How to Watch the Fast & Furious Franchise Movies: Chronologically or by Release Date

The Fast & Furious franchise has made an indelible mark on the world of cinema. What started as a simple concept in 2001, focusing on fast cars and daring stunts, has since evolved into a global phenomenon with a passionate fan base. While the series has become known for its high-speed chases and gravity-defying action sequences, it’s also remarkable for its emphasis on themes like family and loyalty. With multiple movies spanning two decades, watching the Fast & Furious franchise can be a thrilling experience. However, deciding how to watch these films can be a bit perplexing.

Table of Contents

Here, we’ll explore two primary ways to enjoy the Fast & Furious movies: watching them in the order of their release and following the chronological order of events within the series. Each approach offers a unique perspective on the franchise, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the adrenaline-fueled world of Dom Toretto and his crew. So, whether you’re new to the franchise or planning a rewatch, let’s break down the options for you.

Fast & Furious Movies in Order of Release

1. The Fast and the Furious (2001)

The journey into the high-octane world of the Fast & Furious franchise begins with the original film released in 2001. Directed by Rob Cohen, this movie introduces us to the key characters and sets the tone for the series. We meet Brian O’Connor, played by the late Paul Walker, who is an LAPD officer going undercover to infiltrate a crew of carjackers led by Dominic Toretto, portrayed by Vin Diesel. As the story unfolds, Brian develops genuine bonds with Dom and his crew while also getting entangled in a romantic relationship with Dom’s sister, Mia, played by Jordana Brewster.

2. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)

Directed by John Singleton, “2 Fast 2 Furious” takes the franchise in a slightly different direction. In this sequel, we follow Brian O’Connor to Miami, where he dives back into the world of illegal street racing. This time, he forges new friendships with characters like Tej Parker (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) and Suki (Devon Aoki) while partnering with Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) for a dangerous mission involving a powerful drug dealer.

3. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)

The third film in the series, “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” directed by Justin Lin, takes a detour to Tokyo. This movie’s storyline actually occurs a few months after the events of “Fast & Furious 6,” but it is a departure from the main narrative. We follow Sean Boswell, played by Lucas Black, who moves to Tokyo and immerses himself in the world of drift racing. The film introduces new characters like Twinkie (Bow Wow) and features Han (Sung Kang) as a mentor to Sean. It’s worth noting that this film presents a continuity challenge within the franchise timeline, which adds to its intrigue.

4. Fast & Furious (2009)

The fourth installment, also directed by Justin Lin, serves as a direct sequel to the original film, “The Fast and the Furious.” Five years have passed since the events of the first movie, and Brian and Dom reunite, along with familiar faces. This film introduces Han Lue (Sung Kang) as a former associate of Dom and brings Gal Gadot into the fold as the team member Gisel.

5. Fast Five (2011)

“Fast Five,” once again helmed by Justin Lin, shifts the focus from traditional street racing to high-stakes heists. The story picks up immediately after “Fast & Furious” and takes the crew to Rio de Janeiro for a daring mission to confront a corrupt businessman. This film also marks the introduction of Dwayne Johnson as DEA Agent Luke Hobbs, a character who would become a series mainstay.

6. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

Set around six months after “Fast Five,” “Fast & Furious 6” sees the gang reuniting to assist Agent Hobbs in taking on the formidable mercenary Owen Shaw (Luke Evans). It also offers a glimpse into the larger Shaw family and introduces Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw, Owen’s brother, in a post-credits scene.

7. Furious 7 (2015)

Directed by James Wan, “Furious 7” unfolds less than a year after “Fast & Furious 6” and partially overlaps with the conclusion of “Tokyo Drift.” The film continues the franchise’s tradition of high-stakes heists, this time involving a dangerous hacker. Notably, this film pays tribute to Paul Walker, who played Brian O’Connor, after his untimely death. It introduces Kurt Russell as Mr. Nobody, a spy who aids the crew in their missions.

8. The Fate of the Furious (2017)

“Fate of the Furious,” directed by F. Gary Gray, picks up just a few months after the events of “Furious 7.” This installment finds Dom and Letty married, Brian and Mia retired, and the crew exonerated, allowing them to experience a semblance of a normal life. However, a mysterious woman named Cipher (Charlize Theron) forces Dom to betray his family, setting the stage for a high-stakes mission to stop her.

9. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)

This spinoff film features Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw, characters who first teamed up in “The Fate of the Furious.” Although the exact placement in the timeline is somewhat ambiguous, it’s safe to assume that it occurs after the events of the previous films. The film revolves around Brixton Lorr (Idris Elba), a cybernetically enhanced soldier with superhuman abilities, who threatens humanity with a lethal pathogen. Hobbs and Shaw must put aside their differences and work together to stop this seemingly indestructible adversary.

10. F9 (2021)

Directed by Justin Lin, “F9” takes us on a journey into Dom Toretto’s past, with flashbacks to 1989, where we learn about his early life and the loss of his father. Most of the film’s events occur in 2019, featuring a returning cast of familiar faces and the introduction of Jakob Toretto (John Cena), Dom and Mia’s estranged brother. The movie also brings back Han, whose apparent death in “Tokyo Drift” is addressed.

11. Fast X (2023)

The most recent installment in the franchise, “Fast X,” takes place after the events of “Hobbs & Shaw.” Within the film, there is also a flashback to “Fast Five,” revisiting the death of Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida), which inspires his son, Dante (Jason Momoa), to seek revenge on Dom and his family. The movie also adds Brie Larson, Alan Ritchson, Daniela Melchior, Leo Abelo Perry, and Rita Moreno to the already packed cast.

The Chronological Order of Fast & Furious Movies

While the release order offers a great way to experience the Fast & Furious films, another approach is to watch them in chronological order of the events within the series. This order might provide a different perspective and enhance your understanding of the characters’ development and story arcs.

1. The Fast and the Furious (2001)

The series begins with this film, introducing us to Brian O’Connor, Dom Toretto, Mia Toretto, and Letty Ortiz. It sets the stage for the overarching themes of family and loyalty that define the franchise.

2. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)

Following the original film, the sequel featuring Brian O’Connor’s adventures in Miami offers a seamless transition in the chronological order.

3. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)

While the events of this film occur chronologically after the first two movies, the change in setting and characters adds an intriguing twist to the series.

4. Fast & Furious (2009)

This movie bridges the gap between the original film and “Fast Five,” bringing back familiar characters and exploring their relationships in more depth.

5. Fast Five (2011)

Picking up immediately after “Fast & Furious,” “Fast Five” marks the turning point in the franchise, with a shift towards heist action and the introduction of Dwayne Johnson’s Luke Hobbs.

6. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

Taking place around six months after “Fast Five,” this installment brings the crew back together and introduces the Shaw family.

7. Furious 7 (2015)

The events of “Furious 7” occur in the aftermath of “Fast & Furious 6” and slightly overlap with the ending of “Tokyo Drift.”

8. The Fate of the Furious (2017)

This film explores the dynamics of Dom’s “family” and introduces new characters while building on the franchise’s evolving storylines.

9. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)

Although the exact timeline is somewhat ambiguous, this spinoff offers a break from the central story while diving into the characters of Hobbs and Shaw.

10. F9 (2021)

With a flashback to 1989, “F9” provides insight into Dom’s past and the introduction of his estranged brother, Jakob.

11. Fast X (2023)

The most recent installment, “Fast X,” continues the story and addresses past events, adding new characters to the mix.

Final Thoughts

The Fast & Furious franchise offers a thrilling cinematic experience filled with high-speed chases, epic heists, and heartfelt moments of family and loyalty. Whether you choose to watch the films in the order of their release or follow the chronological order of events within the series, you’ll be immersed in an adrenaline-fueled world that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. As the franchise continues to evolve and expand, one thing remains constant: the Fast & Furious movies are a celebration of action, adventure, and the enduring power of family. So, get ready to hit the road and enjoy the ride through the Fast & Furious universe!