The eternal anime struggle: what to watch next? If you're standing at the crossroads between two absolute shonen legends, asking yourself, "Should I watch Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist anime?", the answer is a resounding, enthusiastic YES! Both series are foundational to the modern anime experience, but they offer vastly different journeys. It's less about choosing the best, and more about choosing your next obsession. Let's break down what makes these two titles must-sees for any anime fan and why you absolutely need to check out both.
Why You Should Watch Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist Anime Immediately
When we talk about the titans of shonen, Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist anime are always in the conversation. Both offer powerful protagonists, incredible powers, and sprawling worlds, but their execution is what sets them apart and gives them their legendary status. They both stand on the Mount Rushmore of the genre for good reason, and your watch list is incomplete without them.
Bleach: Style, Swords, and Soul Society
Tite Kubo’s Bleach is the epitome of cool. It follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high schooler who suddenly gains the powers of a Soul Reaper—a death personification tasked with sending good souls to the afterlife and fighting evil spirits called Hollows. The primary draw of Bleach is its unbelievable style. The character designs, the unique swords known as *Zanpakuto*, and the pure, visceral spectacle of its fights are simply iconic.
The initial Substitute Soul Reaper and Soul Society arcs are some of the best-structured and most thrilling sequences in shonen history, culminating in high-stakes duels and shocking plot twists. While the original run is long and famously contains some filler episodes (which you can easily skip!), the core story and the recent return with Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War are nothing short of phenomenal. If you love sleek action, mysterious organizations, and unique power systems, you have to watch Bleach.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Heart, Humanity, and Philosophy
On the other side of the alchemy coin is Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist. This story follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who commit the ultimate taboo—human transmutation—and pay a terrible price. Their quest to restore their bodies through the Philosopher’s Stone leads them down a path of political intrigue, military corruption, and deep philosophical questions about humanity and morality.
The Fullmetal Alchemist anime actually has two excellent versions: the original 2003 series, which takes its own path halfway through, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which is the more definitive, perfectly paced adaptation that strictly follows the manga. Brotherhood is widely considered one of the greatest anime of all time for its tight storytelling, masterful world-building, and incredible emotional depth. If you crave a concise, powerful narrative that never wastes a minute and truly hits you in the feels, watch Fullmetal Alchemist.
Which Anime Should I Watch First?
Since both are essential viewing, the decision of whether to watch Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist anime first really comes down to your current anime cravings. Here is a quick guide:
- Start with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood if you prefer a cohesive, shorter narrative with flawless pacing, incredible emotional weight, and profound themes.
- Start with Bleach if you're looking for a longer, flashier journey with one-on-one duels, a focus on stylish aesthetics, and an epic scale of combat.
Seriously, neither choice is wrong\! These are two masterpieces from a golden era of anime, and having the problem of choosing between them is a great problem to have. Dive into the world of Soul Reapers and *Bankai* or the world of alchemists and the Law of Equivalent Exchange. You are guaranteed to find an unforgettable experience in either of these series.
The Final Verdict on Your Watch List
Ultimately, the answer to "Should I watch Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist anime?" is not a choice, but a directive: watch both. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood provides the gold standard for a tightly written, emotional fantasy epic, while Bleach delivers some of the best high-octane, aesthetically pleasing action and character moments in the shonen genre. Clear your watch list, buckle up, and prepare to add two absolute classics to your viewing history. Happy watching, fellow otaku!
