All Fast & Furious Movies Ranked: From Worst to Best
Introduction
The Fast Saga, formerly known as Fast & Furious, has had an extraordinary journey to success. From its early criticism for stiff performances and overused action-adventure clichés, to its borrowing from the film Point Break, this franchise has defied expectations and become a long-running series. In this article, we will explore the evolution of The Fast Saga, exploring how each sequel has experimented with new action set pieces, locations, and characters. We will also highlight the role of director Justin Lin in shaping the franchise’s true identity and formula for success. With the recent release of Fast X, it’s an opportune time to revisit The Fast Saga and rank the movies from worst to best.
15. 2 Fast 2 Furious
Director: John Singleton
Starring: Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Eva Mendes
2 Fast 2 Furious is often overlooked when discussing the franchise as a whole, even among its core fandom. The movie lacks the standout moments and memorable villains that have become synonymous with the more recent entries in The Fast Saga. While it does introduce fan-favorite characters like Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) and Tej Parker (Ludacris), the film fails to leave a lasting impression. Its most notable aspect is the catchy and fun title, but overall, it falls short of the franchise’s potential.
14. F9: The Fast Saga
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena
F9: The Fast Saga, the latest installment in the franchise, received initial excitement upon its release due to the anticipation surrounding theaters reopening amid the Covid-19 pandemic. However, upon closer scrutiny, the flaws of this entry become apparent. While it pushes the boundaries of ridiculousness, it fails to deliver a truly entertaining experience. The much-talked-about space sequence lacks creativity and feels uninspired. F9 may satisfy those who switch off their critical thinking, but it falls short compared to the franchise’s best offerings.
13. Fast & Furious
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster
Fast & Furious, the fourth film in the series, reunites the original cast and aims to continue the franchise’s success. However, the movie struggles to find a consistent tone, vacillating between over-the-top action and melodrama. Director Justin Lin, known for his mastery of the series’ over-the-top silliness, fails to strike the right balance here. Despite some enjoyable racing scenes, Fast & Furious ultimately fails to elevate itself from mediocrity, disappointing audiences who were expecting a thrilling entry in The Fast Saga.
12. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw
Director: David Leitch
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba
Hobbs & Shaw takes a detour from the main Fast & Furious storyline, focusing solely on the characters played by Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham. While the movie boasts impressive action sequences and the directorial flair of David Leitch, it lacks the charisma and heart that define the mainline films. The introduction of superhuman villains with enhanced abilities adds an elevated level of absurdity to the franchise. While entertaining in its own right, Hobbs & Shaw falls short of capturing the true essence of The Fast Saga.
11. Fast X
Director: Louis Leterrier
Starring: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Momoa
In Fast X, Dominic Toretto faces his most dangerous enemy yet, Dante, who seeks revenge for the crimes committed against his family. Fast X struggles to justify its extended runtime, using it primarily to set up future storylines that will unfold in the series’ anticipated final installments. However, the film stands out by introducing Jason Momoa in a delightfully goofy performance that adds to the franchise’s overall appeal. While not exceptional, Fast X is a sequel that viewers will remember among the Fast & Furious films.
10. The Fast and the Furious
Director: Rob Cohen
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez
The original film, The Fast and the Furious, stands as the starting point for this expansive franchise. However, compared to its successors, it feels vastly different in terms of style, tone, and even understanding of its own identity. Initially facing criticism for its similarities to the cult classic Point Break, the movie manages to find its own charm. It’s interesting to revisit the time when Vin Diesel’s character wasn’t an invincible superhero and the franchise’s action set pieces were comparatively more grounded. While it may not be the best entry, The Fast and the Furious holds a special place in fans’ hearts, serving as a testament to the vast changes the series has undergone.
9. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Lucas Black, Nathalie Kelley, Sung Kang
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift tends to generate mixed opinions among fans. While it may not be considered a masterpiece, it undeniably offers an enjoyable experience. The film follows Sean Boswell’s journey as he relocates to Tokyo and embraces the underground world of street racing. Director Justin Lin injects new life into the franchise with a fresh setting, vibrant tone, and exciting race sequences that resonate with audiences. Tokyo Drift marks a pivotal shift that sets the stage for The Fast Saga’s future direction. Its departure from the traditional high school setting provides a glimpse into the silliness that lies ahead in the franchise.
8. The Fate of the Furious
Director: F. Gary Gray
Starring: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Charlize Theron
The Fate of the Furious confronts the challenge of keeping a long-running franchise fresh by pitting the protagonists against each other. While the film delivers its fair share of over-the-top action sequences, it falls victim to the genre clichés it attempts to subvert. As the eighth entry in the series, The Fate of the Furious ventures into cartoonish territory, featuring secret children, jetpacks, and a submarine chase through the arctic. While it entertains with its commitment to spectacle, the movie’s melodramatic betrayal plot fails to elicit genuine emotional investment. Nevertheless, it remains a guilty pleasure for fans of The Fast Saga.
7. Furious 7
Director: James Wan
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jason Statham
Furious 7 presents a significant challenge for director James Wan, who had to balance the expectations following the franchise’s previous successes with the tragic loss of actor Paul Walker. The film takes place after Tokyo Drift and centers around Deckard Shaw seeking revenge against Dom and his crew. Despite its over-the-top action and thrilling set pieces, Furious 7 stands out with its emotional weight and heartfelt tribute to Walker. The movie manages to pay homage to the actor’s legacy while delivering the ridiculousness and entertainment value expected from a Fast & Furious installment.
6. Fast & Furious 6
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Luke Evans
Fast & Furious 6 marks a significant turning point in the franchise’s evolution, blending elements of heist and spy films into its high-octane action formula. The movie gathers fan-favorite characters from previous entries and introduces Dwayne Johnson as an important addition to the cast. Director Justin Lin embraces his inner child and unleashes creative chaos in a sandbox of blockbuster filmmaking. Fast & Furious 6 pushes the boundaries of silliness with intense chase sequences and a climax involving cars, tanks, and a never-ending runway. While the film may not be the most subtle or thought-provoking, it epitomizes the entertainment value that defines The Fast Saga.
5. Fast Five
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson
Fast Five is a groundbreaking entry in The Fast Saga, revolutionizing the franchise’s direction and solidifying its place in the blockbuster realm. Departing from its origins as a series about fast cars, the movie transitions into a thrilling blend of heist and spy genres. Fast Five gathers an all-star cast, including Dwayne Johnson, to pull off an audacious job in Rio de Janeiro. This high-stakes adventure showcases the franchise’s knack for absurdly entertaining action sequences, memorable dialogue, and the theme of family that resonates throughout the series. With its captivating storytelling and iconic moments, Fast Five takes its rightful place among the best of The Fast Saga.
4. Fast & Furious 9
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena
Fast & Furious 9 delves even deeper into the realms of absurdity and spectacle that have come to define the franchise. Dom Toretto and his crew face their most formidable opponent yet, as they confront both personal and global threats. While the movie may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it embraces the essence of The Fast Saga by delivering exhilarating action sequences and heart-pounding moments. Fast & Furious 9 serves as another chapter in the franchise’s ongoing adventure, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the final installments.
3. Fast & Furious
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster
Fast & Furious stands as an entertaining and action-packed entry that sets the stage for the franchise’s future prequels and sequels. It reunites the original cast and introduces elements of melodrama that strive to add depth to the characters. The movie features exhilarating racing scenes and showcases director Justin Lin’s ability to balance the franchise’s signature silliness with genuine emotional moments. While it may not reach the same heights as some of its successors, Fast & Furious remains a memorable installment in The Fast Saga.
2. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Lucas Black, Nathalie Kelley, Sung Kang
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift occupies a unique place in The Fast Saga, evoking mixed reactions from fans. While it may not be critically acclaimed, the movie undeniably offers an incredibly fun experience. The film embraces a vibrant, messy tone, encapsulating the franchise’s evolution. Director Justin Lin introduces new characters, an exciting setting, and a focus on drift racing that infuses new energy into the series. While the plot may be relatively straightforward, the movie’s sheer entertainment value propels it to a special place in The Fast Saga.
1. The Fast and the Furious
Director: Rob Cohen
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez
The film that started it all, The Fast and the Furious, holds a special place in the hearts of fans as the foundation of this beloved franchise. While it may bear similarities to Point Break, this movie finds its own charm in depicting the underground world of street racing. Vin Diesel’s character, Dominic Toretto, is portrayed as a fallible and relatable individual rather than an unstoppable superhero. The movie’s iconic set pieces, such as stealing DVD players and rescuing a friend from a truck, provide a nostalgic reminder of the franchise’s humble beginnings. The Fast and the Furious may not achieve the same level of greatness as its successors, but it serves as a testament to the incredible transformation and enduring success of The Fast Saga.
Conclusion
The Fast Saga has come a long way since its inception. While it faced initial criticism and challenges, the franchise has evolved into a thrilling blend of heist, spy, and action genres. Director Justin Lin played a vital role in shaping the franchise’s identity, unleashing its full potential for absurdity and entertainment. Fans continue to be captivated by the franchise’s focus on family, memorable characters, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences. With each new installment, The Fast Saga carves out its place in cinematic history, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for this beloved series.
Unique FAQs
1. Will there be more Fast & Furious movies after the alleged final installments?
While the franchise’s ninth and tenth installments are rumored to be the final chapters, the success of The Fast Saga makes it unlikely that the studio will simply retire the beloved series. The Fast & Furious universe is vast, and spin-offs and prequels could continue to explore different characters and storylines beyond the main narrative.
2. Who is the most popular character in The Fast Saga?
Dominic Toretto, portrayed by Vin Diesel, is undoubtedly the most iconic and beloved character in The Fast Saga. His commitment to family, street racing skills, and unwavering loyalty have resonated with audiences worldwide.
3. Which Fast & Furious movie has the best car chase scene?
While every Fast & Furious movie offers adrenaline-pumping car chases, Fast Five stands out with its unforgettable “dragging a vault through the streets of Rio de Janeiro” sequence. This jaw-dropping chase epitomizes the franchise’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of action and delivering unparalleled excitement.
4. Can someone watch Fast & Furious movies out of order?
While it’s generally recommended to watch the movies in chronological order to fully appreciate the character arcs and overarching storyline, each film can be enjoyed as a standalone experience. The Fast Saga’s focus on fast cars, high-octane action, and the theme of family remains consistent throughout the series, allowing viewers to jump in at any point.
5. How influential has The Fast Saga been on the action film genre?
The Fast Saga has had a significant impact on the action film genre, revolutionizing the way audiences perceive and consume high-octane spectacles. The franchise’s emphasis on practical effects, thrilling stunts, and charismatic characters has inspired a new wave of action films that prioritize adrenaline-pumping entertainment. The Fast Saga’s success has solidified its place as one of the most influential and enduring franchises in cinematic history.