You've probably seen the memes. One show has a tiny, screaming blonde kid and a giant suit of armor. The other show... also has a tiny, screaming blonde kid and a giant suit of armor. If you’re trying to figure out which Fullmetal Alchemist to watch, you aren't just picking between a remake and an original. You're actually picking between two completely different souls.
Most people will tell you to just watch Brotherhood and move on. They’ll say it’s "the real story." They're not wrong, but they’re also missing the point entirely.
The truth is that both series are masterpieces for different reasons. One is a tight, epic political thriller. The other is a slow-burn, psychological tragedy that gets way darker than you probably expect. If you want the short answer: Watch Brotherhood if you want the definitive, complete adventure. Watch the 2003 original if you want to feel like your heart has been put through a paper shredder.
The 2003 Original vs. Brotherhood: What’s the Real Difference?
Back in 2003, Studio Bones started animating Hiromu Arakawa’s manga while she was still writing it. It’s a classic anime problem. The show eventually caught up to the books, and instead of doing a bunch of filler episodes about catching cats or beach trips, the writers made a bold move. They asked Arakawa if they could just... make up their own ending.
She said yes.
Because of that, the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist starts out following the manga but then veers off into a totally unique, anime-only plot about halfway through. It gets weird. It gets metaphysical. It explores the origin of the Homunculi in a way that is arguably more personal and tragic than the "canon" version.
Then comes 2009. The manga was finishing up, so they made Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. This is a faithful, panel-for-panel adaptation of the entire story. It’s faster. The animation is sharper. The stakes feel global rather than just personal.
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Why the 2003 Version Still Matters
Some fans get really defensive about the 2003 show. I get it. The first 25 episodes of the original series cover the same ground as the first 10 episodes of Brotherhood.
Think about that.
The 2003 version takes its time. When a character dies early in the story—and if you know the show, you know who—it hurts more in the original because you spent double the time with them. Brotherhood sort of assumes you’ve already seen the old show, so it speedruns the beginning. If you skip the 2003 version, you’re missing out on some of the best character development in the entire franchise.
The tone is also just... heavier. It’s moody. The color palette is more muted. There’s a constant sense of dread that Brotherhood trades for "shonen hype."
The Case for Brotherhood
Honestly, Brotherhood is the better "show" in terms of pacing and payoff. It introduces characters from the nation of Xing—Ling Yao and Mei Chang—who don't even exist in the 2003 version. These characters are vital. They expand the world of alchemy beyond the borders of Amestris and bring in "Rentanjutsu," which is basically alkahestry.
The ending of Brotherhood is also one of the most satisfying conclusions in anime history. No loose ends. No "wait, what just happened?" It’s a 64-episode victory lap.
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Deciding Which Fullmetal Alchemist to Watch First
The "correct" watch order is a minefield, but let's break it down by what kind of viewer you are.
The "I Only Have Time for One" Viewer
Watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It’s the complete story. It’s the creator’s vision. It’s widely considered one of the greatest anime ever made. You can’t go wrong here.
The "I Want the Full Experience" Viewer
Watch the 2003 series first. All 51 episodes. Then watch the sequel movie, Conqueror of Shamballa. Take a break for a week. Then start Brotherhood.
Why? Because going from the slower, character-rich 2003 version to the high-octane Brotherhood feels like a natural progression. If you do it the other way around, the 2003 version will feel slow and the animation might look "old" to you (even though it still looks great).
The "Hybrid" Strategy (Don't Do This)
You’ll see some people suggest watching the first half of 2003 and then switching to Brotherhood when the plots diverge. Do not do this. The shows are fundamentally different. Even in the early episodes that seem identical, there are tiny details and character motivations that set up two different endings. If you swap midway, you’ll just be confused. The Homunculi have different origins, the villains have different goals, and even the "rules" of alchemy start to shift.
What About the Movies?
There are two main films, and they belong to different timelines. This is where people usually get lost.
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- Conqueror of Shamballa (2005): This is the mandatory finale to the 2003 series. If you watch the 2003 show and don't watch this, you haven't actually finished the story. It takes place in Munich, Germany, during the rise of the Nazi party. It’s weird, it’s bold, and it’s very emotional.
- The Sacred Star of Milos (2011): This is a side story for Brotherhood. It’s not "canon" in the sense that it doesn't affect the main plot, but it’s a fun adventure with a very different art style. You can skip it and lose nothing, but it’s a nice "extra" if you’re craving more Elric brothers.
A Note on the "Darker" Themes
Fullmetal Alchemist deals with some heavy stuff: genocide, the cost of war, the ethics of human experimentation.
The 2003 version leans into the "failure" aspect. It asks: "What if you do everything right and you still lose?" It’s cynical. Brotherhood is more about the power of the human spirit and the importance of community. Both are valid, but if you’re in the mood for something that feels like a punch to the gut, the 2003 series is your best bet.
The Nina Tucker incident—everyone’s favorite trauma—is handled well in both. But in 2003, you spend more time with Nina. You see her playing. You see the relationship with her father develop over several episodes. By the time the "incident" happens, it’s not just a plot point; it’s a tragedy.
Final Recommendation: How to Start
If you're still staring at the Netflix or Crunchyroll screen wondering where to click, follow this simple logic:
- Go with 2003 first if you enjoy psychological dramas, 90s/early 2000s aesthetics, and don't mind a bittersweet ending.
- Go with Brotherhood if you want an epic, world-building journey with incredible fight scenes and a perfect, happy-ish ending.
Don't listen to the purists who say one is "trash." They’re both incredible. It’s just about how much time you’re willing to invest in the brothers.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your streaming platform: Most places have Brotherhood, but the 2003 version is getting harder to find. If you can't find 2003, just start Brotherhood. Don't let the search stop you from starting.
- Commit to 4 episodes: Both shows have a "hook" that usually lands by episode 4. If you aren't feeling it by then, maybe alchemy isn't your thing.
- Avoid Spoilers: Seriously. This story relies on some massive twists. Don't look up character names on Google Images. Just watch.
Choose one and dive in. You're about to experience one of the best stories ever told in any medium. Just remember: equivalent exchange. You're giving up your free time, but what you get back is worth every second.