introduction, the mid-series recap, and the hallucinatory daydream can be skipped without derailing comprehension, each carries a certain charm that dedicated fans may eventually circle back to appreciate. The true magic of this series lies in its unwavering commitment to its characters’ emotional journeys, and even its filler episodes, when viewed in context, reflect that commitment. Whether you choose to watch every frame or follow a curated path, the heart of the story—two brothers seeking to restore what they lost—beats strong and clear from beginning to end.