The episodes of the Japanese anime television series Full Metal Panic! are directed by Koichi Chigira and animated by Gonzo. They are based on the light novel series of the same name, written by Shoji Gatoh and illustrated by Shiki Douji, using material from the first three novels (Fighting Boy Meets Girl, Running One Night Stand, and Into the Blue) of the series over 24 episodes. The series focuses on Sousuke Sagara, a Sergeant from the mercenary group Mithril who is assigned to protect Kaname Chidori, student from a Japanese high school. The first season began in Japan, on January 8, 2002, and ended on June 18, 2002.
The spinoff series, Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu, and a second season, Full Metal Panic!: The Second Raid (which, starting from its fourth episode, follows the Sigma manga series), are directed by Yasuhiro Takemoto and animated by Kyoto Animation and is adapted from the two Ending Day by Day novels. The spinoff aired between August 25, 2003 and November 18, 2003 and the second season aired between July 13, 2005 and October 19, 2005. An original video animation (OVA), which has not been broadcast, was released on DVD on May 26, 2006. For the North American release, the first season and the spinoff series were licensed by ADV Films and the second season was licensed by Kadokawa Pictures USA.
The opening theme song to Full Metal Panic! was "tomorrow", while its ending theme song was "Never Dying Flower" (枯れない花 Karenai Hana). The opening theme song to Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu was "Is That Love?" (それが、愛でしょう? Sore ga, Ai deshou?) and the ending theme was "The Wind that Blows to You" (君に吹く風 Kimi ni Fuku Kaze). The opening theme for Full Metal Panic!: The Second Raid was "Southerly Wind" (南風 Minami Kaze) and the ending theme was "I Want to See You Again" (もう一度君に会いたい Mou Ichido Kimi ni Aitai). All songs were performed by Mikuni Shimokawa.