Every Fast and Furious Movie Ranked
#9: “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003)
The Fast and the Furious: Explained
Aside from having clearly the best title in the whole franchise, “2 Fast 2 Furious'' is probably the film that most fans can agree isn’t quite on par with the rest. While not the worst of sophomore slumps, it nevertheless feels stuck somewhere between the street race-heavy approach of the first film, and the high-octane action of the later instalments. Focusing on Brian O’Conner after his transition from one side of the law to the other, the film is less of an ensemble piece. However, it does introduce Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pierce, whose buddy cop interplay with the late Paul Walker is priceless. Sure, there are standout moments such as the boat jump scene, but overall it’s not quite as memorable.
#8: “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” (2006)
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Essentially the first standalone sequel in the franchise, “Tokyo Drift” focuses on all-new character Sean Boswell. A high school student, Boswell becomes embroiled in the underground world of drift racing after relocating to the titular city from the States. Though no fan favorite characters return, aside from a Vin Diesel cameo at the end, we do get a new one in the form of Han, who would return in multiple in-between-quels and 2021’s “F9.” “Tokyo Drift” also features some of the best street racing, as incoming director Justin Lin establishes himself in a franchise he’d eventually become synonymous with. Though not beloved, this film has become something of a sneaky pick for franchise stalwarts.
#7: “Fast & Furious” (2009)
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The simply titled “Fast & Furious” often gets forgotten among the canon, but it has to be credited as a serious stepping stone to getting the franchise to where it is today. Specifically, after two offroad sequels, we finally saw the return of the full crew, reuniting the primary leads Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. Conversely, it did also factor in the apparent death of Letty Ortiz, and Michelle Rodriguez’s absence from the rest of the film is definitely felt. Still, we’re grateful that she participates in perhaps the best scene in the movie, wherein the crew goes after a fuel tanker. All in all, 2009’s “Fast & Furious” feels a little half-baked, but it also seems a bit unfair to compare it to what would follow.
#6: “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” (2019)
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The first official franchise spinoff, “Hobbs & Shaw” focuses on the love-hate (but mostly hate) partnership of its title characters. Played by Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham respectively, Hobbs and Shaw earn their top billing. Essentially spawned into existence thanks to the characters’ hilarious previous interplay, the movie gets the most out of both the buddy cop and the spy genres. The plot revolves around their begrudging team-up against cybernetically enhanced baddie Brixton Lore, played deliciously by Idris Elba. While the film does get absurd at times, logic isn’t something the franchise is known for. We’ll take impossible, over-the-top setpieces like these any day.
#5: “The Fate of the Furious” (2017)
Another Top 10 Fast and Furious Moments
“Furious 7” was always going to be a tough act to follow, but F. Gary Gray proved up to the task by continuing to push the envelope with “Fate of the Furious.” Finding new dynamics for the team to endure, the film sees the crew pitted against their fearless leader Dominic Toretto, who has gone rogue for reasons then-unknown. The whole cast really shines. But before Idris Elba, we have Oscar-winner Charlize Theron chewing the scenery as the series’s new unabashed villain, and we love every minute of it. Heck, the movie even brings in another Oscar-winner, in the form of Dame Helen Mirren. If that’s not a sign that your franchise is gaining clout, we don’t know what is.
#4: “The Fast and the Furious” (2001)
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It started here. While the franchise has certainly gained a reputation for being bombastic in its action, we still have a lot of respect for the down-to-earth original entry. Taking on the herculean task of getting us to care about so many characters, “The Fast and the Furious” manages to tell a compelling story, something that’s occasionally lacking from later entries. With an emphasis on street racing and the crime scene of Los Angeles, this first film really makes us feel invested in Brian O’Conner, as he infiltrates the crew he’d later come to regard as family. As different as the later entries are, this one firmly established the foundation upon which the whole series is built.
#3: “Fast & Furious 6” (2013)
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Though it’s sandwiched between two incredible instalments, “Fast & Furious 6” is a fantastic film that definitely earns its place on the podium. Before we had family vs. family with Dom in “Fate of the Furious,” we have the crew going up against Letty, who’s revealed to not only be alive but suffering from amnesia. In the crew’s efforts to get her back with the good guys, we get some truly pulse-pounding fight scenes and setpieces. While he’d later be overshadowed by his brother Deckard, Owen Shaw serves as quite the compelling villain in his own right, played to calculating perfection by Luke Evans. In short, “Fast & Furious 6” is another solid ride firing on all cylinders.
#2: “Fast Five” (2011)
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The franchise has always had its hardcore fans, but never had it been taken particulalry seriously by general moviegoing public. That all changed with “Fast Five.” Indeed, people were not ready for just how rock-solid this series could get, and we’re not just saying that just because Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson joined the cast. The movie also introduces a heist element that makes the story feel that much more engaging and fast-paced. It all culminates in wild fashion with the crew dragging a giant vault through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Some immediately thought of it as a fluke, but “Fast Five” proved that the formula had finally been perfected—and we’re still seeing it succeed over a decade later.
#1: “Furious 7” (2015)
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There were more than a few things going against this movie, but it somehow managed to overcome the obstacles to make for a ride we’ll never forget. Director Justin Lin did not return, and James Wan, known for horror movies rather than action, filled in. And yet, the action is off the charts, giving it the epic feel the film so rightly deserves. And second, the tragic death of Paul Walker during production forced much of the story to be reworked. Somehow, with the help of Walker’s brothers, and some incredible visual effects, his absence becomes one of the film’s most touching aspects. The film gives both Walker and his character, Brian O’Conner, the beautiful sendoff they deserved. Rest in peace, Paul.
