Free!–the Final Stroke–

Free!–the Final Stroke– (劇場版 Free!–the Final Stroke– Gekijou-ban Free!–the Final Stroke– lit. Free!–the Final Stroke– the Movie) is a pair of animated films produced by Kyoto Animation and ANIMATION DO released in 2021 and 2022. The films are a continuation of the Free! anime's third season, and in recent promo materials the movies are referred to as the "final chapters" of the Free! series.

Overview
The movies appear to be a continuation of the events of the Free! anime's third season, Free!-Dive to the Future-. The original movie was scheduled for a mid-2020 release; however, due to a variety of impeding circumstances, the release dates were changed.

The first movie's new release date, along with the first teaser trailer, was revealed at the end of the Free! Series ORCHESTRA CONCERT 2020. The movie titles, and the fact it will be released in two parts, were revealed as part of the livestream held for the Free! series' eighth anniversary on April 26, 2021.

Tatsuhisa Suzuki, the vocalist for OLDCODEX and the voice of Makoto Tachibana, announced that he would be taking a temporary hiatus from all singing and acting activities until further notice as of August 4, 2021, due to health concerns. A notice from KyoAni was released on August 19, 2021, assuring fans of the series that due to Tatsuhisa's attachment to the series, his nuanced portrayal of Makoto, and his good relationship with the other cast members and the series' fans, he will not be replaced as the voice of Makoto for the movies.

Story
Haruka Nanase's new stage for the world is Sydney, the dream place he once visited. One day, after spending a brief rest before leaving, Haruka accidentally confronts a player who fought in the All Japan Selection Tournament and shows his fighting spirit. Haruka takes a step forward to a new frontier with the feelings of his friends who have swam together. Absolute champion Albert Volandel awaits there. Each player will be motivated for the Sydney tournament. What do they feel and what do they swim for while competing for the top of the world? Their fierce battle with water begins here!

Production Staff
Studio: Kyoto Animation, Animation DO

Director: Eisaku Kawanami