Fullmetal Alchemist Watch Order: The Ultimate Guide

So, you're diving into the world of Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA), huh? Awesome choice! But with two different anime adaptations and a movie, figuring out where to start can be a bit confusing. Don't worry, guys, I've got you covered. This guide will walk you through the best way to experience the epic story of the Elric brothers. We'll break down the chronological order, discuss the differences between Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009), and help you decide which path is right for you. Whether you're a completist who wants to see everything or just looking for the most faithful adaptation, this guide has something for everyone. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with alchemy, adventure, and plenty of feels!

Understanding the FMA Universe

Before we jump into the watch order, let's quickly clarify the two main anime series: Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009). The original Fullmetal Alchemist anime started airing while the manga was still being written. As a result, the first half of the series follows the manga closely, but the second half deviates into an original storyline. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, on the other hand, is a more faithful adaptation of the entire manga series. It sticks to the source material from beginning to end, offering a more complete and cohesive narrative. Both series are fantastic in their own right, but they offer different experiences. The 2003 version has a darker and grittier tone, while Brotherhood is more action-packed and adheres strictly to the manga's plot. Understanding this difference is key to choosing the watch order that best suits your preferences. So, are you ready to delve deeper into the world of alchemy and adventure? Let's get started!

The Recommended Watch Order

Okay, here's the order I recommend for watching Fullmetal Alchemist, designed to give you the best possible experience:

1. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) Episodes 1-25: Start with the first half of the 2003 series. These episodes closely follow the beginning of the manga, introducing you to the Elric brothers, their quest to restore their bodies, and the fundamental concepts of alchemy. This provides a solid foundation for understanding the characters and the world. Watching these episodes first allows you to appreciate the original adaptation's unique take on the early story arcs before diving into the more faithful adaptation.
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa (Movie): This movie serves as an ending to the 2003 anime series. Watch it after episode 25 of the 2003 series to get closure on that particular storyline. The Conqueror of Shamballa provides a definitive conclusion to the 2003 anime's narrative, exploring themes of parallel worlds and the consequences of alchemy. While it diverges significantly from the manga, it offers a unique and thought-provoking ending to the original series. Keep in mind that it's quite different in tone and plot from Brotherhood, so be prepared for a shift in direction.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) Episodes 1-13: Next, jump into Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The first 13 episodes of Brotherhood cover roughly the same material as the first part of the 2003 series, but with some differences in pacing and content. Some might suggest skipping these episodes, but I recommend watching them to see the differences in adaptation and to refresh your memory of the early plot points. Plus, Brotherhood introduces some characters and plot elements earlier than the 2003 series, which can enhance your understanding of the overall story. Think of it as a slightly different, more streamlined retelling of the beginning.
4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) Episodes 14-64: Now, settle in and watch the rest of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. From episode 14 onwards, Brotherhood diverges significantly from the 2003 series and faithfully adapts the rest of the manga. This is where the story truly shines, with epic battles, complex characters, and a satisfying conclusion. Brotherhood delves deeper into the political intrigue, the nature of alchemy, and the mysteries surrounding the homunculi. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster as you witness the Elric brothers face their greatest challenges and uncover the truth behind their father's actions. This is the definitive Fullmetal Alchemist experience that every fan should see.
5. Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos (Movie): This movie is a side story that is separate from both the 2003 anime and Brotherhood's main plot. You can watch it at any point after finishing Brotherhood, as it doesn't affect the overall storyline. The Sacred Star of Milos offers a standalone adventure with new characters and a self-contained plot, providing a fun and exciting addition to the Fullmetal Alchemist universe. While it's not essential to the main narrative, it's a worthwhile watch for fans who want more of the world and its alchemy-based action.

Why This Order Works

This watch order gives you the best of both worlds. You get to experience the unique atmosphere and darker tone of the 2003 anime, while also enjoying the complete and faithful adaptation of the manga in Brotherhood. Starting with the 2003 series allows you to appreciate the differences in storytelling and character development between the two adaptations. By watching the first half of the 2003 series, you'll gain a solid understanding of the basic concepts and characters before diving into the more complex narrative of Brotherhood. This approach also helps prevent potential confusion that might arise from jumping straight into Brotherhood, which assumes some prior knowledge of the Fullmetal Alchemist universe. Moreover, this order provides a sense of closure for the 2003 series with The Conqueror of Shamballa before fully committing to the Brotherhood storyline. It's a well-rounded experience that caters to both newcomers and longtime fans of the series.

Alternative Watch Orders

While the above order is my recommended approach, there are a few other ways you can watch Fullmetal Alchemist, depending on your preferences:

• Brotherhood Only: If you're primarily interested in a faithful adaptation of the manga, you can skip the 2003 anime altogether and just watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. This is a perfectly valid option, especially if you're short on time or prefer a more streamlined experience. Brotherhood covers the entire manga storyline and provides a complete and satisfying narrative on its own. However, you'll miss out on the unique aspects of the 2003 anime, such as its darker tone and alternative character interpretations. If you choose this route, be prepared for a slightly different introduction to the world and characters compared to the manga.
• 2003 First, Then Brotherhood: Some people prefer to watch the entire 2003 anime series, including The Conqueror of Shamballa, before starting Brotherhood. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the original adaptation's storyline before experiencing the more faithful version. However, keep in mind that the second half of the 2003 series deviates significantly from the manga, so you'll be in for a very different experience compared to Brotherhood. This order might be best suited for those who are curious about the original anime's unique take on the story and don't mind the deviations from the source material.
• Chronological Order (Manga): If you're a purist who wants to experience the story as close to the manga as possible, you could try reading the manga first and then watching Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. This ensures that you're getting the most accurate and complete version of the story. However, keep in mind that the anime adaptation adds its own visual and auditory elements that enhance the experience in different ways. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but I recommend at least watching Brotherhood to see the manga brought to life in animated form.

Is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Worth Watching After the 2003 Series?

Absolutely! Even though the first portion of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood covers similar ground to the beginning of the 2003 anime, the two series diverge significantly as they progress. Brotherhood adheres more closely to the manga's storyline, delving into deeper themes and providing a more comprehensive conclusion. It also introduces characters and plot elements that are not present in the 2003 series, enriching the overall narrative. While the 2003 anime has its own merits, Brotherhood offers a more complete and faithful adaptation of the Fullmetal Alchemist universe. So, if you're a fan of the series, watching both adaptations is definitely worth the investment of your time.

Where to Watch Fullmetal Alchemist

You can find Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on various streaming platforms, including:

• Crunchyroll: Offers both series with subtitles and dubs.
• Funimation: Also provides both series with subtitles and dubs.
• Netflix: Availability may vary depending on your region.
• Hulu: Offers both series in some regions.

You can also purchase the series on Blu-ray or DVD from online retailers like Amazon or at your local anime store. Be sure to check the availability of each series in your region and choose the platform that best suits your needs.

Final Thoughts

No matter which order you choose, get ready to be captivated by the incredible world of Fullmetal Alchemist. It's a story filled with action, adventure, humor, and heart. The characters are complex and relatable, the plot is intricate and engaging, and the themes are thought-provoking and timeless. Whether you're a seasoned anime fan or a newcomer to the genre, Fullmetal Alchemist is a must-watch series that will leave a lasting impression. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey with the Elric brothers! Happy watching, folks!