As of today, there are ten mainline films in the Fast & Furious franchise. However, considering spin-offs and short films, the Fast Saga encompasses more than just those core installments, offering a sprawling cinematic universe for fans to explore.
A Deep Dive into the Fast & Furious Universe
The Fast & Furious franchise has evolved from a street racing drama into a globe-trotting action extravaganza, captivating audiences worldwide with its high-octane stunts, family themes, and ever-expanding cast. Understanding the series requires navigating its release order, retcons, and its branching storylines. Let’s break down the specifics.
The Core Ten: Mainline Movies
The heart of the Fast Saga lies within its ten main movies, each building upon the last (even when continuity gets a little wonky). Here’s the complete list in chronological order of release:
- The Fast and the Furious (2001)
- 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
- The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
- Fast & Furious (2009)
- Fast Five (2011)
- Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
- Furious 7 (2015)
- The Fate of the Furious (2017)
- F9 (2021)
- Fast X (2023)
Beyond the Mainline: Spin-offs and Shorts
While the ten core films tell a significant part of the story, the Fast Saga also includes spin-off movies and short films that add context and expand the universe. This includes:
- The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003): A short film bridging the gap between the first and second films, explaining Brian O’Conner’s journey to Miami.
- Los Bandoleros (2009): A short film directed by Vin Diesel, detailing the events leading up to the heist in Fast & Furious (2009).
- Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019): A spin-off starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, exploring their characters’ unlikely partnership.
Therefore, counting the mainline movies, spin-off and short films, the Fast & Furious franchise has 13 released parts to the saga.
What’s Next for the Fast Family?
The Fast Saga is far from over. Fast X is the first part of a planned two-part finale, with Fast 12 currently scheduled for release. There are also rumors of potential spin-offs featuring female characters and other unexplored avenues within this cinematic universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Fast & Furious Franchise
Here are some common questions viewers have about the Fast & Furious franchise:
FAQ 1: What is the best order to watch the Fast & Furious movies in?
While release order is generally recommended, some prefer watching them in chronological order based on the in-universe timeline. A popular viewing order that resolves some continuity issues is: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, Tokyo Drift, 7, 8, 9, 10, Hobbs & Shaw. Los Bandoleros and The Turbo Charged Prelude are best viewed directly before the films they preface, Fast & Furious (2009) and 2 Fast 2 Furious, respectively.
FAQ 2: Is Tokyo Drift necessary to watch?
Yes, Tokyo Drift is crucial to the overall storyline. It introduces Han Lue, a fan-favorite character, and his connections to other members of the “family.” His “death” in Tokyo Drift becomes a major plot point in later films.
FAQ 3: Is Hobbs & Shaw considered canon?
Yes, Hobbs & Shaw is considered canon within the Fast & Furious universe. While it focuses on different characters and has a more sci-fi bent, it still exists within the same world. Characters might even refer to events in Hobbs & Shaw in later mainline movies.
FAQ 4: Are there any post-credit scenes I should watch for?
Yes, the Fast & Furious movies have become known for their post-credit scenes, often teasing future plot points or character introductions. Always wait until the end of the credits to see if there’s an extra scene. For example, Fast Five had a game-changing post-credit scene that directly led to the events of Fast & Furious 6.
FAQ 5: Why did Paul Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner, leave the series?
Tragically, Paul Walker passed away during the production of Furious 7. His character was given a respectful and touching send-off, with Brian retiring from the dangerous lifestyle to focus on his family. Furious 7 features a blend of previously filmed footage and CGI to complete his scenes.
FAQ 6: Will Brian O’Conner ever return to the Fast & Furious franchise?
While Paul Walker is no longer with us, his character has been mentioned in subsequent films and even briefly shown using old footage. The possibility of a CGI recreation for a more significant role is controversial amongst fans, and currently, there are no confirmed plans for Brian O’Conner’s return in a substantial capacity.
FAQ 7: Who is the main antagonist of the Fast & Furious series?
The franchise has seen numerous antagonists, from street racers to drug lords to cyber terrorists. However, Cipher (Charlize Theron) has emerged as one of the most significant recurring villains, manipulating events from behind the scenes and posing a constant threat to Dom and his crew. Lately, Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa), the son of the drug lord from Fast Five, has become a prominent antagonist.
FAQ 8: Why do the Fast & Furious movies keep getting bigger and more over-the-top?
The franchise’s evolution towards increasingly outlandish stunts and storylines reflects a conscious decision to embrace escapism and cater to audience expectations. As the stakes have risen, so has the spectacle, pushing the boundaries of action cinema. The filmmakers want to entertain and surprise the audience.
FAQ 9: Are there any Fast & Furious video games?
Yes, there have been several Fast & Furious video games released over the years, ranging from racing games to action titles. Some popular titles include Fast & Furious Crossroads and various adaptations of the films for mobile platforms.
FAQ 10: Is there a Fast & Furious animated series?
Yes, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers is an animated series available on Netflix, targeted towards a younger audience. It follows Dom Toretto’s teenage cousin, Tony, as he is recruited by a government agency to infiltrate an elite racing league.
FAQ 11: How much has the Fast & Furious franchise grossed worldwide?
The Fast & Furious franchise is one of the highest-grossing film series of all time, having earned billions of dollars worldwide. The continued success of the franchise can be attributed to its global appeal, diverse cast, and commitment to delivering over-the-top action sequences.
FAQ 12: Will there be any more spin-offs after Hobbs & Shaw?
The future of Fast & Furious spin-offs remains uncertain, but given the franchise’s popularity, it’s highly likely. Rumors of a female-led spin-off have circulated for years, and the possibilities for exploring different characters and storylines within the Fast Saga are endless. Any new spin-offs will likely depend on the success of the final mainline films.