How to Watch Fast And Furious Movies In Order?

If you’re a fan of high-octane action, heart-pounding car chases, and a family that goes beyond blood ties, then the Fast and Furious movie series is your ultimate thrill ride. From the streets of Los Angeles to the neon-lit Tokyo drift scene, each film in this adrenaline-fueled franchise brings its own unique flavor to the table. Buckle up as we take you on a journey through the Fast and Furious movies in order, where speed, loyalty, and jaw-dropping stunts collide in a cinematic spectacle like no other.

All Fast And Furious Movies In Order

The “Fast and Furious” franchise is a series of action films centered around illegal street racing, heists, and espionage. Here is a list of the main series movies in order of their release:

1. The Fast and the Furious (2001)

The beginning of a global franchise, “The Fast and the Furious,” captivated audiences with its thrilling depiction of the underground street racing scene. The film, which had a budget of $38 million, remarkably grossed over $200 million worldwide, establishing a solid foundation for the series. Critics and audiences were drawn to its high-energy races and the chemistry between leads Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating, reflecting a mix of appreciation for its action-packed sequences and criticism for its plot. This blend of street culture, action, and family themes set the tone for future entries.

2. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)

“2 Fast 2 Furious” expanded the franchise’s horizon to Miami with new characters and more elaborate racing sequences. Despite the absence of Vin Diesel, the film succeeded at the box office, earning over $236 million globally against a budget of $76 million. Critics gave mixed reviews, reflected in its Rotten Tomatoes score, praising its action scenes but critiquing its storyline and character development. However, the movie solidified the franchise’s appeal and proved its ability to draw audiences with its high-speed chases and vibrant depiction of car culture.

3. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)

Introducing a new cast and the concept of drift racing, “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” took the franchise in a different direction. With a budget of $85 million, it grossed approximately $158 million worldwide, making it the least financially successful film of the series at that time. The movie received mixed to negative reviews, as indicated by its Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics appreciated the fresh setting and drift racing culture but criticized its plot and character development. Nonetheless, it became a cult favorite, particularly for its unique focus within the car racing genre.

4. Fast & Furious (2009)

“Fast & Furious” marked the return of the original cast, revitalizing the franchise. It grossed over $360 million worldwide, a significant improvement over its predecessor, demonstrating the strong fan base and renewed interest in the characters’ saga. The film’s Rotten Tomatoes score reflects mixed critical reception, with praise for its action sequences and criticism for its narrative elements. This installment successfully rebooted the franchise, setting a precedent for the series to evolve beyond street racing into heist and espionage themes.

5. Fast Five (2011)

“Fast Five” transformed the franchise with its heist-centric plot and the introduction of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. It became a box office juggernaut, grossing over $626 million globally, far surpassing the earnings of its predecessors. The film received positive reviews for its action-packed sequences, ensemble cast, and direction, as evidenced by its Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics and audiences alike praised its thrilling set pieces and the dynamic between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson, making it one of the highest-rated entries in the series.

6. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

Continuing the global heist adventures, “Fast & Furious 6” further elevated the franchise’s success, grossing over $788 million worldwide. It maintained the series’ momentum with positive reviews from critics and audiences, highlighted by its Rotten Tomatoes score. The film was lauded for its high-octane action, complex stunts, and deeper exploration of its characters. The addition of Luke Evans as the antagonist added a new layer to the franchise, cementing its status as a blockbuster series.

7. Furious 7 (2015)

“Furious 7” soared to unprecedented heights, grossing over $1.5 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time. The film serves as a tribute to Paul Walker, adding emotional depth that resonated with audiences. Its Rotten Tomatoes score reflects positive reviews, with critics praising its action sequences and the heartfelt farewell to Walker. The movie’s success demonstrated the franchise’s ability to blend high-octane action with emotional storytelling, ensuring its place in cinematic history.

8. The Fate of the Furious (2017)

“The Fate of the Furious” saw Dom turning against his family, introducing a new level of conflict. The movie continued the franchise’s box office success, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide. Its Rotten Tomatoes score indicates mixed reviews, with critics pointing out the increasingly outlandish action while still enjoying the entertainment value. Despite some criticism over its departure from more realistic themes, the film’s success affirmed the enduring popularity of the characters and the ever-expanding universe of the “Fast and Furious” saga.

9. F9: The Fast Saga (2021)

“F9: The Fast Saga” brought new twists and revelations, including the introduction of Dom’s brother, Jakob, played by John Cena, adding layers to the Toretto family backstory. The film, despite pandemic-related challenges, made a significant impact at the box office, grossing over $726 million globally. Its performance was a testament to the franchise’s loyal fanbase and the public’s eagerness for cinema post-pandemic. Critical reception was mixed, as reflected in its Rotten Tomatoes score, with praise for its action-packed sequences and criticism for its departure from realism. However, “F9” continued to push the boundaries of the action genre, combining family drama with spectacular stunts.

10. Hobbs & Shaw (2019)

While not part of the main storyline, “Hobbs & Shaw” served as the franchise’s first spin-off, focusing on the unlikely partnership between Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw. The film was a box office success, grossing over $759 million worldwide, showcasing the franchise’s ability to expand its universe successfully. Critics and audiences responded positively to the dynamic between Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, with its Rotten Tomatoes score reflecting this approval. The movie combined elements of action, comedy, and science fiction, proving the franchise’s versatility and global appeal.

11. Fast X (2023)

Fast X, the tenth installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, hit theaters in May 2023. It reunites the original crew for another globetrotting adventure, facing new threats and defying physics with their signature high-octane stunts. While criticized for its unoriginal plot and repetitive action sequences, the film’s star power, including Vin Diesel, Charlize Theron, and Jason Momoa, and its commitment to the “family” theme kept some fans entertained. Be prepared for over-the-top action and a cliffhanger ending setting the stage for future installments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to watch the Fast and Furious movies in release order?

Watching the Fast and Furious movies in release order is crucial to fully appreciate the evolution of the franchise. It allows viewers to understand the character development, storyline progression, and thematic elements in a coherent manner.

How does watching in release order benefit the viewers?

By starting with the original film in 2001 and moving through each installment in order, viewers can witness the growth of iconic characters like Dominic Toretto and Brian O’Conner, and comprehend the interconnected plot points and character arcs more effectively.

What do viewers gain by following the release order?

Viewers gain familiarity with the characters and overall franchise experience by watching the movies in release order. It provides a comprehensive view of the series’ development and its enduring appeal to global audiences.