How to Watch Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood in Order: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Starting your anime journey with Fullmetal Alchemist? Smart choice. But here’s the thing – you’ve got two different series, multiple movies, and a bunch of conflicting advice online. Don’t worry, we’re cutting through the noise to give you the straight answer on how to watch Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood in order.

The Two-Series Situation (And Why It Exists)

Before we jump into watch orders, you need to understand why there are two completely different Fullmetal Alchemist series. It’s not like other anime where you get seasons – these are entirely separate adaptations.

Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) came first when the manga was still being written. Instead of waiting around, Studio Bones created their own original storyline after episode 25. Think of it as an alternate universe take.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) arrived after the manga finished, giving us the complete, intended story. It’s widely considered one of the highest-rated anime series of all time.

The key difference? They’re not connected. Different endings, different villains, different everything after the halfway point.

The Complete Watch Order (For Completists)

If you want the full experience and have the time, here’s the recommended viewing order:

1. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) – 51 episodes
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa (2005) – Movie sequel to 2003 series
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) – 64 episodes
4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Specials (2009) – 4 episodes
5. Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos (2011) – Side story movie

This order lets you experience both interpretations and see how different creative choices shape the same source material. You’ll appreciate Brotherhood’s superior animation and complete story after seeing where it all began.

The Newcomer-Friendly Route

Short on time? Most fans recommend jumping straight to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It’s the definitive version – complete story, better animation, and the ending the creator intended.

You won’t miss anything crucial by skipping the 2003 series. Brotherhood covers the same early ground (though at a faster pace) before branching into the full manga storyline.

What’s Streaming Where in 2025

Here’s where you can actually watch these series without breaking the bank:

Free Options (With Ads)

Crunchyroll remains your best bet for free, legal anime streaming. All 64 episodes of Brotherhood are available with ads – no subscription required. The ads aren’t too intrusive, and you’re supporting the creators.

Subscription Services

Netflix brought Brotherhood back in January 2025 after removing it in 2022. It’s now available in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. If you’ve got a Netflix subscription anyway, this gives you ad-free viewing in higher quality.

Other options include:

• Hulu – Subscription service with free trial
• Prime Video – Available through Crunchyroll channel
• Ani.ME – Legal streaming with both free and premium options

The 2003 Series Problem

Here’s the catch – the original 2003 series is harder to find. It’s not on Crunchyroll or Netflix, making physical media your most reliable option. Check your local library for DVD collections, or keep an eye on Netflix – they might add it to complement Brotherhood.

Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes

Don’t Mix the Series

Never mix episodes from both series – they have different continuities. Some online guides suggest weird hybrid orders, but they’ll just confuse you.

Brotherhood’s Rushed Start

Brotherhood’s first 13 episodes feel rushed because they assume you’re familiar with the early material. The series speeds through content covered in 2003 to reach new storylines. Push through to episode 13 where Brotherhood truly hits its stride.

Strategic Free Trial Usage

If you’re going the subscription route, time those free trials strategically. You can binge Brotherhood in a week or two, making the most of Netflix or Hulu’s trial periods.

2025 Updates and New Content

The Fullmetal Alchemist world is expanding. The complete manga launched on WEBTOON in full color with vertical scrolling format – perfect for mobile reading.

Creator Hiromu Arakawa also has a new anime coming from Studio Bones called “Daemons of the Shadow Realm.” While it’s not Fullmetal Alchemist, it features similar dark fantasy elements.

Which Route Should You Take?

For time-conscious viewers: Go straight to Brotherhood. 64 episodes give you the complete story without additional commitment.

For anime enthusiasts: Watch both series in release order. You’ll understand why both adaptations have passionate fanbases and appreciate their different strengths.

For the middle ground: Watch 2003’s first 25 episodes for better character development, then switch to Brotherhood. This hybrid approach gives you the best early pacing with the complete ending.

Making the Most of Your Watch

The series offers rich material for understanding philosophy, ethics, and character development. Online communities provide ongoing discussion and analysis that enhance your viewing experience.

Don’t rush through it. These aren’t shows you watch in the background – the themes of sacrifice, morality, and the cost of power deserve your attention.

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

Your Next Steps

Start with what’s accessible to you. If you’ve got Netflix, jump into Brotherhood tonight. If you’re budget-conscious, fire up Crunchyroll’s free tier. The important thing is starting – you’re about to experience one of anime’s genuine masterpieces.

The viewing order debate will continue among fans, but now you’ve got the knowledge to choose your own path. Whether you go complete or Brotherhood-only, you’re in for something special.

Ready to see what the alchemy hype is about? Pick your platform and press play.