What’s the best Fast and Furious?

265

The Fast and Furious franchise has been a staple of the action movie genre since the release of the first film in 2001. With a total of 9 films to date, the series has evolved from its humble beginnings as a street racing film to a global phenomenon, with each new installment upping the ante with bigger stunts, more explosions, and even more absurd plot twists.

But with so many films in the series, it can be hard to know which one is truly the best. Some might argue that the original is still the strongest, while others might prefer the newer entries that have embraced the franchise’s increasingly over-the-top nature.

So, what is the best Fast and Furious film? Let’s take a closer look at each entry in the series and try to answer that question.

1. The Fast and the Furious (2001)

The film that started it all, The Fast and the Furious introduced audiences to a world of underground street racing and the criminals who populate it. Starring Vin Diesel as the enigmatic Dom Toretto and Paul Walker as the undercover cop Brian O’Conner, the film is a sleek and stylish thriller with plenty of thrilling car chases and intense action sequences.

While the film lacks the over-the-top stunts that would later become a hallmark of the franchise, it’s still a solid action film with a strong cast and some memorable moments. For many fans, it’s the quintessential Fast and Furious film, and it’s hard to argue with that assessment.

2. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)

The first sequel to The Fast and the Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious sees Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner teaming up with Tyrese Gibson’s Roman Pearce to take down a drug lord. While the film lacks the presence of Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto, it’s still a fun and fast-paced action film that ramps up the stakes with bigger stunts and more elaborate set-pieces.

However, some fans might find the absence of Diesel and the more serious tone of the film to be a drawback, and it’s not quite as beloved as some of the other entries in the series.

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

The third film in the series is perhaps the most divisive, with some fans loving the film’s focus on Japanese car culture and thrilling drift racing sequences, while others find the film to be a low point in the franchise.

Starring Lucas Black as high school student Sean Boswell, the film sees Sean traveling to Tokyo to live with his father and getting involved with the local street racing scene. While the film lacks the presence of most of the franchise’s main characters, it’s still a stylish and enjoyable film with some great action sequences.

4. Fast & Furious (2009)

After a brief hiatus, the franchise returned with Fast & Furious, which reunited Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto and Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner for a new adventure. The film sees the pair teaming up to take down a drug lord and features some of the series’ most thrilling car chases and stunts yet.

While the film isn’t quite as beloved as some of the other entries in the series, it’s still a strong and exciting action film that reminds fans why they fell in love with the franchise in the first place.

5. Fast Five (2011)

For many fans, Fast Five is the high point of the franchise. The film sees Dom and Brian teaming up with other characters from previous films to pull off a heist in Rio de Janeiro, and features some of the most over-the-top stunts and action sequences in the series.

With a larger-than-life cast of characters and a plot that blends elements of heist films and action movies,Fast Five took the franchise in a bold new direction and proved that there was still plenty of life left in the series. Dwayne Johnson also made his debut in the franchise as Agent Luke Hobbs, adding even more star power to the already impressive cast.

The film’s thrilling action sequences, including a jaw-dropping finale involving a bank vault being dragged through the streets of Rio, cemented Fast Five’s status as a fan favorite and one of the best entries in the series.

6. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

Continuing the trend of bigger and bolder action sequences, Fast & Furious 6 sees the return of Luke Hobbs and the team as they take on a new villain played by Luke Evans. The film features more insane car chases and stunts, including a showdown on a runway that seems to go on forever.

While some might find the film to be too over-the-top, it’s still a thrilling and entertaining ride that delivers on the franchise’s promise of non-stop action.

7. Furious 7 (2015)

Furious 7 is perhaps the most emotional entry in the series, as it was the last film to feature Paul Walker, who tragically died in a car accident during filming. The film’s emotional weight is felt throughout, as the characters struggle to come to terms with their loss while also battling a new villain played by Jason Statham.

Despite the sadness surrounding the film’s production, Furious 7 still manages to deliver some of the series’ most thrilling action sequences, including a memorable sequence involving cars jumping between skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi.

8. The Fate of the Furious (2017)

The eighth film in the series sees the return of most of the franchise’s main characters, as well as the addition of Charlize Theron as a new villain. While the film’s plot is perhaps its weakest point, it still delivers plenty of thrilling action sequences, including a scene in which a submarine chases the team across a frozen lake.

While not as beloved as some of the other entries in the series, The Fate of the Furious is still an entertaining and action-packed film that delivers on the franchise’s promise of high-octane thrills.

9. F9 (2021)

The most recent entry in the series, F9 sees the return of Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto and the rest of the team as they face off against a new villain played by John Cena. The film features even more over-the-top stunts and action sequences, including a scene in which cars are launched into space.

While some might find the film to be too absurd and lacking in substance, it’s still a fun and entertaining ride that delivers on the franchise’s promise of non-stop action.

So, what is the best Fast and Furious film? While opinions may vary, it’s hard to deny the impact and influence of the franchise’s early entries, particularly the first film and Fast Five. However, fans of the series are sure to find something to love in each and every entry, as each film brings something new and exciting to the table.

 

RELEATED READING:

• Why wasn’t Paul Walker in Tokyo Drift?

• Was Tokyo Drift filmed illegally?

• How did Han fake his death?

• Who won the last race in Tokyo Drift?