For many fans, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered one of the greatest anime ever because of the touching friendships that develop during the series. The relationships between the characters are not only well-defined and unique but also heartfelt and sincere.
There are so many great friendships in the show, and even side characters like Barry the Chopper and the Chimera soldiers develop authentic bonds over the course of the story. These friendships have left an indelible impression on fans and are what make Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood a classic.
Mei And Scar
The friendship between Scar and Mei is simultaneously one of the sweetest and strangest in the entire series. Scar is stoic and blunt with most people, but Mei's earnest nature softens his personality. Over time he becomes like a surrogate older brother to her and she acts like his kid sister.
Whenever Scar gets hurt, Mei heals him with her alkahestry, and in return, Scar protects her from the chimeras and other threats that emerge on their journey. While fate brings them together, it's the friendship between the two that binds them to each other.
Ed And Winry
Although they regularly tease one another, Ed and Winry are extremely close friends. They are both stubborn and love to argue, but they never stay mad at each other for long. Winry complains whenever Ed damages his automail, but she also willing to stay up for days at a time in order to fix him up as soon as possible.
Although he is hesitant to it it, Ed truly cares for Winry, and only hides his romantic feelings for her out of embarrassment. They protect and each other, and their powerful bond is one of the hallmarks of the show.
Roy And Maes
The ultimate bromance featured in the series is the one between Roy and Maes. Roy and Maes became best friends while students at the military academy, and their friendship was cemented by their shared experience during the Ishvalan War.
Maes s Roy behind the scenes by providing him intelligence, and in turn, Roy does everything he can to shield Maes from the consequences of his bid to become Führer. When Maes is killed, Roy is overcome with grief at the loss of his friend and dedicates himself to ensuring that his death was not in vain.
Ed And Al
No two characters have a closer or more touching friendship than the one between Ed and Al. The Elric brothers grew up together with an absent father, and after the death of their mother and the loss of their bodies, their bond became even stronger.
Ed is motivated to restore Al's body, even at the cost of his own life, while Al is dedicated to ensuring that his older brother does not lose his humanity or his life in his bid to help Al. Their love for one another keeps them going even when their hunt for the philosopher's stone seems like a futile errand. Their friendship is the heart and soul of the series and one of the most touching to be found in any anime.
Ling And Lan-Fan
Along with her grandfather, Fu, Lan-Fan is one of Ling's bodyguards, but there is more to their relationship than just their roles as servant and master. Lan-Fan is fiercely loyal to Ling and flies into a rage whenever anyone insults or ridicules him.
Meanwhile, although Ling's ultimate goal is to unite the clans of Xing, he also cares deeply for the lives and safety of his friends. When Lan-Fan is injured or threatened, Ling's resolve is visibly shaken, but Lan-Fan's unwavering always ensures that he never loses sight of his dream.
Izumi And Sig
In addition to being husband and wife, Izumi and Sig are also very close friends who understand each other on an almost psychic level. Izumi is hot-headed and fierce, while Sig is cool and stead, and together they balance each other out. Whenever Izumi overexerts herself and her physical condition worsens, Sig is there to take care of Izumi and nurse her back to health.
Although Izumi and Sig were never able to have a child of their own they never lost faith in each other. Their love and trust are the core of their friendship and are what allows them to face dangerous situations without fear.
Roy And Riza
While they do not fight as much as Winry and Ed, Roy and Riza engage in their fair share of teasing. Roy often complains about Riza by saying she is too stern and demanding, while Riza onishes Roy for being too irresponsible and carefree. Despite their complaints, both Roy and Riza trust each other with their lives.
Riza is deeply devoted to Roy, and is his closest confidant, as she has known him since before he became an alchemist. Meanwhile, Roy believes in Riza so much that he makes her promise to shoot him if he ever strays from the path of righteousness.
Winry and the Hughes Family
Winry first meets Maes Hughes on accident during her first trip to Central City, but she is immediately accepted and welcomed into his family. Winry becomes especially close to Maes's young daughter, Elicia, who looks up to Winry as if she were an older sister.
Unlike others, who quickly grow sick of Maes always talking about his wife and daughter, Winry never seems to tire of his talk or their company. When Maes dies, Winry stays close with Gracia and Elicia and continues to them as they grieve the loss of their respective husband and father.
Greed And Ling
While Ling and Greed certainly do not start off as friends, over time their two personalities grow closer together as they share one body. They are both greedy and have big aspirations, but they manage to cooperate with each other to achieve their individual goals.
Ultimately, Greed allows Ling to regain control of his body when pressed, and Ling willingly submits to Greed in order to gain power. They recognize in each other a kindred spirit, one motivated by avarice and ambition, but tempered by a love for those people who are closes to them.
Hohenheim and Pinako
Hohenheim and Pinako have been friends longer than most of the other characters in the show have been alive. Hohenheim and Pinako started off as mere drinking buddies, but over time their relationship grew thanks to their mutual respect and understanding of each other.
Pinako never feared or shunned Hohenheim, despite knowing that he was not completely human, and Hohenheim appreciated that he could be himself around Pinako. The two old friends shared their secrets and fears with one another as easily as they shared drinks, and managed to stay close all the way up to Hohenheim's death.
