Fullmetal Alchemist is one of those anime that appears on every "greatest of all time" list — and also one of the most confusing for newcomers, because two series share almost the same name. Brotherhood or 2003? Both? And what about the films? The good news is the answer is simpler than it looks. Here is the recommended watch order without spoilers: which version to pick and why, where the films fit, a comparison table, where to stream legally, and the symbolism of alchemy behind Hiromu Arakawa's masterpiece.
Quick summary: recommended watch order
If you are discovering Fullmetal Alchemist for the first time, this is the clean, spoiler-free route. The key decision comes at the start: pick one version, not both.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) — 64 episodes — the recommended version for almost everyone. Adapts Hiromu Arakawa's complete manga with a closed, canonical ending. If you only watch one thing, make it this.
- (Optional) The Sacred Star of Milos (2011) — a secondary film in the Brotherhood universe. A self-contained adventure that does not affect the main plot; you can watch it after the series, no rush.
- (Alternative) Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) — 51 episodes — the first adaptation. Shares its opening with Brotherhood but veers off halfway to its own, darker ending. Optional — best enjoyed as an "alternate version" once you have seen Brotherhood.
- (Only if you watch the 2003 series) The Conqueror of Shamballa (2005) — the direct, canonical continuation of the 2003 series' ending. Only makes sense if you watched that series, not Brotherhood.
Brotherhood vs 2003: which version to choose
This is the question that trips up newcomers, so let us get to the point. Hiromu Arakawa's manga started in 2001. In 2003, a first series was made when the manga was only halfway through — because there was no ending yet, the studio invented its own, with a darker and more melancholic tone. Years later, with the manga nearly finished, Brotherhood (2009) was produced as a faithful, complete adaptation.
It is not that one is "good" and one is "bad": the 2003 series has passionate defenders for its atmosphere and emotional weight. But for the official story Arakawa intended, Brotherhood is the reference.
| Aspect | Brotherhood (2009) | 2003 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Episodes | 64 | 51 |
| Manga faithfulness | Adapts the complete manga | Diverges midway, original ending |
| Ending | Closed and canonical | Alternative, darker |
| Tone | Epic, hopeful | Dark, melancholic |
| Associated film | The Sacred Star of Milos (optional) | The Conqueror of Shamballa (canonical) |
| Opening pace | Fast early episodes | More gradual and detailed |
In short: start with Brotherhood. If you fall in love with the world and want more, give the 2003 version a chance as a parallel experience. What we do not recommend is alternating them or trying to watch them "in chronological order" — they are two independent stories.
The films: where they fit
Fullmetal Alchemist has several films and it helps to keep them straight, because each belongs to a different "branch":
- The Conqueror of Shamballa (2005) — canonically closes the ending of the 2003 series. No connection to Brotherhood. Only watch this if you followed that branch.
- The Sacred Star of Milos (2011) — a side story in the Brotherhood universe. A self-contained, optional adventure; it fits mid-series but is not essential.
- Live-action films (2017–2022) — a Japanese real-actor adaptation. A complete separate branch; interesting for fans but not necessary for the story.
Where to watch Fullmetal Alchemist legally
Both Brotherhood and the 2003 series are available on legal platforms such as Crunchyroll and Netflix (catalogue varies by region), with subtitles and dubbing options. Always check current availability before subscribing.
Hiromu Arakawa's original manga (27 volumes for the complete story), artbooks, figures of Edward and Alphonse Elric, and collector editions are a great way to keep enjoying the universe beyond the anime.
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The symbolism of alchemy in the series
Beyond the action, Fullmetal Alchemist is soaked in real alchemical and philosophical symbolism. The central concept — Equivalent Exchange — directly echoes real alchemical tradition: to obtain something, something of equal value must be given. Arakawa uses this as a moral and emotional framework for the entire story, asking what we are willing to pay for power, knowledge, or life itself.
The Philosopher's Stone, the Homunculi named after the Seven Deadly Sins, the Ouroboros symbol — all are drawn from real esoteric traditions. Arakawa researches carefully and weaves these elements into her story to give it philosophical weight that lifts it above pure action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brotherhood or 2003 first?
Brotherhood (2009). It is the complete, canonical adaptation of the manga. The 2003 series is optional and best as a "parallel" experience after Brotherhood.
What is the difference between Brotherhood and 2003?
The 2003 series was made before the manga finished, so the studio invented its own ending. Brotherhood faithfully adapts the full manga. They diverge significantly around the midpoint.
Do I need to watch both?
No. They are independent stories. Start with Brotherhood for the canonical version.
Where do the films fit?
Sacred Star of Milos goes after Brotherhood (optional). Conqueror of Shamballa goes after the 2003 series (its canonical ending). Do not mix them.
Where can I watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood legally?
Available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and other platforms (catalogue varies). Check current availability.
