Fullmetal Alchemist Watch Order (2026) — Brotherhood vs 2003 Explained
Which FMA to watch first? Complete watch order for Brotherhood, the 2003 series, all movies and OVAs.
Watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) — not the 2003 series. Fbrotherhood is the faithful manga adaptation and one of the highest-rated anime of all time. The 2003 series is an alternate story worth watching separately after.
Brotherhood vs 2003 — Which First?
This is the most asked question about FMA. The simple answer: Start with Brotherhood. It's the complete manga story, has better pacing in the second half, a more satisfying ending, and is consistently ranked among the greatest anime ever made. The 2003 series diverges from the manga around episode 25 and tells an entirely different story — it's not wrong to watch it, but it's a separate experience.
FMA Brotherhood Watch Order
The complete manga adaptation. Edward and Alphonse Elric search for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a failed human transmutation. Zero filler — watch every episode.
A standalone Brotherhood film set between episodes 20 and 21. Non-canon side story. Good but skippable.
Short side stories including the Blind Alchemist, Simple People, The Tale of Teacher, and Promise Day. All are optional but fun.
The 2003 Series — Worth Watching After?
Yes, but treat it as a parallel universe story. The 2003 series follows the manga closely for its first 25 episodes then goes completely original. It's darker in tone, more psychologically complex in some areas, and leads into the Conqueror of Shamballa film. If you loved Brotherhood, the 2003 series is a fascinating "what if" that's worth experiencing separately.
Original adaptation that diverges from the manga. Darker tone, different villain, alternate story.
The conclusion to the 2003 series. Must watch if you watch the 2003 series — it closes the story.
Full Movies & OVAs List
| Title | Year | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| FMA: Brotherhood (Main Series) | 2009 | ✅ Essential |
| The Sacred Star of Milos | 2011 | ⚡ Optional |
| Brotherhood OVA Collection (4 shorts) | 2009–2010 | ⚡ Optional |
| FMA 2003 (Alternate Series) | 2003 | ⚡ Optional |
| Conqueror of Shamballa | 2005 | ✅ If watching 2003 |
Tips for New FMA Viewers
No Filler in Brotherhood
Every single episode of Brotherhood is worth watching. Unlike most long-running shonen there are zero filler arcs — the pacing is tight all the way through.
Episode 1 Is a Fake-Out
FMA Brotherhood's first episode is actually a standalone story inserted to differentiate it from the 2003 series. The real beginning is episode 2.
The Villain Reveal Is Everything
FMA Brotherhood has one of the best villain setups in anime. Don't get spoiled on Father and the homunculi hierarchy — the reveals land much harder cold.
It Gets Better Every Episode
Brotherhood starts good and ends legendary. The final 15 episodes are some of the best television ever produced in any medium.
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