Fullmetal Alchemist stands as one of the most celebrated anime and manga franchises of all time, beloved for its taut storytelling, moral complexity, and unforgettable cast. Newcomers often face a key question: what is the correct order to watch the series and movies? With two major anime adaptations, several films, and a host of OVAs, the franchise can feel labyrinthine. This guide provides a detailed roadmap through every animated entry, explains how the pieces fit together, and recommends the most rewarding viewing sequence.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
  • Yet Another Man’s Battlefield – A period drama-style episode about Roy Mustang’s youth.

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 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.

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.

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).

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. AniDB and MyAnimeList offer detailed episode guides, trivia, and soundtrack information. For philosophical deep dives, many critics have written essays on the series’ treatment of science, religion, and war—available on sites like Anime News Network.

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.