If you want to watch the Fast and Furious movies in order, the simplest answer is this: there are 11 theatrical films, and the cleanest way to watch them is in release order, starting with The Fast and the Furious (2001) and ending with Fast X (2023). The story timeline is slightly different, because Tokyo Drift happens much later than its release date suggests, and the spin-off Hobbs & Shaw sits between the main entries. This guide gives you both orders, spoiler-light summaries of every film, cast and director details, box office numbers, the short films you can skip or watch, and a plan for every kind of viewer.
The Fast and Furious movies in release order are: 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), Hobbs & Shaw (2019), F9 (2021) and Fast X (2023).
This page is built for people who just want the list, and also for people who want to understand the whole saga before a marathon. Use the table of contents to jump around, and bookmark the page, because it is updated when the franchise changes.
Fast and Furious Movies in Release Order (Quick List)
Release order means watching the films in the order audiences saw them in theaters. For a first-time viewer this is the recommended route, because the franchise deliberately builds on callbacks, and several reveals land best when you experience them as they were originally released.
| # | Movie | Year | Director | Main Cast Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Fast and the Furious | 2001 | Rob Cohen | Dom, Brian, Letty, Mia |
| 2 | 2 Fast 2 Furious | 2003 | John Singleton | Brian, Roman, Tej |
| 3 | The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift | 2006 | Justin Lin | Sean, Han |
| 4 | Fast & Furious | 2009 | Justin Lin | Dom, Brian, Letty |
| 5 | Fast Five | 2011 | Justin Lin | The full crew, Hobbs |
| 6 | Fast & Furious 6 | 2013 | Justin Lin | The crew, Hobbs, Owen Shaw |
| 7 | Furious 7 | 2015 | James Wan | The crew, Deckard Shaw |
| 8 | The Fate of the Furious | 2017 | F. Gary Gray | Dom, Cipher, Hobbs, Shaw |
| 9 | Hobbs & Shaw | 2019 | David Leitch | Hobbs, Shaw, Hattie |
| 10 | F9 | 2021 | Justin Lin | Dom, Jakob, the crew |
| 11 | Fast X | 2023 | Louis Leterrier | Dom, Dante, the crew |
That is 10 main-line films plus one spin-off (Hobbs & Shaw). If you want a deeper overview of the whole series, the Fast & Furious franchise page on Wikipedia is a good reference, and you can browse cast and crew for each movie on IMDb.
Fast and Furious Movies in Chronological Order
Chronological order follows the in-universe story timeline. The big difference is that Tokyo Drift moves from third place to seventh, because its events take place after Fast & Furious 6. (Spoiler note: this section mentions one major character’s fate from the middle of the saga.)
- The Fast and the Furious (2001)
- 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
- Los Bandoleros (2009 short film, optional)
- Fast & Furious (2009)
- Fast Five (2011)
- Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
- The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
- Furious 7 (2015)
- The Fate of the Furious (2017)
- Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
- F9 (2021)
- Fast X (2023)
The reason for the shuffle is simple: the cliffhanger at the end of Fast & Furious 6 and the final scene of Tokyo Drift are directly connected, and Furious 7 picks up from that moment. Placing Tokyo Drift right before Furious 7 makes that connection clear, but it also spoils the surprise that the original release order was designed to deliver.
Release Order vs Chronological Order: Which Should You Pick?
Both orders work, but they serve different viewers.
Choose release order if:
- You are watching the franchise for the first time.
- You want the twists to land the way they did in theaters.
- You want to see the series evolve from street racing drama to global action spectacle.
Choose chronological order if:
- You have already seen the films and want a fresh rewatch.
- You care about the exact story sequence, especially around Tokyo Drift and Furious 7.
- You are introducing a friend who likes tidy timelines.
For nearly everyone, release order is the better choice. The franchise was not planned as one long story from the start. It grew into one, and release order lets you feel that growth.
The Short Films You Might Have Missed
Two short films sit between the features. Neither is required, but both are fun bonus material for completionists.
- The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003): A short that explains what Brian O’Conner did between the first two films. You can read about it on Wikipedia.
- Los Bandoleros (2009): A short film written and directed by Vin Diesel that sets up Dom’s situation before Fast & Furious. Details are on Wikipedia.
If you only want the main story, you can skip both and miss very little.
Every Fast and Furious Movie Explained (Spoiler-Light)
Below is a short, spoiler-light breakdown of each film in release order, including what it is about and why it matters to the saga.
1. The Fast and the Furious (2001)
The film that started it all. Undercover cop Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) infiltrates the Los Angeles street racing scene to find the people behind a string of truck hijackings, and gets pulled into the orbit of charismatic racer Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel). The movie is a surprisingly grounded crime story about loyalty and found family, with Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster rounding out the original core. Directed by Rob Cohen, it earned roughly $207 million worldwide on a modest budget and launched a franchise. Cast and trivia on IMDb.
2. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Dom is absent, and Brian takes center stage in Miami. After losing his badge, he teams up with old friend Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) and works with Tej (Ludacris) to take down a drug lord. It is the lightest and most colorful entry, and it matters because it introduces Roman and Tej, who become permanent members of the crew. It grossed about $236 million. IMDb page.
3. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
A standalone-feeling story about teenager Sean Boswell (Lucas Black), who is sent to Tokyo and discovers the underground world of drifting. It introduces Han (Sung Kang), who became a fan favorite. At the time it was the lowest earner of the series at roughly $159 million, but its reputation has grown hugely, and it is now one of the most beloved entries. IMDb page.
4. Fast & Furious (2009)
Justin Lin brings back the original four leads. Dom and Brian are forced back into each other’s lives while chasing a drug lord operating across the border, and the tone becomes darker and more serious. It earned about $360 million worldwide and proved the franchise still had life after the weaker run of the middle films. IMDb page.
5. Fast Five (2011)
The turning point of the franchise. The crew heads to Rio de Janeiro for a heist, and Dwayne Johnson debuts as federal agent Luke Hobbs, hunting them. The series shifts from street racing to heist-action, characters from earlier films return, and the vault chase became an instant classic. It earned over $600 million worldwide. IMDb page.
6. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
The crew is pulled out of retirement to stop a mercenary team led by Owen Shaw, and there is a big emotional return for a character fans thought was gone. It features a tank on a highway and one of the longest runway sequences in action cinema. The film earned about $788 million worldwide, and its final scene connects directly to Tokyo Drift. IMDb page.
7. Furious 7 (2015)
Directed by James Wan, the film follows Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), who hunts the crew for revenge. It features the famous cars-out-of-a-plane stunt and a rooftop jump between skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi. Paul Walker died in a car accident on November 30, 2013, during production, and the team completed the film with the help of his brothers and visual effects. The ending tribute, set to See You Again, is one of the most emotional in franchise history. It earned about $1.5 billion, the biggest total in the series. IMDb page.
8. The Fate of the Furious (2017)
Dom turns against his own family under the influence of a cyber-terrorist known as Cipher (Charlize Theron). Hobbs and Deckard Shaw reluctantly team up with the crew to bring him back, and the film features a New York street full of hacked cars and a submarine chase in the Arctic. Directed by F. Gary Gray, it earned about $1.24 billion. IMDb page.
9. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
A spin-off starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham as the former enemies who now have to work together to stop a genetically enhanced villain played by Idris Elba. It leans heavily into comedy and action, introduces Vanessa Kirby as Hattie Shaw, and earned around $760 million. You can skip it without losing the main plot, but it is a fun ride. IMDb page.
10. F9 (2021)
Justin Lin returns to direct. Dom’s long-lost brother Jakob (John Cena) is revealed as a global threat, and the film dives into the Toretto family backstory. It also brings back familiar faces from earlier films and sends the crew into space. It earned about $720 million worldwide during the post-pandemic recovery. IMDb page.
11. Fast X (2023)
The first part of the planned finale to the main saga. Jason Momoa plays Dante, the son of a villain from Fast Five, who seeks revenge against Dom and his family. Louis Leterrier took over as director, and the film ends on a major cliffhanger. It earned roughly $715 million worldwide. IMDb page.
Where Does Tokyo Drift Fit in the Timeline?
This is the most common question about the franchise, and the answer is simple. Tokyo Drift was released third, but its story takes place after Fast & Furious 6 and just before Furious 7. The reason is that the series was later retooled so that Han, a character introduced in Tokyo Drift, could become part of the main crew in Fast & Furious (2009), Fast Five and Fast & Furious 6.
In practical terms:
- Watching Tokyo Drift third is fine, and it is the way most people experienced it.
- Watching it right before Furious 7 is better if you want the timeline to make sense, but you will know more than the original audience did.
If you are a first-time viewer, our advice is to watch it in release order and not worry about the timeline. The movie still works as a standalone story, and the later films reward you for having seen it.
Main Cast and Characters Across the Saga
The franchise is best known for its ensemble. Here are the key faces and roles you will see most often.
| Actor | Character | First Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Vin Diesel | Dominic Toretto | The Fast and the Furious (2001) |
| Paul Walker | Brian O’Conner | The Fast and the Furious (2001) |
| Michelle Rodriguez | Letty Ortiz | The Fast and the Furious (2001) |
| Jordana Brewster | Mia Toretto | The Fast and the Furious (2001) |
| Tyrese Gibson | Roman Pearce | 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) |
| Ludacris | Tej Parker | 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) |
| Sung Kang | Han Lue | Tokyo Drift (2006) |
| Gal Gadot | Gisele Yashar | Fast & Furious (2009) |
| Dwayne Johnson | Luke Hobbs | Fast Five (2011) |
| Jason Statham | Deckard Shaw | Fast & Furious 6 (post-credits scene) |
| Charlize Theron | Cipher | Furious 7 (post-credits scene) |
| John Cena | Jakob Toretto | F9 (2021) |
| Jason Momoa | Dante Reyes | Fast X (2023) |
Gal Gadot later became a global star in her own right, and the franchise has launched or boosted many careers, including those of Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham. The most recent main cast is always listed on the official Fast Saga website and on Universal Pictures.
Paul Walker’s legacy also lives on through the charity he founded, Reach Out Worldwide, which trains rescue and relief volunteers.
The Cars That Made the Franchise Famous
Cars are the heart of the series, and a few have become icons:
- Toyota Supra: Brian’s bright orange hero car in the first film, and arguably the most famous car in the series.
- Nissan Skyline GT-R: Brian’s signature ride in later films, and a legend among enthusiasts.
- Dodge Charger: Dom’s muscle car, which defines his character, his father’s legacy and his sense of family.
- Mazda RX-7: Another fan favorite, driven by Dom in the first film and by Han in Tokyo Drift.
If you love the cars, the franchise also inspired theme park attractions such as Fast & Furious: Supercharged at Universal Studios.
Box Office: Every Fast and Furious Movie Ranked by Earnings
The franchise has earned many billions of dollars worldwide. These are approximate global totals, and exact figures vary slightly by source, so check Box Office Mojo for up-to-date numbers.
| Rank | Movie | Year | Approx. Worldwide Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Furious 7 | 2015 | $1.5 billion |
| 2 | The Fate of the Furious | 2017 | $1.24 billion |
| 3 | Fast & Furious 6 | 2013 | $788 million |
| 4 | Hobbs & Shaw | 2019 | $760 million |
| 5 | F9 | 2021 | $720 million |
| 6 | Fast X | 2023 | $715 million |
| 7 | Fast Five | 2011 | $630 million |
| 8 | Fast & Furious | 2009 | $360 million |
| 9 | 2 Fast 2 Furious | 2003 | $236 million |
| 10 | The Fast and the Furious | 2001 | $207 million |
| 11 | Tokyo Drift | 2006 | $159 million |
The pattern is clear: the franchise exploded after Fast Five changed its formula, and Furious 7 became a cultural event.
Spin-offs, Animated Series and Theme Park Rides
The saga extends beyond the main films:
- Hobbs & Shaw (2019): The only theatrical spin-off to date, listed in the order above.
- Fast & Furious Spy Racers: An animated series on Netflix aimed at younger viewers, following Tony Toretto, Dom’s cousin.
- Theme park attractions: Including the Supercharged ride at Universal Studios.
- Video games and live shows: Several games and live stunt shows have been released over the years.
None of these are required for the main story.
Where to Watch the Fast and Furious Movies
Streaming availability changes by country and month, so there is no single answer that stays true. The fastest way to find where each film is available right now is to search for it on JustWatch, which shows subscription, rental and purchase options by region. The films have commonly appeared on services such as Peacock, Prime Video and Apple TV, and can often be rented or bought digitally. If you want to see new releases on the big screen, check showtimes on Fandango.
For reviews and critic scores to help you decide, visit Rotten Tomatoes.
What About Fast X Part 2?
Fast X was positioned as the first part of a two-part finale to the main saga, and a follow-up (commonly called Fast X: Part 2) has been in development. Its release date has shifted more than once, and many unofficial websites publish outdated or incorrect dates. For that reason, we do not list a date here. For confirmed news, trust official announcements from Universal Pictures and the Fast Saga site, and we will update this page when a date is confirmed.
Marathon Plans: Full, Fast Track and Beginner
Not everyone has 20 hours. Here are three plans.
The Full Marathon (all 11 films, release order): Watch every film from 2001 to 2023 in the order listed at the top of this page. This gives you the complete story and every cameo.
The Fast Track (the essential story): The Fast and the Furious, Fast & Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6, Tokyo Drift, Furious 7, The Fate of the Furious, F9, Fast X. This skips 2 Fast 2 Furious and Hobbs & Shaw, which are the two entries you can miss with the least confusion.
The Beginner Sampler (just the highlights): The Fast and the Furious, Fast Five, Furious 7. You get the original, the turning point and the emotional peak, and you will know whether you want to continue.
Pro tip: Watch Fast Five even if you skip everything else in the middle. It is the film most fans point to as the best entry point for the action era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct order to watch the Fast and Furious movies?
The recommended order is release order: The Fast and the Furious (2001), 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), Tokyo Drift (2006), Fast & Furious (2009), Fast Five (2011), Fast & Furious 6 (2013), Furious 7 (2015), The Fate of the Furious (2017), Hobbs & Shaw (2019), F9 (2021) and Fast X (2023).
How many Fast and Furious movies are there?
There are 11 theatrical films: 10 main-line films and one spin-off, Hobbs & Shaw. A further film, commonly known as Fast X: Part 2, has been in development.
What is the Fast and Furious chronological order?
Chronologically, Tokyo Drift moves to after Fast & Furious 6 and before Furious 7. The full order is: The Fast and the Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Fast & Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6, Tokyo Drift, Furious 7, The Fate of the Furious, Hobbs & Shaw, F9, Fast X.
Where does Tokyo Drift fit in the timeline?
It takes place after Fast & Furious 6 and leads directly into Furious 7, even though it was released third.
Do I have to watch Tokyo Drift?
Yes, if you want the full story. It introduces Han and sets up important events in later films, and many fans now consider it one of the best entries.
Can I skip 2 Fast 2 Furious?
Yes. It is the most disconnected entry, though it introduces Roman and Tej, who appear in almost every later film. A quick summary is enough to follow the rest.
Do I need to watch Hobbs & Shaw?
No. It is a spin-off, and the main saga continues without it. You can watch it for fun after The Fate of the Furious.
Which Fast and Furious movie is the best?
Opinions differ. Fast Five is often named the best action entry, Furious 7 is the most emotional and the highest earner, and the original is the most grounded. Tokyo Drift has a strong cult following.
Which Fast and Furious movie made the most money?
Furious 7 (2015) earned about $1.5 billion worldwide, the highest total in the series.
What happened to Paul Walker in Furious 7?
Paul Walker died in a car accident on November 30, 2013, before filming was complete. The production finished the film using his brothers as stand-ins and visual effects, and the ending serves as a tribute to him.
Is there a new Fast and Furious movie coming?
Fast X was presented as the first part of a finale, with a follow-up in development. Release dates have shifted, so check official announcements from Universal Pictures for the latest information.
Who directed the Fast and Furious movies?
Rob Cohen directed the first film, John Singleton the second, and Justin Lin directed Tokyo Drift, Fast & Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6 and F9. James Wan directed Furious 7, F. Gary Gray directed The Fate of the Furious, David Leitch directed Hobbs & Shaw, and Louis Leterrier directed Fast X.
The Fast and Furious saga started as a small street racing crime story and became one of the biggest action franchises in history. Whether you pick release order or chronological order, the best approach is the one that keeps you watching. If you are new, start with the original, push through to Fast Five, and enjoy the ride from there. If you are a returning fan, the chronological order offers a fresh way to see the story.
Bookmark this page, because it will be updated whenever new films or official release dates are announced. Explore more guides and free tools on EveryToolfy [REPLACE with 2-3 related internal links].
Disclaimer: Box office figures are approximate and rounded, and streaming availability varies by region and over time. All trademarks and film titles belong to their respective owners, and this guide is an independent fan resource.
