The Fast and Furious franchise has become one of the most successful and beloved film series in Hollywood history. With a mix of high-octane action, thrilling car chases, and a story centered around family, these films have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. However, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and prequels, keeping track of the Fast and Furious movies in order can be challenging. This guide will take you through the chronological order of the films, including the best viewing sequence to fully appreciate the saga’s storyline.
1. The Fast and the Furious (2001)
The franchise began in 2001 with The Fast and the Furious, directed by Rob Cohen. The film introduces us to the world of underground street racing and the key characters: Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), a skilled driver and leader of a street racing gang, and Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker), an undercover cop tasked with infiltrating Toretto’s crew. The film sets the stage for the franchise’s themes of loyalty, brotherhood, and the blurred lines between the law and the streets.
2. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
2 Fast 2 Furious continues the story of Brian O’Conner after the events of the first film. Directed by John Singleton, this sequel takes place in Miami, where Brian partners with his childhood friend Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) to take down a drug lord. The film focuses on high-speed chases and introduces more elaborate action sequences, setting the tone for future installments.
3. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
Tokyo Drift is the third installment in the series but is unique because it introduces a new set of characters and a different setting. Directed by Justin Lin, the film follows Sean Boswell (Lucas Black), a high school student who moves to Tokyo and becomes involved in the world of drift racing. While Tokyo Drift is often viewed as a standalone film, it later becomes crucial to the franchise’s overarching storyline. Notably, this is the first appearance of Han Lue (Sung Kang), a character who would become central to the series.
4. Fast & Furious (2009)
The fourth film in the series, simply titled Fast & Furious, marks the return of the original cast, including Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. Directed by Justin Lin, this movie is a direct sequel to the first film and precedes Tokyo Drift in the timeline. The plot centers around Dom and Brian reuniting to take down a drug lord responsible for the death of Dom’s beloved Letty (Michelle Rodriguez). The film shifts the franchise’s focus from street racing to more heist-oriented action.
5. Fast Five (2011)
Fast Five is often credited with revitalizing the franchise and taking it to new heights. Directed by Justin Lin, the film sees Dom and his crew assembling in Rio de Janeiro for one last heist. This installment introduces Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Luke Hobbs, a relentless federal agent tasked with hunting down Dom’s crew. The film is notable for its elaborate action sequences, including the famous vault heist scene, and is considered one of the best in the series.
6. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
In Fast & Furious 6, directed by Justin Lin, the story picks up with Dom’s crew living in various locations around the world, enjoying their freedom after the events of Fast Five. However, they are pulled back into action when Hobbs enlists their help to take down a mercenary organization led by Owen Shaw (Luke Evans). The film features high-octane action, including a tank chase on a highway and a climactic battle on a runway. It also reveals that Letty, previously believed to be dead, is alive and working for Shaw, adding emotional depth to the storyline.
7. Furious 7 (2015)
Furious 7 is one of the most emotional entries in the franchise, marking the final appearance of Paul Walker, who tragically passed away during filming. Directed by James Wan, the film follows Dom and his crew as they face off against Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), Owen Shaw’s vengeful brother. Furious 7 is known for its breathtaking stunts, including the crew parachuting cars out of a plane and driving between skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi. The film’s touching tribute to Paul Walker in the closing scenes has left a lasting impact on fans.
8. The Fate of the Furious (2017)
In The Fate of the Furious, directed by F. Gary Gray, the franchise takes a darker turn as Dom seemingly betrays his family and joins forces with cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron). The film explores themes of loyalty and betrayal, with the crew working to uncover why Dom has turned against them. The action reaches new levels of intensity, including a thrilling sequence in which a submarine chases the crew across a frozen lake. The film also introduces the character of Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood) and continues to develop the relationship between Hobbs and Shaw.
9. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
Hobbs & Shaw is the first spin-off film in the franchise, focusing on the characters of Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham). Directed by David Leitch, the film follows the unlikely duo as they team up to stop Brixton Lore (Idris Elba), a cybernetically enhanced terrorist with a plan to unleash a deadly virus. Hobbs & Shaw is known for its over-the-top action, humor, and the dynamic chemistry between Johnson and Statham. While it stands apart from the main series, the film is essential for understanding the broader Fast and Furious universe.
10. F9: The Fast Saga (2021)
F9, directed by Justin Lin, brings the story full circle by exploring Dom’s past and his relationship with his estranged brother, Jakob (John Cena). The film delves into the history of the Toretto family and reveals the events that led to Dom’s current life. F9 also reintroduces Han, who was believed to have died in Tokyo Drift, adding a layer of mystery to the storyline. The film is packed with gravity-defying stunts, including a sequence where the crew launches a car into space. F9 sets the stage for the final chapters of the Fast and Furious saga.
11. Fast X (2023)
Fast X is the first part of the two-part finale of the Fast and Furious saga. Directed by Louis Leterrier, the film explores the consequences of Dom and his crew’s actions over the years as they face a new threat in the form of Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa), the son of a drug lord they once defeated. Fast X delves into themes of legacy, family, and redemption, with action sequences that push the boundaries of what fans have come to expect from the franchise.
12. Untitled Fast and Furious Finale (TBD)
The final installment of the Fast and Furious saga is set to conclude the story that began over two decades ago. While details about the plot remain under wraps, it is expected to bring closure to the characters and storylines that fans have followed for years. The film will likely continue to explore the themes of family, loyalty, and the enduring bond between the characters.
Conclusion: The Fast and Furious Legacy
The Fast and Furious franchise has evolved from a niche street-racing series into a global phenomenon that spans multiple genres, including action, heist, and spy thriller. Watching the Fast and Furious movies in order allows fans to fully appreciate the character development, intricate storylines, and the deep-rooted themes of family and loyalty that have made the series so enduring.
As the franchise races towards its epic conclusion, fans can look back on over two decades of adrenaline-fueled action and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, watching the Fast and Furious movies in order is the best way to experience the full impact of this iconic saga.