One of the best anime of all time is returning to Netflix in 2025

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” has the dual virtues of being accessible and excellent. it’s not like As mature or soul-wrenching as some similarly acclaimed anime, like “Neon Genesis Evangelion” or “Cowboy Bebop,” it’s not a brainless action show either. It’s an exciting series that feels like it’s built to immerse you – and the final part of the series takes place in one day, so if this is your first time, watch it all at once! You won’t regret it, believe me.

For added accessibility, “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” has a solid English dub (written and performed by Funimation, now known as Crunchyroll). For anime newbies who can’t get past the one-inch barrier of watching with subtitles, this should make Fullmetal Alchemist even more appealing.

The anime blends different tones into a harmonious whole like The Alchemist, from stunning action to fair helpings of comedy and even dashes of horror (especially with the show’s brutal designs). More than any other anime, I find myself re-listening to the soundtrack to “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,” both of which are scores by Akira Senju (“Trisha’s Lullaby” is a beautiful bittersweet harmony that will hit you like a steel fist to your stomach) and the opening/ending themes of Japanese pop music. Speaking of music, not every anime series gets an entire unrelated rock song written about it – like fan works “The Chemist” for the good kid Talk about the lasting impact the show has had.

This effect is not only Because it’s a fun show. “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” doesn’t evaporate like a sugar high once you’ve finished it. When you watch it from a distance, you’ll only find more to admire in the details Arakawa adds and how she builds her story, while… The lessons you impart stay with you.

The story dares to grapple with heavy questions, from some simple truths about growing up (an acceptance that death is permanent, conveyed not only through the Elrics’ family backstory, but also through some heartbreaking, never-reversed deaths of supporting characters) to themes More urgent political ones, such as the responsibility of citizens living under an evil state to take action against it.

At the end of his journey, Edward concludes that “there is no such thing as a painless lesson,” because your heart can only become stronger through challenge and overcoming. I’ve carried these eight words with me and used them for reassurance more than once, because they succinctly remind you that there will be a light at the end of your tunnel if you keep moving forward.