Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers living in a world where alchemy is governed by the law of Equivalent Exchange: to gain something, one must sacrifice something of equal value. The brothers’ understanding of this principle is tragically reinforced when their attempt at forbidden human transmutation goes awry.

The failed experiment results in Edward losing his left leg and Alphonse losing his entire body. In a desperate effort to save his brother, Edward sacrifices his right arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor. Determined to restore their original bodies, Edward equips himself with automail prosthetics and becomes a State Alchemist, dedicating his life to mastering alchemy and correcting the consequences of their past mistakes.

The series explores themes of sacrifice, morality, the pursuit of knowledge, and the consequences of ambition. It combines action, adventure, and philosophical inquiry, following the brothers as they confront complex political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and powerful enemies while striving to reclaim what they lost.

If you only ever watch one "battle" anime in your life, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is arguably the strongest contender for that slot. What makes it stand out in a crowded genre isn't just the creative "alchemy" magic system, but the way it balances high-stakes political intrigue with a deeply emotional core. Unlike the original 2003 version, Brotherhood follows the manga’s true vision, delivering a tight, perfectly paced narrative that deals with heavy concepts like war crimes, the ethics of playing God, and the weight of sacrifice. You won't find the typical "filler" episodes that plague other long-running series here; every encounter feels earned and every side character, from the stoic Roy Mustang to the terrifying Homunculi, is written with a sense of purpose. It’s a rare masterpiece that manages to be both a fun, adventurous journey and a heartbreaking philosophical critique of human nature. Whether you're a seasoned otaku or someone who usually avoids the genre, this story of two brothers trying to fix their greatest mistake is a flawless piece of storytelling that lives up to every bit of its #1 ranking.