Introduction
Finding another anime after Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is not easy. Few series combine memorable characters, carefully planned worldbuilding, emotional storytelling, and exciting action as well as it does.
If you are searching for anime like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the best choice is not simply another fantasy action series. Instead, you will probably enjoy anime that share strong character development, meaningful relationships, well-developed worlds, and stories that become more rewarding as they progress.
The five anime below were selected because they offer a similar viewing experience while still bringing something unique of their own.
This guide is completely spoiler-free and focuses on why each series is worth watching next.
Quick List: Best Anime Like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Hunter x Hunter (2011) — Outstanding character growth and deep worldbuilding.
- Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic — A fantasy adventure with rich lore and political conflict.
- D.Gray-man — Dark fantasy featuring memorable characters and supernatural battles.
- Attack on Titan — A carefully built world with high emotional stakes.
- Dororo — An emotional journey filled with action, growth, and humanity.
1. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
What It Is About
Hunter x Hunter follows Gon Freecss, a cheerful young boy who begins a journey to become a professional Hunter and search for his missing father.
Along the way, he meets unforgettable companions, explores an enormous world, and gradually faces increasingly difficult challenges. Rather than relying only on action, the series places equal importance on character relationships, strategy, and personal growth.
Why You Should Watch It After Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
If your favorite part of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was watching characters grow through difficult experiences, Hunter x Hunter is an excellent next choice.
Both series balance action with meaningful character development. Battles are driven by intelligence and teamwork rather than raw power alone, making every conflict feel engaging.
As the adventure continues, the world expands naturally, rewarding viewers who enjoy discovering new places, cultures, and power systems.
Similarities to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Characters
Both series feature young protagonists who mature through difficult experiences instead of becoming stronger overnight. Their companions also receive meaningful development and remain important throughout the journey.
World and Setting
Each anime presents a large, carefully built world with unique locations, organizations, and an original power system that continues expanding over time.
Story and Tone
Adventure, emotional storytelling, humor, and strategic battles are balanced throughout the series, creating a rewarding long-term experience.
Who Will Like It Most
- Fans who loved Edward and Alphonse’s character growth.
- Viewers looking for another long adventure with memorable companions.
- Anyone who enjoys tactical battles and strong worldbuilding.
2. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
What It Is About
Inspired by Middle Eastern folklore, Magi follows several young heroes whose journeys lead them through mysterious dungeons, powerful kingdoms, and magical conflicts.
The series combines fantasy adventure with politics, friendship, and exploration while introducing a colorful world filled with different cultures.
Why You Should Watch It After Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
One of the greatest strengths of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is how alive its world feels. Magi delivers a similar sense of discovery through its expanding kingdoms, magical systems, and political conflicts.
The series also emphasizes character growth and meaningful friendships, making it an easy recommendation for fans who enjoyed the emotional side of Fullmetal Alchemist.
Similarities to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Characters
Young heroes gradually mature while building strong friendships with companions who each have their own goals and personalities.
World and Setting
Both anime feature multiple nations, political struggles, and detailed fantasy worlds that become larger as the story progresses.
Story and Tone
The balance between exciting adventure, emotional moments, comedy, and action creates a familiar viewing experience.
Who Will Like It Most
- Fans who enjoyed exploring Amestris and its surrounding nations.
- Viewers who like fantasy adventures with strong worldbuilding.
- Anyone looking for another character-driven action series.
3. D.Gray-man
What It Is About
D.Gray-man follows Allen Walker, a young exorcist who joins an organization dedicated to protecting humanity from supernatural enemies.
Its gothic atmosphere, supernatural action, and emotional storytelling create a darker fantasy experience than many traditional battle shonen series.
Why You Should Watch It After Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
If you appreciated the darker themes found throughout Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, D.Gray-man offers a similar emotional atmosphere.
Rather than focusing only on battles, both stories explore responsibility, sacrifice, friendship, and the burden carried by their protagonists.
The organization-based cast also creates a familiar sense of teamwork that Fullmetal Alchemist fans will likely enjoy.
Similarities to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Characters
Both protagonists are compassionate young fighters who continue growing while protecting others. The supporting cast is equally memorable and plays an important role throughout the story.
World and Setting
Each series builds an original supernatural world filled with unique organizations, mysterious enemies, and carefully designed lore.
Story and Tone
The tone is generally darker than a typical battle shonen while balancing emotional character moments with exciting action sequences.
Who Will Like It Most
- Fans who enjoyed the emotional themes of Fullmetal Alchemist.
- Viewers looking for darker fantasy adventures.
- Anyone who prefers ensemble casts over a single hero.
4. Attack on Titan
What It Is About
Attack on Titan begins with humanity living behind enormous walls to protect itself from terrifying Titans. What starts as a survival story gradually expands into a complex narrative filled with mystery, political conflict, and difficult choices.
The series is known for its carefully planned storytelling and unforgettable character development.
Why You Should Watch It After Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Although Attack on Titan has a much darker atmosphere, it shares many of the qualities that made Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood so memorable.
Both series reward viewers who pay close attention to the story. Every major revelation feels meaningful because the world is built with incredible attention to detail.
If you enjoyed watching mysteries unfold naturally while characters faced impossible decisions, Attack on Titan is an excellent follow-up.
Similarities to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Characters
Both anime feature characters who constantly question their beliefs while growing through painful experiences.
World and Setting
Each series slowly reveals a carefully constructed world where history, politics, and hidden secrets play a major role.
Story and Tone
Strong emotional moments, intense action, and long-term storytelling combine to create an unforgettable viewing experience.
Who Will Like It Most
- Fans who loved Fullmetal Alchemist’s layered storytelling.
- Viewers who enjoy mystery and worldbuilding.
- Anyone looking for an emotionally powerful action series.
5. Dororo
What It Is About
Dororo follows Hyakkimaru, a young swordsman searching to reclaim what was taken from him at birth. Alongside the energetic thief Dororo, he travels across a dangerous world while gradually discovering what it truly means to be human.
The series combines historical fantasy, emotional storytelling, and beautifully animated action.
Why You Should Watch It After Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Like Edward Elric, Hyakkimaru’s journey is deeply personal. Both protagonists struggle with loss while continuing to move forward without giving up.
Rather than focusing only on combat, Dororo explores identity, compassion, sacrifice, and personal growth. These emotional themes make it especially appealing for Fullmetal Alchemist fans.
Similarities to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Characters
Both main characters are driven by deeply personal goals while developing meaningful relationships throughout their journeys.
World and Setting
Each series presents a unique world where supernatural elements naturally blend with human conflict.
Story and Tone
Action and emotional storytelling are balanced throughout the series, making every victory feel meaningful.
Who Will Like It Most
- Fans who connected with Edward’s emotional journey.
- Viewers who enjoy historical fantasy settings.
- Anyone looking for a shorter but highly satisfying series.
Which Anime Should You Watch First?
If you want the closest overall experience to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, start with Hunter x Hunter (2011). Its exceptional character development, strategic battles, and expansive world make it the easiest recommendation.
If worldbuilding is your favorite aspect, Magi is an excellent choice.
If you prefer darker fantasy, D.Gray-man offers a similar emotional tone.
For viewers who enjoy mysteries and long-term storytelling, Attack on Titan is difficult to beat.
Finally, if you want a shorter, emotional journey centered around one unforgettable protagonist, Dororo is the perfect pick.
Conclusion
Few anime have achieved the same balance of action, emotional storytelling, memorable characters, and carefully planned worldbuilding as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. While no series is exactly the same, these five recommendations capture many of the qualities that made it unforgettable.
Whether you’re looking for another grand adventure, a richly developed fantasy world, or characters who continue growing through difficult choices, these anime are excellent places to start.
If you’re still searching for your next favorite series after finishing Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, any of these five anime is well worth adding to your watchlist.
FAQ
What is the closest anime to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
For most viewers, Hunter x Hunter (2011) offers the closest overall experience thanks to its exceptional worldbuilding, character development, and strategic action.
Is Attack on Titan similar to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
Yes. Although it has a darker tone, both series feature carefully planned stories, memorable characters, political conflicts, and outstanding worldbuilding.
Which anime should I watch if I liked the emotional side of Fullmetal Alchemist?
Dororo and D.Gray-man are excellent choices for viewers who enjoyed the emotional themes, character struggles, and meaningful storytelling found in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.