‘Demon Slayer’ vs. ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’: Which series wrote the better Anime siblings?

Shows like Demon Slayer and Fullmetal Alchemist have a special way of conveying the relationship between family, and in particular, siblings. There’s something compelling about witnessing brothers or sisters grapple with pain, loss, and growth together.

Both shows center around sibling relationships that drive the entire story. But if I had to pick which series wrote the better anime siblings, I’d say that Fullmetal Alchemist does it just a smidge better.

The core of Demon Slayer is the relationship between Tanjiro and Nezuko, and that bond was done pretty well. Nezuko becomes a demon after Muzan slaughters their family. Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer to find a way to make her human again. That alone sets up one of the strongest sibling connections I’ve seen in anime.

Tanjiro never gives up on Nezuko. He protects her from other demon slayers, risks his life in every battle, and always puts her safety above everything else. And even though she’s a demon, Nezuko shows love and loyalty, too. She fights beside her brother, and you can feel how much they care about each other without even needing many words.

On the flip side, Fullmetal Alchemist shares the tale of Edward and Alphonse Elric. Two brothers attempted to resurrect their mother through the use of forbidden alchemy. That decision cost Ed his arm and leg, and Al lost his whole body, with his soul now trapped in a suit of armor.

From that moment on, the two spend every part of their journey trying to regain their original bodies. But it’s more than just a quest. It’s about guilt, sacrifice, and learning to carry pain together. Ed constantly blames himself for what happened, but Al never holds it against him. Instead, they move forward together, always putting each other first.

I think what makes Ed and Al’s relationship in Fullmetal Alchemist stand out is how balanced it is. They argue, they disagree, but they trust each other completely. They’re both smart and strong in different ways, and the show gives time for each brother to shine.

You can really feel that they’re equals. Their bond is tested again and again throughout the series, but it never breaks. From saving other people to taking on enemies to sacrificing their own dreams, everything they do is motivated by love for the other.

In Demon Slayer, Tanjiro and Nezuko’s dynamic is more one-sided. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Tanjiro’s empathy and persistence make him so appealing as a character. But because Nezuko doesn’t talk a lot and is frequently silent as a part of her demon nature, we don’t see as much of her thoughts or feelings.

So much of their relationship is revealed in actions and reactions, which is effective in its own way. But it’s not as nuanced as what we see between Ed and Al.

And, with Fullmetal Alchemist, we’re given more breathing room to explore the brothers’ past and memories and how both of them go through their emotional turmoil. We get to see them grow from boys who made a terrible mistake into young men.

And in their adventures, they learn the value of human life and the weight of their choices. Their journey feels longer and deeper, and their growth as characters reflects that. It’s a story of redemption, and it’s told in a way that feels very real and relatable, somehow.

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The emotions in Demon Slayer compared to Fullmetal Alchemist

That’s not to say Demon Slayer falls short. Its emotional moments are powerful, and the sibling theme is clear and beautiful. It is both tragic and uplifting to see Tanjiro maintain his humanity as his sister turns into a monster.

The show's emotional depth comes from their friendship. Some of the most memorable scenes in Demon Slayer are when Nezuko fights off her monster instincts or saves her brother.

Still, when I think about which series wrote the better anime siblings, I always come back to Fullmetal Alchemist. It’s not just about who’s more loyal or who fights harder. It’s about complexity and emotion. The sacrifices they make for each other and how they argue about their different views on matters make it feel more real.

The way Fullmetal Alchemist shows how two people can share pain, learn from it, and grow stronger together. Ed and Al’s story feels complete. It’s a story of brotherhood that goes beyond action and adventure. It’s about love, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

Conclusion

Both shows have amazing writing, and both sets of siblings will stay with me for a long time. But if I had to choose which bond felt richer and more real, Fullmetal Alchemist takes the lead over Demon Slayer. Tanjiro and Nezuko might tug at your heart, but Ed and Al make you feel like you’re right there with them in every step, every loss, and every win.