Ranking the "Fast" Films

Since 2001 Universal has released 7 movies that take place in the "Fast and Furious" universe. Starting with what can now be considered a "humble" entry the series has turned into one of Universal's biggest franchises. And with the series' latest Furious 7 taking in $143 million in the US box office over the weekend it shows no signs of stopping. To mark the occasion I've decided to share my ranking of the films. Lists like these are always subjective and I'll preface mine by saying that my order doesn't necessarily indicate which film I think is the "best" of the series; it's more the order I'd watch them in if I was grabbing one off of my movie shelf to watch.

7: Fast and Furious 6 (2013)

The 6th entry in the series continued the "bigger is better" trend that Fast Five introduced. It's an entertaining film but ends up seeming like a "bridge" film. The most important moments in the film are the re-appearance of a thought dead character and the necessary death of another in order to line up the series continuity. The climax on what seems like a never ending runway pushes the limits of what audiences think cars should be able to do.

6: Furious 7 (2015)

Co-star Paul Walker died with filming half-completed which left the filmmakers in a challenging spot. The movie was delayed for a year and a script re-write and CG coupled with Walker's brothers acting as stand-ins helped complete the movie. In the end it's a fitting tribute to Walker and a logical send-off for his character, Brian O'Connor.

5: The Fast and the Furious (2001)

The 1st film in the series was seen as little more than Point Break with street racing taking the place of surfing when it was released. Looking back it sets the table for the films that would follow and includes several thrilling set pieces.

4: Fast Five (2011)

The entry that transformed the series into a true franchise. Combining the characters from the previous 4 films and going for more of an Ocean's 11 feel, Fast Five created the template that every subsequent film in the franchise will follow. The film's climax which includes 2 cars towing a bank vault is popcorn cinema at its very best.

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

I was a big fan of this film when it was released in 2006, and I continue to hold it in high regard. With Vin Diesel and Paul Walker both absent from the series Universal attempted a spin-off set in the same universe. What was a necessity at the time ended up setting up parts of the 5th, 6th and 7th films.

2: 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)

With Vin Diesel refusing to come back for the sequel to The Fast and the Furious the filmmakers decided to instead follow Paul Walker's Brian O'Connor as he dealt with the fallout from his decision at the end of the 1st film. Set in colorful Miami 2 Fast 2 Furious might just be the funnest entry in the series. In addition to some great car sequences the movie also has a strong villain in Cole Hauser's Carter Verone. The movie will most likely be remembered though as the entry that introduced Tyrese Gibson's Roman Pierce and Ludacris' Tej Parker to the Fast and Furious universe.

1: Fast and Furious (2009)

Acting as a sequel to The Fast and the Furious the 4th film in the series was a much needed shot in the arm. Reuniting Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordanna Brewster 8 years after the 1st film drove nostalgic fans to the theaters. The combination of the returning cast, an exciting opening sequence, strong villains and the shocking death of a major character makes this my favorite entry in the series.