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

[RicketyCricket]

Skip 6, it's the worst one. The only ones worth something are 1, 4, and 5.

[Tony208]

#1 to get to know the main cast and then 5 and 6

[RyanPom]

I liked 1, and then 5 and Six were great.

[Packerfan75]

Originally Posted by 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).

You're not missing anything. It's basically style over substance. They're aimed at young males who know nothing about believable storylines or good acting. Cars, women, explosions. You get the idea. I saw half of the 1st and 5th and couldn't stand the stupidity.
If you like turning your brain off once and awhile, go for it.

[Revolution 9]

Originally Posted by Packerfan75

You're not missing anything. It's basically style over substance. They're aimed at young males who know nothing about believable storylines or good acting. Cars, women, explosions. You get the idea. I saw half of the 1st and 5th and couldn't stand the stupidity.
If you like turning your brain off once and awhile, go for it.

I'm usually very picky about which films I spend my time watching. But every once in a while I do enjoy "turning off my brain" for dumb films that are a lot of fun. Especially the ones that don't pretend to be something they're not. The Fast & Furious films sound like a lot of dumb fun to me.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for their helpful input. I think what I'll do is start with the first film, since most everyone seems to agree that's the bare minimum. Depending on how much I enjoy the first one, I'll either check out the 2nd film or skip all the way to the 5th.

[Abdrewes]

...you're not missing anything.

[RyanPom]

I actually enjoy this series because at least it has some good continuity, and they bring back all the good characters, and they have a good time in the movie.

[Infernal King]

Originally Posted by Revolution 9

I'm usually very picky about which films I spend my time watching. But every once in a while I do enjoy "turning off my brain" for dumb films that are a lot of fun. Especially the ones that don't pretend to be something they're not. The Fast & Furious films sound like a lot of dumb fun to me.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for their helpful input. I think what I'll do is start with the first film, since most everyone seems to agree that's the bare minimum. Depending on how much I enjoy the first one, I'll either check out the 2nd film or skip all the way to the 5th.

This is definitely the best course of action to take. I saw the first movie many years ago when it came out on DVD but it didn't exactly linger in my mind. Then when the sixth was about to be released, I suddenly felt like renting 1-5 on Blu-ray from Netflix and I'm glad I did. Fast Five is the only one I decided to buy but I think the whole journey was worth it, especially since it climaxed with me seeing Furious 6 in the cinema with free movie cash.

[tigertron]

I say watch them all, they're all great - even 2 Fast 2 Furious.

I'd say the first and the third were the highlights for me.

[bhampton]

I own all of them but I'm jealous of you having avoided them.

[ditcin]

I remember having to sit through the first to do a review - I hated it. All I kept thinking is, where is the tidal wave from DEEP IMPACT to wash away all these low lives. One character after another is just so low and just garbage. I hated every minute of the first film. Stupid, of no importance and rising trash to widescreen level. I kept my opinion only to the last paragraph of the review and centered on the PQ and bonus features knowing that is what paying consumers want to know first; and to answer any posing questions those interested may ask - it was the only way I was even going to get though the movie. I never saw any of the others so to be far I can only hope they improved.
Scott B.

[6MDMFan71]

I watched the 1st one on cable and felt no desire to see the rest.

[cinemaphile]

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.

This. A thousand time THIS.

Originally Posted by RicketyCricket

Skip 6, it's the worst one. The only ones worth something are 1, 4, and 5.

6 rivals 5 as my favorite of the entire series To each his own.

[Foggy]

6 was really pants...considering I saw the entire film on Youtube for free in about 2 and a half minutes and in front of every film a month prior to release.

[Punishment1o1]

I think all the movies have at least one redeeming quality to them if you know what you're walking in to with all of them. I found all the F&F movies enjoyable (some better than others, of course) and would recommend them if you just want to turn your brain off for a couple hours.

[kingDeeCee]

SWAT came into my house, disrespected my whole family!

[Agent Bond]

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).

Part 2 was absolute dogshit. Skip that one.



In this order, watch Part 1, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, THEN Tokyo Drift.

6 rivals 5 as my favorite of the entire series To each his own.

I liked 6, but I would've enjoyed it better if Vin Diesel wasn't booked like Superman. Having the world's longest runway was also ridiculous.

[GreenGaijin]

Honestly, I'm surprised the series has gone this far down the road. With #7 next and two more after that.

1st - Okay movie. Nothing that special.
2nd - Gave more of what I wanted, but dumbed down.
3rd - My favourite, but is the most distant. It stands on its own.
4th - Back to roots and reinvention.
5th - Probably the best one. Brought all the best things from the previous ones.
6th - Great follow-up and a fun, action ride.

7th - ... Hoping great things.

[slimdude]

The Fast and the Furious franchise, is not everybody's cup of tea! If you are a fan of extreme macho car racing, and mindless action adventure, then you'll like the movies.

[toddly6666]

Just watch 5 and 6. All the other ones were just boring or "meh". 5 and 6 were the first ones were they became absolute pure entertainment.