Last updated on October 15th, 2024 at 06:24 pm
Free! Anime Watch Order Guide & Fillers
Are you ready to jump into the exciting world of swimming? Free! is an anime series that follows a group of talented swimmers as they explore friendship, rivalry, and chase their dreams. With several seasons and specials, figuring out the best way to watch can be confusing. But don’t worry! I have created an easy Free anime watch order to help you navigate the Free! series and ensure you don’t miss anything important. I will also let you know if there’s anything to skip for a smooth viewing experience. Get ready to cheer for your favorite swimmers and enjoy the journey!
Plot Summary
In Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club, Haruka Nanase’s love for water and swimming has been a constant part of his life. He is calm and quiet, yet becomes fully alive when he’s in the water. During elementary school, he and his friends Makoto Tachibana, Nagisa Hazuki, and Rin Matsuoka were part of a relay team that won a tournament. However, after the event, they drifted apart, and Rin left for Australia to pursue a more competitive swimming career.
Years later, in high school, Haruka encounters Rin, now back in Japan but attending a rival school, Samezuka Academy. Rin has grown cold and distant, determined to prove his superiority by defeating Haruka in the pool. This rekindles a competitive spirit between them. Meanwhile, Haruka’s friends, Makoto and Nagisa, persuade him to join them in forming a new swim club at Iwatobi High School. To complete the relay team, they recruit Rei Ryugazaki, a former track athlete who learns to swim under their guidance.
As the Iwatobi Swim Club prepares for competitions, the series dives deep into the personal lives of the characters, exploring themes like friendship, self-discovery, rivalry, and teamwork. Rin’s internal struggle between his desire to win and his emotional connection to his friends adds to the tension throughout the series. While the swimming competitions are intense, the heart of the show lies in the relationships between the boys as they strive to reach their goals both in and out of the pool.
Free! Chronological order
This is the recommended order to watch the series for the best experience.
Free! Starting Days
(Movie) (Episodes: 1)
Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club
(Episodes: 12)
Free!: FrFr – Short Movie
(Special) (Episodes: 3)
Free! The Movie -Timeless Medley- the Bond
(Episodes: 1) (Recap) (Skip)
Free! Eternal Summer
(Episodes: 13)
Free! Eternal Summer: Kindan no All Hard!
(Special) (Episodes: 1)
Free! The Movie -Timeless Medley- the Promise
(Episodes: 1) (Recap)
Free! Take Your Marks
(Movie) (Episodes: 1)
Free! Dive to the Future Episode 0
(Special) (Episodes: 1)
Free! Dive to the Future
(Episodes: 12)
Free! Movie 3: Road to the World – Yume
(Episodes: 1) (Recap)
Free! Movie 4: The Final Stroke – Zenpen
(Episodes: 1)
Free! Movie 5: The Final Stroke – Kouhen
(Episodes: 1)
The first recap movie has very few additional scenes, so it’s not really worth watching and can be skipped. However, the second and third recap movies include more extra scenes, many of which are important to the story. I recommend watching those.
Free! Release Order
It’s not recommended to watch this series in release order, but since it’s very close to the chronological order, you can do so if you prefer.
Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club
(Episodes: 12)
Free!: FrFr – Short Movie
(Special) (Episodes: 3)
Free! Eternal Summer
(Episodes: 13)
Free! Eternal Summer: Kindan no All Hard!
(Special) (Episodes: 1)
Free! Starting Days
(Movie) (Episodes: 1)
Free! The Movie -Timeless Medley- the Bond
(Episodes: 1) (Recap) (Skip)
Free! The Movie -Timeless Medley- the Promise
(Episodes: 1) (Recap)
Free! Take Your Marks
(Movie) (Episodes: 1)
Free! Dive to the Future Episode 0
(Special) (Episodes: 1)
Free! Dive to the Future
(Episodes: 12)
Free! Movie 3: Road to the World – Yume
(Episodes: 1) (Recap)
Free! Movie 4: The Final Stroke – Zenpen
(Episodes: 1)
Free! Movie 5: The Final Stroke – Kouhen
(Episodes: 1)
Free! Fillers
Free! does not have filler episodes because it is primarily an original anime, loosely based on the light novel High Speed!. Since it’s not adapted from a long-running manga or novel series, it doesn’t require extra content to give the source material time to develop. The creators have direct control over the story, allowing them to focus on a cohesive and well-paced narrative without the need for filler episodes. This makes it easier to enjoy the series through the Free anime watch order without worrying about filler content!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Free! a good anime for non-sports fans?
Yes, Free! can definitely be a good anime for non-sports fans. While the series focuses on swimming, it’s not solely about the sport. The real heart of the story lies in the characters’ relationships, their personal growth, and themes like friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery. Even if you’re not into sports, you’ll find the emotional depth and character development engaging. The stunning animation and well-crafted narrative also make Free! appealing to a wide range of audiences, not just sports enthusiasts.
Q2. Is Free! suitable for all ages?
Free! is an anime about a group of friends in a high school swim club, focusing on themes like friendship, teamwork, and chasing dreams. Parents should know that there are a few physical confrontations, but no blood or serious violence. Some mild language is used, and characters are often shown shirtless due to the swimming setting, with brief nudity in one scene. The show offers positive role models and highlights the value of passion and perseverance. It’s rated PG-13 for these reasons.
Q3. Where can I watch Free!?
You can watch Free! on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, depending on your region. It may also be available on Amazon Prime Video in certain locations. Be sure to check availability in your area.
Q4. Does Free! have a satisfying ending?
Yes, Free! has a satisfying ending. The series wraps up with the two-part movie Free! The Final Stroke, which provides a conclusion to the characters’ journeys. The story brings closure to their personal growth, friendships, and swimming goals, offering fans a heartfelt and fulfilling conclusion.
Q5. Is Free! based on a manga or light novel?
Free! is primarily an original anime, but it is loosely based on the light novel High Speed! by Kouji Ooji. The light novel explores the early years of the characters before the events of the anime. However, Free! is not adapted from a long-running manga or novel series, which allows it to develop its story without the constraints of source material.
Now that you have the easy Free anime watch order, you’re all set to enjoy this exciting series! Dive in and follow the journey of your favorite swimmers. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!