Free watch order — all seasons, special episodes, and movies

Dive into the exciting world of competitive swimming with Kyoto Animation’s Free anime.

Before you take the plunge into this series following Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa, Rei, and Rin, it’s essential to understand the ideal Free watch order to fully appreciate their journey.

No freestyles here — ONE Esports guides you through the complete Free watch order, ensuring you experience every stroke and every emotional wave in its intended sequence.

So, grab your goggles and get ready to dive in!

What is the Free anime about?

Free is a sports anime centered around the theme of swimming and the bonds of friendship. The story follows a group of high school boys who were all part of the same swimming club during elementary school. Years later, they reunite in high school, reigniting their passion for the sport and forming a new swim team.

The story primarily centers on Haruka Nanase, a talented swimmer with a deep love for the water but a complicated relationship with competitive swimming. He is the central figure around whom the other characters revolve.

The anime also focuses on his high school teammates: Makoto Tachibana, his best friend; Nagisa Hazuki, an energetic and cheerful swimmer; and Rei Ryugazaki, a latecomer to the group who initially struggles with his swimming style.

The series also features other key characters, including other members of the swimming club and their rivals, like Rin Matsuoka, a competitive swimmer and a childhood friend and rival of Haruka. They were once teammates in elementary school, but Rin’s desire to pursue his swimming dreams on a global scale led him to train abroad, creating a distance between them.

The Free anime explores their struggles and personal growth both in and out of the pool, as they strive to achieve their dreams in competitive swimming.

The Free anime is loosely based on the light novel series “High Speed!” written by Koji Ohji. While the anime takes inspiration from the light novel, it also expands upon the original story and introduces new elements and characters.

The first season of Free was adapted into an anime television series in 2013. It was produced by Kyoto Animation.

How many seasons of the Free anime are there?

The Free anime has three completed seasons.

Season 1 aired from July 4, 2013, to September 26, 2013. Season 2 followed, airing from July 2, 2014, to September 24, 2014. Season 3 released about four years later, airing from July 11, 2018, to September 26, 2018.

Free watch order: Find out how to watch the Free anime

The viewing order for the Free anime series is chronological and relatively simple. The core narrative progresses linearly through the television seasons, beginning with Iwatobi Swim Club, followed by Eternal Summer, and concluding with Dive to the Future.

The Free franchise also includes several movies.

Free Starting Days is a prequel that explores the characters’ middle school years. While it can be watched at any time, it is generally recommended to view it after the first two seasons, as it provides additional context and enhances the viewer’s understanding of the characters’ relationships.

The Timeless Medley movies are recaps of Eternal Summer and can be skipped if desired.

Free Take Your Marks is a collection of side stories that take place between Eternal Summer and Dive to the Future. It can be watched at any point after completing Eternal Summer.

Free! Road to the World – The Dream is a recap of Dive to the Future with some new content.

The Free The Final Stroke movies serve as direct sequel to season 3, Dive to the Future, and should be watched last to conclude the overall narrative.

This means you should watch the anime and movies as follows:

READ MORE: What is Shoujo Anime? Popular genre explained