The "Fast and the Furious" franchise has become synonymous with explosive action, thrilling car chases, and the enduring theme of family. What began in 2001 as a street racing cult hit has now evolved into a blockbuster behemoth spanning more than two decades. With eleven mainline films (including Fast X) and one spin-off, the series has seen both incredible highs and polarizing lows. Here’s the definitive ranking of all the movies in the Fast and Furious saga, including Fast X, based on box office performance, audience and critical reactions, as well as their impact on the franchise.

1. Fast Five (2011)

Often considered the crown jewel of the franchise, Fast Five marked a turning point in the series, shifting from street racing to high-stakes, globe-trotting heists. Directed by Justin Lin, this film assembles a dream team of characters from the earlier films, setting the stage for the franchise's "family" ethos. The standout vault heist scene in Rio de Janeiro still stands as one of the most iconic and exhilarating moments in action movie history. Adding Dwayne Johnson's Luke Hobbs as a federal agent hunting down Dom Toretto and his crew only elevated the stakes and injected new life into the series. Widely praised for its balance of character, humor, and adrenaline-fueled action, Fast Five remains the pinnacle of the saga.

2. Furious 7 (2015)

Few action films carry the emotional weight of Furious 7. The seventh installment is celebrated not only for its gravity-defying stunts—like cars skydiving out of planes and a daring escape through Abu Dhabi skyscrapers—but also as a heartfelt farewell to Paul Walker. Directed by James Wan, the movie follows Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) seeking revenge on Dom's crew. However, it's the final scene, featuring Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth's “See You Again,” that left audiences emotional, honoring Walker's legacy in a way that transcended cinema. While some may argue that the plot meanders, Furious 7 excels in delivering spectacle and sentiment in equal doses.

3. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

Fast & Furious 6, directed by Justin Lin, continues the series' transition into globe-trotting espionage and heightened stakes. The plot revolves around Owen Shaw (Luke Evans) and his high-tech criminal gang, with Dom and his family brought together by the shocking revelation that Dom’s presumed-dead love, Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), is alive. Memorable moments like the tank highway chase and the climactic airplane showdown cement this film as a fan favorite. While it doesn’t hit the emotional highs of Furious 7 or the reinvention of Fast Five, it remains a key entry in the saga.

4. Fast X (2023)

The newest installment, Fast X, brings the franchise back to its roots of vengeance while simultaneously raising the stakes to absurd levels. Directed by Louis Leterrier, the film introduces Jason Momoa as Dante Reyes, the flamboyant and vengeful son of Hernan Reyes, the villain from Fast Five. With Dom once again protecting his family against a relentless adversary, Fast X succeeds in blending jaw-dropping action with personal stakes. Dante’s eccentric yet menacing persona reinvigorates the series, and the cliffhanger ending sets up major anticipation for future sequels. Highlights include an explosive chase in Rome and an intense showdown on a collapsing dam. While some critics argue that Fast X leans too far into its over-the-top antics, the film is a strong contender in the franchise thanks to Momoa’s standout performance and a return to thematic roots.

5. The Fast and the Furious (2001)

The one that started it all, The Fast and the Furious introduced us to Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker). This street racing drama tapped into the underground car culture of the early 2000s, drawing inspiration from Point Break while forging its own identity. While lacking the extravagant stunts of the later films, its raw energy, character chemistry, and grounded approach earned it a devoted fanbase. It’s the nostalgia and simplicity of this original film that keeps it high in the rankings.

6. Fast & Furious (2009)

This fourth installment was a necessary reboot after the divisive second and third entries. Reuniting Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, the movie builds on the emotional foundation of the first film while kickstarting the franchise's evolution toward heist-driven narratives. Though less action-packed than its successors, it reignited fan interest, laying the groundwork for the series' future.

7. Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)

Branching out into buddy action-comedy territory, Hobbs & Shaw pairs Dwayne Johnson's Hobbs with Jason Statham's Shaw for a high-energy, often ridiculous adventure. While the film was criticized for straying too far from the saga’s street-racing origins, it shines with over-the-top stunts, Idris Elba’s "Black Superman" villain, and the comedic dynamic between its leads. Hobbs & Shaw feels like a fun spin-off rather than essential viewing.

8. The Fate of the Furious (2017)

Charlize Theron’s Cipher forces Dom to betray his family in The Fate of the Furious, a film that pivots a bit too heavily toward spectacle over substance. While its submarine chase and epic action moments deliver thrills, many fans felt it lacked the heart that made previous installments memorable. It ranks lower for its uneven tone and less compelling central plot.

9. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)

One of the most forgettable installments, 2 Fast 2 Furious suffers from the absence of Vin Diesel’s Dom and the lack of the "family" dynamic that later defined the franchise. While Tyrese Gibson’s Roman Pierce provides much-needed comic relief, and colorful race sequences add some entertainment value, the movie doesn’t hold up as strongly in terms of storytelling or stakes.

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

Tokyo Drift is the franchise outlier, with an entirely new cast (save for a Han cameo) and a story focused on drift racing in Tokyo. Though it gained cult status after later films incorporated Sean (Lucas Black) and Han (Sung Kang) into the mainline plot, it felt disconnected upon release. Its underwhelming box office reception confirmed it as the weakest entry at the time.

11. F9 (2021)

By F9, the franchise fully embraced its signature absurdity, sending the crew to space and retconning Dom’s past with the addition of a long-lost brother, Jakob (John Cena). While it delivers outrageous action sequences, the lack of grounded stakes and emotional depth leaves it feeling hollow compared to earlier entries.

The Fast and Furious franchise has evolved into a unique blend of heart-pounding action, larger-than-life stunts, and a relentless celebration of family. From the gritty street races of 2001 to the bombastic battles of Fast X, it’s a series that continues to defy expectations.

At its best (Fast Five, Furious 7), it’s a brilliant spectacle that balances emotional resonance with adrenaline-fueled excitement. At its worst (F9), it risks becoming a parody of itself. No matter where you start, the saga remains a defining force in action cinema and a global phenomenon. With unfinished business in Fast X, the franchise’s future is as thrilling as the ride so far.