Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (FMAB) is, for many viewers, the perfect anime: a story of brotherhood, loss, redemption and a magic system with its own internal logic. Finishing it leaves a void that is hard to fill. This guide covers the 13 anime that come closest to that experience, explaining exactly why each one qualifies.
Best anime similar to FMAB
To build this list we identified the pillars that make FMAB unique and looked for anime sharing at least three: well-defined power system, adventure with a hero's journey, central brotherly or friendship bond, complete narrative arc and mature themes without losing emotional resonance.
1. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Why it is similar: Nen is to Hunter x Hunter what alchemy is to FMAB — a power system with detailed rules that the viewer learns alongside the protagonists. The Gon-Killua relationship mirrors the Elric brothers in warmth and depth. The Chimera Ant arc reaches narrative heights comparable to FMAB's best moments.
Episodes: 148 · Watch on: Crunchyroll, Netflix
2. Vinland Saga
Why it is similar: Like FMAB, Vinland Saga is a revenge story that evolves into something far deeper: a meditation on violence, war and what it means to be truly free. Thorfinn's transformation across the two seasons echoes Edward Elric's arc of maturity.
Episodes: 48 (2 seasons) · Watch on: Crunchyroll, Netflix
3. Steins;Gate
Why it is similar: A story about scientists who transgress the laws of the universe and pay a devastating price carries the same emotional DNA as FMAB. The tonal shift between the early and late episodes is comparable. If you fell in love with FMAB's philosophical undercurrents, Steins;Gate will hit just as hard.
Episodes: 24 + OVA · Watch on: Crunchyroll
4. Mob Psycho 100
Why it is similar: The protagonist has enormous power he tries not to use, exactly like Edward Elric. The series reflects on identity, personal growth and the difference between raw strength and character. ONE (the same author as One Punch Man) delivers his most complete work here.
Episodes: 37 (3 seasons) · Watch on: Crunchyroll
5. Soul Eater
Why it is similar: Same animation studio (BONES), dark aesthetic and a unique power system. Students at the DWMA collect souls to forge the ultimate weapon, just as the Elrics seek the Philosopher's Stone. It strikes the same balance between humour and serious dramatic moments.
Episodes: 51 · Watch on: Crunchyroll
6. Jujutsu Kaisen
Why it is similar: A well-structured curse system, a protagonist who sacrifices his humanity for his comrades and an elaborate power progression. Season 2 (Shibuya arc) reaches a dramatic density comparable to FMAB's final act.
Episodes: 47+ ongoing · Watch on: Crunchyroll
7. Attack on Titan
Why it is similar: Both series begin as action adventures and evolve into layered political thrillers. The question "who is really the enemy?" is central to both. AoT's final arc is as divisive and ambitious as it is rewarding for viewers who stay with it to the end.
Episodes: 87 + specials · Watch on: Crunchyroll
8. Dungeon Meshi (Delicious in Dungeon)
Why it is similar: A magic system with detailed physical rules that the protagonist must understand and master. The quest to rescue a family member from the depths of a dungeon directly echoes FMAB's narrative engine. Charming tone with surprising depth.
Episodes: 24 · Watch on: Netflix
9. Code Geass
Why it is similar: A brilliant protagonist who manipulates the world from the shadows with a special power, in a complex political-military setting. Like FMAB, moral grey areas and sacrifices are constant. The ending is equally memorable and divisive.
Episodes: 50 (2 seasons) · Watch on: Crunchyroll
10. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Why it is similar: A mage with extraordinary abilities who reflects on time, loss and what it truly means to learn magic. The emotional weight, bonds of friendship and a subtle but clearly defined magic system make Frieren one of the closest titles to the soul of FMAB in recent years.
Episodes: 28 · Watch on: Crunchyroll
11. Gurren Lagann
Why it is similar: The friendship between Simon and Kamina carries the same emotional charge as that of the Elric brothers, including a devastating narrative gut-punch that redefines everything. Both series embrace epic scale without apology and end on an apotheotic note.
Episodes: 27 · Watch on: Crunchyroll
12. Trigun Stampede (2023)
Why it is similar: A seemingly cheerful protagonist concealing a tragic history of loss and uncontrolled power. The 2023 remake expands on the original with impressive CGI animation and a more fully developed emotional arc.
Episodes: 12 · Watch on: Crunchyroll
13. Berserk (1997)
Why it is similar: The relationship between Guts and Griffith is one of the most intense and devastating bonds in anime, comparable to the Elrics. Berserk is darker and more adult, but if what you are looking for is deep emotional connection and a sword-and-magic adventure, this is the classic reference.
Episodes: 25 · Watch on: Crunchyroll
Comparison table
| Anime | Episodes | Power system | Central bond | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter x Hunter (2011) | 148 | Nen (very detailed) | Friendship | Crunchyroll, Netflix |
| Vinland Saga | 48 | Physical combat | Mentor-disciple | Crunchyroll, Netflix |
| Steins;Gate | 24 | Time travel | Friendship/love | Crunchyroll |
| Mob Psycho 100 | 37 | Psychic | Mentor-student | Crunchyroll |
| Soul Eater | 51 | Souls & resonance | Team | Crunchyroll |
| Jujutsu Kaisen | 47+ | Curses | Companions | Crunchyroll |
| Attack on Titan | 87 | Titans | Brotherhood | Crunchyroll |
| Dungeon Meshi | 24 | Magic + cooking | Siblings | Netflix |
| Code Geass | 50 | Mental Geass | Siblings | Crunchyroll |
| Frieren | 28 | Subtle magic | Legacy/friendship | Crunchyroll |
| Gurren Lagann | 27 | Spiral mechs | Friendship | Crunchyroll |
| Trigun Stampede | 12 | Physical/special | Brothers | Crunchyroll |
| Berserk (1997) | 25 | Combat + dark | Intense friendship | Crunchyroll |
Why is FMAB so hard to top?
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood has a quality that is almost unique in anime: no filler and no disappointing ending, with a magic system that carries real consequences. Equivalent exchange ("to obtain something, something of equal value must be given") works both as a combat mechanic and as a narrative metaphor. That internal coherence is what makes the work so satisfying.
The anime on this list share some combination of those ingredients. None of them reproduce them all in the same way, but each offers something that FMAB made you want more of.
FAQ
What anime is most similar to Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood?
Hunter x Hunter (2011) is the closest match in terms of narrative depth, detailed power system, adventure and a central duo with a shared goal. Many FMAB fans consider it the next essential watch.
Is there an anime with an alchemy system like FMA?
No anime replicates FMAB's alchemy exactly, but Dungeon Meshi and Soul Eater have equally creative, rule-bound power systems that satisfy the same appetite for clearly defined magic.
Should I watch Fullmetal Alchemist 2003 if I have already seen Brotherhood?
Yes, it is worth watching. The 2003 version diverges completely from episode 26 onwards, with a darker tone and a different ending. They are complementary works, not the same story repeated.
How many episodes does Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood have?
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood has 64 episodes. From episode 14 it becomes entirely self-contained and reaches its best form.
Where can I watch Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood?
Available on Crunchyroll with English subtitles and dub, and on Netflix in select markets.