Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodis easily one of the best anime ever created, capturing a perfect blend of action, moral complexity, and emotional moments. It has rich worldbuilding, power dynamics, and an amazingly paced plot that have drawn in fans for years. The foundation of the story is set around two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who work to reclaim their bodies after the disastrous results of attempting human transmutation in an attempt to resurrect their mother. The anime balances humor with a deeper exploration of the human condition, making it a multi-layered narrative that adds to its success.
For fans ofFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,finding other anime that deliver the same kind of satisfaction can be difficult. It is not solely about intense battles and interesting abilities, but about finding a series that balances those elements with meaningful storytelling and characters that are complex and fully fleshed out. WhileFullmetal Alchemistis a difficult anime to live up to, there are other anime that offer their own blend of themes and narratives that are worth watching.
Hunter x Hunter
Cast
Hunter x Hunter (1999) follows young Gon Freecss in his quest to become a Hunter and find his father. Alongside friends Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio, Gon confronts various trials and adversaries in a world filled with mystical creatures and complex adventures. The series explores themes of friendship, ambition, and perseverance as the protagonists navigate the dangerous and unpredictable Hunter Examination.
Hunter x Hunterfollows Gon Freecss, a young boy on a journey to find his father, a legendary Hunter, while earning the title for himself. As Gon works toward his goals, he creates deep friendships along the way and faces formidable enemies.
The anime is known forits incredibly intricate power system called Nen, andthe way it constantly shifts genres, going from battle-focused arcs to psychological thrillers.Hunter x Huntercaptured the hearts of many fans through its balance of heartwarming moments and intense drama.
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Fans ofFullmetal Alchemistwill appreciate this anime for itsdetailed worldbuilding and array of complex characters. Both shows explore the themes of sacrifice, ambition, and even the personal cost of pursuing one’s goals. Just as Edward and Alphonse grapple with the consequences of their decisions, Gon’s journey is a coming-of-age story filled with morally gray complexities and tough choices.
Erased
Erased is a Japanese anime series based on a manga by Kei Sanbe. The story follows Satoru Fujinuma, a young man with an ability known as “Revival,” which sends him back in time moments before a life-threatening incident to prevent it. After a personal tragedy, Satoru is sent back 18 years to his elementary school days to solve the mystery of a classmate’s disappearance and prevent future tragedies.
Erasedcenters around Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist with an ability called Revival, which allows him to travel back in time to prevent tragic events. When a devastating incident happens in his present timeline, he goes back in time to his childhood, where he must discover the truth behind the disappearance of several of his classmates and prevent their deaths.
With only twelve episodes, it’s a quick and captivating watch, where every moment will leave you wondering what comes next.
With only twelve episodes, it’sa quick and captivating watch, where every moment will leave you wondering what comes next.Erasedis compelling not just for beingan intricate time loop mystery, but for its deep emotional core and its focus on relationships, particularly between Satoru and the people he’s trying to protect.
Like Ed and Al’s journey to rectify their past mistakes,Erasedis driven by the protagonist’s determination to make things right,regardless of the cost to himself. Both shows explore the theme of consequences, even if done with good intentions, whether it’s through alchemy or time travel, and the weight of those actions, all while keeping the audience anticipating what’s to come.
Moriarty the Patriot
Moriarty the Patriot is an animated series that reimagines the origin story of Sherlock Holmes' arch-nemesis, James Moriarty. Set in 19th-century Britain, the series explores Moriarty’s quest to create an ideal society by dismantling the oppressive class structure. The narrative delves into his early life, motivations, and the elaborate schemes he orchestrates. This crime drama blends elements of mystery and historical intrigue.
Moriarty the Patriotoffersa fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes storiesby placing the famous detective’s nemesis, William James Moriarty, at the center of the story. Set in Victorian England, the series explores Moriarty’s role as a criminal consultant, aiming to dismantle the corrupt aristocracy and create a more just society through calculated acts of crime.
The anime perfectly blends a historical setting with sharp, modern storytelling that paints Moriarty as both an antihero and as a mastermind seeking to reform society through questionable, yet purposeful methods. Fans of FMA will find thatMoriarty the Patriotprovides a rich narrative that is filled with moral complexities.
Similarly to the Elric brothers, Moriarty questions the structures of power and justice.Both series dive into the idea of manipulating systems for personal gain, although in very different ways. The intellectual duels and the strategic thinking inMoriarty the Patriotwill resonate with fans who enjoyed the philosophical undertones ofFullmetal Alchemist.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a Japanese anime series set in an alternate future where the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered Japan. The series follows Lelouch vi Britannia, an exiled prince who gains a mysterious power called Geass and uses it to lead a rebellion against the imperial power. Lelouch balances his dual life as a student and a masked revolutionary leader, driven by a desire to avenge his mother’s death and create a better world.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellionfollows the story of Lelouch vi Britannia, the exiled prince who, after years of hiding, gains the power of Geass that allows him to control anyone he looks in the eye one time. With this ability, Lelouch takes on the mysterious identity of Zero and leads a rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire to liberate Japan and create a better world for his sister, Nunnally.
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The anime contains intense mecha battles, political intrigue, and sharp plot twiststhat leave fans sitting at the edge of their seat.Code Geassdeeply explores themes that have to do with power, sacrifice, and the consequences of one’s own actions. The main protagonist, Lelouch is reminiscent of Edward Elric due to his personal goals that carry larger ramifications.Code Geassraises questions about the human cost of ambition, the toll of revenge, and the very idea of justice.
Death Note (2006)
Death Notefollows the story of Light Yagami, a brilliant student who stumbles upona notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. Using the Death Note, Light becomes known as Kira, killing criminals across the world in the name of justice.
In doing so, he attracts the attention of L, the greatest detective in the world, who becomes determined to uncover Kira’s true identity.Fullmetal Alchemistfans will appreciateDeath Notefor itsexploration of moral ambiguityand the unintended consequences of wielding great power.
Both series explore the darker side of human nature, and fans of Scar’s resolve to get revenge on state alchemists will find themselves intrigued by Light’s slow descent into madness and his growing god complex. The question that remains is whether the ends justify the means, and for all those who enjoy intense character dynamics and thought-provoking storylines,Death Noteis a widely captivating experience.
Soul Eater
Soul Eater is an anime series set in the Death Weapon Meister Academy, where students train to become meisters and weapon partners to hunt evil souls. The protagonist, Maka Albarn, along with her living weapon partner Soul Eater, aim to transform Soul into a powerful Death Scythe. The series explores their battles against various supernatural threats and the complex dynamics within the academy.
Soul Eateris set in the eerie yet whimsical world of Death City, where students at the Death Weapon Meister Academy, DWMA, train to hunt evil souls and witches. The story follows three pairs of meisters andtheir living weapons, including Maka Albarn and her scythe partner, Soul. Together they aim to create a Death Scythe by consuming one hundred souls of evil beings.
The anime stands out for its unique art style and dark atmospherethat mixes humor, horror, and action sequences. While it often leads into playful elements,Soul Eatercarries deeper themes about madness, fear, and growth. Fan ofFullmetal Alchemistwill enjoy the character-driven storytelling wrapped in a rich, unique world.
Demon Slayerfollows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who aims to save his sister, Nezuko, after she is turned into a demon. Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, learning how to fight and kill the demons that terrorize humanity all while seeking out a way to cure Nezuko.
The animation by ufotable is in a class of its own, paired with exhilarating fight scenes and emotional storytelling.
The animation by ufotable is in a class of its own, paired with exhilarating fight scenes and emotional storytelling.Demon Slayeris a captivating anime unlike any other.Fullmetal Alchemistfans will appreciate the emotional core central toDemon Slayerand the bond between siblings and friends.
Both series deal with moral complexities in their respective worlds, whether it’s from alchemy or the existence of demons who were once human. This anime takes on themes of loss, guilt, and the very idea of humanity, making a heartfelt and fast-paced journey.
Bungo Stray Dogs
Bungo Stray Dogs is an anime series that follows Atsushi Nakajima, a young man with the ability to transform into a tiger. After being kicked out of his orphanage, he joins the Armed Detective Agency, a group of individuals with supernatural powers combating mafia activities and other threats. Set in a fictionalized Yokohama, the series explores the balance between human conflicts and extraordinary abilities.
Bungo Stray Dogsfollows Atsushi Nakajima, an orphaned young man who joins the Armed Detective Agency, also known as the ADA. There, he joins those with special abilities who solve dangerous cases that often deal with rivaling organizations.The anime is fast-paced with a blend of mystery, action, and intrigue.
Bungo Stray Dogswill interest those who are looking for an anime that is humorous and yet doesn’t shy away from exploring darker narratives and themes. For fans ofFullmetal Alchemist,Bungo Stray Dogsoffers a storyline that is character-driven and deals with moral complexities.
Both series feature a wide cast that is flawed and yet relatable, whose actions and powers tend to blur the line between right and wrong. Fans who enjoyed FMA for its exploration of human nature and compelling action scenes will enjoy the journeyBungo Stray Dogswill offer.
Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is a dystopian sci-fi anime series set in a future where a powerful system called the Sybil System measures individuals' mental states to predict criminal behavior. Law enforcement agencies rely on this technology to maintain public safety, led by Inspector Akane Tsunemori and her team. The series explores themes of justice, morality, and the implications of relying on technology for societal control.
Psycho-Passis set in a dystopian future where society relies on a system called the Sibyl System in order to monitor the mental states of its citizens to determine their susceptibility to commit crimes. The story follows Akane Tsunemori, a rookie inspector in the Public Safety Bureau, asshe navigates a world where crime is preemptively judged.
Psycho-Passis a cyberpunk psychological thrillerthat raises questions about free will, justice, and the morality of allowing a society to be governed by surveillance and control.Psycho-Passis compelling due to its exploration of ethical dilemmas and the consequences of one’s own choices.
BothPsycho-PassandFullmetal Alchemistdeal with the darker aspects of human nature and the impact of a government that imposes too much power on society. In a world where citizens are constantly monitored and judged,Psycho-Passis a brilliant story about the limits of the human condition.
Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 follows Shigeo Kageyama, a young boy struggling with self-expression while possessing formidable psychic abilities. As he strives for normalcy by suppressing his powers, he faces challenges from false psychics, malevolent spirits, and enigmatic entities, bringing his emotional and psychic thresholds to critical levels.
Mob Psycho 100follows Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama,a seemingly ordinary middle schooler with extraordinary psychic powers. Mob works under the guidance of a con artist known as Reigen Arataka, who pretends to be psychic but utilizes Mob’s power to continue running his business.
Mob Psycho 100is beautifully animated and built off of unique storytelling, making the anime stand out as a heartfelt and exhilarating journey.Mob Psycho 100isa blend of both comedic and heavy narrativesthat tackles the idea that power comes with consequences.
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Just as Edward and Alphonse deal with the repercussions of taboo alchemy, Mob must also confront his own intense power while also learning life lessons about identity and growing up. The balance between darker aspects and humor makesMob Psycho 100a perfect match for audiences who appreciate intense battles, search for identity, and heartfelt moments.
