The Ultimate Ranking of Fullmetal Alchemist Openings that Will Blow Your Mind

The Fullmetal Alchemist series, including its requel Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, offers some of the finest openings in anime. This is attributed to their stunning animation and accompanying music. However, while all of them are of great quality, there are a few that stand out as particularly exceptional.

Ranking these openings can be challenging as some may have impressive animation but a less impressive song, or vice versa. Additionally, since we are considering openings from both Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, they may feature different plot elements and characters. However, this list will not focus on the differences between the two series. Instead, it will evaluate how effectively each opening sets the mood for the story arcs they introduce and how well the animation and music collaborate to create a cohesive experience. Presented below are all the openings of Fullmetal Alchemist, ranked from the least impressive to the best.

9 Fullmetal Alchemist OP #1: Melissa

8 Fullmetal Alchemist OP 2: Ready, Steady, Go

The second opening of the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime is widely adored among fans for its exhilarating song, "Ready, Steady, Go" by L’arc-en-Ciel. It kicks off with a captivating shot of Ed smirking at the audience, perfectly showcasing his rebellious nature. The inclusion of a running sequence midway through the opening adds a dynamic touch, setting it apart from the first OP. However, the heavy reliance on static character shots throughout the opening makes it visually monotonous when compared to the other openings in the franchise.

7 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OP 3: Golden Time Lover

While this opening might not hold the same level of iconic status as the previous two OPs listed, its dynamic transitions and captivating character shots set it apart. Although the song "Golden Time Lover" by Sukima Switch may not excel when compared to other openings, it effectively complements Ed's despondent state during this arc. Furthermore, the opening perfectly showcases Ed's unwavering determination in his confrontation with the assembled homunculi, despite his overwhelming sense of helplessness. Regrettably, despite these standout moments, this opening falls slightly short in comparison to some of the other OPs within the franchise.

6 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OP 2: Hologram

Similar to the third opening of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the second opening of the series also showcases a song that is not as iconic. In this case, it is “Hologram” by NICO Touches the Walls. Despite this, the energetic melody complements the overall tone of the arc, and the vibrant visuals of the opening sequence align perfectly with it. Moreover, unlike most of the previous openings in this list, this particular opening includes some breathtaking action shots. These scenes depict a thrilling battle between Ling and Bradley, as well as Ed's confrontations with Envy and Gluttony, showcasing the remarkable fluidity of the animation. All of these elements raise the second opening above the earlier entries on this list, despite its less impressive music.

5 Fullmetal Alchemist OP 3: Undo

In many aspects, the third opening of Fullmetal Alchemist mirrors the second Brotherhood OP mentioned earlier. Unlike the initial two openings of the original series, this opening showcases dynamic transitions and exhilarating fights. The battles between Ed, Al, and Greed and his followers are particularly remarkable. Additionally, it includes moments of Ed and Al bonding, emphasizing their strong bond. What sets this opening apart from the previous one on this list is its exceptional song “Undo” by Cool Joke, which not only has a better melody overall but also complements the mood of the arc perfectly.

4 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OP 4: Period

The fourth opening of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood perfectly captures the immense scale of the series. It not only portrays Edward and Alphonse's childhood experiments with alchemy, but also showcases their remarkable growth by highlighting the lives they have impacted and saved. The inclusion of action-packed snippets further immerse the audience visually and emphasize the multiple fronts of the conflict between the alchemists and Father's homunculi. The gradual build of the accompanying song, "Period" by Chemistry, mirrors the expanding complexity of the show's plot. Consequently, Period asserts its place as one of the franchise's top OPs, securing the fourth spot on this list due to the intense competition it faces.

3 Fullmetal Alchemist OP 4: Rewrite

Fullmetal Alchemist's fourth opening functions similarly to Brotherhood's fourth OP, showcasing the escalated and thrilling conflict. However, there are two factors that set this opening apart from its predecessor. Firstly, the remarkable battle sequence featuring Ed, Al, and the Homunculi within a vast pool of water surpasses numerous contemporary anime fight scenes in terms of complexity and animation fluidity. Secondly, the iconic track "Rewrite" by the renowned band Asian Kung-Fu Generation enhances the overall experience. While this is undeniably Fullmetal Alchemist's finest OP, Brotherhood manages to exceed it with two outstanding openings.

2 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OP 5: Rain

This introduction to the final arc of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood serves as a poignant and emotive opening. The initial transition depicting the homunculi Morphing into one another is truly captivating, setting the stage perfectly. While the opening predominantly consists of static shots of the characters, it may seem peculiar compared to the preceding entries on this list. However, the static shots effectively capture the moments of tranquility amidst the ongoing battles, highlighting the immense impact the conflict has on the characters. The recurring rain throughout the shots symbolizes the escalation of the conflict to a national level, with the fate of every character in the series hanging in the balance. Accompanied by the heartfelt and powerful song "Rain" by SID, this opening serves as an emotional tour de force that masterfully concludes the series.

1 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OP 1: Again

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's first OP is undeniably one of the most iconic anime openings of all time. It deserves to claim the top spot on any list. This opening masterfully condenses a vast amount of information into a short time frame, delving into the tragic past and current conflicts of Edward and Alphonse. Every shot in this OP is exquisitely animated, ranging from simple scenes of characters strolling through fields to epic battles of alchemy. Accompanied by the unforgettable song "Again" by Yui, this OP creates an unforgettable viewing experience even before the actual show begins. It perfectly sets the stage for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, a series of exceptional caliber.

Regardless of how the individual openings compare to one another, each one surpasses the openings of most other anime. It is a testament to the exceptional quality of both versions of Fullmetal Alchemist that fans were gifted with these incredible openings, which stayed with them long after the shows concluded. While these Fullmetal Alchemist openings can be ranked from worst to best, each one serves as a fantastic representation of the series that fans can hold dear.