Last Updated on May 14, 2025 by Dante
If you’ve ever searched fullmetal alchemist vs brotherhood, you’re not alone. These two versions of the same story often confuse new viewers, especially when trying to decide which to watch first.
Both Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) follow the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who attempt forbidden alchemy and suffer devastating consequences.
But the similarities end there. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between the two anime, explain the best Fullmetal Alchemist watch order, and help you decide which Fullmetal Alchemist is better for you.
Table of Contents
FMA vs FMA Brotherhood: Different Source Material, Different Outcomes
The biggest difference in the FMA vs FMA Brotherhood debate comes down to how closely each series follows the manga.
Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) started airing before the manga was completed. As a result, it begins faithful to the source but eventually diverges, creating an original story with unique characters, themes, and an alternate ending.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, on the other hand, is a complete adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s manga. It follows the original plot from beginning to end with much more accuracy and detail.
This results in a more consistent tone and better narrative payoff for many fans, especially those who’ve read the manga.
Brotherhood Feels More Polished, But the 2003 Anime Has Its Strengths
When comparing FMA Brotherhood differences to the original, pacing is one of the most noticeable aspects. Brotherhood starts fast, assuming viewers already know the backstory, especially if they’ve seen the 2003 series.
It dives quickly into major plot points and introduces characters rapidly. For some viewers, this breakneck pace can be jarring early on.
By contrast, the original Fullmetal Alchemist is slower and more methodical in its early episodes. It spends more time on world-building and emotional beats.
Some fans even prefer the 2003 anime’s darker and more philosophical tone, which explores moral ambiguity and trauma with more focus.
That said, Brotherhood generally has more fluid animation, a better-defined plot arc, and a broader character ensemble that benefits from the manga’s full story. Its second half, in particular, delivers intense battles, plot twists, and satisfying conclusions that the 2003 anime couldn’t offer.
What Is the Best Fullmetal Alchemist Watch Order?
If you’re wondering about the Fullmetal Alchemist watch order, it depends on what kind of experience you want. If you’re new to the franchise, the most recommended order is:
- Watch the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist series up to around Episode 25.
- Switch to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and continue to the end.
This gives you the emotional depth of the 2003 version’s beginning while allowing you to follow the manga-accurate story to its conclusion with Brotherhood.
Another option is to watch Brotherhood alone from start to finish, especially if you want the canon experience. Avoid watching both versions back-to-back unless you’re prepared for some repetitive early arcs.
Which Fullmetal Alchemist Is Better?
So, which Fullmetal Alchemist is better? There’s no universal answer. It comes down to what you value most in storytelling.
If you want a faithful adaptation of the manga with a clear plot and strong world-building, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the better choice. It’s more action-driven, has a larger scope, and features a wider range of characters and moral dilemmas.
It also offers a more satisfying conclusion for most fans.
If you prefer a slower, more introspective story with emotional weight and an alternate, thought-provoking ending, the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist may resonate more with you. Its themes are heavier and more grounded in sorrow and loss.
For many anime fans, watching both versions offers the richest experience. The different directions each show takes with the same premise provide unique insights into the Elric brothers’ journey and the moral questions at the heart of the story.
Final Thoughts on Fullmetal Alchemist vs Brotherhood
The fullmetal alchemist vs brotherhood debate will always spark strong opinions. While Brotherhood is widely considered the definitive adaptation due to its faithfulness to the manga, the 2003 version still holds emotional weight and storytelling value.
Whether you’re deciding between FMA vs FMA Brotherhood, planning your Fullmetal Alchemist watch order, or simply asking which Fullmetal Alchemist is better, both shows deserve recognition.
Each offers a different take on one of anime’s most beloved stories—and either path you choose will leave a lasting impression.
Fullmetal Alchemist vs Brotherhood: FAQs
What’s the difference in Fullmetal Alchemist vs Brotherhood?
FMA (2003) diverges from the manga halfway through and has an original ending. Brotherhood (2009) is a faithful adaptation of the manga from start to finish, with different pacing, new characters, and a more cohesive finale.
Which Fullmetal Alchemist should I watch first?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want emotional storytelling with darker themes, watch the 2003 FMA first. If you prefer faster pacing and a more complete story, go with Brotherhood.
Is Brotherhood a sequel or remake?
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is not a sequel — it’s a remake that follows the manga’s canon storyline. It assumes you haven’t seen the 2003 series, so you don’t need to watch that first.
Why are there two Fullmetal Alchemist anime?
The original anime outpaced the manga, so Studio Bones created its own ending. Years later, when the manga finished, Brotherhood was produced as a faithful adaptation of the full story.
What is the correct watch order for Fullmetal Alchemist?
There’s no “correct” order, but many fans recommend starting with the 2003 FMA to appreciate its tone and divergence, then watching Brotherhood for the manga-accurate experience.
Dante is the creator behind Brand Anime, a hub for anime fans, gamers, and Genshin Impact adventurers. A lifelong anime watcher and seasoned gamer, Dante shares in-depth guides, creative editorials, and gameplay strategies based on years of firsthand experience. Dante also streams and records every week on his YouTube channel King Retro (@kingretro-w8e)
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