Finding the right order to watch The Fast and Furious movies can be tricky. With 12 main films, this series takes you on an epic journey of action. This guide lays out how to watch them in both release and chronological order, making it easy for you.
Get ready for a ride!
Understanding the Fast and Furious Series
The Fast and Furious series is a big deal in the movie world. It’s all about fast cars, tight family bonds, and thrilling action. Since its start in 2001, this series has grown to include 12 mainline movies, two short films, and even an animated show.
The stories follow Dominic Toretto, played by Vin Diesel, Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker), and their group as they move from illegal street racing to pulling off huge heists around the globe.
Fans love these movies for their over-the-top action scenes and cool car races. Tokyo Drift introduces us to drifting races in Japan, while Fast Five ramps up the action with bank heists in Brazil.
Characters like Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez) and Han Lue (Sung Kang) add depth to their backstories. With nearly $2 billion made worldwide, it’s clear people can’t get enough of these high-speed adventures.
How to Watch Fast and Furious Movies in Release Order
To catch all the Fast and Furious action, start with the first movie from 2001. Then, just follow the order they came out to see how the story unfolds.
The Fast and the Furious (2001)
“The Fast and the Furious” (2001) kicked off what would become a blockbuster action franchise. This first movie introduces us to street racing in Los Angeles. We meet Dom Toretto, played by Vin Diesel, and Brian O’Conner, played by Paul Walker.
Their world of high-speed cars and thrilling races takes viewers on an exciting ride. The story shows Brian, an undercover cop, trying to find out who’s behind a series of truck hijackings.
As he gets closer to Dom and his crew, Brian faces tough choices between duty and friendship. This film mixes speed champions, car chases, and loyalty tests in a way that hooked millions around the globe.
It laid down the road for 11 more movies, short films, and even an animated series. Fans loved it so much; that it made nearly $2 billion at the box office worldwide.
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Moving from the streets of Los Angeles in “The Fast and the Furious” to the sunny vibes of Miami, “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003) shifts gears. This movie introduces us to new faces like Tej played by Ludacris and Roman brought to life by Tyrese Gibson, joining Paul Walker on another high-speed adventure.
They dive into a world filled with illegal street races and daring criminal activities.
Set against Miami’s backdrop, this installment ups the ante with more races, stunts, and a deeper look into the lives of those who live in the fast lane. Critics gave mixed reviews, but fans loved it.
This film laid down more tracks for what would become one of Hollywood’s most thrilling rides – completing another chapter in The Fast Saga that keeps viewers hooked.
Fast & Furious (2009)
“Fast & Furious” (2009) brings back the thrill with Vin Diesel and Paul Walker leading. This time, they are not just racing for fun or money; they’re out to bring down a drug lord who’s hurt their family.
It’s a ride full of fast cars, big stunts, and tight corners. The movie fits right into the series’ timeline, adding more layers to the characters we’ve come to know.
This film marks a return for some favorite faces like Jordana Brewster as Mia and introduces new ones too. With action across borders, it sets up epic journeys that follow in the series.
Watching “Fast & Furious” is crucial for fans wanting the full experience of the saga’s development over time.
Fast Five (2011)
“Fast Five,” released in 2011, marks a big change for the Fast and Furious series. This movie brings in Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, adding more excitement to the mix. It focuses on heist action and high-stakes drama, setting it apart from earlier films centered on street racing.
The cast is packed with stars like Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Sung Kang, and Gal Gadot. People loved this film for its thrilling scenes and strong teamwork among the characters.
You can watch “Fast Five” on Amazon Prime Video, TNT, Max, DirecTV, or Peacock. Critics praised it highly and it did well at the box office too. This success played a huge part in continuing the Fast and Furious story.
Next up is “Fast & Furious 6.”
Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
After the thrilling events of Fast Five, the saga continues with Fast & Furious 6 in 2013. This movie is a must-watch for fans, featuring stars like Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Dwayne Johnson.
They join forces once again for an action-packed adventure. It’s not just about fast cars; it’s also where stories twist and friendships grow.
This sixth film sets up big changes and exciting paths for future movies. You can stream or watch it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Peacock. For those following the series in order, Fast & Furious 6 is key to understanding what comes next.
It weaves together racing champions with deep bonds and daring missions that keep viewers at the edge of their seats.
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
“The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” came out in 2006 as the third movie in the series. This film takes a turn by introducing viewers to Han Lue, who becomes key in later movies.
Set right after “Fast & Furious 6,” this story moves us to Japan. Lucas Black and Sung Kang lead a fresh cast through Tokyo’s neon-lit streets.
This movie stands out because it does not follow core characters from earlier films. Instead, it dives into thrilling races inside Tokyo’s unique drifting scene. You can watch Han’s journey start here, bridging gaps between other series of events.
Fans rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video for a full dive into its high-speed action and drama.
Furious 7 (2015)
Moving on from the high-octane adventures in Tokyo, “Furious 7” revs up the action and drama as it continues the saga of Dominic Toretto and his crew. Released in 2015, this installment adds more depth to the Fast and Furious storyline, showcasing a blend of thrilling car chases and strong family bonds.
With stars like Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Dwayne Johnson leading an impressive cast, viewers are treated to an emotional rollercoaster that ends with a touching tribute to Paul Walker.
Fans can enjoy this movie on Amazon Prime Video among other platforms, making it easy to dive back into the world of fast cars and daring heists.
The Fate of the Furious (2017)
“The Fate of the Furious” (2017) is the eighth movie in the Fast and Furious series. It stars Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, and Jason Statham alongside Michelle Rodriguez, and Tyrese Gibson, and introduces Charlize Theron as Cipher, a new villain.
This film takes fans on another high-speed adventure filled with fast cars and thrilling heists. Fans can watch or buy/rent it on Amazon Prime Video.
Dom’s team faces their biggest challenge yet when they go up against Cipher. She brings new threats to the crew, pushing their limits further than ever before. The movie adds fresh faces to Dom’s clan as they navigate through action-packed scenes set around the globe.
“The Fate of the Furious” lays the groundwork for more stories in this exciting saga, including “Hobbs & Shaw” and “F9.”.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” came out in 2019 as the ninth movie in the Fast and Furious lineup. This film marks a spinoff, starring Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw.
Fans get to see these two characters team up against Brixton, a super-soldier played by Idris Elba who makes for a thrilling main antagonist.
Adding to the excitement, Vanessa Kirby joins the cast as Hattie Shaw, Deckard’s sister, and Helen Mirren appear as Magdalene Shaw, their mother. For those looking to watch this action-packed adventure, it is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video among other platforms.
This entry brings fresh faces and new dynamics into the well-loved franchise.
F9 The Fast Saga (2021)
“F9: The Fast Saga” zooms into theaters in 2021, adding new thrills to the Fast and Furious series. This time, the story shines a light on Dom’s long-lost younger brother, Jakob Toretto, brought to life by John Cena.
Their rivalry adds layers of action and drama to the saga.
Fans get ready as “F9: The Fast Saga” sets the stage for an epic close. This movie is part one of a two-part finale that promises to tie up Dominic Toretto’s high-speed journey with his team.
Expect heart-stopping races and deep family bonds to be at the core of this thrilling ride.
Fast X (2023)
Fast X, set to hit cinemas on May 19th, 2023, marks the latest chapter in the Fast and Furious saga. This movie brings together a mix of old and new faces. Stars like Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Tyrese Gibson team up with newcomers Jason Momoa, Brie Larson, and Rita Moreno.
With such a diverse cast, fans can expect thrilling action scenes and deep connections between characters.
Now let’s focus on how to watch these movies in chronological order for an even richer experience.
How to Watch Fast and Furious Movies in Chronological Order
To watch the Fast and Furious series in a way that follows the story’s timeline, start with “The Fast and The Furious” from 2001. This path takes you through the movies as if you’re moving along with the characters’ journeys, step by step.
The Fast and the Furious (2001)
The Fast and the Furious (2001) kicks off an epic journey into high-speed heists, underground car races, and strong bonds of family. This movie introduces us to Brian O’Conner, an undercover cop played by Paul Walker, who infiltrates the Los Angeles street racing world to catch criminals.
He forms a close bond with Dominic Toretto, portrayed by Vin Diesel, leading to intense races and dramatic showdowns. Their adventures set the stage for a franchise that captivates audiences worldwide.
As this story unfolds, viewers dive deep into themes of loyalty and adrenaline-fueled action that define the series. The movie’s success at the box office proved audiences were ready for more thrilling rides.
It laid down the foundation for what would become one of Universal Pictures’ most successful franchises ever.
The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious is a key short film in the Fast and Furious series. It fills in what happens to Brian O’Conner after the first movie. Brian, played by Paul Walker, finds himself on the run from the cops.
This short shows his journey that leads him to Miami. Here, he gets into more racing adventures.
You can’t watch this prelude for free on Prime Video, but you can rent or buy it. Fans of Brian O’Conner will enjoy seeing how he ends up where 2 Fast 2 Furious starts. It’s a must-watch for those who want to follow the story in order.
It adds more to Brian’s backstory and connects directly to his next race-filled action in Miami.
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Following “The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious,” the action moves to “2 Fast 2 Furious.” This movie is the franchise’s second outing. Paul Walker returns as Brian O’Conner, but Vin Diesel does not appear in this film.
Instead, we meet new characters like Tej, played by Ludacris, and Roman, brought to life by Tyrese Gibson.
Fans can watch or buy/rent “2 Fast 2 Furious” on Amazon Prime Video. This installment sets itself apart by introducing these key players and expanding the series’ universe even more.
Los Bandoleros (2009)
“Los Bandoleros” is a short film from 2009 that’s part of the Fast and Furious series. It fits right after “2 Fast 2 Furious” but before “Fast & Furious”. This movie gives fans extra story bits, filling gaps in the timeline.
You can find it on streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Peacock.
This film brings back favorite characters to show more about their lives. It’s key for anyone trying to get the full picture of the Fast and Furious world. Watching “Los Bandoleros” makes things clearer as you move through the series in chronological order.
Fast & Furious (2009)
After exploring the origins of “Los Bandoleros,” we shift gears to “Fast & Furious” (2009), a thrilling chapter that brings us deeper into the heart-pounding world of street racing and heists.
This movie marks a significant turn in the series, reuniting fans with beloved characters like Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto and Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner. Their partnership reignites an action-packed storyline that pushes them across borders and sets new stakes for their adventures.
This film is not just another sequel; it stands as a key installment in understanding the full scope of relationships and rivalries within the franchise. It holds its place firmly in both release and chronological orders, guiding viewers through a maze of high-speed chases and dramatic twists.
For those looking to stream this pivotal moment, rest assured, that options are readily available to watch Dom and Brian’s journey continue.
Fast Five (2011)
Leaving the events of “Fast & Furious” behind, the saga speeds into a new chapter with “Fast Five.” This film, marking the sixth installment in the series, takes viewers on a thrilling ride.
Fans were excited to see familiar faces like Vin Diesel and Paul Walker join forces again. They also welcomed Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, adding more action to an already exciting plot.
The movie is set in exotic Rio de Janeiro where the team plans their most daring heist yet. Besides breath-taking chases and intense fights, it deepens the bond among core characters.
With its mix of humor and drama, “Fast Five” strengthens its place in fans’ hearts. Viewers can catch this gripping tale on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Peacock to continue their high-speed journey through the franchise’s universe.
Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
Fast & Furious 6, released in 2013, is a key movie in the Fast and Furious series. It stars Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto and Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs. These two join forces to take down a skilled mercenary organization.
Fans love this mix of action and drama.
You can watch Fast & Furious 6 on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Peacock. This film played a big part in the franchise’s success, adding to its nearly $2 billion global earnings.
Next up is “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.”.
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
“The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” brings a new chapter to the franchise, taking us to Japan. The movie is set right after “Fast & Furious 6” and before “Furious 7”. It introduces Han Lue, played by Sung Kang, who becomes a fan favorite.
Lucas Black stars as Sean Boswell, a teen sent to live in Tokyo to avoid jail time in America. There, he dives into the world of drift racing.
Actors like Bow Wow and Nathalie Kelley join Lucas Black on this adventure. Unlike earlier movies, “Tokyo Drift” does not feature main characters from prior stories. This film lets viewers explore car culture in Tokyo while expanding the series’ universe.
Fans can watch it on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Peacock among others.
Furious 7 (2015)
“Furious 7” (2015) brings back Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and the team for another high-octane adventure. This movie stands out as it marks the last appearance of Paul Walker in the Fast and Furious series due to his tragic death during production.
Fans see characters like Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, and Tyrese Gibson return for more action. They face a new villain played by Jason Statham.
In this part of the franchise, emotions run high as the storyline pays tribute to Brian O’Connor, played by Paul Walker. You can watch or rent “Furious 7” on Amazon Prime Video and join in on this pivotal chapter where cars fly between skyscrapers and hearts race with every twist and turn onscreen.
The Fate of the Furious (2017)
“The Fate of the Furious” hit theaters in 2017, becoming the eighth film in the Fast and Furious series. Fans saw favorites like Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, and Jason Statham return to their roles.
This time, they face Charlize Theron as Cipher, a new villain who challenges Dom’s loyalty to his family. The movie also introduces a fresh face to Dom’s crew.
Viewers can find this thrilling chapter on several platforms, including Amazon Prime Video. It plays a key role in understanding the series’ timeline and sets up exciting events for future movies.
Next up is “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.”.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw (2019)
Dwayne Johnson teams up with Jason Statham in “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw.” They fight a super-soldier played by Idris Elba. This movie comes right after “The Fate of the Furious” and before “F9.” You can watch it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
It adds new faces to the Fast and Furious world.
Critics liked this spinoff, and fans did too. It made a lot of money at the box office. This film takes Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw on an action-packed adventure, expanding the franchise’s universe even further.
Up next is “F9 The Fast Saga” (2021).
F9 (2021)
F9 hit the screens in 2021 as the latest chapter of the Fast and Furious saga. This time, viewers meet Dom’s younger brother, Jakob Toretto, played with intensity by John Cena. The movie packs a punch, adding fresh faces like Jason Momoa, Brie Larson, and Rita Moreno to its star-studded lineup.
It marks a thrilling continuation of high-speed adventures and family bonds that fans have grown to love.
You can catch F9 on Peacock if you’re ready for some action-packed scenes and new twists in the storyline. As the tenth film in this iconic series, it keeps pushing boundaries and revving up excitement for audiences worldwide.
Whether through heart-pounding races or deepening family sagas, F9 delivers an unforgettable ride.
Fast X (2023)
Fast X, the latest movie in the Fast and Furious series, lands in cinemas on May 19th, 2023. This film brings new faces to the franchise with stars like Jason Momoa, Brie Larson, and Rita Moreno joining the action-packed adventure.
Fans can also catch it streaming on Peacock after its big screen debut.
This new addition promises thrilling races and heart-stopping stunts. The crew faces fresh challenges that test their limits like never before. With Fast X, the saga continues to evolve, bringing more excitement to audiences worldwide.
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The Future of The Fast and Furious Movies
The Fast and Furious movies are racing into new territory with big plans for the future. A film starring Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs is set to hit screens in 2025, expanding the universe even more.
Rumors also tease a spinoff focusing on the series’ powerful women, though details remain under wraps. With nearly $2 billion earned globally, this franchise shows no signs of slowing down.
Excitement builds as Fast X prepares to wow fans in 2023 with stars like Jason Momoa and Brie Larson joining familiar faces. This movie introduces Rita Moreno as Dom’s grandmother, promising fresh twists and epic action.
As part of a two-part finale aiming to tie up Dominic Toretto’s saga, these next chapters promise to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Moving forward from The Future of The Fast and Furious Movies.
Conclusion
Watching Fast and Furious movies in order brings a whole new level of enjoyment. You get to ride along with the characters from their first race to their latest adventure. With this guide, choosing between release or chronological order is easy – just pick what suits you best.
Ready for non-stop action? Dive into the Fast and Furious world today.
Fahmea Shorok is an intrepid traveler and a distinguished writer specializing in entertainment journalism. Her articles are a mosaic of her adventures and a testament to her versatile writing style, capturing the essence of global entertainment cultures. With each destination, she uncovers the intricacies of local art scenes, offering readers an insider’s view of the world’s stages, screens, and galleries.