Last updated on September 28th, 2026 at 06:05 am
You see, I was frank at first glance; without trying to enter into Fullmetal Alchemist at all, I missed the clue. The same name in 2 different series? Movies? OVAs? You see, I wasted so much time reading lecture debates in forums that I chose one and pressed play. This is what I wish someone had told me from the start.
Table of Contents
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 get what you are thinking: shouldn’t you watch the 2003 version first because it came out earlier? That’s what I thought too. The only problem is that the 2003 anime was adapted from the manga mid-production, so it ended up with a different ending. It is good; I am not saying it is bad, but it is not the actual story.
Brotherhood has all that: better animation, the actual plot, and streaming availability. By January 2025, it was available on Netflix in the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia, and on Crunchyroll worldwide.
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 between episodes 20- 21 in strict sequence, but you can watch it later.
That’s it. You’re done. You have now heard the whole story.
What About the 2003 Version?
Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) isn’t a bad show per se; it is just different. It has 51 episodes and takes a darker, more psychological approach. The first 25 episodes intertwine with the plot of Brotherhood, but then it goes down a different path and dives into its own nightmare.
I have seen it as a follow-up to Brotherhood, and I am glad I did. That’s why, when you watch 2003 first, the introduction to Brotherhood moves quickly, since it assumes you already know the fundamentals. Also, the 2003 one is less legally available right now; it is not on most of the big streaming services.
The Huge Follies People School of Taxes.
And don’t try 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 plot, 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 here is what I learned: it was made with an eye toward the audience who may have watched the 2003 version or read the manga. It serves a purpose in the setup, giving it more time to build the grand conspiracy and action that make the series a special endeavor.
I didn’t get bored while watching it. The rhythmic tension kept me glued, and by episode 13 I was fully engaged.
My Final Take
To watch Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood one after another, you need to start with Brotherhood. Don’t overthink it as I did. You will have the complete story, the best animation, and you will not lose time toggling between versions while trying to figure out what is canon.
Once you are finished, if you want more FMA, you can also indulge in the 2003 version. Imagine it as an alternate-universe version of characters you already love. But you want to read it first. Brotherhood is the way to go.
I was fully preoccupied for weeks trying to figure out the ideal watch order. It turns out the solution was simple all along.
Also Read: All Boruto Arcs in Order: The Complete Guide for Anime Lovers
I’m a content writer with a passion for stories and pop culture, and an interest in anime and streaming entertainment. From watching the latest movies to exploring hidden gems, I create content that connects with fans and sparks conversation. By delving into character development, plot, and corporate events, I turn every good moment into a compelling topic for entertainment fans everywhere.
