This is on my might-watch-in-the-near-future-if-I-have-time-and-don't-forget list.

I'm leaning more towards Brotherood, because its storyline is closer to the manga (which I haven't read) than FMA, which apparently went on an entirely different route. I really don't feel like watching both, so which would you recommend?

If I do decide to watch both (unlikely), which one should I watch first?

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I couldn't get into brotherhood because it felt rushed compared to the original.

Some people say to watch the original up to a certain point and then watch brotherhood from there. Personally, I think it's best to just watch them both.

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I'd say watch both, but if you really only want to see one go with Brotherhood, I like the official ending better than the other one, but the other one was good too

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The official series (manga + Brotherhood) has a better storyline, but I also had trouble getting into watching Brotherhood. It was really rushed and they almost stayed too true to the manga in the sense that there's a lot of exaggerated comedy scenes that worked well in the manga but did not translate well to the anime because they completely kill the mood.

Between the two animes, I honestly preferred the first one (non-canon ending). It had a weaker story because it cuts away from the manga's storyline not even half-way through, but the studio did extremely well in constructing their own plot enough to make it interesting and enjoyable. The animation is also better and it has a more serious atmosphere than Brotherhood, which makes it much easier to immerse yourself in.

Short and sweet answer: Watch the original anime, then watch Brotherhood if you care to. But honestly I would say skip Brotherhood because it doesn't do the manga (or the series) much justice. I know you're not a fan of manga but if you want to see the "canon" story then you really should read the manga.

Personally I've never really cared if an anime strays away from it's manga version as long as the story is good. In this case, you can't really go wrong. Both versions have weaknesses and strengths, but overall they're both excellent. FMA isn't super popular for no reason y'know.

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As a whole the show has some rather deep and serious themes,
but the first FMA just tosses them aside and makes the homunculi into boss battles
and one single evil entity to defeat.

So I think Brotherhood handles it all better. It's less black and white goodguy/badguy

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Since you don't want to watch both, watch FMA and read the manga, personally i thought the manga was better than the first anime. Didn't the see Brotherhood though so i can't compare completely.

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FMA all the way.

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QFT. Plus, it ties into the movie.

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Watch the first, then watch Brotherhood. If you don't want to watch a rushed version of the first season, start at like episode 10.

For the record I liked both, but preferred Brotherhood for aforementioned reasons.

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Personally, I prefer the original despite the storyline issues. I love Brotherhood, but it feels too rushed to sit down and slowly enjoy. Plus, on a slightly biased reason, my favorite character lasted longer in the original.

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Thanks.

My opinion is to go with Brotherhood, cause it is easier to follow than the original FMA.

I saw Brotherhood first and I can't really watch the original one. It just doesn't catch my interest compared to Brotherhood. :p

Dakota.

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The ending of the first always bothered me.

Brotherhood was good enough to make me sit down a read through the manga before it was finished. I don't reach much manga, and hardly ever serially.

Overall, I'd say watch both. They both have their merits. But watch brotherhood first. That way when you watch the first one and huge plot holes arise or loose ends are glossed over, you don't feel as ripped off.

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Both... FMA had it's own taste & style, and the adaption (Brotherhood) was perfect. . . Cause alot of FMA will leave you wondering, a lot if required to be filled in. . . And Brotherhood did it perfectly.

I loved Brotherhood 10x more though, I'll be honest cause I love a good storyline.

There needed to be a vote...?

Moose out

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