Free!

Haruka Nanase has a love for water and a passion for swimming. In elementary school, he competed in and won a relay race with his three friends Rin Matsuoka, Nagisa Hazuki, and Makoto Tachibana. After claiming victory at the tournament, the four friends went their separate ways. Years later, they reunite as high school students; however, Rin couldn't care less about returning to the way things used to be. Not only does he attend a different school, but the sole thing important to him is proving that he is a better swimmer than Haruka.

After the bitter reunion, Haruka, Nagisa, and Makoto decide to form the Iwatobi High School Swim Club, but they will need a fourth member if they hope to take part in the upcoming tournament. Enter Rei Ryuugazaki, a former member of the track team whom Nagisa recruits. As the time to compete draws near, the four develop a close bond while training intensely to come out on top and settle things between Haruka and Rin once and for all.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Matsuoka, Rin Main

Miyano, Mamoru Japanese

Tachibana, Makoto Main

Suzuki, Tatsuhisa Japanese

Nanase, Haruka Main

Shimazaki, Nobunaga Japanese

Hazuki, Nagisa Main

Yonaga, Tsubasa Japanese

Ryuugazaki, Rei Main

Hirakawa, Daisuke Japanese

Matsuoka, Gou Supporting

Watanabe, Akeno Japanese

Nitori, Aiichirou Supporting

Miyata, Kouki Japanese

Mikoshiba, Seijuurou Supporting

Tsuda, Kenjirou Japanese

Sasabe, Gorou Supporting

Yanaka, Hiroshi Japanese

Amakata, Miho Supporting

Yukino, Satsuki Japanese

Cook, Justin Producer

Nakamura, Shinichi Producer

Saitou, Shigeru Producer

Nishide, Masayuki Producer

Reviews

Jan 6, 2026

maya_kotori

Recommended

This is honestly such a beautiful anime. The animation is gorgeous, the water scenes are stunning, and the whole vibe feels warm and summery. But I totally get what you mean: there were moments where it didn’t fully pull me in, and I had to push myself a bit to keep watching. Not because it was bad, but because some episodes just felt slower or less engaging. Still, what really makes this anime shine is the way it portrays true friendship. That part is absolutely divine :3 The bonds between the characters feel so real, supportive, chaotic, emotional, and full of that “we’ve been through ... everything together” energy. It’s the kind of friendship dynamic that makes your heart melt a little. Even if it wasn’t perfect for you all the way through, the emotional core of the story is incredibly beautiful. And honestly, for an anime centered around friendship, dreams, and water, it delivers exactly the kind of softness and sincerity that stays with you.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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Apr 6, 2025

xyrkre

Mixed Feelings

Great anime but mostly focuses on friendship rather than the sports itself.

The story revolved mainly on drama and the friendship of Haruka Nanase, Makoto Tachibana, Nagisa Hazuki and Rin Matsuoka (mostly Rin and Haru's friendship)

The character designs are great, as expected of KyoAni they make eye visually appealing characters. Although there's nothing really unique with the characters as they follow a certain character archetype. (Typical thing that happens in anime)

Voice acting (Japanese dub) was splendid though. I have nothing else to say because these voice actors are professionals and they know how to read the characters well and voice them accordingly.

Plot wise, ... it felt a bit flat. When the KyoAni promoted Free! the animation didn't exactly aligned with the set expectations. The anime focused on the drama side of the plot.

I won't go into full details but this anime is for you IF you like fanservice, drama and friendships. (Bonus if you're a fujoshi/fudanshi)

This anime isn't for you if don't like drama (between male friendships), highschool setting and fanservice.

I liked this anime because it focuses on friendships, drama, highschool setting and I like sports.

Ps. I've seen the anime upon its released and decided to rewatch it (to see if I'll still feel the same towards the anime)

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Jul 4, 2023

Grumar

Not Recommended

It's really boring, anything that you think is going to happen is going to happen, the melodrama over swimming is farcical, the main character is the annoying type of autistic, the other characters are nothing burgers with the only one coming close to interesting is the guy with the glasses. The only thing this show has going for it over other sports anime is that it doesn't over explain the sport while it's happening, it's nice quick has some commentary then it's over very much appreciated. It also isn't offensively bad, it's just a bland gray slop of a show some moments more than others ... will hold your interest but nothing is going to have you on the edge of your seat. if you ant a story about rivalry and sportsmanship there are plethora of better options out there for you, if you want a diluted story with those themes that just have muscular teens...well there are still better options but this would fit that bill nicely

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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	Poll: Free! Episode 12 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page ) Stark700 - Sep 25, 2013	415 replies	by JackCompletes »» Dec 7, 2025 12:02 AM
	Poll: Free! Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page ) Stark700 - Jul 3, 2013	875 replies	by Uginia »» Aug 28, 2025 5:14 PM
	Is Free an Boys Love Anime? Senken-Sha - Feb 16, 2017	36 replies	by oujigirls »» Jul 28, 2025 2:08 PM
	Poll: Free! Episode 11 Discussion ( 1 2 3 ) Stark700 - Sep 18, 2013	147 replies	by SuperAdventure »» Apr 21, 2025 5:22 PM
	Poll: Free! Episode 10 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 ) Stark700 - Sep 11, 2013	172 replies	by SuperAdventure »» Apr 21, 2025 4:30 PM

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