Fast & Furious, the franchise that defied expectations, has captivated audiences with its high-octane action and captivating characters. The series has pushed the boundaries of ambition and absurdity with each installment. This article will take a trip down memory lane and rank all 11 entries of this unlikely and enduring franchise. From the worst to the best, we’ll explore the evolution of the Fast and the Furious movies and their impact on the world of cinema.
11. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
2 Fast 2 Furious, released in 2003, marked the first sequel to the surprise hit The Fast and the Furious. While the return of Paul Walker as Brian O’Conner and the introduction of Tyrese Gibson as his new sidekick brought some energy to the film, the absence of Vin Diesel’s iconic presence was sorely felt. Despite the addition of Eva Mendes and Ludacris to the cast, the edgy magic of the original was challenging to recreate. 2 Fast 2 Furious fell short of its predecessor’s success, leaving fans yearning for more of the original’s charm and excitement.
10. Fast X (2023)
Fast X, the beginning of the end, carried the weight of its predecessors while trying to forge its path forward. This installment faced the challenge of setting up future storylines and resolving ongoing plotlines, all while dealing with the change in directors during production. The film did have its moments of fun, largely thanks to the compelling performance of Jason Momoa as the lead villain, Dante. Momoa’s captivating portrayal quickly elevated him to the top of the Best Villains list. However, Fast X suffered from a lack of truly iconic action set pieces, which is a cornerstone of the franchise’s success.
9. F9 (2021)
Despite the return of director Justin Lin, F9 struggled to recapture the magic of the series in its ninth main installment. The addition of Charlize Theron as Cipher and John Cena as Dom’s long-lost brother, Jakob Toretto, introduced a dual threat that strained the convoluted family mythology. Unfortunately, Cena’s portrayal fell flat, and even the copious flashback scenes did little to flesh out the sibling rivalry. However, the film compensated for these shortcomings with its grandiose scale and bombastic action, finally fulfilling the promise of sending our beloved heroes into space. Additionally, the return of Sung Kang’s Han, though convoluted in the storyline, brought a welcome nostalgia to the series.
8. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
The franchise took a surprising turn with Hobbs & Shaw, a spin-off that focused on the dynamic between Dwayne Johnson’s Hobbs and Jason Statham’s Shaw. Departing from the core Fast movies’ style, this buddy action film showcased the duo’s intense dislike for each other. Hobbs & Shaw provided a quip-filled, entertaining experience, buoyed by the chemistry between Johnson and Statham. Although it deviated from the franchise’s traditional formula, it became a standalone success, further expanding the Fast & Furious universe.
7. Fast & Furious (2009)
Returning to its roots, the fourth film in the series, simply titled Fast & Furious, aimed to recapture the essence of the original. By bringing back the beloved characters from the first film, including Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster, the movie sought to reignite the flame that made the franchise resonate with audiences. Fast & Furious embraced the familiar theme of vehicle-based heists while introducing a plot that took place before the events of Tokyo Drift, defying the linear progression of the series. This entry successfully rekindled the franchise’s spirit, setting the stage for future installments.
The Evolution of Fast and the Furious Car Chases
Part 1: From Boosting DVD Players to Saving the World
Part 2: How Tokyo Drift Shifted the Fast and Furious Franchise’s Action
Part 3: Fast Five and Setting a New Standard of the Absurd
Part 4: Can We Drop Cars Out of the Sky?
6. The Fate of the Furious (2017)
Few franchises manage to maintain quality over eight installments, but The Fate of the Furious defied expectations and delivered another solid entry. As the series evolved from car-centric crime drama to full-blown superhero saga, this sequel presented thrilling set pieces, including the memorable opening race in Havana and the prolonged showdown in icy Russia. Charlize Theron’s Cipher brought a fitting new villain to the franchise, replacing Jason Statham’s reformed Deckard Shaw. The film’s highlight was the astonishing spectacle of remote-controlled cars raining down. Although the departure of director Justin Lin was felt, The Fate of the Furious surpassed subsequent sequels in terms of quality.
5. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
Fast & Furious 6 brought a soap opera feel to the franchise with the surprising revelation of Letty’s survival. This installment skillfully balanced emotional depth with intense action, intertwining a busy story with captivating character dynamics. Luke Evans’ Owen Shaw emerged as a standout villain, outshining his predecessors. The film showcased the franchise’s growth and provided fans with an engaging and action-packed experience.
4. Furious 7 (2015)
With over $1.5 billion in worldwide box office, Furious 7 stands as the franchise’s biggest hit and a cinematic spectacle. It introduced new cast members, including Kurt Russell, Jason Statham, and Nathalie Emmanuel, while bidding farewell to Paul Walker, who tragically passed away during filming. The film’s grand set pieces, creative action sequences, and heartfelt tribute to Walker resonated deeply with audiences. Furious 7 not only entertained but also left a lasting impact on the series and its fans.
3. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
The third installment, Tokyo Drift, took the franchise in a new direction, both geographically and stylistically. Set in an exotic locale, the film explored the world of drift racing and introduced audiences to a fresh cast of characters led by Lucas Black. While Tokyo Drift had the lowest box office returns of the series, the unexpected cameo by Vin Diesel in the final moments not only revitalized the franchise but also established an intricate backstory that tied into future films. The introduction of Han, portrayed by Sung Kang, became a beloved and integral part of the Fast and the Furious family.
2. The Fast and the Furious (2001)
The original film, The Fast and the Furious, sparked a global phenomenon and launched the franchise that continues to captivate audiences today. Initially dismissed as a Point Break knockoff with race cars, the film defied expectations, thanks to its adrenaline-fueled action and the magnetic presence of Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto. The movie blazed its trail, forging its unique identity and paving the way for future installments. The Fast and the Furious set the foundation upon which the entire franchise was built.
1. Fast Five (2011)
At the top of our list is Fast Five, the film that revolutionized the Fast and the Furious series and took it to new heights. This entry showcased the inclusion of Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, a tough government agent determined to bring Toretto and his team to justice. The dynamic between Johnson and Diesel electrified the screen, leading to an epic confrontation between two unstoppable forces. Fast Five propelled the franchise into uncharted territory, positioning the characters as a family of practically invulnerable superheroes who execute audacious heists. The bank vault sequence, a highpoint in the series, epitomized the film’s exhilarating action and solidified its status as the best Fast and the Furious movie to date.
Do you have a favorite Fast and Furious movie? Share your thoughts in the comments!
