With 11 films released since 2001, the Fast & Furious franchise has grown from a niche street-racing drama into a global action phenomenon. Choosing the right viewing order, whether by release date or story chronology, can make a significant difference to how the narrative unfolds. This guide provides a complete, up-to-date list of every film, explains where Tokyo Drift fits into the timeline, and covers the best ways to watch in the UK during 2025.
The series has shifted from heists in Miami to globe-trotting espionage, introducing new characters and retconning earlier events along the way. For newcomers and returning fans alike, understanding the difference between release order and chronological order is essential. Below is a breakdown of every mainline film, the spin-off, and what lies ahead.
The franchise has earned over $7 billion at the worldwide box office, making it one of the highest-grossing film series in history. Its staying power comes from a combination of escalating stunts, a diverse ensemble cast, and the recurring theme of family.
What Is the Correct Order to Watch the Fast & Furious Movies?
Films
Release span
Viewing orders
Streaming services
The most common question among viewers is whether to watch the films in the order they were released or in the order the story takes place. Both approaches have merit, and the choice depends on whether you prioritise narrative cohesion or the original theatrical experience.
- The Fast & Furious franchise is unusual because its chronological order diverges from its release order after Tokyo Drift.
- Tokyo Drift (2006) is set after the events of Fast & Furious 6 (2013), despite being released seven years earlier.
- The series has evolved from street racing to heist films to global espionage blockbusters.
- Fast X Part 2 is expected in 2025 or 2026, and will conclude the main storyline.
- Justin Lin directed six of the franchise’s entries, more than any other director.
- The spin-off Hobbs & Shaw sits outside the core family arc but is part of the wider universe.
- For first-time viewers, release order is the most straightforward and preserves original character introductions.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| First film | The Fast and the Furious (2001) |
| Latest film | Fast X (2023) |
| Total main films | 11 (including Fast X) |
| Spin-offs | Hobbs & Shaw (2019) |
| Director of most films | Justin Lin (6 films) |
| Total box office | Over $7 billion worldwide |
How Many Fast & Furious Movies Are There?
As of 2025, the franchise includes 11 feature films. Ten of these form the core saga, and one is a theatrical spin-off. There are also two official short films that bridge certain entries.
Main series films
- 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)
- F9: The Fast Saga (2021)
- Fast X (2023)
Spin-offs and short films
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) is the only theatrical spin-off released to date. It stars Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham and sits outside the core family narrative. Two short films, The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious and Los Bandoleros, connect story beats between main entries but are not feature-length.
Hobbs & Shaw is part of the wider Fast universe but is not required viewing for the main saga. It follows Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw on a standalone mission, with no direct impact on the central story arc that runs through the ten core films.
Where Can I Watch the Fast & Furious Movies?
Streaming availability changes regularly as licensing agreements shift between platforms. In the UK, the films are typically found across a mix of subscription services and digital rental stores. No single service currently holds the entire franchise permanently.
UK streaming and rental options
- Amazon Prime Video – digital rental or purchase
- Apple TV – digital rental or purchase
- Google TV – digital rental or purchase
- Sky Store – digital rental or purchase
- YouTube Movies – digital rental or purchase
- Sky Cinema / NOW – occasional subscription availability
The safest way to find a specific film at any given time is to search a streaming aggregator such as JustWatch, which shows current legal options based on your region.
Before subscribing to a new service, search for the specific film title on JustWatch UK. This will confirm whether it is currently available on a subscription you already have, or whether a rental is the most cost-effective option. Rights move frequently, so checking each time you plan a watch session is advisable.
What Is the Chronological Timeline of the Fast & Furious Franchise?
The story timeline of the Fast & Furious series does not match the release order. Tokyo Drift is the key outlier: although it was released third, its story takes place after Fast & Furious 6. Viewing the films in chronological order changes where that film sits.
- The Fast and the Furious (story year 2001, released 2001)
- 2 Fast 2 Furious (story year 2003, released 2003)
- Fast & Furious (story year 2009, released 2009)
- Fast Five (story year 2011, released 2011)
- Fast & Furious 6 (story year 2013, released 2013)
- The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (story year 2006, released 2006)
- Furious 7 (story year 2015, released 2015)
- The Fate of the Furious (story year 2017, released 2017)
- Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (story year 2019, released 2019)
- F9: The Fast Saga (story year 2021, released 2021)
- Fast X (story year 2023, released 2023)
Because Tokyo Drift was released third but takes place after Fast & Furious 6, watching it in release order can confuse the timeline. The film includes references that only make sense after seeing later events. For a coherent story experience, place it sixth.
What Are the Upcoming Fast & Furious Movies?
Fast X Part 2 is the next planned instalment and is expected to conclude the main storyline. It has been publicly discussed by the studio and creative team, but no exact release date has been confirmed. Reports suggest a 2025 or 2026 release window.
Established information
- Tokyo Drift is set after Fast & Furious 6, despite being released third.
- Fast X ends on a cliffhanger that leads directly into the next film.
- A total of 11 feature films have been released as of 2025.
Information that remains unclear
- The exact release date of Fast X Part 2 has not been officially announced.
- It is not yet known whether additional spin-offs beyond Hobbs & Shaw will be produced.
- A female-led spin-off has been mentioned in media reports but has not been confirmed by the studio.
Why Has the Fast & Furious Franchise Changed So Much Over Time?
The franchise began as a grounded story about illegal street racing in Los Angeles. Over time, it evolved into a series of high-stakes heist and espionage films, with set pieces that grew increasingly ambitious. The shift reflects both audience expectations and the creative direction led by producers and directors such as Justin Lin.
Central to the franchise’s longevity is the theme of family, a thread that runs through every instalment. Combined with a diverse cast and a willingness to reinvent its tone, the series has remained commercially viable for more than two decades. For readers interested in other film franchise guides, the Gerard Butler Movies – Complete List In Order and the Ryan Reynolds Movies – Full List in Order, Latest and Netflix Hits offer similar chronological and release-order breakdowns.
Where Can I Find Reliable Information About the Fast & Furious Movies?
Verified details about the franchise are available from several authoritative sources. The official Universal Pictures website provides studio-backed information. Encyclopedic entries and editorial guides offer additional depth.
The Fast & Furious franchise has grossed over $7 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing film series of all time.
Justin Lin directed six films in the series, more than any other filmmaker associated with the franchise.
Tokyo Drift is best watched after Fast & Furious 6 for a coherent chronological viewing experience.
What Is the Best Way to Watch the Fast & Furious Movies in 2025?
For anyone new to the series, release order is the simplest and most enjoyable method. It preserves the way characters were introduced and keeps the original twists intact. For repeat viewers or those who prioritise story continuity, chronological order offers a different experience, with Tokyo Drift moved to after Fast & Furious 6. A “minimum fuss” option is to watch the nine core saga films (skipping Tokyo Drift and Hobbs & Shaw) and add those later if desired. Whichever order you choose, checking current streaming availability via a UK-focused aggregator is the most reliable way to find each film in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to watch the spin-off Hobbs & Shaw?
No, Hobbs & Shaw is a standalone spin-off and not essential to the main storyline, though it features characters from the franchise.
Is Fast X the last movie?
No, Fast X is the first part of the finale. Fast X Part 2 will conclude the main saga.
What is the correct order to watch the Fast & Furious movies?
Most recommend release order for first-time viewers. For chronological order, watch Tokyo Drift after Fast & Furious 6.
Are the Fast & Furious movies on Netflix?
Availability varies by region. In the UK, some films are on Netflix, others on Prime Video or Sky. Check current streaming services for the most up-to-date information.
How many Fast & Furious movies are there in total?
As of 2025, there are 11 feature films: 10 main saga entries and one spin-off, Hobbs & Shaw.
Why is Tokyo Drift out of order?
Tokyo Drift was released in 2006 but its story takes place after Fast & Furious 6 (2013). This is because the franchise added later films that fill in the timeline before the events in Tokyo.
Will there be a Fast & Furious 11?
The next film is Fast X Part 2, which will conclude the main saga. It has not been officially numbered as Fast 11.
What are the short films in the franchise?
Two official short films exist: The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious and Los Bandoleros. They bridge story gaps but are not feature-length.
Who directed the most Fast & Furious films?
Justin Lin directed six films in the franchise, more than any other director.
Can I watch Fast X without seeing the others?
It is not recommended. Fast X directly continues storylines from previous films and assumes knowledge of the characters and events that came before.
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