The Fast & Furious franchise spans over two decades, shifting from street races to globe-trotting action. For the best narrative experience, it’s smarter to follow the storyline chronology—not just release dates. Here’s your complete watch guide.
Where to Stream or Buy the Fast & Furious Movies in the UAE
Ready to start your marathon? Here’s where you can find each film and short:
- Most major streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon, and Prime Video, regularly rotate Fast & Furious titles. At the time of publishing this, most of the franchise—including The Fast and the Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Tokyo Drift, Fast & Furious (2009), Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6, Furious 7, and Hobbs & Shaw—is currently on Netflix UAE.
- Digital purchase and rental options are available on platforms such as iTunes and Google Play for all major films and shorts.
- Physical media—yes, if you like having a shelf full of NOS-fueled mayhem—DVDs and Blu-rays are available for every entry in the franchise, including the animated Spy Racers series.
Availability changes faster than Dom’s quarter-mile times, so be sure to search your preferred service before settling in.
A Quick Lap Through Release Order
If you want to experience the thrill the way audiences did, take the scenic route—start with the release order. From the first NOS-fueled drag race in 2001 to the globe-spanning mayhem of recent years, here’s the full throttle timeline:
- Start your engines with The Fast and the Furious (2001).
- Shift gears to the short film The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), a quick pit stop before the next main event.
- Buckle up for 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), where Miami sets the pace.
- Tokyo’s neon lights await in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006).
- Reunite with the original crew in Fast & Furious (2009).
- Don’t skip Los Bandoleros (2009), a short detour that fills in key plot gaps.
- Things get international in Fast Five (2011).
- The stakes (and stunts) rise in Fast & Furious 6 (2013).
- Bid farewell to Paul Walker with Furious 7 (2015).
- The family grows—and fractures—in The Fate of the Furious (2017).
- Step aside for a change of pace with the spinoff Hobbs & Shaw (2019).
- Prepare for magnet planes and family barbecues in F9 (2021).
- The saga continues with Fast X (2023).
- And the road isn’t over—Fast X: Part 2 hits the horizon in 2026.
No matter how you choose to watch, every pit stop adds a piece to this turbo-charged puzzle.
Why Chronological Order Works Better Than Release Order
- Preserves storyline flow: Characters like Han appear and disappear in ways that only make sense chronologically.
- Avoids big spoilers: For example, Tokyo Drift takes place after Fast & Furious 6, explaining how Han is alive.
- Shows character development naturally: Watching in sequence helps track Dom, Brian, Letty, and others as they grow and face evolving threats.
Chronological Viewing Order
- The Fast and the Furious (2001) – The franchise kicks off with undercover cop Brian O’Conner infiltrating Dom Toretto’s crew. Brian dives into LA’s street racing scene, befriends Dom, and ultimately chooses loyalty to his new family over his police badge. This film also introduces Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) and Mia (Jordana Brewster), setting the stage for everything that follows.
- The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) – A short film that bridges the gap between the first and second movie. Brian’s on the run, traveling from LA to Miami, evading law enforcement and getting ready for the next chapter. It’s a quick watch (just six minutes, no dialogue), but it gives context to Brian’s new life.
- Available to stream on YouTube
- 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) – Brian’s high‑stakes street racing adventure in Miami. Without Dom by his side, he teams up with childhood friend Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson) and savvy tech-guru Tej Parker (Ludacris). Together, they go undercover to take down a drug kingpin and erase their criminal records. Look out for Eva Mendes as Monica Fuentes, who makes a brief return later in the series.
- Los Bandoleros (2009) – This 20-minute short, written and directed by Vin Diesel, takes place just before the events of Fast & Furious (2009). Dom is laying low in the Dominican Republic, reconnecting with Letty, and planning a fuel heist with familiar faces—including Han (Sung Kang), who shows up here for the first time chronologically.
- Available to stream on Vimeo
- Fast & Furious (2009) – Dom and Brian reunite in this pivotal sequel. Set five years after the original, the duo teams up to take down a drug lord and avenge Letty’s supposed death. The film ramps up the action and introduces Gisele Yashar (Gal Gadot), who quickly becomes a fan favorite.
- Fast Five (2011) – A Rio heist that bends the franchise into full‑blown action territory. With Dom, Brian, and Mia on the run, they assemble a dream team—including Roman, Tej, Han, and Gisele—for an epic vault heist. Dwayne Johnson’s relentless agent Luke Hobbs debuts, and the mid-credits scene hints at Letty’s return.
- Fast & Furious 6 (2013) – The team takes on a globe‑spanning mission with dramatic consequences. Hobbs recruits Dom to stop mercenary Owen Shaw (Luke Evans), offering amnesty as bait. Letty, presumed dead, is revealed to be alive—and working for the enemy. The post-credits scene introduces Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) and sets up the next movie’s wild timeline twist.
- The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) – Set after Fast & Furious 6, this film introduces Han and shifts the timeline. While Dom only cameos, the story focuses on Sean Boswell (Lucas Black), who learns the art of drifting in Tokyo. Han’s fate here is explained by the events of later films, making its placement in the chronology crucial.
- Furious 7 (2015) – Toni’s last ride and a heartfelt tribute to Paul Walker’s legacy. Picking up where Tokyo Drift leaves off, Deckard Shaw seeks revenge on Dom and the crew. It’s the highest-grossing and most critically praised entry, ending with an emotional send-off for Brian O’Conner.
- The Fate of the Furious (2017) – Dom’s loyalties are tested in a cyber‑espionage thriller. Charlize Theron’s villainous Cipher forces Dom to betray his family, unleashing chaos from New York to the Arctic. The stakes are higher, the action bigger, and every core character gets a moment to shine.
- Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) – A spinoff adventure focusing on Hobbs and Deckard Shaw. The unlikely duo teams up to stop a cybernetically enhanced super-soldier (Idris Elba) from unleashing a deadly virus. The film dials up the buddy-comedy banter and action to eleven.
- F9 (2021) – Family rivalries reach new heights with Dom’s siblings at the center. John Cena joins as Jakob, Dom’s estranged brother, fueling a plot that rockets (literally) into space. Old friends return, and the crew faces off against a world-threatening device.
- Fast X (2023) – The most recent main entry, introducing new threats and high stakes. Dom and his family must contend with Dante (Jason Momoa), who seeks revenge for the events of Fast Five. Nearly every major character returns as the saga speeds toward its grand finale.
Total Runtime for a Fast & Furious Marathon
Ready for the ultimate high-octane binge? Watching every Fast & Furious movie back-to-back will rev your engine for nearly 23 and a half hours—so clear your weekend, stock up on snacks, and maybe keep a spare tank of coffee handy. This marathon isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s the perfect way to experience all the turbo-charged action, daring heists, and family bonds in one epic sitting.
Story at a Glance: Plot Summaries (Chronological Order)
Let’s hit the gas on what happens in each entry, short films included—no pit stops, just quick plot breakdowns.
- The Fast and the Furious (2001):
An undercover cop, Brian O’Conner, is tasked with dismantling a ring of street racers led by Dominic Toretto. Along the way, loyalty and adrenaline blur the lines, and Brian finds himself drawn deeper into Dom’s world—and family. - The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003):
This silent, six-minute short follows Brian as he leaves Los Angeles on the run, paving his way to Miami through underground racing. It’s a quick detour that bridges the original film to the next high-octane chapter. - 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003):
Set in Miami, Brian teams up with his childhood friend Roman Pearce to take down a powerful drug lord. The promise? Clean criminal records, but not without embracing turbo-charged chaos and flashy street races. - Los Bandoleros (2009):
Dom’s story picks up in the Dominican Republic, lying low after Los Angeles. Against a backdrop of oil heists, scheming politicians, and prison breaks, Dom reconnects with Letty and recruits Han, showing the beginnings of the tight-knit crew. - Fast & Furious (2009):
Years later, Dom and Brian are forced back together to avenge Letty. They infiltrate a heroin cartel, pushing their alliance to new limits as they seek justice and, of course, clear their own names along the way. - Fast Five (2011):
The crew heads to Rio de Janeiro for the ultimate heist: liberating $100 million from a ruthless crime lord. At the same time, relentless federal agent Luke Hobbs turns up the heat, transforming the team from racers into international outlaws. - Fast & Furious 6 (2013):
The action goes truly global as the crew is recruited to take down a mercenary organization. Along the way, ghosts from the past (namely, Letty) surface, and alliances are tested as they hunt for redemption—and amnesty. - The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006):
Cutting to Tokyo, a young racer lands in the city’s drifting subculture. Mentored by Han, he learns the rules of the road in a story that stealthily wedges itself deeper into the series’ overall timeline. - Furious 7 (2015):
The stakes climb higher as a vengeful Deckard Shaw targets Dom’s crew. With gravity-defying stunts and heartfelt goodbyes, this entry serves up both explosive spectacle and a memorable sendoff to Brian O’Conner. - The Fate of the Furious (2017):
Dom goes rogue after falling under the sway of a cyber-terrorist. The rest of the team must come together to stop threats ranging from nuclear warheads to personal betrayal, stretching family ties to the breaking point. - Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019):
This spin-off zooms in on frenemies Hobbs and Shaw, who must save humanity from a genetically enhanced villain and a deadly virus—with plenty of banter and over-the-top action, naturally. - F9 (2021):
Old rivalries resurface as Dom faces off with his estranged brother, Jakob. The team gathers to stop a world-threatening device and ends up, quite literally, blasting off into space to save the day. - Fast X (2023):
The saga nears its finale as a new enemy, Dante, emerges seeking vengeance for events sparked years before. The family must rally once more to protect each other from a deeply personal vendetta.
Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? Key Character and Actor Introductions by Film
Let’s buckle up and see who first put the pedal to the metal—and who joined the crew—throughout each stop in the Fast & Furious saga.
- The Fast and the Furious (2001):
The ride all started here with Paul Walker debuting as Brian O’Conner and Vin Diesel founding his legacy as Dominic Toretto. Michelle Rodriguez burns into the screen as Letty Ortiz, while Jordana Brewster is introduced as Mia Toretto—Dom’s sister, and Brian’s soon-to-be love interest. - 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003):
Miami heats up with the entrance of Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce—Brian’s childhood friend with a chip on his shoulder. Chris “Ludacris” Bridges brings Tej Parker’s engineering genius and signature wit. Eva Mendes slinks into the franchise as Monica Fuentes, a U.S. Customs agent—and Brian’s new flame. - Fast & Furious (2009):
On the run and reunited, the crew welcomes Gal Gadot as the resourceful Gisele Yashar, who brings more than a little spark to the team. Sung Kang’s Han Lue makes his first chronological appearance, prepping the way for his later escapades. - Fast Five (2011):
High-stakes in Rio introduce Dwayne Johnson as the unstoppable Luke Hobbs, the DSS agent with a jawline as hard as his resolve. Elsa Pataky joins as the sharp-eyed Elena Neves, while Gisele, Han, Roman, and Tej officially join Dom and Brian’s ever-growing family. Eva Mendes even drops by briefly in a mid-credits stinger. - Fast & Furious 6 (2013):
The extended Toretto family faces off against a villainous new crew led by Luke Evans as Owen Shaw. Gina Carano enters the fray as tough-as-nails Riley Hicks, while Letty Ortiz makes a surprise comeback after being presumed dead (because in this world, nobody’s really gone). Jason Statham’s Deckard Shaw is teased in a post-credits flip. - The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006):
A fresh scene in Japan introduces Lucas Black as Southern transplant Sean Boswell, and Bow Wow (then “Lil’ Bow Wow”) as Twinkie—dealers of drift and comic relief alike. But fan-favorite Han Lue truly shines, passing the drift torch and some hard-won wisdom. Vin Diesel gives us a cameo to tie it all back to the original crew. - Furious 7 (2015):
The turbo dial cranks up as Jason Statham steps fully into the villain spotlight as Deckard Shaw. Kurt Russell drives in as covert ops fixer Mr. Nobody. Nathalie Emmanuel hops aboard as tech whiz Ramsey. Sadly, it’s the last ride for Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner, culminating in a send-off more touching than Dom’s Charger. - The Fate of the Furious (2017):
New threats emerge—Charlize Theron chills as master hacker Cypher, while Helen Mirren brings British bravado as Queenie Shaw. Scott Eastwood gets thrown in as “Little Nobody,” and familiar faces unite for more family-first mayhem. - Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019):
It’s a buddy(ish) film: Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham flex their muscles (and banter) as Hobbs and Shaw, tracking down a super-virus. Idris Elba is a next-level adversary as the cybernetically-enhanced Brixton Lore. Vanessa Kirby enters the family business as Hattie Shaw. - F9 (2021):
In this round, John Cena brings intense sibling rivalry as Jakob Toretto—Dom’s estranged brother. Michael Rooker pops in as old pal Buddy, and Cardi B speeds through for a standout cameo. With nearly every core member assembled, it’s a Toretto family reunion—high velocity included. - Fast X (2023):
The throttle is wide open with Jason Momoa’s Dante descending as the franchise’s latest, flamboyantly vengeful antagonist, picking up beef left behind from the Rio days. New and returning allies join the family for the most high-octane ride yet.
Supplemental Shorts: Are They Essential?
While the main Fast & Furious movies keep the action front and centre, two short films fill in some of the timeline’s gaps. Here’s what to know before deciding whether to add them to your watchlist:
- The Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003):
This brisk, six-minute short bridges the gap between the original film and Brian’s Miami misadventures in 2 Fast 2 Furious, following his law-evading road trip out of L.A.. There’s no dialogue, just Brian, his car, and a series of frantic escapes. While it’s a neat connective tissue for completists, skipping it won’t leave you lost—the main movies fill in the major details on their own. - Los Bandoleros (2009):
Set in the Dominican Republic between the first and fourth films, Vin Diesel’s 20-minute side story delivers Dom’s life on the run, a taste of local politics, and the events that set up the high-octane heist at the start of Fast & Furious (2009). It even brings Han into the fold early. If you crave more background or want every character moment, it’s a fun addition, but not required to follow the sprawling family saga.
In short: These shorts provide colour and context, but you can safely stick to the mainline films without missing key story beats. Completists and diehard fans may appreciate the extra detail, but newcomers can keep the pedal to the metal and dive directly into the movies listed above.
What About Animated Series and Other Media?
While Fast & Furious: Spy Racers offers a fun animated spin-off and expands the universe for younger viewers, it doesn’t impact the main film storyline. The events in the show run parallel to the core movies but don’t influence their plots or character developments. If you’re focusing on the primary saga (and its high-octane drama), you can safely skip the animated series and other tie-in media without missing critical story beats.
The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Synopsis: Undercover LAPD officer Brian O’Conner embeds himself in the underground street racing scene to investigate a series of hijackings. He meets Dominic Toretto, a charismatic street racer leading a tight-knit crew involved in thefts. As Brian gains Dom’s trust, he finds himself torn between his duty and newfound loyalty—especially after growing close to Dom’s sister, Mia.
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Synopsis: Bryan O’Conner, now a fugitive, carves a living on Miami’s streets when he’s given a second chance: clear his record by helping the feds bust drug lord Carter Verone. He picks his unreliable childhood friend, Roman Pearce, as his partner. The duo deep dives into the underworld, assisted by undercover agent Monica Fuentes. Excitement, betrayal, and high-speed showdowns ensue.
Fast & Furious (2009)
Synopsis: Dom Toretto returns stateside after being presumed dead. Brian tracks him down, hoping to help Letty—now suffering from amnesia—and confronts a dangerous drug lord in Panama. Old friendships rekindle, and the lines between love, loyalty, and law blur as the team reunites.
Fast Five (2011)
Synopsis: Dom, Brian, and Mia orchestrate a daring heist in Rio de Janeiro, targeting corrupt tycoon Hernan Reyes. With the help of the newly introduced Luke Hobbs, who initially leads the manhunt, they form a massive crew of trusted allies. Races are scarce, but action tokens are off the charts—including a jaw-dropping vault heist dragged through Rio’s streets.
Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
Synopsis: After laying low post-heist, Dom’s crew is globally scattered. DSS agent Hobbs offers them amnesty in exchange for taking down a syndicate run by rogue British operative Owen Shaw—a mission complicated by Dom’s stranded lover, Letty, who may be on Shaw’s side. The resurrected “family” must reunite, taking the fight across continents.
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
Synopsis: High school racer Sean Boswell is exiled to Tokyo to avoid jail. He dives into the city’s underground drift scene and befriends Han, a stoic veteran driver. New rivalries emerge—but not for long, as familiar faces show up from unexpected corners of the saga.
Furious 7 (2015)
Synopsis: Dom’s crew, now back home, is pulled into another conflict when Deckard Shaw seeks revenge for his brother. A letter bomb wipes out part of their home, and they race against time to save family and secure priceless tech. This instalment notably delivers emotional beats and action moments that pay tribute to Paul Walker’s final performance.
The Fate of the Furious (2017)
Synopsis: On his honeymoon, Dom is coerced into working for cyberterrorist Cipher, turning him against his own team. Luke Hobbs and the gang must pick up the pieces—and broken trust—to bring Dom home and stop Cipher’s dangerous agenda.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
Synopsis: Forced to unite for the greater good, DSS agent Luke Hobbs and ex-MI6 operative Deckard Shaw reluctantly team up to stop a cyber-genetically enhanced villain and protect Shaw’s sister Hattie. Expect excessive action, sizzling banter, and globe-trotting chaos.
F9 (2021)
Synopsis: The team searches for Dom’s estranged brother, Jakob, a lethal assassin—while dealing with a looming cyber-threat orchestrated by Cipher. Everything turns personal as buried secrets and sibling rivalry propel the story’s emotional core.
Fast X (2023)
Synopsis: Dom faces his most vengeful adversary yet: Dante Reyes, the son of the villain from Fast Five. He unleashes chaos across multiple continents. With over-the-top action and a flamboyant villain in tow, the stakes—and spectacle—have never been higher.
What’s Next for the Fast & Furious Franchise?
But when you think the engines are winding down, the Fast & Furious saga keeps its pedal to the metal. While Fast X marks the penultimate ride for Dom and his crew, buckle up—there’s plenty more on the horizon. The main series is set to cross the finish line with an epic finale, Fast X: Part 2, expected to screech into theatres in 2026. Vin Diesel has teased some nostalgic nods in store, including a return to the street racing roots and a heartfelt tribute to Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner.
And, in true Fast fashion, the universe is expanding faster than a nitrous-fueled drag race. Dwayne Johnson is gearing up to return as Luke Hobbs in his own adventure, slated for 2025. There’s also plenty of buzz swirling about a female-led spin-off, giving some of the franchise’s fiercest women a well-deserved turn behind the wheel. While details remain under wraps—and rumours swirl like tire smoke—one thing’s sure: the world of Fast & Furious isn’t parking anytime soon.
More Must-Watch Movie Marathons
Craving another epic movie marathon? If you love following wild storylines and larger-than-life characters across multiple films, you might be interested in exploring these legendary sagas in chronological order:
- The Conjuring Series: With haunted dolls, cursed nuns, and demonic possessions all scattered across decades, this franchise has built its creepy cinematic universe.
- Marvel Cinematic Universe: Unravel the entire superhero tapestry from the first Avenger to the multiverse mayhem.
- Star Wars Saga: Travel from the rise of Anakin Skywalker to the Resistance’s final battle—lightsabers, droids, and all.
- X-Men Series: Trace the evolution of mutants from their earliest days to time-bending showdowns.
- Transformers Series: Dive into the explosive adventures of Autobots and Decepticons, from Cybertron to Earth.
Consider these your pit stops for unlocking even more interconnected movie universes—fuel up and enjoy the ride!
