Fullmetal Alchemist is one of anime's greatest stories — and it has been told twice in completely different ways. This guide breaks down the Brotherhood vs 2003 debate, gives you the optimal watch order for films and OVAs, and tells you where to stream everything legally.
The Two Versions: What Is the Difference?
| FMA 2003 | FMA: Brotherhood (2009) | |
|---|---|---|
| Episodes | 51 | 64 |
| Faithful to manga? | Only for the first ~25 episodes | Yes, completely |
| Ending | Original (diverges from manga) | Manga ending |
| Tone | Darker, slower pacing, more horror | More action, broader cast, epic scope |
| Early episodes | More detailed | Moves fast (assumes manga knowledge) |
| Recommended for | Fans who want an alternate story | First-time viewers and everyone |
Recommended Watch Order
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) · 64 episodes. The complete manga adaptation. Edward and Alphonse Elric seek the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a failed human transmutation. Brotherhood expands on Brotherhood's cast, reveals the truth about the homunculi and builds to a truly satisfying conclusion.
- FMA: Brotherhood OVAs (2009-2010) · 4 short episodes. Optional. Stories set in the FMA world: Ed and Al as kids, Hawkeye's backstory, a humorous AU tale and a recap short. Watch after Brotherhood.
- FMA: The Sacred Star of Milos (2011 film) · 110 min. Optional. A standalone story set between Brotherhood episodes. Not considered fully canon but enjoyable. Watch after Brotherhood.
- Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) · 51 episodes. Optional — only if you want a darker, alternate version of the story. The first 25 episodes are mostly the same as Brotherhood; after that it diverges completely, with an original plot and different homunculi backstories.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa (2005 film). The conclusion of the 2003 anime. Watch only if you watched FMA 2003 — it is a direct sequel and has nothing to do with Brotherhood.
Where to Watch Fullmetal Alchemist Legally
| Platform | Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Brotherhood + 2003 + OVAs + Sacred Star | Most complete; sub + dub |
| Netflix | Brotherhood (most regions) | Dub + sub available |
| Amazon Prime Video | Select content | Region-dependent |
The complete manga by Hiromu Arakawa in 27 volumes. The source material that Brotherhood follows faithfully — and a visual masterpiece in its own right.
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Alchemy, European History and Japan in FMA
Real-world alchemy. Arakawa based FMA's alchemy on actual European alchemical traditions (transmutation circles, the Philosopher's Stone, the Homunculi from Renaissance occultism). The Elric brothers' story is built on the alchemical principle of equivalent exchange — a concept drawn from physics and medieval European philosophy, filtered through a Japanese storytelling sensibility.
World War parallels. The story's setting is deliberately modelled on a pre-WWI Central European society. Amestris echoes Germany/Austria; the Ishvalan genocide draws clear parallels to real-world ethnic cleansing. Arakawa, a Hokkaido farm girl, approached these dark themes with precision and moral seriousness that sets the series apart.
The maternal and sacrifice themes. At its core, FMA is about the cost of hubris — specifically the attempt to resurrect the dead. This theme resonates strongly with Japanese Buddhist and Shinto ideas about death, impermanence (mujo) and accepting loss as part of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I watch FMA 2003 or Brotherhood first?
Brotherhood first — it is the complete, manga-faithful story. Watch 2003 after if you want a different (darker, alternate) take on the same characters.
What is the difference between FMA 2003 and Brotherhood?
2003 diverges from the manga midway through, creating an original ending. Brotherhood adapts the complete manga faithfully. They share the same opening chapters but tell different stories from episode 25 onward.
Do I need to watch 2003 before Brotherhood?
No. Brotherhood is standalone. Watching 2003 first may slow down Brotherhood's early episodes, which move quickly through material the 2003 series covered in more detail.
Where can I stream FMA legally?
Crunchyroll has the most complete catalogue (Brotherhood + 2003 + OVAs + Sacred Star). Brotherhood is also on Netflix in most regions.
Is Sacred Star of Milos worth watching?
Optional. It is a standalone, non-essential film set in the Brotherhood universe. Enjoyable if you loved the world, but not required.