The Fast and the Furious franchise has been captivating audiences for over a decade with its heart-pounding car chases that leave you on the edge of your seat. It all began in 2001 with the release of the first movie, immersing us in the thrilling world of street racing in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. These films have become iconic, etching their place in cinematic history as must-see classics. But which one reigns supreme? Could it be the original Fast and Furious film that started it all, or perhaps one of the later installments like The Fate of the Furious?
If you’ve ever pondered how many Fast and Furious movies there are or which one stands above the rest, look no further. Below, you’ll find an exhilarating list of all the films in the series, accompanied by their release years. With this comprehensive guide, you can embark on an adrenaline-fueled journey by watching them in chronological order or handpick the ones that ignite your curiosity. And fret not about age restrictions – all of the Fast and Furious movies are rated PG-13, ensuring a thrilling experience for you and your kids when they’re ready to join in on the excitement.
So, buckle up for a turbocharged adventure and dive headfirst into the excitement. And always be on the lookout for the latest addition to the franchise, Fast X, which promises to push the pedal to the metal in ways you never thought possible.
1. The Fast and the Furious
Welcome to this high-octane action thriller! We’re introduced to street racer Dominic Toretto and undercover cop Brian O’Conner, who are diving headfirst into the perilous world of underground racing and stolen goods. Their evolving relationship forms the foundation for the unstoppable franchise that lies ahead. Brace yourself for adrenaline-pumping race sequences, intense character dynamics, and intriguing plot twists as this movie sets the tone for the entire series.
Actors: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Rick Yune
Released: 2001
Directed by: Rob Cohen
2. Fast Five
In the fifth movie of the franchise, we get to see a surprising collaboration between O’Conner, Toretto, and a bunch of familiar faces. They team up to pull off a daring heist in Rio de Janeiro. Fast Five doesn’t just crank up the action with crazy car stunts, it also brings in a new character that fans love – Luke Hobbs, played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The introduction of heists and new characters injects a new energy into the series and cements its status as a standout installment.
Actors: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris
Released: 2011
Directed by: Justin Lin
3. Furious 7
Furious 7 had a really emotional release because it was a way to say goodbye to Paul Walker, who passed away. The movie did a great job of honoring his legacy as Brian O’Conner. It also focused more on the family dynamics within the crew, which was nice to see. Of course, there were still plenty of intense action scenes, like that crazy car drop from the sky while skydiving. It was definitely a memorable moment. And as we said goodbye to one character, we also got a taste of what the future of the series could look like, with an even bigger ensemble cast.
Actors: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson
Released: 2015
Directed by: James Wan
4. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
In the third installment of the franchise, we get to experience the fast-paced world of drift racing in Tokyo. We see everything through the eyes of a new main character, Sean Boswell. At first, it may seem like a separate story, but as we watch the film, we realize it actually connects to the larger narrative. This is thanks to the introduction of Han Lue and the later movies in the series. Tokyo Drift brings a fresh change of scenery and some seriously cool racing scenes, making it a truly unique and enjoyable addition to the franchise.
Actors: Lucas Black, Zachery Ty Bryan, Shad “Bow Wow” Moss, Brian Tee, Nathalie Kelley
Released: 2006
Directed by: Justin Lin
5. 2 Fast 2 Furious
In the first sequel of the series, the story takes a different path as it solely revolves around Brian O’Conner. He joins forces with Roman Pearce, played by Tyrese Gibson, to bring down a notorious drug lord in Miami. While we miss the presence of Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto, this installment stays true to its adrenaline-fueled origins with exhilarating car chases and engaging character relationships. Moreover, it introduces fan-favorite characters Roman and Tej, portrayed by Ludacris, which further enriches the ensemble of the series.
Actors: Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Eva Mendes, Cole Hauser, James Remar
Released: 2003
Directed by: John Singleton
6. Fast & Furious
In this fourth entry, we see the original cast making a comeback. Dominic, Brian, Letty, and Mia come together again with a common goal: seeking revenge for a personal loss. This film acts as a fresh start for the series, injecting new life into the franchise by bringing back beloved characters and introducing elements that would shape future installments. Brace yourself for heart-pounding action and poignant moments, as Fast & Furious breathes new life into the series and paves the way for the exhilarating sequels that lie ahead.
Actors: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, John Ortiz
Released: 2009
Directed by: Justin Lin
7. The Fate of the Furious
The Fate of the Furious, the eighth film in the franchise, takes things to the next level. This time, our main guy Dom Toretto finds himself going against his own family, all because of this mysterious cyberterrorist Cipher. And let me tell you, there’s no shortage of heart-pounding action in this one. We’re talking high-speed car chases, a freaking nuclear submarine, and some seriously jaw-dropping set pieces. But it’s not all about the adrenaline rush – this movie also dives into the theme of loyalty and the deep bonds that hold this crew together. It delves into the complexities of the characters and their relationships, giving us a whole new perspective.
Actors: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez
Released: 2017
Directed by: F. Gary Gray
8. Hobbs & Shaw
This spin-off is all about the unexpected team-up of Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw, played by Jason Statham. They join forces to take on a super-powered bad guy with plans for global domination. With plenty of thrilling action, clever dialogue, and a good dose of humor, this movie brings a new twist to the franchise while staying true to what makes it great. The incredible chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham guarantees that Hobbs & Shaw delivers the same heart-pounding excitement as any of the mainline films.
Actors: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba, Vanessa Kirby, Helen Mirren
Released: 2019
Directed by: David Leitch
9. Fast X
Fast X is set to take the series to new heights, marking one of the last installments in the saga. Fans can’t wait to see what this film has in store, with bigger and more thrilling action scenes on the horizon. The movie is expected to bring us surprises and further develop the characters we love. While there isn’t much information available yet, Fast X is definitely going to uphold the franchise’s reputation for delivering intense excitement, heartfelt moments, and compelling narratives.
Actors: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Jason Momoa
Released: 2023
Directed by: Louis Leterrier