I have never watched a Fast & Furious movie...

[Revolution 9]

I've never seen any one of the Fast & Furious movies. The first few ones had mediocre reviews, and so I never bothered with them. But the past couple of entries have been critically well-received, and have been such huge hits in the box office. I can't help but feel I'm missing out on something.

How important are the early films in regards to the enjoyment of the later films? I'm thinking of just watching 1,4,5, and 6 and skipping the 2nd and 3rd films altogether (2fast2furious and Tokyo Drift).

[Mandalorian]

People will say those aren't as important, but I disagree. If you skip any of the previous installments, you'll miss character moments and relationships being developed. At the very least, you could hold off on the 3rd until after you see all of the others (including 6). It's my personal least favorite. I'd still make an effort to see them all if you care to see the whole overarching story.

[The Narrator]

I haven't seen anything from the series either. It's not exactly high on my priorities list.

[AKORIS]

first one I ever watched (just a week ago) was FAST FIVE on a good friend's reccomendation/insistance.

It was a good flick, nothing great, but entertaining. Having The Rock join the cast was probably a big plus...

my understanding is that the previous efforts were more about racing and stuff while this one was more of a heist flick.

Don't really have any desire to watch the earlier ones....

[cinemaphile]

I'm a big fan of all of them, so I would recommend watching them all

It's true the first 3 were more about racing, and then it morphed into a heist thing. But the transition didn't feel forced.

The first film is basically a direct remake of Point Break, just substituting cars for surfing.
The third film is important for the upcoming Fast 7, so you'll want to watch it eventually. (Chronologically, it takes place after Fast 6. The rest are in proper order)

[Jasonic]

Unless you like cool street racing scenes and the like, then if you haven't started into it yet then there is no reason to start.

The only reason the last two have been well received by critics is because critics finally understand that the filmmakers are embracing the fact that they are just making cool dumb movies. These movies are seriously dumb, but if you like the whole meathead fueled car thing, then yes they are indeed fun.

[chris_sc77]

5 and 6 are the only really good movies in the series but the first one is ok.
Just watch them all . 5 and 6 are so good it will make you appreciate the first four films more

[Al_The_Strange]

Well, missing out on F&F is not quite the same as missing out on The Wizard of Oz or anything.

Still, the movies have their moments, and are worth renting.

I thought the very first one was a bit dull, but it's the starting point, and the last scene is pretty cool.

2 Fast 2 Furious is pretty dumb, but still highly enjoyable.

Tokyo Drift is a total oddball, but still fun.

I barely remember #4.

Fast Five is my favorite of the lot; it's got great action and is a great heist film overall.

#6 is more of the same, just bigger and a little dumber.

Oh yeah, one more...the original 1950s movie sucked.

[LegacyCosts]

You'd most likely remain smart and happier if you refrained from viewing any of them.

[X400]

Just be sure to bear in mind that the later films are high budget action films with cars/heists/explosions and some famous actors and cheesy lines whereas the earlier films are lower budget very cheesy racing action films with bad actors

you could just watch 4 and 5 and be happy

[PriSM]

Originally Posted by LegacyCosts

You'd most likely remain smart and happier if you refrained from viewing any of them.

This. Jordana Brewster is about the only redeeming quality from these movies.

[vader4]

Originally Posted by LegacyCosts

You'd most likely remain smart and happier if you refrained from viewing any of them.

Good job Legacy, I was just about to say the same thing.

[Mandalorian]

Originally Posted by LegacyCosts

You'd most likely remain smart and happier if you refrained from viewing any of them.

But you'd most likely be a less condescending and open-minded film enthusiast if you are able to enjoy a loud, glorified B-movie blockbuster every once in a while.

[LegacyCosts]

Originally Posted by Mandalorian

But you'd most likely be a less condescending and open-minded film enthusiast if you are able to enjoy a loud, glorified B-movie blockbuster every once in a while.

I do as evidenced by my film collection. These hold nothing for me though. I can't stomach Vin Diesel or The Rock as action stars. The 80's were so much better at these type of films

[Blu-Benny]

Originally Posted by Mandalorian

But you'd most likely be a less condescending and open-minded film enthusiast if you are able to enjoy a loud, glorified B-movie blockbuster every once in a while.

[starman15317]

I watched the first one years ago. I was bored out of my mind. Haven't bothered with any of them since.

[HorrorBlu]

Originally Posted by Revolution 9

I can't help but feel I'm missing out on something.

You're not.

The fifth was a solid popcorn film though. I'd say give that one a try and skip the rest.

I still haven't seen the new one yet, but I'll give it a look when it hits HBO.

[Kamelot]

Yup, watch 1,4,5 and 6 in that order is a good idea.
2F2F is more of an action comedy, it's fun to watch and it introduces Roman Pearce and Tej, two funny characters.
My favorite of the series are FF6 and the first FF.
This is a highly entertaining movie series. Plus, the blus have killer AQ and PQ, so enjoy.

[The_Donster]

I haven't watched them either, but realize that they are fun, popcorn movies.

[Ironhorse75]

I thought 2 and 4 were awful. 3 is odd man out but will introduce you to the fan favorite character Han.

Despite that, I think you should still watch all of them leading up to 5 to maximize you're experience. To me the payoff of 5 is worth sitting through 2-4.

1 is pretty much a reskin of Point Break. If you liked that, just imagine swapping the surf culture for street racing.