Free!
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Free!
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Free! is an anime series that centers around the relationships among a group of friends who form a high school swim club. There is some violence when tensions get hot between characters. Characters get into physical altercations and shove and hit each other, however no blood or gore is ever shown. There are some sexual/erotic references throughout. The show is centered around swimming, so many of the characters are shirtless and wear skintight swimming shorts. Nudity includes a scene of a boy skinny dipping in a pool; his naked backside is shown. Language includes "idiot," "damn," "bastard," "hell," "crap," and "s--t." The series features positive role models that depict the importance of passion, perseverance, teamwork, and chasing your dreams.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
FREE! Centers around Haruka Nanase (voiced in English by Todd Haberkorn) a high school student with a passion for swimming. Haruka reunites with some of his elementary school swimming buddies in high school, and ogether they decide to form the Iwatobi High School Swim Club. The boys begin training to prepare for upcoming tournaments. While training their bonds strengthen as they deal with their own personal struggles and motivations. They will also have to face off against one of their friends from the past who only cares about winning.
Is It Any Good?
This sports-themed anime features awesome animation and a less traditional sports story. Free! is a sports anime that focuses more on the relationships of its characters than it does swimming. The main characters are a group of friends who had drifted apart but in high school decide they want to reignite their friendships and their individual passions for swimming. The show has a lot of slice-of-life moments that focus on the friends rebuilding their friendships; in this context are some tense, action-filled moments that revolve around swimming competitions. The art and animation are beautifully created by Kyoto Animation, especially the vibrant water animations. The end product looks spectacular and high quality. Overall Free! might not be for the traditional sports anime viewer looking for intense head-to-head action, but its focus on relationships and dramatic character moments will appeal to fans of the slice-of-life genre.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of teamwork and sporting conduct. Who, if anyone, displays good sporting conduct?
Families can also talk about the benefits of playing sports. What do you think is the most important thing in sports?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 22, 2015
- Cast: Todd Haberkorn, Vic Mignogna, Johnny Yong Bosch
- Network: Crunchyroll
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Great Boy Role Models, High School
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: January 11, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Kuroko's Basketball
Fun, action-packed sports anime has positive lessons.
-
The Prince of Tennis
Winning classic tennis anime has some violence.
-
Blue Lock
Soccer gets sinister in this battle royale sports anime.
For kids who love anime
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate