- Quick Summary: This guide explains where to stream Fullmetal Alchemist, Brotherhood, and the live-action film, highlights regional availability, such as Netflix and Hulu, and compares the original anime with Brotherhood’s faithful adaptation of the manga.
Hiromu Arakawa's recent release, Daemons of the Shadow Realm, either hooked fans or got them revisiting one of her most legendary creations: the Fullmetal Alchemist series.
Whether you want to learn the law of Equivalent Exchange or figure out how the Elric brothers could return to their normal state, here's where you can watch all episodes of Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Where to Watch Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
If you've seen Fullmetal Alchemist but haven't caught Brotherhood yet, then the premise is as you'd expect.
Two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who used alchemy in their attempt to resurrect their deceased mother. After failing to do so, it cost Edward his limbs and Alphonse his entire body, forcing them to push through a journey in search of the legendary Philosopher's Stone that could restore their bodies.
To regain their original forms, they must become State Alchemists and work for the military to fight artificial humans called the Homunculi while uncovering the massive political corruption happening right under their noses.
When it comes to watching the 2003 run or the 2009 reboot, there are a few limitations:
- Fullmetal Alchemist (2003): Currently unavailable to stream in the US, Canada, and the UK. However, select episodes are available through Amazon Prime Video in India. If you're outside of India, a VPN may allow you to access the regional library where available (more on this later).
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009): Available to stream on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu (US only).
Where to Watch the Fullmetal Alchemist Live-Action Online
Did you know that Fullmetal Alchemist was popular enough to receive a live-action adaptation? Released in 2017, the film has been available to stream on Netflix and Hulu, although its availability varies significantly by region. For instance, it's not currently available on either platform in the US, but that could change in the future.
The 2017 Fullmetal Alchemist film frequently rotates on and off different streaming services, so if you're hoping to watch it, it's worth checking Netflix and Hulu periodically to see if it becomes available.
How to Watch Fullmetal Alchemist Anywhere in the World
If Fullmetal Alchemist, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, or any other anime series you're looking for aren't available in your country, or you're outside your usual region, a VPN may be exactly what you're looking for.
Benefits of a VPN for Streaming
- Unlock region-restricted streaming libraries
- Protect your online privacy
- Encrypt your browsing data
- Reduce buffering and avoid ISP throttling
Recommended VPN Services
- ExpressVPN – Known for its vast network of 3,000+ servers worldwide, ExpressVPN ensures fast, stable connections ideal for HD and 4K streaming. It’s perfect for users who prioritize smooth viewing without annoying lag or buffering.
- VeePN – Offering strong performance at a more affordable price, VeePN operates across 2,600+ global servers and is optimized for steady streaming sessions. It’s a great option for viewers who want reliability without paying premium rates.
Both VPNs are excellent choices, depending on whether you value premium performance or affordability. If you’re unsure which one suits your needs, it’s worth comparing them in more detail.
Fast and Reliable
A Budget VPN
Other VPN Options to Consider
- NordVPN – Strong security with consistently fast speeds.
- Surfshark – Unlimited device connections at an affordable price.
- CyberGhost – Known for fast performance and a reliable global server network.
- Private Internet Access – Feature-rich with a strong focus on privacy.
How Different is Fullmetal Alchemist from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood?
Despite having a nearly identical storyline, there are two key differences between the 2003 original, Fullmetal Alchemist, and its 2009 remake, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
The animation, for one, improved in the 2009 remake, as it secured a high-quality animation budget due to its guaranteed massive audience. Not to mention, the original manga ended around 2009-2010, making it the perfect marketing opportunity for a faithful Brotherhood adaptation.
The other thing is the storyline, which followed the "true" adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa's manga.
In this case, watch Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) if you're more into the character development of Edward Elric and a different take on how the Homunculi were born as failed transmutations, as opposed to Brotherhood's version that they were primarily created by the villain, "Father."
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009), on the other hand, is the full story of the manga, featured in its 64 episodes.
Keep it locked on EpicStream, your go-to site for film, TV, and celebrity coverage!