As of late 2024, the Fast & Furious franchise comprises ten mainline films and one spin-off film, totaling eleven feature-length movies available to watch. The series, a global phenomenon, continues to rev its engines with more projects currently in development.
A Chronicle of Chrome and Chaos: The Mainline Films
The journey of Dominic Toretto and his chosen family began modestly, focusing on street racing in Los Angeles. Over time, it has morphed into a globe-trotting saga involving espionage, international conspiracies, and increasingly outlandish stunts. Understanding the chronological order of the mainline films is crucial for any aspiring fan.
- The Fast and the Furious (2001): The film that started it all, introducing us to Dom, Brian, and the world of street racing.
- 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003): Brian O’Conner returns, this time teaming up with Roman Pearce in Miami.
- The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006): A standalone story initially, introducing Sean Boswell and the art of drifting in Tokyo. Its eventual connection to the wider narrative is what helped solidify its place in the main franchise.
- Fast & Furious (2009): The original cast reunites, marking a shift towards more action-oriented storylines.
- Fast Five (2011): Widely considered a turning point, this film elevates the franchise to a heist thriller with spectacular action sequences.
- Fast & Furious 6 (2013): Continues the trend of escalating action and international intrigue, introducing Gisele’s supposed demise, and hinting at a greater threat.
- Furious 7 (2015): A deeply emotional film following the tragic death of Paul Walker, featuring breathtaking action and a poignant farewell.
- The Fate of the Furious (2017): Dom is blackmailed into betraying his family by a cyberterrorist.
- F9: The Fast Saga (2021): Explores Dom’s past and introduces his long-lost brother, Jakob.
- Fast X (2023): The first part of a planned two-part finale, setting up a confrontation with Dante Reyes, son of a drug lord from Fast Five.
Spinoff: Hobbs & Shaw
While the mainline films focus on the core Toretto crew, the franchise has expanded to include spin-offs. Currently, there is one:
- Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019): This film pairs Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Luke Hobbs with Jason Statham’s Deckard Shaw in an action-packed adventure. Although characters from the main storyline are featured, the film focuses on its own separate narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further illuminate the intricacies of the Fast & Furious universe, let’s address some common questions:
Understanding the Chronology and Continuity
These FAQs focus on how the movies link together and the order you should watch them in.
FAQ 1: What is the correct order to watch the Fast & Furious movies for the first time?
The recommended viewing order is: The Fast and the Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Fast & Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Furious 7, The Fate of the Furious, F9: The Fast Saga, Fast X. You can watch Hobbs & Shaw at any point after Fate of the Furious, although its impact on the main storyline is minimal. Note the placement of Tokyo Drift, as it initially occurred after the first two films, but after Furious 6 in the main timeline.
FAQ 2: Why is “Tokyo Drift” placed out of order in the viewing sequence?
The events of Tokyo Drift actually take place after Fast & Furious 6, even though it was released much earlier. The character Han Lue’s apparent death in Tokyo Drift becomes a plot point in later films, with the reveal of Deckard Shaw’s involvement. This connection necessitates watching Tokyo Drift after Fast & Furious 6 to fully appreciate the storyline.
FAQ 3: Are all the Fast & Furious movies considered canon?
Yes, all released films, including Hobbs & Shaw, are considered part of the official Fast & Furious canon. This means that events in each film are assumed to have happened within the shared universe, even if some storylines seem more far-fetched than others.
Future Films and the Franchise’s Direction
These FAQs cover potential future installments in the Fast & Furious franchise.
FAQ 4: Is “Fast X” really the end of the Fast & Furious saga?
While Fast X was initially planned as the first part of a two-part finale, subsequent announcements have indicated that the conclusion may now be a trilogy. Further details are still being revealed.
FAQ 5: Will there be more “Hobbs & Shaw” movies?
Talks of a Hobbs & Shaw sequel have been ongoing, but no official confirmation has been announced. The potential for future spin-offs depends on the availability of the actors and the success of the mainline films. Dwayne Johnson has hinted at more Hobbs-related projects, further expanding his character’s presence in the Fast Saga.
FAQ 6: Are there any other spin-off movies or TV shows planned for the Fast & Furious franchise?
Universal Pictures is reportedly exploring various options for expanding the Fast & Furious universe, including potential spin-off movies and TV shows focusing on different characters or storylines. Nothing has been officially greenlit yet, but the possibilities remain open.
Character and Storyline Questions
These FAQs focus on specific characters or plot points within the movies.
FAQ 7: Does Brian O’Conner appear in the later Fast & Furious movies after Paul Walker’s death?
Due to the tragic passing of Paul Walker, Brian O’Conner is not actively featured in the later films. However, the character is respectfully referenced, and his absence is explained by stating that he is retired and focusing on his family. Visual effects and archival footage were used to give him a brief, dignified farewell in Furious 7.
FAQ 8: What happened to Gisele Yashar after “Fast & Furious 6”?
Gisele, played by Gal Gadot, seemingly died in Fast & Furious 6. However, given the franchise’s penchant for resurrecting characters, some fans speculate that she could return in future installments. This remains unconfirmed.
FAQ 9: How did Han survive the events of “Tokyo Drift”?
The plot twist in F9 revealed that Han survived the car crash in Tokyo Drift thanks to Mr. Nobody, who needed Han’s skills for a secret mission. This retcon allowed Han to return to the franchise.
Technical and Production-Related Questions
These FAQs address aspects of production, budget and filmmaking techniques.
FAQ 10: What is the average budget for a Fast & Furious movie?
The budget for each film in the Fast & Furious franchise varies, but most installments have had substantial budgets ranging from $125 million to over $300 million. This reflects the scale of the action sequences, the international filming locations, and the high-profile cast.
FAQ 11: How much has the Fast & Furious franchise grossed worldwide?
As of 2024, the Fast & Furious franchise has grossed over $7 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time.
FAQ 12: What are some of the most iconic cars featured in the Fast & Furious movies?
The Fast & Furious franchise is renowned for its impressive array of vehicles. Some of the most iconic include Dom’s 1970 Dodge Charger, Brian’s Toyota Supra, and various other high-performance cars and trucks that have been showcased throughout the series. The diverse vehicle selection adds to the franchise’s appeal and its action-packed sequences.