Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
The 51-episode 2003 series develops its own direction and ending rather than handing its story over to Brotherhood.
When to watch: Start at its episode 1, independently of Brotherhood.
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animesenseiFullmetal Alchemist Watch Order: 2003 vs Brotherhood & Movies
Understand the Fullmetal Alchemist watch order: Brotherhood and the 2003 anime are separate versions, with different films and optional extras.
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Recommended starting point
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Start with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, all 64 episodes, if you want the manga-based complete story in one TV series. The 2003 anime is another adaptation, not a required first season.
Open series sheetRecommended watch order
The recommended starting route is Brotherhood on its own. The 2003 route and its concluding film are shown separately below; the release-experience alternative is for viewers who want to watch both versions.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Brotherhood — all 64 episodes
Start from episode 1. Earlier similarities with the 2003 adaptation do not make its episodes interchangeable with Brotherhood’s opening.
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Alternative: Experience both versions in release order
Best for: Viewers interested in comparing the two adaptations.
Finish the 2003 continuity first, then restart with Brotherhood. This is an alternative entry preference, not one continuous plot.
Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
2003 TV series — all 51 episodes
Follow this adaptation as its own story.
Open series sheetFullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa
The complete film
Finish the 2003 continuity before changing adaptations.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Brotherhood — restart at episode 1 and watch all 64
Begin the manga-based version from its own opening; do not skip episodes because the earlier anime covered similar material.
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How the series connect
The separate 2003 continuity
Complete this pair together if you choose the earlier adaptation. Its film belongs to this version of the story.
Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa
The Conqueror of Shamballa continues the 2003 version. It is not a film sequel to Brotherhood.
When to watch: After all 51 episodes of Fullmetal Alchemist (2003).
Optional Brotherhood extras
These additions are not required to complete Brotherhood’s 64-episode TV story.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood — Four Bonus Stories
Bonus material expands different moments and characters associated with Brotherhood.
When to watch: After finishing Brotherhood for a simple first-watch route.
Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos
The Sacred Star of Milos is associated with the Brotherhood-era version, but it does not provide a missing TV ending.
When to watch: After Brotherhood on a first watch; treat it as a side story rather than a precise episode replacement.
Good to know
Do I have to watch Fullmetal Alchemist before Brotherhood?
No. Brotherhood begins its own adaptation and can be watched first. The 2003 anime remains worth trying as a distinct version, with its own concluding film.
Is Brotherhood Season 2 of the 2003 anime?
No. They are separate adaptations. Restart at Brotherhood episode 1 instead of trying to continue from an episode of the 2003 series.
Can I combine the beginning of 2003 with the ending of Brotherhood?
That is not a clean viewing route: characterization, setup and later continuity differ. Complete one version at a time.
Which movie goes with which series?
The Conqueror of Shamballa follows the 2003 series. The Sacred Star of Milos is an optional Brotherhood-associated side story. They are not consecutive films of one combined continuity.
What if I want release order?
Watch the 2003 series → The Conqueror of Shamballa → Brotherhood. This lets you experience both adaptations in release order, but the first two releases are not prerequisites for Brotherhood.
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