How to Watch Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood in Order

Last updated on November 23rd, 2025 at 03:30 am

You see, I was frank at first glance without trying to enter into the Fullmetal Alchemist at all, I lost the clue. The same name of 2 different series? Movies? OVAs? You see, I wasted such much time time reading lecture debates in forums that I simply chose one and pressed play. This is what, I wish someone to tell me in the first place.

Begin with Brotherhood – Trust Me on This.

Having seen both versions and researched much more than necessary, now, to the point. First view Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009). It has 64 episodes, it is an exact follow-up of the manga and presents the whole story the author wanted.

I understand this is what you are thinking, shouldn’t you first watch the 2003 version because it was released earlier? That’s what I thought too. The only problem is that the 2003 anime adapted to manga in the middle of the writing process, thus came up with their own variant of the ending. It is good, I am not saying bad, but it is not the actual story.

Brotherhood provides all that, better animation and the actual plot are there and it could be streamed. By January 2025, it is available on Netflix in the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia and Crunchyroll everywhere in the world.

The Watch Order I Recommend

This is how I would do it given a fresh-start:

• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Season 1 -64 episodes
• The four OVA episodes Short puzzles of context.
• The Sacred Star of Milos film – It will be in between episode 20-21 in strict sequence, but all you need to do is watch it later.

That’s it. You’re done. You now have heard the whole story.

What About the 2003 Version?

Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) is not a bad show per se, it is just something different. It has 51 episodes and is more a dark, psychological approach. The initial 25 episodes intertwine with the plot of Brotherhood, but then it goes down the line and entirely into its own nightmare.

I have seen it as a follow-up on Brotherhood and I am happy I did so. Which is the reason why when you watch 2003 first, the introduction of Brotherhood is a hurry since it presupposes that you already know the fundamentals. Also, the 2003 one is less legally available at the moment, it is not on most of the big streaming services.

The Huge Follies People School of Taxes.

And do not attempt to confuse the two versions. I have heard of people recommending watching 2003 first 25 and then switching to Brotherhood. Sounds smart, right? It’s not. Characters behave in different ways, there are inconsistencies in the lines of plots, and you will only end up confusing yourself.

Choose one variation, watch it to the end and, after that, determine whether you should create the experience of the other one as an entirely new story.

This is the reason why Brotherhood Works Better First.

The first 12 episodes of Brotherhood proceeded too quickly, that is the primary criticism. But this is what I learned: it is made with an eye towards the audience who may have watched the 2003 version or read the manga. It serves purpose in channeling through the set-up in order to have more time to continue with the grand conspiracy and storyline of the action that makes the series a special endeavor.

I did not get bored when I watched it. The rhythmic tension kept me glued and towards episode 13 I had fully engaged myself.

My Final Take

To watch Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood one after another, you just need to start with Brotherhood. Don’t overthink it like I did. You will have the complete story, the best animation and you will not lose time toggling between versions that are trying to figure out what is canon.

Once you are finished, you feel like having more FMA, you can also indulge in the 2003 version. Imagine it to be an alternate universe version of characters you already love. But you want to read it the first time. Brotherhood is the way to go.

I was fully preoccupied in weeks trying to come up with the ideal watch order. It turns out that the solution to this was always easy.

Also Read: All Boruto Arcs in Order: The Complete Guide for Anime Lovers