Fullmetal Alchemist
Which Should I Watch?
| Aspect | Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) | Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2003 – October 2004 | April 2009 – July 2010 |
| Episodes | 51 + 1 movie (Conqueror of Shamballa) | 64 |
| Fidelity to Manga | Diverges from manga, original ending | Faithful adaptation, follows the manga closely |
| Animation Style | Classic early 2000s style, darker tones | Modernized animation, vibrant and more consistent |
| Pacing | Slower build-up, focuses more on character development early on | Faster-paced, condenses early story arcs |
| Tone | Darker and more dramatic throughout | Starts light, but becomes darker as the series progresses |
| Ending | Original ending not based on the manga | Follows the manga’s ending |
| Character Development | More focus on side characters like Lust, Scar | More focus on the brothers and the overall plot |
| Music/Score | Dark, atmospheric soundtrack | Upbeat, adventurous soundtrack |
| Notable Differences | Diverges significantly from the manga after early episodes, develops its own story | Follows the manga almost exactly after the early episodes |