Speaking about some of the most remarkable anime ever made, it’s simple to mention series like Dragon Ball or Naruto. However, we’re drawn to a unique choice – an anime that redefines heart-wrenching emotional depth while boasting one of the finest narratives and character progressions in history. We’re referring to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, of course.
The story revolves around the siblings Edward and Alphonse Elric, who tragically lose their mother. In an attempt to reverse this fate, they take extraordinary measures. However, these actions lead to unforeseen and gruesome outcomes: Edward is forced to part with two of his limbs, while Alphonse retains only his soul, compelling Edward to house his brother’s soul in an armor suit to prevent permanent separation.
Fullmetal Alchemist has an abundance of whimsy, but be aware that this anime isn’t intended for young viewers due to its dark and unexpected plot twists. If you’re still interested and eager to start the series, we’ve created a guide on how to watch both Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood in the correct order.
What’s the difference between Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood?

Fullmetal Alchemist refers to the initial version of the anime, while Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood presents a reinterpretation of the same narrative.
In comparison to the original, Brotherhood is often considered a truer interpretation of the manga and offers many additional fights, interactions, and storylines that were absent in the original. For avid followers of the tale, Brotherhood would likely be the most satisfying choice.
If you’re open to some occasional additions and deviations, even a divergence in the second part, the original Fullmetal Alchemist series could be perfect for you.
How to watch Fullmetal Alchemist based on release date
Fortunately, the differences between the two versions are quite evident. Each version of “The Brotherhood” is distinctively marked, making it difficult to overlook. If you’re contemplating viewing both the original and reimagined stories, you could watch them sequentially for a comparative experience.
- Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
- Fullmetal Alchemist The Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa (2003)
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Special: The Blind Alchemist (2009)
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Special: Simple People (2009)
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Special: The Tale of Teacher (2010)
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Special: Yet Another Man’s Battlefield (2010)
- Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos (2011)
Does Fullmetal Alchemist have filler?

The original series only includes a few episodes you should feel safe skipping. They include:
- Episode 4 – A Forger’s Love
- Episode 10 – The Phantom Thief
- Episode 37 – The Flame Alchemist, the Bachelor Lieutenant & the Mystery of Warehouse 13
Besides what was mentioned earlier, this anime is primarily focused on narrative development, and skipping any part could impact the subsequent episodes in the series. The 27th episode of Brotherhood stands alone as a filler episode, serving as a brief respite between major conflicts. In essence, Fullmetal Alchemist is an anime that heavily relies on its storyline, so if you prefer fast-paced and epic narratives, you’ll find it engaging.
How to watch Fullmetal Alchemist in the UK
If a hardcopy appeals to you, you can buy the original series from Zavvi for £29.99 since it’s not streamable. Alternatively, you can grab the same series on Amazon for nearly £30.
At present, you can stream Fullmetal Alchemist exclusively on Funimation, but be aware that they only offer the main series of Brotherhood. No special episodes are available there.
Additionally, you might want to consider purchasing the special offer, priced at £22.10 on Amazon. Keep in mind that it’s only offered on DVD format at the moment, as it’s temporarily out of stock for Blu-Ray.
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2025-06-18 20:34