If you searched for Fullmetal Alchemist and found out there are two versions — one from 2003 and another called Brotherhood — don’t worry: this confusion is quite common. The differences between Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood go far beyond the title and affect everything from the plot to the villains and the ending of each story.
And yes, there’s a clear reason behind it — and it involves the original manga that inspired both adaptations.
This is your complete guide to understanding what sets the two versions apart, which one is more faithful to the original work, and which one you should watch first, depending on what you’re looking for.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- A spoiler-free section, ideal for those who haven’t watched either version and want to understand the main differences first.
- A second part with spoilers, for those who already know the story or want a deeper dive into the major changes between the two animes.
If you haven’t watched Fullmetal Alchemist yet, keep reading. We’ll explain everything you need to know to make your decision — without revealing any key plot points.
Understanding the Origin: How the Manga Shaped Both Animes
Before comparing the two versions of Fullmetal Alchemist, it’s important to understand where it all started: the original manga, written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa.
Published between 2001 and 2010, the manga presents the complete story of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric. It includes the development of the characters, the origin of the villains, and a cohesive ending planned from the beginning. In other words, this is the work that defines the true plot of Fullmetal Alchemist.
However, when the first anime hit the screens in 2003, the manga was still ongoing. As a result, to conclude the series, the studio created an alternate ending and led the characters through an original arc starting halfway through the story. This choice resulted in a completely different narrative.
Several years later, in 2009, with the manga already complete, a new adaptation was released: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. This time, the team followed the original content closely, from the first chapter to the final volume.
So, this difference in timing explains why the two animes are so distinct — even though they begin similarly.
Why Are There Two Animes?
The existence of two versions of Fullmetal Alchemist comes down to one simple factor: timing.
The first anime, released in 2003, was produced while the manga was still being published. With only part of the story available, the studio decided to follow its own path at a certain point, creating characters, villains, and an entirely original ending. Hiromu Arakawa, the manga’s author, had limited involvement in the process: she joined meetings to help contextualize the universe but didn’t directly influence the script. It was actually her idea that the studio create an alternate ending, different from what she planned for the manga — and she even praised some of the ideas, such as the origin of the Homunculi.
By 2009, the manga had ended, allowing for a fully faithful adaptation. Thus came Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which followed Arakawa’s script exactly — from beginning to end.
In short, the two animes were born from different contexts. One had to improvise solutions, while the other had access to the complete story. This explains why they share the same starting point but deliver such different experiences due to their differences between Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood.
Timeline of Brotherhood’s creation (English version)
Spoiler-Free Comparison: Differences Between Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood
Although both versions tell the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric in their search for the Philosopher’s Stone, they differ significantly in style, tone, and storytelling. Here’s a side-by-side summary:
| Element | FMA (2003) | Brotherhood (2009) |
|---|---|---|
| Faithfulness to Manga | Partial – only follows the manga early on | Full – adapts all 27 volumes |
| Narrative Tone | Darker, more introspective and philosophical | More dynamic, epic, with political focus |
| Visual Style | Melancholic atmosphere, muted colors | Vibrant animation and elaborate action scenes |
| Story Pacing | Slower, emotionally focused | Fast early on, then well-balanced |
| Number of Episodes | 51 episodes + 1 movie | 64 episodes (no movie) |
| Ending | Original, alternate and more tragic | Faithful to the manga, complete ending |
Which One to Watch First?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want to experience the story as the author intended, with all characters and events planned from start to finish, the best choice is to start with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. This is the most complete, coherent, and widely recommended version — especially for first-time viewers.
On the other hand, if you’ve already seen Brotherhood and are curious about an alternative take, it may be worth watching the 2003 anime. It offers a more emotional and philosophical approach, with unique plot twists and a different conclusion.
In summary:
- First time? Go with Brotherhood.
- Want to explore a different take afterward? Try the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist.
Reception and Ratings
Both versions of Fullmetal Alchemist were well received by fans and critics — but Brotherhood stands out with higher ratings on major platforms.
On MyAnimeList, Brotherhood has a score of 9.09/10, while the 2003 version scores 8.10/10. On IMDb, the scores are 9.1/10 for Brotherhood and 8.5/10 for the 2003 anime.
These ratings reflect the majority’s preference for a more faithful adaptation of the original manga.
Scores were verified at the time of the latest update to this post. For the most recent ratings, check the links below:
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on MyAnimeList
- Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) on MyAnimeList
- Brotherhood on IMDb
- FMA (2003) on IMDb
⚠️ Spoiler Alert: From Here On, Major Plot Details Are Revealed
If you haven’t seen either Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) or Brotherhood (2009) and want to preserve all the surprises, we recommend stopping here. The next sections will explore plot developments, villain origins, and each version’s ending.
If you’re already familiar with the story or want to understand exactly how the two versions diverge, read on.
When the Stories Split
Symbolic depiction of the origin of the Homunculi in Fullmetal Alchemist 2003 (left) and Brotherhood (right)
Both versions of Fullmetal Alchemist start from the same premise: the tragic childhood of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, their forbidden attempt to bring their mother back to life through alchemy, and the devastating consequences — Alphonse losing his body and Edward sacrificing parts of his own. Their quest for the Philosopher’s Stone becomes a way to recover what they lost.
In the early episodes, the plot follows a similar trajectory: the events in Lior, the heartbreaking Nina Tucker case, and the first appearance of the Homunculi all appear in both versions. However, the differences between Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood begin to show early on in tone and emotional intensity.
The real divergence happens around episode 25 in the 2003 anime. Since the manga hadn’t been completed, the series branched off into an original storyline, introducing characters and motivations that don’t exist in the source material — like the villain Dante. The Homunculi are also developed in an entirely different way.
In contrast, Brotherhood stays faithful to the manga. The story expands to reveal deeper connections between alchemy, the government, and a much larger threat: a character known as Father, the first Homunculus.
This split results in two entirely different narratives — in tone, arcs, and resolution — even though they share the same protagonists and starting point.
Different Villains, Different Motivations
Symbolic depiction of Dante and Father in Fullmetal Alchemist
One of the most striking differences between Fullmetal Alchemist and Brotherhood lies in their central antagonists — and everything tied to them: their origins, motivations, and impact on the plot.
In Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
The main villain is Dante, an original character created for the anime. She is an immortal alchemist who transfers her soul into new bodies to extend her life indefinitely. Her goal is survival at any cost, pulling strings from the shadows to manipulate events.
She also controls the Homunculi by exploiting their emotional weaknesses, using them as pawns in her personal quest.
Her motivation is personal and deeply cynical — driven by fear of death and a thirst for power. She also has a direct connection with Hohenheim, the Elric brothers’ father, which dramatically alters the story’s final arc and lends it a melancholic tone.
In Brotherhood
In this version, the villain is Father, the first Homunculus, born from an ancient experiment involving the being known as Truth.
Unlike Dante, Father represents a systemic and philosophical threat. He aims to become a perfect, godlike being — free from emotions, attachments, and mortality.
To do this, he manipulates the entire government of Amestris, controls the Homunculi (each representing one of the seven deadly sins), and orchestrates a nationwide sacrifice. His goal: use the entire population as raw alchemical material.
Where Dante represents a more personal villain rooted in human fear, Father embodies the arrogance of total knowledge. Brotherhood therefore plays out on a more epic scale, with conspiracies, warfare, and universal dilemmas.
The Origins of the Homunculi
The Homunculi — beings that defy natural laws — appear in both versions, but their origins differ drastically.
In Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
Homunculi are born from failed human transmutations. Whenever an alchemist tries to bring someone back from the dead — a forbidden act — what emerges is not the intended person, but a flawed and unstable creature: a Homunculus.
These beings retain aspects of the person they were meant to resurrect and often share emotional ties with the main characters. For example:
Lust is the recreated form of the woman Scar tried to revive.
Lust Wrath contains parts of Edward’s body.
Wrath Sloth is a replica of the Elric brothers’ mother.
Sloth
This approach gives the Homunculi intense emotional weight. They’re not purely evil — they’re tragic.
In Brotherhood
In contrast, the Homunculi in Brotherhood are deliberately created by Father. Each one embodies one of the seven deadly sins: Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Sloth, Wrath, and Greed.
They have no link to failed transmutations or to the protagonists’ past. They serve as extensions of Father’s will and act as obstacles in the heroes’ path.
So while the 2003 Homunculi are the result of personal trauma and loss, the ones in Brotherhood are structured tools within a grander scheme.
Character Fates and Personality Shifts
Besides the origin and motivation of the villains, the paths and personalities of several characters change dramatically between versions. Some shifts are subtle; others redefine the character entirely.
- Maes Hughes
- His death is present in both versions and remains one of the series’ most heartbreaking moments. However, the emotional aftermath is more drawn-out and poignant in the 2003 version, reinforcing its darker tone.
Maes Hughes
- His death is present in both versions and remains one of the series’ most heartbreaking moments. However, the emotional aftermath is more drawn-out and poignant in the 2003 version, reinforcing its darker tone.
- Wrath
In Brotherhood, Wrath is King Bradley, one of the most fearsome and respected Homunculi — a calculated and powerful figure at the center of the larger plan orchestrated by Father.
King Bradley In the 2003 version, Wrath is a boy created from Izumi’s failed attempt to resurrect her son. He carries Edward’s missing limbs and follows a much more emotional and tragic path than a political one.
- Lust
In 2003, Lust experiences a partial redemption arc, questioning her nature and seeking humanity.
In Brotherhood, she is cold, manipulative, and eliminated relatively early in the story.
- Scar
Scar - Scar’s motivation and moral complexity exist in both versions. However, Brotherhood deepens his development by involving him directly in revolutionary plans and giving him a redemptive path.
These examples show that even when characters share names and roles, they are not necessarily the same in essence or purpose.
Opposing Endings
Symbolic depiction of the endings: Fullmetal Alchemist 2003 (left) and Brotherhood (right)
The conclusions of each anime summarize everything that distinguishes them. Brotherhood ends on an epic, resolved note aligned with the manga, while the 2003 version opts for a tragic, philosophical, and ambiguous finale.
Ending of Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
Edward uncovers bitter truths about the world and the limits of alchemy. In trying to correct his mistakes, he sacrifices his life to bring Alphonse back — but is transported to a parallel universe resembling real-world Earth during World War II.
The story concludes in the 2005 movie Conqueror of Shamballa, blending magic, technology, parallel worlds, and real-world politics. The ending is open-ended and melancholic, with the brothers separated and seeking new meaning.
Ending of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
The plot culminates in a monumental battle against Father, involving every major character. Narrative arcs are neatly resolved:
Alphonse gets his body back.
Edward gives up alchemy to save his brother.
The survivors move on with renewed purpose.
Brotherhood closes with a hopeful and redemptive message — growth, balance, and healing.
Each version delivers a memorable finale, but they serve completely different intentions: the 2003 version focuses on consequences and sacrifice; Brotherhood, on restoration and the harmony between science, ethics, and humanity.
Keep Exploring Fullmetal Alchemist Concepts!
→ Equivalent Exchange in Fullmetal Alchemist: Myth or Reality?
Not every effort brings equal reward — but does that make the journey any less meaningful?
