Fullmetal Alchemist is far from a romance anime, but several romances bud over its course, with Edward and Winry being the most prominent. So, do Edward and Winry end up together?
The anime and manga are complete, meaning most fans know the answer to the characters' slow-burn relationship.
But Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is quite long and takes a while to pick up, so some people might've watched it on and off — not to mention that there's another earlier anime where things went quite differently.
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How Did Edward and Winry Meet?
In both the original Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Winry and Edward grew up as neighbors and friends.
As children, they used to be very close, but following the tragedy of the Elric brothers' failed attempt to resurrect their mother, Edward becomes much more reserved.
Throughout the anime, the two have different adventures and are often separated, though Winry's support remains constant, as she's a skilled mechanic who helps maintain Edward's prosthetics.
Their interactions make it apparent that they truly care for each other, but neither is good at talking about their feelings.
Moreover, their similarly stubborn and hot-headed personalities mean that they constantly disagree, though arguing has never been known to prevent fans from shipping a relationship; in fact, quite the opposite.
Do Edward and Winry End Up Together in Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)?
In the 2003 anime, things are a bit more complicated for the couple. Edward and Winry's interactions and banter, intricate chemistry, and mutual care are present, but circumstances prevent FMAB's clearly happy conclusion from happening.
It hardly helps that the anime gave its own ending and had Edward literally move to a different dimension with no notice as to when and if he might return.
This dimension is no other than our own world, and OVAs have Edward moving back and forth quite a lot, ultimately leaving his relationship with Winry unclear.
The final OVA has three children who look like Ed, Al, and Winry going to visit their grandfather, Edward.
Of course, this suggests that he did settle down with Winry. But is this the Winry we know, or a parallel version of her from our own world?
The fact that Edward has managed to maintain his prosthetics into old age suggests a happy ending with the Winry we know.
But all in all, viewers of the 2003 version and the OVAs have a lot more dots to connect.
Do Edward and Winry End Up Together in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
Towards the end of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, just before going traveling, Edward finally proposes to Winry in a notoriously clumsy confession. Winry accepts his proposal in an equally awkward manner.
Drawing from the alchemic jargon he's familiar with, Edward proposes an equivalent exchange whereby he will give her half his life and she will give him half her own in return.
Not exactly everyone's dream confession, but it works for them and, while Edward goes traveling and Winry continues her mechanic career, they manage to make time for their relationship.
The ending credits reveal that Edward and Winry are still together and have a son and a daughter.
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Which Anime Does Edward and Winry's Relationship Justice?
Both versions have their merits when it comes to Edward and Winry's portrayal. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered the default version of the fantasy anime, but there's also much to like about the 2003 version.
Even in its darkest moments, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood sticks with shounen anime tropes, focusing on lightheartedness and hope.
This doesn't leave too much room for profound growth, but if you want a definitive, wholesome conclusion to Edward and Winry's romance, Brotherhood is your go-to.
Despite the 2003 show's slightly less positive reputation, some fans prefer its darker, more mature tone, and even prefer Winry's original portrayal.
If you don't mind inconclusive storylines, you might like Edward and Winry's relationship there.
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