So, you’re looking for a list of fma brotherhood episodes. Honestly, if you’re diving into this for the first time, I’m a little jealous. There is something about the way Hiromu Arakawa’s story unfolds in this 2009 adaptation that just hits different compared to the 2003 version.
But here’s the thing: people often get overwhelmed by the 64-episode count. They see that number and think it’s a slog. It isn’t. Unlike other shonen that drag things out with 400 episodes of filler where nothing happens, Brotherhood is tight. It’s fast. Maybe even too fast at the start.
Let's break down exactly what you're getting into, why the "filler" isn't actually filler, and how the arcs actually stack up.
The Rough Start: Episodes 1–14
Most fans will tell you the first dozen or so episodes feel like they're on 2x speed. That's because the studio, Bones, assumed most people had already seen the 2003 series. They basically sprinted through the stuff everyone already knew to get to the new material.
- Episode 1: Fullmetal Alchemist. This is actually an anime-original "filler" episode. It introduces Isaac McDougal, the Freezing Alchemist. You get a taste of the brothers’ powers and the military's reach right away.
- Episode 2: The First Day. This is the gut punch. The flashback to their mother's death and the failed human transmutation. It's the "original sin" of the series.
- Episode 3: City of Heresy. They head to Liore to debunk a "miracle worker" named Father Cornello.
- Episode 4: An Alchemist's Anguish. If you know, you know. Shou Tucker. Nina. Alexander. This is where the show tells you it isn't a happy-go-lucky adventure.
- Episode 10: Separate Destinations. This is the big turning point for Maes Hughes. It changes the trajectory of Roy Mustang’s entire character.
The pacing in this stretch is breakneck. You meet Scar (Episode 5), head to the Fifth Laboratory (Episodes 7–8), and eventually meet the brothers' teacher, Izumi Curtis (Episode 12). By the time you hit Episode 14, you’ve basically covered 25+ episodes of the original 2003 series. It’s a lot. Take a breath.
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The Meat of the Story: Episodes 15–30
Once you hit the double digits, the story starts breathing. This is where Brotherhood begins to distinguish itself from the original manga's first adaptation. We get introduced to the Xingese characters—Ling Yao and May Chang—who bring a whole new dynamic of "Alkahestry" into the mix.
Basically, the world gets a lot bigger.
- Episode 19: Death of the Undying. This is often cited as the episode that "hooks" people who were on the fence. Mustang vs. Lust. It is absolute cinema.
- Episode 26: Reunion. Ed finally finds Al’s body at the Gate. He can’t take it back yet, but he promises he’s coming for it. It’s one of the most emotional moments in the entire run.
- Episode 27: Interlude Party. Heads up—this is a recap episode. You can mostly skip it, though it does have a few tiny character moments with Hohenheim.
During these episodes, we learn about the "Dwarf in the Flask" and the origins of the Philosopher’s Stone. The stakes shift from "restore our bodies" to "save the entire country from being turned into a giant battery."
The Briggs Arc: Episodes 31–45
Welcome to the North. This is where things get cold, both literally and figuratively. We meet Olivier Mira Armstrong—the coolest woman in anime history—and the "Wall of Briggs."
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The vibe changes here. It’s less of a traveling adventure and more of a military thriller. The Elrics are caught between the military's corruption and the Homunculi's plan.
- Episode 31: The 520 Cents Promise. Winry finds out the truth about her parents and Scar.
- Episode 40: The Dwarf in the Flask. A massive lore dump that explains the history of Xerxes. You finally understand what Hohenheim is and why he left his family.
- Episode 45: The Promised Day. The setup is over. All the chess pieces are on the board.
The Final Countdown: Episodes 46–64
The "Promised Day" arc is arguably one of the best-executed finales in fiction. It spans nearly 20 episodes, but because everything happens simultaneously in Central City, it feels like one long, breathless movie.
- Episode 54: Beyond the Inferno. Roy Mustang finally catches up to Envy. It is dark, brutal, and a little scary to see a hero go that far into the deep end of revenge.
- Episode 62: A Fierce Counterattack. The climax. Edward gives up his "gate" to save his brother. "Who needs alchemy when I have them?"
- Episode 63: The Other Side of the Gateway. The resolution of the conflict with "Father" and the Truth.
- Episode 64: Journey's End. A perfect epilogue. No cliffhangers. Just closure.
Why This Specific Order Works
A lot of people ask if they should watch the 2003 version first and then jump into this list of fma brotherhood episodes.
Honestly? You don't have to. While the 2003 version spends more time on the early emotional beats (like the Nina/Tucker stuff), Brotherhood is the definitive version of the author’s vision. It’s a complete story that doesn't need external context.
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If you're watching, keep an eye on the "Eye of the World" symbolism. It pops up in the weirdest places—alchemy circles, the shadows of the Homunculi, even the architecture of Central. It’s a nice bit of visual storytelling that pays off massively in the final ten episodes.
Real Talk on the OVAs
Besides the 64 main episodes, there are 4 OVAs (Original Video Animations) you might stumble across. They aren't essential, but they add flavor:
- The Blind Alchemist: A spooky side story about a guy who tried human transmutation and "succeeded," but at a cost.
- Simple People: A sweet look at why Winry pierces her ears and why Riza Hawkeye grows her hair long.
- The Tale of Teacher: Izumi Curtis’s survival training in the mountains. It’s hilarious and terrifying.
- Yet Another Man's Battlefield: A flashback to Mustang and Hughes during the Ishvalan Civil War. It’s heavy.
What to do next:
If you're ready to start, commit to at least Episode 19. If you aren't hooked by the time Roy Mustang starts snapping his fingers against Lust, this might not be the show for you. But for most people, that's the point of no return. Grab some snacks, ignore the 2003 vs. 2009 debates for a while, and just watch the Elric brothers try to fix what they broke.