The 5 Best ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ Openings (And Why)

‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ and its reboot series, ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,’ boast some of anime’s finest openings, attributed to their exceptional animation and captivating music. However, amidst their overall greatness, certain openings shine brighter than others.

Ranking them poses a challenge due to variations in animation quality and song choice. Moreover, considering openings from both series introduces diverse plot elements and characters, further complicating the comparison process.

Also Read: The Best Beginner Anime

Here are the 5 best ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ openings.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ OP 1: ‘Again‘

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ first opening sequence stands out as one of anime’s most iconic. It condenses crucial backstory and present conflicts of protagonists Edward and Alphonse into a brief yet impactful montage. Each frame is meticulously animated, depicting serene scenes of characters amidst nature alongside intense alchemy battles.

Accompanied by Yui’s unforgettable song ‘Again,’ the opening sets an unforgettable tone for the series, capturing the essence of its high-calibre storytelling. The song further earns acclaim for its seamless integration with Ed and Al’s origin story.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ OP 5: ‘Rain‘

This opening marks the beginning of ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”s final chapter, perfectly setting the tone for what lies ahead. The opening sequence, highlighted by a mesmerizing transformation of the homunculi, transitions into still shots of the characters, creating a striking contrast.

Despite its apparent simplicity, these moments capture the aftermath of intense battles, hinting at the larger conflict unfolding. The recurring motif of rain symbolizes the widespread turmoil engulfing the nation, underscoring the high stakes faced by every character.

Accompanied by the soul-stirring melody of ‘Rain’ by SID, this sequence serves as a powerful conclusion to the series.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ OP 4: ‘Rewrite‘

The fourth opening of ‘Fullmetal Alchemist,’ much like ‘Brotherhood”s fourth OP, emphasizes the grand scale of conflict. What sets it apart are two standout elements. Firstly, a breathtaking battle unfolds between Ed, Al and the Homunculi in a vast body of water, showcasing unparalleled complexity and fluid animation.

Secondly, the renowned band Asian Kung-Fu Generation’s haunting track ‘Rewrite’ sets a darker tone, delving deep into the emotional struggles of Ed and Al. While hailed as the series’ finest opening, ‘Brotherhood’ manages to boast two exceptional openings that surpass it in brilliance.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ OP 4: ‘Period‘

The fourth opening of ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ offers a sweeping portrayal of the series’ vast storyline. Through glimpses of Edward and Alphonse’s childhood alchemy experiments and their encounters with diverse characters, it showcases their growth and impact.

Action sequences punctuate the narrative, highlighting the conflicts between the alchemists and Father’s homunculi. Accompanied by the dynamic track ‘Period’ by Chemistry, the opening builds tension, reflecting the show’s expanding plot.

While ‘Period’ stands out as a top-notch opening, the series’ consistently high-quality openings place it in a commendable middle rank among ‘Fullmetal Alchemist”s memorable intros.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ OP 3: ‘Undo‘

The third opening of ‘Fullmetal Alchemist,’ akin to its predecessor, boasts dynamic transitions and thrilling fight scenes, notably featuring intense clashes between Ed, Al and Greed along with his underlings. Additionally, it showcases heartwarming moments between Ed and Al, emphasizing their strong bond.

What sets this opening apart from its predecessor, ‘Hologram,’ is its accompanying song, ‘Undo’ by Cool Joke. With a catchier tune and lyrics that delve into the melancholy of lost times, ‘Undo’ resonates deeply with the arc’s mood, earning it a commendable status among fans.