If you loved
Fullmetal Alchemist
Series · 2003
What hooked you in Fullmetal Alchemist is the way it balances grand, world-altering quests with the deeply intimate, often painful burden of personal redemption.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa
Seiji Mizushima · Film · 2005
Adaptation
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Series · 2009
Adaptation
Fullmetal Alchemist
Fumihiko Sori · Film · 2017
Books on the same thread
Alchemised
SenLinYu · Book · 2025
Shares a thread with Fullmetal Alchemist: Moral Ambiguity.
Like Fullmetal Alchemist, this story explores the heavy moral ambiguity of alchemy and the difficult transformation of a character trapped by the consequences of their own past actions.
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho · Book · 1988
Explores: Personal Legend, Fate and Free Will, Following Your Dreams.
Fans of Fullmetal Alchemist will appreciate this allegorical journey, which mirrors the brothers' search for a higher truth through a challenging and transformative spiritual quest toward one's destiny.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Orphanhood, Friendship.
If the orphan struggle in Fullmetal Alchemist resonated with you, you will find a similar sense of destiny and the importance of chosen family within the walls of Hogwarts.
His Dark Materials
Philip Pullman · Book · 1995
Explores: Good vs Evil, Free Will vs Determinism, Loss of Innocence.
This trilogy captures the same philosophical weight found in Fullmetal Alchemist, specifically the struggle against systemic power and the loss of innocence inherent in a world governed by secrets.
Films on the same thread
Spirited Away
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 2001
Explores: environmentalism, loss of innocence, identity.
The journey into a strange, spirit-filled world mirrors the surreal, high-stakes maturation process seen in Fullmetal Alchemist, grounding grand supernatural stakes in the vulnerability of a young protagonist.
Castle in the Sky
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 1986
Explores: Anti-war, Environmentalism, Orphan protagonists.
This adventure echoes the steampunk aesthetic and the bond between young protagonists fighting against corrupt forces that you witnessed throughout the journey in Fullmetal Alchemist.
Akira
Katsuhiro Otomo · Film · 1988
Explores: Psychic Powers, Government Conspiracy, Youth Rebellion.
The dark, conspiratorial atmosphere and the catastrophic human cost of state-sponsored experiments in this film directly mirror the cautionary themes regarding power found in Fullmetal Alchemist.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Peter Jackson · Film · 2001
Explores: Good vs Evil, The Corruption of Power, The Burden of Responsibility.
The heavy burden of responsibility and the corrupting nature of absolute power that drives the plot of Fullmetal Alchemist is the central engine of this epic quest.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
While more comedic, the strong group dynamics and high-stakes adventuring found here reflect the camaraderie and shared mission that defined the heart of Fullmetal Alchemist.
CounterClock
Audiochuck · Podcast · 2025
Explores: unsolved homicide, seeking justice, historical mystery.
This investigative series captures the relentless drive for truth and the uncovering of buried historical secrets that mirror the investigative spirit of the brothers in Fullmetal Alchemist.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch Fullmetal Alchemist in?
You should start with the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist television series. Following that, you can watch the 2005 movie Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa, which serves as a conclusion to that specific storyline. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and the 2017 movie are separate adaptations to explore afterwards.
Is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood a sequel to the 2003 series?
No, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is not a sequel to the 2003 series. It is a separate television adaptation of the source material. While both shows follow the two brothers searching for the philosopher's stone, they are distinct productions with different narrative paths and conclusions.
Does Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa follow the 2003 series?
Yes, Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa is a direct follow-up to the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist television series. It provides the concluding chapter to the story of the two brothers as they continue their journey after the events of the final episode of that show.
How does the 2017 Fullmetal Alchemist movie relate to the shows?
The 2017 Fullmetal Alchemist movie is a live-action adaptation of the story. It is independent of the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist television series and the 2009 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood series, though it covers the same premise of two brothers searching for the philosopher's stone after a forbidden alchemical act.