Ranking the Fast and Furious Franchise: From Worst to Best

When it comes to action movie franchises, few are as enthralling and enduring as Fast and Furious. Originally consisting of a series of largely separate and inter-connected movies, the franchise has now become a behemoth, spanning over a decade and numerous installments. While opinions on individual films can be subjective, ranking them all from worst to best provides a fascinating overview of the evolution of the series. Here’s how I would place each movie:

8. Fate of the Furious

Sadly, the most recent entry in the franchise fails to meet the high standards set by its predecessors. The movie relies heavily on a predictable storyline, which can become tiresome and lose much of the original exhilaration that previous installments provided. Certain scenes, particularly those involving the villain’s control of vehicles, are not only illogical but strike one as an attempt to oversell the action at the expense of coherent storytelling. While the action sequences remain impressive, the predictability and illogical sequences bring down its overall ranking.

7. 2 Fast 2 Furious

This installment, somewhat of a departure from the coherent narrative of earlier films, introduces confusing plot developments that can be off-putting for fans not accustomed to the franchise’s more action-driven style. Nevertheless, the climactic car chase scenes and the introduction of characters like Han Lue establish it as a significant part of the film series, though not as enthralling as its predecessors.

6. Fast and Furious 4

Another film that missed the mark, Fast and Furious 4 struggles with a somewhat underwhelming storyline that fails to live up to the action-packed expectations set by earlier installments. While still enjoyable, the film lacks the raw energy and narrative coherence that made earlier films stand out in the franchise.

5. Fast and Furious 6

While Fast and Furious 6 maintains a solid presence in the franchise, it can be argued that it does not quite reach the same level of quality as earlier or later installments. Though it provides plenty of action and entertainment, the addition of new plot elements sometimes feels forced and lacks the seamless integration seen in films like Fast Five).

4. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift

Although The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift received a significant amount of critical acclaim and commercial success, it is perhaps one of the weakest entries in the franchise when compared to its successors. While the action sequences are praised, the overall narrative is somewhat disjointed. The film could have been stronger had a tighter storyline and greater emotional investment been achieved.

3. Furious 7

Although not my absolute favorite, Furious 7 is a standout in the franchise. Despite the tragic loss of Paul Walker, the film managed to weave a poignant and compelling narrative around the characters that were left behind. The action is intense and well-paced, making it a worthy addition to the series.

2. Tokyo Drift (with a caveat)

Tokyo Drift is a testament to the franchise’s origins in car chases and high-octane thrills. While it does not quite match the narrative depth of later films, it remains a beloved entry among fans due to its excitement level and viewing experience. It sets the tone for the franchise with its unique blend of Asian culture and American-style action.

1. Fast Five

Fast Five stands as the pinnacle of the franchise in my opinion. Its non-stop action, seamlessly weaving together the stories of the various characters, creates a cohesive and exhilarating ride. The film is also notable for its innovative and incredibly well-executed action scenes, which define the franchise for many fans. It features a superstar cast and delivers on the promise of non-stop excitement.

On a scale of one to ten, where one is lackluster and ten is unmissable, the first would be around a seven, but the more the franchise has grown, the better it has become, with most entries scoring around nine and ten.

Conclusion

While opinions on the Fast and Furious franchise can vary, the ranking provided within this article offers a balanced view of how each film contributes to the overall experience. From the highs of Fast Five and Furious 7 to the more challenging and less favored entries like Fate of the Furious and 2 Fast 2 Furious, the franchise has developed into something truly remarkable. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, the Fast and Furious movies are a testament to the power of excitement, emotion, and car chases in blockbuster entertainment.